Abstract:
A template is provided for positioning at least one ribbon assembly on a garment at a predetermined position relative to the pocket. The template has a template body having a generally two-dimensional profile that is removably positionable on the front of the garment at least partially above the pocket. The template also has ribbon assembly positioning guides positioned on the template body to locate a predetermined position of a ribbon assembly on the garment in spaced relation with the pocket and with the template body. The ribbon assembly positioning guide includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the template and configured to support the ribbon assembly at a position at least partly coincidental with the predetermined position of the ribbon assembly. In other words, when the ribbon assembly is supported on the protrusion, the ribbon assembly is at least partly in the predetermined position. For example, the ribbon assembly may be at the proper elevation (i.e., spaced from the pocket).

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/051,710, filed May 9, 2008; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/128,179, filed May 28, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/051,710, filed May 9, 2008, and is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/726,583, filed on Mar. 22, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/786,420, filed Mar. 27, 2006, the disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties and for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for locating or placing items on carriers. In some embodiments, for example, the items are military badges and/or ribbons and the carriers are service uniforms. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is often desirable to specifically locate or position one or more item on a carrier thereof. Some examples of “carriers” are uniform garments, simulated and artificial garments, f lags, display boards and objects that are ornamental or useful, or a combination thereof. Some examples of “items” are badges, ribbons, medals, awards and/or pins. For example, organizations, such as uniformed and public safety services, typically require that insignia be positioned at specific locations on uniforms worn by its members. 
         [0004]    For one particular example, the current regulations of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for proper positioning of insignia worn on USMC uniforms can be found in the Department of the Navy, MARINE CORPS ORDER P1020.34G MCUB, dated Mar. 31, 2003, particularly, without limitation, Chapter 5, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and more particularly Pages 5-22, 5-23, 5-35 and 5-40. Presently, all U.S. Marines are required to qualify with the rifle and must wear the appropriate rifle marksmanship badge (expert, sharpshooter or marksman) on designated garments. Under current regulations, each rifle marksmanship badge includes a holding bar having back-facing spikes used to secure the badge to the carrier, such as above the left breast pocket of a uniform blouse or shirt. A series of small metal ringlets connect the holding bar to the main section of the badge. The size of the holding bars and spike location are the same for all three present versions of the rifle marksmanship badges. 
         [0005]    A U.S. Marine may also qualify with the pistol. In such instance, present USMC regulations require the Marine to wear both a rifle and a pistol marksmanship badge on particular uniforms. However, when a member has not qualified on the pistol, the only badge that will be worn is the rifle marksmanship badge. In such case, current USMC regulations require the rifle marksmanship badge to be centered over the left breast pocket of the carrier with the bottom edge of the holding bar ⅛th inch above the top edge of the pocket. 
         [0006]    Similar to the rifle marksmanship badge, there are presently three levels of pistol qualification: expert, sharpshooter and marksman. Current embodiments of these badges have similar components as the rifle marksmanship badges described above, including a holding bar having back-facing spikes and a series of small metal ringlets connecting the holding bar to the main section of the badge. The holding bars on all three types of pistol marksmanship badges are identical in terms of size and spike placement. 
         [0007]    Under present USMC regulations, the pistol marksmanship badges, including holding bars, are smaller than those of the rifle marksmanship badges. When wearing both a rifle and a pistol marksmanship badge, present USMC regulations require the badges be symmetrically placed on a line, centered over the breast pocket, with a ¾ inch space between the adjacent holding bars. The bottom edge of the rifle holding bar must be ⅛th inch above the top edge of the left breast pocket. As the pistol badge holding bar is smaller than the holding bar of the rifle badge, present regulations require the top edge of the pistol holding bar to be in-line with the top edge of the rifle holding bar. 
         [0008]    When wearing one or more marksmanship badges, present USMC regulations require that any earned service ribbons are also worn. The service ribbons must be centered over the left breast pocket with the bottom edge of the lowest ribbon(s) positioned ⅛th inch over the top edge of the marksmanship badge(s) holding bar. 
         [0009]    However, the present disclosure is not limited to placement of USMC or other military badges and ribbons on service uniforms. Moreover, the present disclosure is not limited by the type, construction or components of garment or other carrier with which the disclosure may be used, or the badge(s), ribbon assembly(ies), medals or other items that may be placed on the carrier. For example, the present disclosure may be used with the placement of other types of badges or ribbons of any military service or other organization on any uniform garment or any other form of carrier (flag, display board, ornament, useful object, simulated garment, etc.), as well as the placement of any other type of items that need to be specifically positioned at any desired location on any carriers thereof. 
         [0010]    In positioning and locating one or more items on a carrier, difficulties may be encountered. For example, the item(s) may be difficult or cumbersome to handle and/or precisely position because of the shape, configuration or small size of the item. Precise positioning may also be difficult due to the small or awkward area or nature of the item where the item is to be placed. When more than one item is required to be positioned, the small or differing sizes, shapes and or configurations of the items may be a hindrance to precisely locating and affixing the items. Likewise, if the items are to be positioned proximate to one another, the close desired positioning of the items may make handling and precise positioning difficult. If the precise positioning requires measuring distances or dimensions, making the correct measurements and/or effectively using such measurements may be difficult. For another example, it may be unduly time-consuming to properly precisely position the item(s) on the carrier. In instances where time is in short supply, such as in military-type settings, the importance and burden of correctly placing items on carriers, such as ribbons on uniform shirts, in a short time, could be a source of stress, and the accuracy and correctness of placement may be sacrificed. 
         [0011]    In many instances, the items must be removed and/or replaced on repetitive basis, such as to allow for cleaning or maintenance of the carriers, requiring repeated occurrences of precise positioning. Thus, any of the above or other problems associated with precise positioning may be recurring frequently. 
         [0012]    It should be understood that the above-described examples, features and/or disadvantages are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope or subject matter of the claims of this patent application or any patent or patent application claiming priority hereto. Thus, none of the appended claims or claims of any related application or patent should be limited by the above discussion or construed to address, include or exclude the cited examples, features and/or disadvantages, except and only to the extent as may be expressly stated in a particular claim. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, there exists a need for apparatus and methods useful to assist in the accurate positioning of items on carriers. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0014]    In one aspect, a template is provided for positioning at least one ribbon assembly on a garment at a predetermined position relative to the pocket. The template has a template body having a generally two-dimensional profile that is removably positionable on the front of the garment at least partially above the pocket. The template also has ribbon assembly positioning guides positioned on the template body to locate a predetermined position of a ribbon assembly on the garment in spaced relation with the pocket and with the template body. The ribbon assembly positioning guide includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the template and configured to support the ribbon assembly at a position at least partly coincidental with the predetermined position of the ribbon assembly. In other words, when the ribbon assembly is supported on the protrusion, the ribbon assembly is at least partly in the predetermined position. For example, the ribbon assembly may be at the proper elevation (i.e., spaced from the pocket). 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the present disclosure involves an apparatus useful for properly positioning at least one badge on the front of a garment at least partially over a pocket of the garment. The badge includes at least first and second engagers extending therefrom for engagement with the garment. The apparatus includes a template removably positionable on the front of the garment at least partially above the pocket. The template includes at least one horizontal alignment indicator useful for centering the template relative to the pocket, a front face, at least one top edge and at least one bottom edge. A bottom edge of the template is alignable along a top edge of the pocket so that when the bottom edge of the template is aligned along the top edge of the pocket, the badge is properly positionable on the garment. At least one raised portion protrudes from the front face of the template, and is capable of seating at least a part of a first badge. When the corresponding first badge portion is seated by the raised portion(s), the first badge is properly positionable relative to the garment. At least one cut-out extends from at least one top edge of the template and terminates between the top edge and at least one bottom edge. First and second engagers of a first badge are moveable and positionable within the at least one cut-out and may be engaged with the garment therethrough. After the badge is properly positioned on the garment, the template is moveable away from the badge without disturbing the position of the at least one badge on the garment. 
         [0016]    In various embodiments, the present invention involves a removable template useful for determining correct placement of at least one item at a desired location on the front of a carrier. The template is elongated and includes a single member without moving parts and a front face, top and bottom edges and left and right sides. First and second pairs of opposing measurement reference points are located proximate to the left and right sides of the template, respectively, and are useful for assisting in horizontally positioning the template on the front of the carrier. A first outline on the front face of the template is formed in the shape of at least part of a first item so that the first item may be positioned relative to the first outline for proper alignment of the first item over the template. At least one protruding portion extends from the front face and is associated with the first outline. The at least one protruding portion is capable of seating at least a part of the first item so that when the corresponding part of the first item is seated by at least one the protruding portion, the first item is properly positionable relative to the garment. First and second cut-outs each extend from the top edge of the template and provide large areas wherein first and second rear-facing pins of the first item are concurrently moveable, respectively, regardless of the distance between the pins and positions thereof on the first item. After the item is properly positioned upon and engaged with the carrier, the template may be moved downwardly and away from the tem and removed without disturbing the position thereof. 
         [0017]    In many embodiments, the present invention involves a method for properly positioning at least a first item having at least first and second rear-facing engagers on the front of a garment at least partially over a pocket of the garment. This method utilizes an elongated template that includes at least one raised portion protruding from the front face thereof and which is capable of seating at least part of the first item on the template. A bottom edge of the template is aligned along a top edge of the pocket. The first item is placed at least partially onto the template so that a designated part of the first item is seated on the template by the raised portion(s). The first and second rear-facing engagers of the first item are placed through first and second cut-outs formed in the template and engaged with the garment. The template may be slid down and away from the at least first item without disturbing the position thereof. 
         [0018]    Accordingly, the present disclosure includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance the art of placing items on carriers. Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure described above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The following figures are part of the present specification, included to demonstrate certain aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure and referenced in the detailed description herein. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front view showing an apparatus useful for assisting in correctly placing one or more items at a desired location on a carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a front view showing an apparatus useful for assisting in correctly placing one or more items at a desired location on a carrier in accordance with another, embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  shown used in the placement of USMC rifle and pistol marksmanship badges and service ribbons on a USMC uniform shirt in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is an isolated top view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 3  engaged with the USMC rifle and pistol marksmanship badges; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a front view showing another embodiment of an apparatus useful for assisting in correctly placing one or more items at a desired location on a carrier in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 5  showing an item properly positioned therewith; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a front view showing another embodiment of an apparatus useful for assisting in correctly placing one or more items at a desired location on a carrier in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a front view the apparatus of  FIG. 9  shown used in the placement of USMC rifle and pistol marksmanship badges and service ribbons on a USMC uniform shirt in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of an apparatus useful for assisting in correctly placing one or more items at a desired location on a carrier and having a gripper in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a back support in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is partial cross sectional view of an embodiment of an apparatus shown as used for assisting in correctly placing multiple items at desired locations on a carrier in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a simplified illustration of a template, according to the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the template in  FIG. 15 , according to the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a front view of the template as applied in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a partial view of a bottom edge of the template in  FIG. 17 ; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a side view illustration of the bottom edge and a gripper in  FIG. 17 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying figures. It should be understood that the description herein and appended drawings are of various exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the appended claims or the claims of any patent or patent application claiming priority to this application. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims. Many changes may be made to the particular embodiments and details disclosed herein without departing from such spirit and scope. 
         [0040]    In the description below and appended figures, common or similar features are indicated by like or identical reference numerals or, in the absence of a reference numeral, are evident based upon the appended figures and/or description herein. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. It should also be noted that reference herein and in the appended claims to components and aspects in a singular tense does not necessarily limit the present disclosure to only one such component or aspect, but should be interpreted generally to mean one or more, as may be suitable and desirable in each particular instance. 
         [0041]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a template  10  useful to assist in determining the correct placement of one or more items onto a carrier in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The term “correct placement” and variations thereof as used herein means the desired placement of the item on the carrier, such as in accordance with pertinent rules and/or regulations. If desired, the template  10  may be constructed for ease of use, ease of storage, longevity or a combination thereof. For example, the template  10  of  FIG. 1  is thin and rectangular in outer-shape and constructed of a rigid and durable material, such as plastic. The particular embodiment shown has dimensions of approximately 6% 2″ long by approximately ⅝″ wide to assist in the placement of a USMC marksmanship badge and, if desired, one or more ribbon assemblies over the breast pocket of a USMC garment, such as a uniform shirt. However, the template  10  may have any desired shape, dimensions, construction and configuration. Further, a template in accordance with the present disclosure is not limited to the placement of USMC marksmanship badges and ribbons, but can be used for placing any item  14  on any carrier 
         [0042]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the template  10  of this embodiment may include at least one measurement reference point  26 , such as to assist in positioning the template  10  over, upon or relative to the carrier  10 . If included, the measurement reference point  26  may have any desired form and configuration. For example, the measurement reference point  26  may include any combination of lines, numbers, indentations, protrusions or other marking(s) and, if desired, may be color-coded or otherwise designed to facilitate easy use. In this embodiment, a set  28  of ruler-like reference points  26  is formed in or printed onto the front of the template  10  proximate to each side  10   a ,  10   b  of the template  10  and is useful in centering the template  10  at the desired location over the item  14 , such as relative to the breast pocket  22  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3 ) of the USMC shirt  24 . 
         [0043]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the template  10  may include at least one positioner to assist in positioning the item on the carrier. The positioner may have any suitable form and configuration. For example, the positioner may be a cut-out  30  extending downwardly from the top edge  32 , upwardly from the bottom edge  33  or from a side edge of the template  10  to a lip  34 . Each positioner may be selectively located on the template  10  to assist in allowing correct placement of the item  14  onto the carrier  12 . In this embodiment, a pair of aligned slit-like cut-outs  30  with corresponding lips  34  is provided. Each cut-out  30  of this example is capable of allowing the passage therethrough of an engager  36  of an item  14 . The engager  36  may have any suitable form, shape and configuration. In this example, the engager  36  is a rear rear-facing spike (see e.g.,  FIG. 4 ) of a USMC marksmanship badge  16 . 
         [0044]    When included, the cut-out  30  may have any suitable form, dimensions and configuration. For example, the cut-out  30  may open at the top edge  32  (e.g.,  FIG. 1 ), bottom edge  33  or a side edge of the template  10 , or a combination thereof, to allow ease of removal of the template  10  or any other desired purpose. For another example, the cut out  30  may have multiple lips  34  or other features to provide multiple placement positions for the corresponding item  12 . If desired, the width of the cut-out  30  may vary along its length. For example, the cutout  30  may have an overall V-shape (not shown). For another example, the cut-out  30  may have a curved shape (not shown). For yet another example, the cut-out  30  may include a circular or other-shaped bulb-like portion (not shown) at the location of the lip  34 . 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the template  10  may include multiple sets of cut-outs  30  to assist in the correct placement of more than one item  14  on a carrier  12 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , for example, the template  10  is configured to assist in the correct placement of two USMC marksmanship badges  16  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3 ), such as a USMC rifle marksmanship badge  54  and a USMC pistol marksmanship badge  56 , onto a carrier  12 . In this example, the pair of cut-outs  30  closest to the left side  10   a  of the template  10  is useful for positioning the rifle badge  54  and the cut-outs  30  closest to the right side  10   b  of the template are useful for positioning the pistol badge  56 . Thus, the present disclosure is not limited by the quantity, shape, configuration, arrangement or dimensions of the cut-out  30 , when included. 
         [0046]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , if desired, at least one outline  40  of an item  14  may be formed in, or provided or printed onto, the template  10  to assist in correct placement of the item or a portion thereof. The outline  4 U may have any suitable shape, size, configuration, or location. If desired, the outline  40  maybe color-coded or otherwise designed for ease of use. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the outline  40  matches the outer shape of the holding bar  48  of a marksmanship badge  50  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). The outline  40  of this example is located relative to the cut-outs  30  to assist in ensuring the correct placement of the badge  50  over the template  10  and the engagers  36  in the cut-outs  30 . In other embodiments, multiple outlines  40  to match different shaped items or parts thereof, such as different shaped badge holding bars  44  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3 ), may be associated with the same cut-out  30  or pair of cut-outs  30 , or different cut-outs  30  on the template  10 . 
         [0047]    In the example of  FIG. 2 , the template  10  includes outlines  40  associated with each pair of cut-outs  30 . The outline  40  associated with the left set of cut-outs  30  matches the current outer shape of the holding bar  48  of a USMC rifle marksmanship badge  54  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3 ), while the outline  40  associated with the cut-outs  30  nearest to the right side  10   b  of the template  10  matches the current outer shape of a holding bar  49  of a USMC pistol marksmanship badge  56 . Thus, the present disclosure is not limited by the quantity, shape, configuration, arrangement or dimensions of the outline, when included. 
         [0048]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , if desired, the template  10  may be useful for the correct placement of one or more item  14  on the carrier  12  at a desired location proximate to (e.g., above, below or adjacent to) the template  10  when the template is (temporarily) positioned on the carrier  12 . For example, the template  10  may have one or more vertical positioning guides for correct vertical positioning of the item  14  proximate to the template  10 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the top edge  32  and width of the template  10  may serve as vertical positioning guides for correctly vertically positioning one or more items  14  directly above the location of the template  10 . For another example, the template  10  may be provided with one or more horizontal positioning guides for correct horizontal positioning of the item proximate to the template  10 . For example, the measurement reference points  26  may serve as a horizontal positioning guide for item(s)  14  to be positioned above or below the location of the template  10 . For another example, the template  10  may instead or also include an intermediate reference  60  provided on or in the template  10  to indicate a different location for positioning an item  12  proximate to the template  10 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the intermediate reference  60  is at the mid-point of the length of the template  10  for centering an item  14  above the template  10 . 
         [0049]    In the example of  FIG. 2 , the template  10  may be used for positioning one or more ribbon assemblies  18  on the USMC shirt  24  above the breast pocket  22 . As used herein, the term “ribbon assembly” includes one or more military or other similar ribbon and/or corresponding backing member. In this example, the top edge  32  and width of the template  10  serve as vertical positioning guides to provide the proper spacing for placement of the ribbon assembly  18 . When the template  10  is properly positioned on the shirt  24  relative to the pocket  22 , the placement of the ribbon assembly  18  above and abutting the top edge  32  of the template  10  provides the correct vertical placement of the ribbon assembly  18  on the shirt  24 . The intermediate reference  60 , provided at the mid-point of the length of the template  10 , serves as a horizontal positioning guide to center the ribbon assembly  18  over the template  10  and properly horizontally position the ribbon assembly  18  on the shirt  24 . Thus, the present disclosure is not limited by quantity, shape, configuration, arrangement or dimensions of the vertical and/or horizontal positioning guides, when included. 
         [0050]    Referring still to  FIG. 2 , if desired, the template  10  may include one or more indicator  66  to indicate a particular spacing or distance value or other, dimension. The indicator(s)  66  may have any suitable form and configuration. In this embodiment, for example, upper and lower vertical badge spacing indicators  68  are provided on the template  10 . These values represent the correct distance between a properly positioned USMC marksmanship badge  16  and adjacent components, or items, that may be located above and/or below the badge  16 , respectively. In this particular configuration, the vertical badge spacing indicators  68  each provide a value of ⅛″, which represents the distance between the holding bar  44  of a correctly positioned USMC marksmanship badge  16  and (i) any ribbon assemblies  18  (e.g.,  FIG. 3 ) that may be correctly positioned above the badge  16 , and (ii) the top of the pocket  22 , respectively. This particular embodiment also includes a horizontal badge spacing indicator  70 , which represents the correct spacing between correctly placed adjacent badge holding bars  44  (e.g.,  FIG. 3 ), and a spacer line  72 , which illustrates the space represented by the indicator  70 . However, the present disclosure is not limited by quantity, shape, configuration, arrangement or dimensions of the indictors, when included. 
         [0051]    An embodiment of a method of correctly placing at least one item on a carrier in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described with reference to  FIG. 1 . It should be understood, however, that the methods of neither the present disclosure nor the appended claims are limited to use with the illustrated template  10  of  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the template  10  is properly positioned at the desired location on the carrier using the measurement reference point(s)  26 . For example, if the carrier is a USMC garment, such as a uniform shirt and the item is a USMC rifle marksmanship badge, the exemplary template  10  may be placed flat and face up on the shirt above the breast pocket so that its bottom edge  33  abuts the top edge of the pocket. The corresponding reference points  26  on the left and right sides  10   a ,  10   b  of the template  10  are aligned with the left grip right edges of the pocket, respectively. 
         [0052]    After the template  10  is properly positioned relative to the carrier, the item is engaged over the template  10  at the appropriate location to ensure correct vertical and horizontal placement of the item. For example, the holding bar of a two-spike USMC rifle marksmanship badge may be positioned face up over the outline  40  of the template  10 . The left and right spikes extending from the rear of the holding bar may be seated against the lips  34  of the left and right cut-outs  30  of the template  10 , respectively. The spikes may thereafter be pressed through the carrier, correctly placing the badge on the carrier. If desired, the badge may be secured to the carrier, such as with the use of spike covers. However, the present disclosure may be used for correctly placing items that do not include spikes. 
         [0053]    If the template  10  is also useful for assisting in correctly placing of one or more item on the carrier proximate to the template  10  when the template is (temporarily) positioned on the carrier, such item(s) may be correctly positioned on the carrier. For example, if the template  10  includes one or more vertical positioning guide for correct vertical positioning of the item above the template  10  on the carrier, the vertical positioning guide is used to vertically position the item on the carrier. If the template  10  includes one or more horizontal positioning guide for correct horizontal positioning of one or more item above or below the template  10  on the carrier, the horizontal positioning guide is used to horizontally position the item on the carrier. For example, one or more ribbon assemblies may be correctly placed onto the USMC uniform shirt by centering the ribbon assembly on the intermediate reference  60  of the template and abutting the lower edge of the lowermost ribbon assembly with the top edge  32  of the template  10 . The ribbon assemblies may thereafter be secured to the carrier, as desired. 
         [0054]    If desired, the template  10  may be removed without disturbing the position of the badge and, if included, the ribbon assembly. In this example, the template  10  may be slid downwardly away from the badge and carrier, disengaging the cut-outs  30  from the spikes and removing the template  10 . 
         [0055]    An embodiment of a method of correctly placing at least one item on a carrier in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 . It should be understood, however, that the methods of neither the present disclosure nor the appended claims are limited to use with the illustrated template  10  of  FIG. 2-4 . In accordance with this embodiment, referring to  FIG. 3 , the subject carrier  12 , such as a service uniform shirt  24 , may, if desired, be placed on an at least partially flat surface with the desired placement area, such as the breast pocket  22  area, facing up. The template  10  is placed flat and face up on the shirt  24  above the pocket  22  so that its bottom edge  33  is flush with the top edge  23  of the pocket  22 . The measurement reference point(s)  26  are used to center the template  10  over the pocket. 
         [0056]    If the template  10  is used to correctly place a USMC rifle marksmanship badge  54  and a USMC pistol marksmanship badge  56  on the shirt  24 , the respective engagers  36 , such as the spikes extending from the back of the holding bars  44  of the subject badges  54 ,  56 , are positioned at the respective lips  34  of the corresponding cut-outs  30  of the template  10 , such as shown in  FIG. 4 . If one or more outline  40  ( FIG. 2 ) is included on the template  10 , the badge holding bars  44  are aligned over the corresponding outlines  40  to ensure proper positioning of the engagers  36 . Pressure may be applied to the badges  54 ,  56 , if necessary, to drive the engagers  36  into or through the shirt  24 . 
         [0057]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , it one or more ribbon assemblies  18  are to be positioned, the ribbon assembly  18  is centered over the center reference  60  of the template  10  for correct horizontal alignment. The bottom edge  19  of the ribbon assembly  18  (or lowermost row of multiple vertical ribbon assemblies  18 ) is aligned flush with and abutting the top edge  32  of the template  10 . The ribbon assembly  18  may be engaged with the carrier  12 , as is know. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the illustrated template  10  may be removed by moving it downward, moving the cut-outs  30  away from the engagers  36  and disengaging the template  10 . The badges  54 ,  56  may be secured to the carrier  12  as is known, such as with spike backings. 
         [0059]    Now referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the outline  40  of this embodiment is at least partially raised, or protruding, from the template  10 . In this example, the outline  40  includes two protruding portions  41  located at the left and right lower corners of the outline  40 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the illustrated protruding portions  41  are positioned and sized to snugly seat an item  14 , such as the holding bar  48  of a USMC rifle marksmanship badge  54 , therebetween and within the outline  40 . However, when included, the raised outline  40  or protruding portion(s)  41  may have any desired shape, form and dimensions and may protrude in any manner and to any desired extent along the entire outline  40  or at desired locations along the outline  40 . Further, the outline  40  may be raised or protrude for any desired purpose. 
         [0060]    Still referring to  FIG. 7 , the illustrated protruding portions  41  are sized and located to precisely fit around the left and right bottom corners of an item  14 , such as the holding bar  48 , seated therebetween, while still allowing the template  10  to be moved away and removed without disturbing the position of the item  14 . The protruding portion(s)  41  of this embodiment serve as the primary item positioning feature of the template  10 . When the template  10  is properly positioned on an item (not shown), the positioning of the badge holding bar  48  between precise location of the engagers  36  of the badge holding bar  48  within the corresponding cut-outs  30 . Accordingly, the engagers  36  of a badge  54  properly positioned with the use of this embodiment may not rest against the respective lips  34  of the cut-outs  30 . 
         [0061]    Referring again to the example of  FIG. 5 , in addition or alternately, the outline  40  may include one or more indented portion  42  which may be capable of assisting in seating the item  14 . The indented portion(s)  42  of an outline  40  may have any suitable shape, form, dimensions and location. In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the indented portions  42  are provided along all the portions of the outline  40  that do not include a protruding portion  41  or cut-out  30 . When an item  14 , such as the badge holding bar  48 , is positioned between the protruding portions  41 , the indented portions  42  may assist in properly seating the bar  48 . It should be understood, however, that protruding portions  41  and/or indented portions  42  are not required. 
         [0062]    Still referring to  FIG. 5 , if desired, the cut-outs  30  may be provided with a large shape, or area, for any desired purpose. In this embodiment, for example, the cut-outs  30  have a square or rectangular shape, providing for a large area within which the engager(s)  36  (e.g.,  FIG. 8 ) of the rifle marksmanship badge  54  may be positioned. Each of the cut-outs  30  of this embodiment may, for example, have a width of approximately 7.00 centimeters (measured from left to right) and a height of approximately 9.00 centimeters (measured down from the top edge  32 ). 
         [0063]    The illustrated large cut-outs  30  will allow for the proper positioning of a rifle marksmanship badge  54 , regardless of the distance between, precise location and position of the engagers  36  on the respective badge holding bar  48 . For example, the template  10  of  FIG. 5  may be used for proper positioning of rifle marksmanship badges  54  of any presently known manufacturer, or having any known or expected positioning of its engagers  36 . 
         [0064]    Referring still to  FIG. 5 , if desired, one or more marker  46  may be included on the template  10  to assist in proper positioning of an item  14  relative to the template  10 . In this example, the marker  46  is the text “Center Rifle” provided on the template  10  within the outline  40 . This particular marker  46  serves as a guide for a user to know where to place the holding bar of a rifle marksmanship badge. However, the user of one or more marker  46  is not required. 
         [0065]    Now referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , an embodiment of a template  10  is shown having two outlines  40  with corresponding protruding portions  41  and indented portions  42  similarly as described above. The outline  40  closest to the left side  10   a  of the template  10  is useful for positioning a USMC rifle marksmanship badge  54  (e.g.,  FIG. 11 ) and includes a marker  46  with the text “Center Rifle”. The outline  40  closest to the right side  10   b  of the template  10  is useful for positioning a USMC pistol marksmanship badge  56  (e.g.,  FIG. 11 ) and includes a marker  46  having the text “Center Pistol”. This embodiment also includes a second set of cut-outs  30  associated with the outline  40  near the right side  10   b  of the template  10 . In this example, each of the second set cut-outs  30  may, if desired, have a width of approximately 5.00 centimeters and a height of approximately 7.00 centimeters. 
         [0066]    In another independent aspect of the present disclosure, referring to  FIG. 12 , the bottom edge of the template  10  may include one or more gripper  118  to assist in the snug, accurate and/or secure positioning of the template  10  relative to the carrier  12  (e.g.,  FIG. 14 ). The gripper(s)  118 , in included, may have any suitable form, configuration, dimensions and construction. In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , for example, the gripper  118  is the bottom edge  33  of the template  10  having a wedged or pointed cross-sectional shape across its entire length (e.g., length  107 ,  FIG. 5 ). A thin tip  120  is thus formed along the edge  33 . When the template  10  of  FIG. 12  is positioned over a pocket  22  (e.g.,  FIG. 14 ), for example, the tip  120  can firmly dig into, or grip, the top seam of the pocket  22 . In other embodiments, the gripper  118  may not extend across the entire length of the template  10 . For example, the gripper  118  may extend along only one or more portions of the bottom edge  33  of the template  10 , include one or more spiked-portions (not shown) or have other portions extending from the template  10 . Thus, the present disclosure is not limited by the particular form of the gripper(s)  118 . Moreover, the gripper  118  is not required in all embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0067]    The extent to which the gripper  118  actually engages the carrier  12  may vary for any suitable reason, such as, for example, the desire to easily remove the template  10  from the carrier  12  after placement of the items  14  thereupon. Also, if necessary or desired, the height of the template  10  (e.g., height  108 ,  FIG. 5 ) may be increased or otherwise adjusted to accommodate for any portion of the gripper  118 , such as the tip  120 , that will extend into the carrier  12  during use or that otherwise alters the true height of the template  10 . 
         [0068]    Now referring to  FIGS. 13-14 , in yet another independent aspect of the present disclosure, one or more back support  80  may be included for any desired reason. For example, the back support  80  may be included to assist in accurate positioning of the item(s)  14  on the carrier  12 . For another example, the back support  80  may be included to support the items  14  when engaged on the carrier  12 . The back support  80  may have any suitable form, configuration, construction, dimensions and other attributes. For example, the back support  80  may be a piece of cardboard, foam or other material having dimensions equal or greater that the total height and width of the area of the carrier  12  that will bear the items  14 . The back support  80  of  FIG. 12  has a generally rectangular shape and is constructed of foam. If desired, the back support  80  may be adjustable in size. For example, the back support  80  of  FIG. 12  may be cut to more precisely match the area of the carrier  12  that will carry the items  14 . However, a back support  80  is not required. 
         [0069]    An embodiment of a method of correctly placing at least one item  14  on a carrier  12  in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  11  and  14 . It should be understood, however, that the methods of neither the present disclosure nor the appended claims are limited to use with the illustrated template  10  of  FIG. 9 ,  11  or  14 . Referring to the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the subject carrier  12 , such as a USMC uniform shirt  24 , may be placed on an at least partially flat surface with the desired placement area, such as the breast pocket  22  area, facing up. If one or more back support  80  is used, the back support  80  is placed underneath the carrier  12  under the area that will carry the item(s)  14 . 
         [0070]    The template  10  is properly positioned at the desired location on the carrier  12 . For example, if the carrier is a uniform shirt  24 , the exemplary template  10  may be placed flat and face up on the shirt above the left breast pocket  22  so that its bottom edge  33  is flush with or abuts the top edge  23  of the pocket  22 . If the template  10  includes one or more gripper  118 , the gripper  118  is engaged with the carrier  12 . For example, if the gripper  118  extends from the bottom edge  33  of the template  10 , the gripper  118  is engaged with the top of the pocket  22 . The corresponding measurement reference points  26  (e.g.,  FIG. 9 ) on the left and right sides  10   a ,  10   b  of the template  10  are aligned with the left and right edges of the pocket  22 , respectively, to center the template  10  over the pocket  22 . 
         [0071]    Still referring to the example of  FIG. 14 , after the template  10  is properly positioned relative to the carrier  12 , each item  14  to be placed onto the carrier  12  is engaged over the template  10  at the appropriate location to ensure correct vertical and horizontal placement of the item  14 . If the exemplary template  10  is used to correctly place a USMC rifle marksmanship badge  54  and a USMC pistol marksmanship badge  56  on the shirt  24 , for example, the respective badge holding bars  44  are each placed face up over the appropriate marker  46  (e.g.,  FIG. 9 ) and within or over the corresponding outline  40 . If the outlines  40  include one or more protruding portions  41  and/or indented portions  42 , such as in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , each item  14 , such as the holding bar  44 , is placed within or between the corresponding protruding portions  40  and/or within the indented portion(s)  42 . The engagers  36 , such as mounting pins or spikes, extending from the back of the holding bars  44  of the item  14  are thus positioned within the corresponding cut-outs  30  of the template  10 . The items  14  may be fully engaged with the carrier  12 , such as by applying pressure to the front of the badge holding bars  48 ,  49  to drive the engagers  36  through the shirt  24  and back support(s)  80  (if included), or otherwise as desired. 
         [0072]    If the template  10  is also useful for assisting in correctly placing of one or more item  14  on the carrier  12  proximate to the template  10 , such item(s) may be correctly positioned. If the template  10  includes one or more vertical and/or horizontal positioning guide for positioning of the item  14  above the template  10  on the carrier  12 , such guide(s) may be used to position the item  14  on the carrier  12 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , if one or more ribbon assemblies  18  are to be positioned, the ribbon assembly  18  may be centered over the intermediate reference  60  of the template  10  for correct horizontal alignment. For proper vertical alignment, the bottom edge  19  of the ribbon assembly  18 , or lowermost row of multiple vertical ribbon assemblies  18  may be aligned flush with and abutting the top edge  32  of the template  10 . The ribbon assembly  18  may be engaged with the carrier  12  and back support  80  (if included), as desired. 
         [0073]    The illustrated template  10  may be removed without disturbing the position of the items  14 , such as by sliding the template  10  generally downwardly away from the item(s)  14 . As desired, the items  14  may be further secured to the carrier  12  and back support  80 , if included. For example, backings, clasps, fasteners, spike covers or other connectors may be engaged with the end of the engagers  36  extending on the inside of the carrier  12  or back support  80 . 
         [0074]    Examples of the present disclosure thus offer advantages over the prior art. However, each of the appended claims does not require each of the components and acts described above and is in no way limited to the above-described examples and methods of assembly and operation. Any one or more of the above components, features and processes may be employed in any suitable configuration without inclusion of other such components, features and processes. Moreover, the present disclosure includes additional features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications that have not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will become, apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings and claims. 
         [0075]    Now referring to the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , in another aspect of the present disclosure, the template  10  may include a ribbon rest  2100  useful for any suitable purpose. For example, the ribbon rest  100  may protrude from the template  10  to serve as a sort of “shelf’ upon which the bottom of one or more ribbons may be placed for positioning on and engagement with the carrier  12 . 
         [0076]    The ribbon rest  2100  may have any suitable form, configuration and construction. In the embodiment shown, the ribbon rest  2100  is a triangular-shaped protrusion  2104  extending outwardly from the center front of the template  10 . The exemplary protrusion  2104  has a flat top surface  2102  designed to accommodate a ribbon assembly  18  (e.g.,  FIGS. 16 ,  17 ) as the assembly preferably extends out at a approximately ninety degree angle from the top edge  32  of the template  10 . 
         [0077]    The illustrated ribbon rest  2100  is located at the center of the template  10  longwise. Accordingly, the centering of a ribbon assembly  18  above or on the ribbon rest  2100  will center the ribbon assembly  18  relative to the template  10 . If the template  10  is centered relative to the pocket  22  (e.g.,  FIGS. 16 ,  17 ) of a carrier  12 , the ribbon assembly  18  will be centered relative to the pocket  22 . If desired, the ribbon rest  2100  may include one or more position indicators, such as an intermediate reference  60  as described above. 
         [0078]    The ribbon rest  2100  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as the same material as the template  10 . In some embodiments, the ribbon rest  2100  may include one or more separate components connected together and/or connected to the template  10 , such as with glue, epoxy or mechanical fasteners, by snap locking or sliding engagement or any other suitable arrangement, as is or become known. In other embodiments, the ribbon rest  2100  may be integrally formed during molding or manufacturing as part of the template  10 . Thus, the present disclosure is not limited by the construction of the ribbon rest  2100 . 
         [0079]    The ribbon rest  2100  may likewise have any suitable dimensions. For example, the ribbon rest  2100  may extend across the entire or only part of the length of the template  10 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the ribbon rest  2100  has a length  2106  that is the same as the length of a standard military ribbon, such as a U.S. Navy ribbon. 
         [0080]    Likewise, the ribbon rest  2100  may protrude from the template  10  any desired distance. In the example of  FIG. 15 , the ribbon rest  2100  protrudes from the template  10  so that the top surface  2102  has a width  2116  of approximate ½ inch to accommodate the combined width (and positioning) of a standard military (e.g., U.S. Navy) ribbon, ribbon rack and its engagers, such as spikes. However, the top surface  2102  may have any desirable width  2116 . The template  10  upon which the ribbon rest  2100  is used may also have any suitable dimensions. In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , for example, the template  10  has a length  2107  of 6½ inches and a height  2108  of ¼ inch, so that when the bottom edge  33  of the template  10  is placed abutting the top edge of the breast pocket  22  of a U.S. Navy shirt  110 , a ribbon assembly  18  positioned on the shirt  110  above the ribbon rest  2100  as described above will be 14 inch above the pocket  22 . (Currently, U.S. Navy regulations require positioning of the bottom row of ribbons to be centered ¼ inch above the left breast pocket of a uniform shirt). 
         [0081]    In an exemplary embodiment of a method of correctly placing at least one item  14  on a carrier  12  with the use of the embodiment of  FIGS. 15-17 , the carrier  12 , such as the shirt  110 , is ideally first placed on a flat surface with the subject area (e.g., the breast pocket  22  of shirt  110 ) facing up. If one or more back support (not shown) is used, it is placed below the carrier  12 . The template  10  is aligned with the top edge  23  of the breast pocket  22 , such as described above. The measurement reference points  26  are used to center the template  10  over the top edge  23  of the pocket  22 . The ribbon assembly  18  is centered on the intermediate reference  60 , if included, or otherwise on the ribbon rest  2100 . The bottom edge  19  of the ribbon assembly  18  is made flush (e.g., generally normal to) with the top surface  2114  of the ribbon rest  2100 . The ribbon assembly  18  may then be pushed toward the carrier  12 , engaging the engagers  36  of the ribbon assembly  18  with the carrier  12 . If desired, clasps or other connected may be engaged over the back support to secure the ribbon assembly to the carrier  12  and back support. The template  10  may be easily removed without disturbing the positioning of the ribbon assembly  18  on the carrier  12 . 
         [0082]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, referring to  FIG. 18 , the bottom edge of the template  10  may include one or more gripper  2118  to assist in the snug, accurate and/or secure positioning of the template relative to the carrier  12 . The gripper(s)  2118  may have any suitable form, configuration, dimensions and construction. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 18 and 19 , for example, the gripper  2118  is the bottom edge  3 . 3  of the template  10 , which is wedged or pointed across its entire length to form a thin tip  2120  at the end of the edge  33 . When the template  10  of  FIG. 18  or  19  is positioned over a pocket  22  (e.g.,  FIG. 16 ), for example, the tip  2120  can firmly dig into, or grip, the top seam of the pocket  22 . In other embodiments, the gripper  2118  may not extend across the entire length of the template  10 , such as along one or more portions of the bottom edge  33 , or may instead include one or more spikes (not shown) or other portions extending from the bottom edge  33 . Thus, the present disclosure is not limited by the particular form of the gripper(s)  2118 . 
         [0083]    The extent to which the gripper  2118  actually engages the carrier  12  may vary based upon the desire to easily remove the template  10  from the carrier  12  after placement of the items  14  thereupon. Also, if necessary or desired, the height of the template  10  (e.g., height  2108 ,  FIG. 15 ) may be increased or otherwise adjusted to accommodate for any portion of the gripper  2118 , such as the tip  2120 , that will extend into the carrier  12  during use or that otherwise alters the true height of the template  10 . 
         [0084]    Examples of the present disclosure thus offer advantages over the prior, art. However, each of the appended claims does not require each of the components and acts described above and is in no way limited to the above-described examples and methods of assembly and operation. Any one or more of the above components, features and processes may be employed in any suitable configuration without inclusion of other such components, features and processes. Moreover, the present disclosure includes additional features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications that have not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will become, apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings and claims. 
         [0085]    The methods described above and which may be claimed herein and any other methods which may fall within the scope of the appended claims can be performed in any desired suitable order and are not necessarily limited to the sequence described herein or as may be listed in any appended claims. Further, the methods of the present disclosure do not necessarily require use of the particular examples shown and described in the present specification, but are equally applicable with any other suitable structure, form and configuration of components. 
         [0086]    While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, many variations, modifications and/or changes of the system, apparatus and methods herein, such as in the components, details of construction and operation, arrangement of parts and/or methods of use, are possible, contemplated by the patent applicant(s), within the scope of the appended claims, and may be made and used by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or teachings of this disclosure and scope of the appended claims. Thus, all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative, and the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims should not be limited to the examples described and shown herein.