Abstract:
A device for locating points on a surface includes a base and at least two extendable arms coupled thereto. The device is configured so that when one of the arms is extended from the base, the other arm extends substantially and equidistance from the base in the opposite direction.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Hanging an object on a wall can be difficult and time consuming. Large objects such as pictures, shelves, and the like often require multiple fasteners to be installed into the wall. In order for the object to be properly positioned and level once installed, careful measurements, calculations, and leveling procedures need to be performed to properly position these fasteners on the wall. There is a need for improved techniques for locating points on a wall or other surface. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a device for locating points on a surface. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the device includes a base and at least two extendable arms coupled thereto. The device is configured so that when an end of one of the arms is extended from the base, an end of the other arm extends a substantially equal distance from the base in the opposite direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an example locating device shown in a partially extended position. 
         FIG. 2  is a front plan view of the locating device in retracted position shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional perspective view of the locating device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the locating device in retracted position shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an end perspective view of a portion of the locating device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an example locating device  100  in a partially extended position.  FIG. 2  is a front plan view of the example locating device  100 .  FIG. 3  is a sectional perspective view of the example locating device  100 . 
     In this example, the locating device  100  includes a base  102 , arms  104  and  106 , and arm positioning device  108 . Base  102  includes channels  110  and  112 . Channel  110  is shaped to receive arm  104 , and channel  112  is shaped to receive arm  106 . 
     Each arm  104  and  106  can be inserted into channels  110  and  112  where they are arranged parallel to each other lengthwise in the base  102 . 
     In an example embodiment, the base has a length of about 24 inches, a width of about 2.5 inches, and a depth of about 0.75 inches. Arms  104  and  106  have lengths of about 24 inches and widths and depths of about 0.5 inches. Other embodiments include other sizes. 
     Channels  110  and  112  extend across most of the length of base  102 , and are designed to house the arms while allowing the arms to slide lengthwise in the base  102 . The arm  104  is separated from arm  106  by the midline cutout section  120 . 
     There are two wheels  134  and  136  near both ends of the base in line with the center cutout section and midline M. Wheels  134  and  136  are part of an example arm positioning device. In this example, wheels  134  and  136  accommodate an inelastic band  108  that runs from wheel  134  to wheel  136  in a continuous loop. The band  108  is affixed to the arms only at two points, including point  130  near the rightmost interior side of arm  104  and point  132  near the leftmost interior side of arm  106 . 
     Some embodiments do not include wheels  134  and  136 . In one example embodiment an inelastic continuous band loops around fixed posts made from plastic, although other materials are used in other embodiments. 
     The arm positioning device  108  operates to provide equidistant opposing arm movement between the arms  104  and  106  when one of the arms  104  or  106  is manually slid out of the base. 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the example locating device  100  in retracted position. The base  102  includes a cutout section  120  that runs along the midline M of the base  102  lengthwise nearly the entire length, except at the two ends of the base  102 . 
       FIG. 5  is an end perspective view of a portion of the locating device  100 . 
     The arm  104  terminates at its distal end in a pointer apparatus  122 , and arm  106  terminates at its distal end in pointer apparatus  124 . The pointer apparatuses  122  and  124  are each attached to an end cap  126  and  128  of arms  104  and  106 , respectively. The pointer apparatuses  122  and  124  are aligned with midline M of the base  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the locating device  100  includes one or more leveling devices. For example, a horizontal level device (such as a bubble or spirit level vial) is recessed and connected into a top edge of the base  102  and centered. Similarly, a vertical level device is recessed near the right lower region of base  102 . 
     The following paragraphs describe several exemplary methods of using the locating device  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the device  100  is used to layout and mark points on a surface. In one example, the device  100  is used for marking and layout of home décor type projects, especially projects involving wall-mounted objects. These objects include, for example, shelves, pictures, mirrors, brackets, book bins, towel bars, curtain rods, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  includes an indicator mark on the base at the midpoint of the device. The device  100  can be used to quickly find the center point between two boundaries on a flat surface. For example, if someone wanted to center and hang a picture on a space between an adjacent wall and a window, they would hold up the device  100  fully retracted and placed against one boundary, such as a window molding. When the knob and arm closest to the window molding is held still, the base of the device can be slid along the wall, causing the arms to extend at equal rates. The arm that is not being held in place automatically extends toward the opposing boundary while the base is being slid, and once this arm reaches and touches the adjacent wall, the movement of the device stops by virtue of the attached arm positioning mechanism. The device is now at the center of the space, and the center cutout portion allows the center point to be marked by virtue of the midpoint indicator on the base. In some embodiments, the process takes less than 5 seconds on average. Potential advantages include speed, accuracy, and the elimination of the need for measurement via tape measure or calculation of the overall midpoint. 
     Another method of using device  100  is for transference of distance between two attachment point hardware (keyhole is a common example of these) found on a number of decor items, such as shelves, brackets, large mirrors, etc. In some embodiments, the device  100  arms can be aligned with these attachment points by sliding out the arms and lining the two pointers up with the keyholes. Without changing the distance the arms were extended, and holding the device level (indicated by a horizontal leveling vial) the device can be used to mark the exact points between the two keyhole attachments on the wall while keeping them on a true horizontal level plane. This aids in placing mounting hardware such as screws, nails, hooks, etc. There is no calculation required to transfer the distance, and errors in measurement are reduced. 
     The centering and distance transfer functionalities can be combined to center, level, and mark the placement of a shelf or similar dual-attached item by finding and marking the center point of the space, then matching the pointers to the attachments, and using the previously marked center point. The device, when held level and at the center point (which is visible through the center cutout portion) allows the marking of the pointers at the correct distance, centered, and level. Mounting hardware can then be affixed to the wall accurately. 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  can mark multiple items on a surface at the same height and at equidistant spacing. One pointer arm will always be the same distance from the center of the device as the other arm. 
     When the device  100  is held level, these three points (center of base and pointers) will also always be on a level horizontal line (or vertical line if the device is turned ninety degrees). This allows for marking the placement of multiple items (pictures, hooks, etc.) at equal heights and equal spacing without calculating measurements. 
     In some embodiments, there are two vertical indicator lines on the tops of the two arms and centered. The purpose of these lines is to mark objects or attachment points that may be closer together than the length of the device base. Some smaller items still have dual attachment points, and by placing the device over one of these items and sliding out the arms, the vertical lines will move away from the center hole at the same rate. The lines can be matched to the item&#39;s attachments, and this distance can be marked on a surface via the midline cutout portion in the base which allows a pencil or marking tool to pass through to the wall or surface under the device at the two vertical indicator lines. 
     The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.