Abstract:
A template system for guiding drywall cutouts has at least one control box incorporating a stud-finder, and a system of interconnecting extensions attached to the control box, the extensions forming a predetermined geometrical shape. The template system is characterized in that, with the template system positioned against a drywall, individual edges of the interconnecting extensions serve as guides for a cutting tool to cut out a portion of the drywall in the predetermined geometrical shape formed by the interconnecting extensions.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention is related to commercial or residential electrical wiring and component installation, and pertains more particularly to a template system for locating and cutting gang openings for installing stud-mounted “old work” electrical gang boxes. The invention is further directed to a template system for easily locating and cutting other openings of various sizes in a wall, ceiling or other surface.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Wiring and other components for electrical, networking or other such systems in a residential or commercial structure is installed utilizing either “new work” or “old work” installation techniques. The term “new work”, such as when used with reference to installing wiring and components in new home construction, refers to installation of the wiring and components wherein the wiring and components are routed through and installed within the framing of the structure prior to installation of the drywall wall/ceiling covering. The term “old work” refers to the installation of additional wiring or components to existing wiring or components, or to existing wiring or components in an existing structure. A common “old work” example is the installation of an electrical gang box for a new electrical outlet along an existing wiring branch.  
         [0003]     It is commonly required that in “old work” installation and repair, at least a portion of the wall covering, typically being drywall, be removed to allow access to, or installation of the wiring or components. Particularly, for installation of electrical gang boxes for installing a new electrical outlet, a rectangular-shaped opening is generally required to be cut from the drywall, and the opening must be level both horizontally and perpendicularly to a horizontal line. It is also desired in such “old work” gang box installation that the location of the new opening is in the desired position relative to a floor, wall or ceiling in the room were the new outlet is installed.  
         [0004]     Typical “old work” gang box installation involves locating, scribing and cutting the opening from the existing drywall covering, and installing an “old work” gang box which attaches directly to the drywall, typically utilizing a screw-mounted tab which is rotated to secure behind drywall and a screw accessible from the front of the gang box. A variety of other such means for securing a gang box to drywall have been introduced in the art as well.  
         [0005]     The majority of “new work” gang boxes installed in the framing of the structure, for instance, in new home construction, are firmly secured to a framing member of the structure, usually a vertical wall stud, prior to the installation of drywall. It is well-known in the art that, for obvious reasons of stability, rigidity and safety, it is preferable that the gang box be mounted to a stud or other secure member in the framing of the wall boxes, hence such installation in new home construction. In such an application the gang box, and thereby the electrical outlet secured to the gang box, is less prone to jarring or damage caused by contact between cord ends plugged into the outlet and other objects, such as furniture for example, or drywall damage due to over-tightening of the mounting screws. Stability is further compromised in a drywall-mounted gang box application when the drywall, for whenever reason be it moisture damage, or deterioration over time, becomes softer and less able to support and secure the gang box. A particular advantage in such stud-mount application is thereby gained over “old work” drywall-mounted gang boxes, which are typically made of plastic or other non-metal material, and are much more prone to damage compared to metal stud-mounted gang boxes.  
         [0006]     For “old work” installation of a new outlet it is therefore preferable that the new outlet be located such that the gang box to which the new outlet is attached is securely fastened to a stud or other framing member within a wall or ceiling. The opening for the new outlet must therefore be not only square, level and located a specific distance from the floor or wall, but must also be located such that one vertical side of the opening is exactly aligned with, and adjacent to, a side surface of a vertical framing stud, for instance, for the purpose of mounting the gang box to the side of the vertical stud. If such a gang box opening is not perfectly located and aligned, upon securing the gang box to the stud, damage to the drywall may occur due to misalignment between the gang box and the opening, and may also adversely affect the alignment and attachment of the wall plate covering the outlet. Presently, such “old work” installation of stud-mounted electrical gang boxes is therefore most often, and best carried out by, those trained in the skill of the art.  
         [0007]     Various “old work” methods and apparatus have been developed for locating, scribing and cutting openings in drywall for installation of stud-mounted gang boxes, utilizing such as electronic stud location devices, contractor&#39;s levels equipped with bubble levelers, and hand-held templates for marking or scribing the wall with an outline of the desired opening. Many “old work” gang boxes are supplied with paper templates for marking the opening prior to cutting.  
         [0008]     Much improvement, however, is still needed in the art to enable one with ordinary skill to accurately locate and cut an opening in drywall for a stud-mounted gang box installation. Present techniques require many separate steps and devices to accurately scribe and cut such an opening. The person of ordinary skill performing the installation must first locate the stud behind the drywall using such as an electronic stud location device, manually mark on the drywall the location of the edge of a vertical stud, and then utilize several other devices and means for locating, scribing and cutting the gang box opening such that it is square and level and closely aligned with the vertical framing stud to which it will be mounted.  
         [0009]     Such methods for locating and scribing the opening, utilizing an electronic stud location device and carpenter&#39;s level or hand-held template, for instance, easily lend themselves to errors in scribing or cutting the opening, because of the manual nature of the actions. Great care must be taken to accurately mark perfectly level horizontal and vertical lines for the new opening. When utilizing a hand-held paper gang box opening template, accurate marking around the periphery of the paper template is often difficult and prone to error, and hand-held leveling templates utilizing such as spiral cutting tools, or roto-zip tools as they are often referred to as, are often difficult to manually hold stationary to drywall while cutting the opening with the cutting tool around the periphery of the template. When utilizing a hand-held drywall saw for cutting a scribed opening, great care must also be taken to avoid cutting into electrical or other wires or cables which may be located behind the cutting line, and unknown to the person performing the cut.  
         [0010]     An inherent functional limitation in hand-held gang box opening templates is that the templates are typically available in sizes applicable to either a single-gang box opening, or a dual-gang opening, or in some instances, both. Such a hand-held template provides no advantage, however, to one wishing to easily cut a square and level opening of a size different from what is required for a standard single or dual gang box, such as for a junction box for wiring of a local area network (LAN), for instance. Slight variances in the dimensions of “old work” gang boxes may require openings having dimensions slightly different from standard, posing further problems to the user of a conventional hand-held gang box opening template.  
         [0011]     What is clearly needed is an “old work” template system for accurately locating and cutting an opening in drywall or other such wall covering, wherein the user of average skill may accurately locate the position of the cut relative to a framing member within a wall, for example, and precisely cut a square and level opening of predetermined size from the drywall, the opening oriented such that it is properly positioned relative to the edge of the wall stud or framing member for subsequent mounting of a desired box. Such a template system should accurately pinpoint the location of the gang box mounting surface of a stud or framing member behind drywall, indicating to the user such alignment, enabling the user to then secure the template in the exact level position relative to the edge of the stud or framing member, and to accurately cut the desired opening along an outline of a predetermined size provided by the template. By utilizing such a template system in preferred and alternative embodiments the user is enabled to adjust the template horizontally and vertically so as to accurately cut square and level openings of various predetermined sizes, accurately positioned relative to a framing stud, floor, wall or ceiling, for example, or to accurately cut square and level openings in drywall, the openings having dimensions much larger, and of different shapes than are required for gang box installation. The template system of the present invention enables the user of average skill to repeatedly perform such precision cuts eliminating the need for several separate steps and devices for locating, measuring, scribing and cutting the opening, such as is required in conventional art. The system should also be inexpensive to manufacture utilizing many conventionally known methods and apparatus for leveling, stud location, distance measurement, opening measurement, and so on, and also be lightweight and easily handled, positioned or otherwise manipulated by a single user, allowing the user to easily reposition the template system in various orientations or positions for repeated cuts, while maintaining the template system level or perpendicular to a horizontally or vertically plumb line. Embodiments of such a new and novel template system are herein provided as described and illustrated below in enabling detail.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a template system for guiding drywall cutouts is provided, comprising at least one control box incorporating a stud location device, and a system of interconnecting extensions attached to the control box, the extensions forming a predetermined geometrical shape. The template system is characterized in that, with the template system positioned against a drywall, individual edges of the interconnecting extensions serve as guides for a cutting tool to cut out a portion of the drywall in the predetermined geometrical shape formed by the interconnecting extensions.  
         [0013]     In some preferred embodiments the predetermined geometrical shape is rectangular. Also in some embodiments the stud location device incorporates a radar subsystem to locate a stud. In some embodiments individual ones of the interconnecting extensions are extensible to establish different lengths, such that the overall size of the predetermined geometrical shape may be adjusted. There may be lock/unlock mechanisms to fix lengths of extensions after adjustment.  
         [0014]     In some embodiments the at least one control box further incorporates sensors to determine the dimensions of the predetermined geometrical shape, and an alert mechanism to inform a user of different dimensions. Also in some embodiments the at least one control box further comprises a memory system for a user to set one or more dimensions, and the alert mechanism alerts the user when adjustment of the dimensions of the extensions equals the set dimension or dimensions. The alert mechanism may be one or both of an audio alert or a light. In some cases the template system control box comprises a display, and displays dimensions of the predetermined geometrical shape.  
         [0015]     In some preferred embodiments there are control boxes situated on opposite sides of the geometrical shape formed by the interconnecting extensions, each one of the control boxes comprising a stud location device. In some other embodiments there are four control boxes, each having a stud location device, and a system of interconnecting extensions, each extension pivotally attached at opposite ends of the extension to two of the four control boxes. The extensions may be attachable to and detachable from the control boxes.  
         [0016]     In some cases the at least one control box comprises at least one sensor (laser, sonic or any other method known in the art) for determining distance from a wall or floor, and an alert system for informing a user at a predetermined distance. The at least one control box may further comprise a memory system for a user to set one or more distances, and wherein the alert mechanism alerts the user when the distance from the wall or floor equals a set distance. There also may be a level indicator system for indicating to a user when one or more extensions of the interconnecting extensions are level or plumb. The level indicator system may incorporate a magnetometer system. In addition there may be a mounting system for temporarily mounting the template system to a drywall.  
         [0017]     In another aspect of the invention a method for making a cutout in a drywall is provided, comprising the steps of (a) placing a template system against the drywall, the template system having at least one control box incorporating a stud-finder and a system of interconnecting extensions attached to the control box, the extensions forming a predetermined geometrical shape; (b) moving the template system until positioned to a stud according to the stud location device; and (c) using individual edges of the interconnecting extensions as guides for a cutting tool to cut out a portion of the drywall in the size and predetermined geometrical shape. In some preferred embodiments the predetermined geometrical shape is rectangular.  
         [0018]     In some embodiments of the stud-finder incorporates a radar subsystem to locate a stud. Further, individual ones of the interconnecting extensions may be extensible to establish different lengths, such that the overall size of the predetermined geometrical shape may be adjusted, and the method further comprises a step for adjusting the lengths. There may also be lock/unlock mechanisms to fix lengths of extensions after adjustment, and the method may further comprise a step for using the lock/unlock mechanisms in the adjustment.  
         [0019]     In some cases the control box further incorporates sensors to determine the dimensions of the predetermined geometrical shape, and an alert mechanism to inform a user of different dimensions. There may be a memory system for a user to set one or more dimensions, and the alert mechanism may then alert the user when adjustment of the dimensions of the extensions equals the set dimension or dimensions. The alert mechanism may be one or both of an audio alert or a light.  
         [0020]     In some embodiments control box comprises a display, and displays dimensions of the predetermined geometrical shape. Further, there may be two control boxes situated on opposite sides of the geometrical shape formed by the interconnecting extensions, each one of the control boxes comprising a stud location device.  
         [0021]     In some embodiments of the method there are four control boxes, each having a stud location device, and a system of interconnecting extensions, each extension pivotally attached at opposite ends of the extension to two of the four control boxes. The extensions in these embodiments may be attachable to and detachable from the control boxes. There may further be at least one sensor for determining distance from a wall or floor, and an alert system for informing a user at a predetermined distance. There may be a memory system for a user to set one or more distances, wherein the alert mechanism alerts the user when the distance from the wall or floor equals a set distance.  
         [0022]     In some embodiment of the method a level indicator system for indicating to a user when one or more extensions of the interconnecting extensions are level or plumb is provided and used for setting the template level and plumb. The level indicator system may incorporate a magnetometer system. There may also be a mounting system for temporarily mounting the template system to a drywall.  
         [0023]     In embodiments of the present invention taught in enabling detail below, for the first time a template system is provided that very quickly and efficiently locates cutouts in drywall, and guides a cutting tool in making the cutouts. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       [0024]      FIG. 1  is a broken elevation view of a section of drywall with an outline of a single and a dual gang box opening scribed thereupon, and a framing stud.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2A  is an elevation view of a template system for locating and cutting the gang box opening of  FIG. 1  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 2B  is an end view of the template system of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0027]      FIG. 2C  is a top view of the template system of  FIG. 2A , and the drywall of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 2D  is an end view of a cross-section of two assembled extension arms taken along line D-D of the template system of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is an elevation view of a template system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is elevation view of a template system according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5A  is an elevation view of a template system module according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of the template system module of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a plurality of template system modules of  FIG. 5A , interconnected with template guide rails according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 7A  is an elevation view of a template system module and portion of a template guide rail of  FIG. 6 , enlarged to show greater detail.  
         [0035]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the template system module and portion of template guide rail of  FIG. 7A . 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0036]      FIG. 1  illustrates an outline for an opening to be cut into a section of drywall, for both a single and a dual gang box opening, located adjacent to, and aligned with a vertical framing stud within a wall, to which a gang box is to be mounted. Drywall  11  covers stud  13  as is typical in the construction of a wall. Typically the outline of a rectangular cutout for a gang box is marked or scribed upon the outer surface of drywall  11 , in a preferred position for installing either a single or dual gang box to stud  13 . In order for proper alignment of the newly installed gang box, the left vertical edge of the cutout outline, represented by line  20  in the illustration, is adjacent to, and aligned with the right vertical edge of stud  13 , represented as surface  15 . In the illustration an outline for the cutout required for a single-gang opening is represented by the rectangular shape formed by line  19  intersected by lines  21  and  22 , the rectangular outline having a width of dimension A and height of dimension C. The dual gang opening is approximately twice the width of the single gang opening described above, represented by line  17  intersected by lines  21  and  22 , the dual-gang outline having a width represented by dimension B, and sharing the height of dimensions C with the single-gang opening outline.  
         [0037]     It is well known in the art that not in all situations will stud  13  be perfectly level with a vertical line, as is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . It is preferred, however, when cutting the outline of the gang box opening, that the opening be as close to perfectly square as possible, and also is oriented such that the top and bottom horizontal edge of the opening is level to horizontal (line A), and the left and right vertical edges of the opening are plumb and perpendicular to the horizontal line.  
         [0038]     In order to achieve the square and level gang box opening cutout of  FIG. 1  for mounting a single or dual gang box to stud  13 , stud  13  must first be accurately located through drywall  11  for the purpose of properly positioning the reference point for beginning the marking or cutting, or for correctly positioning a hand-held template for marking or cutting. The location for the reference point for the cutout must be determined relative to surface  15  of stud  13 . In the illustration such a reference point may be the intersection of horizontal line A with vertical line B.  
         [0039]     In conventional art there are many method steps and different devices required for determining the exact location of stud  13 , and marking the reference point for the outline for the cutout so as to enable the desired square and level cutout, correctly positioned relative to stud  13 . An electronic stud location device device, for example, may be used to locate the approximate location of surface  15  of stud  13 , a mark made on drywall  11  indicating the location, and then various other separate means and methods for measuring and scribing or cutting along the desired outline are generally required as discussed above.  
         [0040]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an improved template system enabled for locating and cutting such a square and level gang box opening properly positioned relative to a framing stud to which a gang box will be attached, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Template system  201  provides an adjustable template for cutting such an opening, enabling accurate location of an outline for a cutout of a predetermined width and height, the outline properly located relative to the location of a stud or other framing member within a wall, ceiling and so forth. Template system  201  enables the average user to easily and affordably perform “old work” stud-mounted gang box installation for new outlet additions to existing electrical wiring and components in a building structure.  
         [0041]     Template system  201  in this embodiment comprises a pair of stud location device modules  206  and  207  and an adjustable template system  202  spanning between modules  206  and  207  for guiding a drywall cutting tool, particularly a rotary or spiral type cutting tool, over the outline for the cutout formed by the adjustable template system. Stud location device modules  206  and  207  each contain stud-sensing circuitry according to known technology, preferably utilizing the latest mini-radar sensing technology for accurately reading the exact dimensions and location of the framing stud. In this respect stud location device modules  206  and  207  are functionally equivalent.  
         [0042]     Each of modules  206  and  207  have a display  209  utilizing known display technology such as LCD or equivalent, for providing the user with visible readings, information and possibly graphics pertaining to the operation and positioning of template system  201 . Each of modules  206  and  207  also has a speaker  212  for providing the user with various audible indicators. Buttons  215  and rotary knob  211  are provided for each of modules  206  and  207  for executing the various functions of modules  206 / 207 , which are further described below, and for selecting display of various information and settings pertaining to the modules&#39; operation and function.  
         [0043]     Each of modules  206  and  207  is also provided with a plurality of emitter/receiver elements  219 , one element  219  located on each of the top, bottom, left and right sides of modules  206 / 207 . Elements  219  are connected to circuitry and a processor (not shown) within modules  206 / 207  enabled for emitting, receiving, reading and processing laser signals. In a preferred embodiment, elements  219  are enabled for laser distance measurement utilizing known technology such as CCD laser displacement sensing that is suitable for measuring the distance between, for example, the inside edges of each module  206 / 207  utilizing the inside-facing elements  219 , or between a top or side edge of module and a wall, ceiling, floor, and so on. In another embodiment elements  219  are enabled for sonic measurement. The functions of each of elements  219  are separately programmable through activation of one or more of buttons  215  or knob  211 .  
         [0044]     The unique template system of the present invention combines the functions of stud location, distance measurement and leveling (laser as well as any other leveling technology in the art) with an adjustable template system enabling an accurate cut along a precise outline of a predetermined size for a cutout. Modules  206  and  207  each have, extending outwardly and horizontally from the top of each module, a pair of extension arms which fit together to form the top outline of the template, represented by horizontal line A. Module  206  has extension arms  239   a  and  239   b  and module  207  has arms  231   a  and  231   b . Extension arms  239  and  231  particular nature, the outer shape of each being somewhat rectangular with a smooth, flat top surface, and are integrated with the body of modules  206  and  207  in a preferred embodiment, or may otherwise be fixedly attached to the body of modules  206 / 207  using various know means.  
         [0045]     Extension arms  231  and  239 , and the outer casing of modules  206 / 207  are preferably formed of high-strength metal alloy that is both rigid and lightweight. The inside dimension of each of tubular arms  231  are slightly larger than the outside diameter of arms  239 , such that the ends of each of arms  239  may be inserted into the ends of arms  231 . Arms  231  are adapted to receive the ends of arms  239 , allowing arms  239  to slide within arms  231 , and thereby providing horizontal adjustability to the template system. It is shown in the view that the ends of arms  239  extend slightly into arms  231 , and are secured once the proper adjustment has been achieved utilizing such as set screws  270 , or, in alternative embodiments, a variety of other known clamping means. In the embodiment shown, screws  270  extend through, and rotate freely within threaded holes at the end of arms  231 , and upon tightening, urge into the top surface of arms  239 , thereby securing arms  239  within arms  231 .  
         [0046]     The lower portion of template  202  comprises a pair of L-shaped extensions  223   a/b , and  227   a/b , each of which is also tubular in nature, similarly to extension arms  231  and  239  of modules  207  and  206 . The inside dimensions at the ends of tubular extensions  223  are slightly larger than the outside dimensions of extensions  227 , such that extensions  227  may be inserted into the ends of extensions  223 , and may slide back and forth within extensions  223 , similarly to extensions  231  and  239  of modules  207  and  206 . Screws  270  are used in this embodiment as described above for extension arms  231  and  239  for securing arms  227  within arms  223  once the proper horizontal adjustment has been achieved.  
         [0047]     Each of modules  206  and  207  are provided with an internal track (hidden view) located along the inside vertical edge of each module, adapted for receiving the upper end of each L-shaped extensions set  223  and  227 , and allowing the upper portion of arms  223  and  227  to slide up and down within the vertical tracks. The upper ends of arms  223  extend up into track  291  of module  206  and are secured within track  291  once the proper vertical adjustment has been achieved, utilizing additional screws  270 . The upper ends of arms  227  extend into the bottom of module  207  via track  292 , similarly to arms  223 , and are also secured within track  292  utilizing a set of screws  270 .  
         [0048]     The rectangular outline of a cutout to be made, in this case for a gang box opening, is represented in this view by the area within template  202  formed with the intersection of horizontal lines A and D, with vertical lines B and C. It is the object of the present invention as shown in the illustration, to enable the user, using a rotary-type or a reciprocating cutting tool, to easily follow a guideline with the cutting tool for cutting exactly along the desired outline of the cutout. Such a guide for the cutting tool is provided in this embodiment by assembling and securing arms  239  with arms  231 , and securing arms  223  and  227  together, and securing the upper ends of each into modules  206  and  207 .  
         [0049]     An L-shaped slot  280  is formed between the separate extending arms  231   a  and  231   b  of module  207 , and a similar slot  282  is formed between arms  239   a  and  239   b  of module  206 , the slots extending completely through each extending arm set such that the cutting bit of a cutting tool may be inserted through the slot and may move within the slot, for making a cut along the outline. Slots  281  and  282  form the upper portion of the outline of the desired cutout as shown in the illustration. A similar pair of L-shaped slots  284  and  286  are formed by the attachment of arms  223  and  227  to each other and into modules  206  and  207  as described, together forming, as shown in the illustration, the lower portion of the outline of cutout. Module  206  has a vertical slot  283  which extends completely through the body of module  206 , and is aligned along the left side of module  206  with the vertical portions of L-shaped slots  282  and  284 , following vertical line B as shown. Module  207  has an equivalent vertical slot  240  located on the right side, aligned with the vertical portions of L-shaped slots  280  and  286 . Together, slots  280 ,  282 ,  284  and  286  formed by extension arms  231 / 239  and  223 / 227 , and vertical slots  283  and  240  of modules  206  and  207 , form a substantially continuous rectangular-shaped guide for a cutting tool, such that the user, by following the guide provided by the combined slots, the user easily and accurately make the cutout along the outline formed by the area defined by lines A, B, the C and D.  
         [0050]     In practice of the present invention, a user wishing to make a cutout in drywall for an opening for a stud-mounted gang box will first determine the size of the opening to be cut, and adjust the size of template  202  horizontally and vertically as described previously, securing the elements of template  202  in the desired position by tightening all of screws  270 . In a preferred embodiment, modules  206  and  207  are enabled for determining the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the outline formed by the position of elements of template  202 . Modules  206  and  207  in a preferred embodiment are enabled with programming intelligence and circuitry to determine the width dimension of the outline formed by lines A, B, C and D, as shown in the illustration, by detecting the positions of upper extension arms  231  and  239  relative to each other, and by detecting the positions of lower extension arms  223  and  227  within tracks  291  and  292  of modules  206  and  207  respectively.  
         [0051]     Modules  206  and  207  are further enabled with circuitry and functionality (not shown) for communicating with one another, either through wired connection through the extension arms of template  202 , or via wireless infrared communication such as is commonly known, or both. Module  206 , for example, may determine the dimensions of an outline based on the sensed positions of all of the extending arms relative to each other and the position of arms  223  and  227  in tracks  291  and  292 , or may combine the sensed position of arms  223  and  227  with a laser or sonic distance measurement through the inward-facing elements  219 . Intercommunication between modules  206  and  207  enables each module to sense the other module&#39;s positions of extension arms relative to each other, and locations within tracks  291  and  292  of the extension arms  223  and  227 , with the ability to share this information between them. Either module  206 / 207 , may therefore display through display  209 , initiated by activating one of buttons  215 , for example, the determined dimensions of the outline formed by template  202 .  
         [0052]     By utilizing such detection functionality for determining the dimensions of an outline formed by template  202 , modules  206 / 207  may then compare the dimensions of the outline with a dimension that has been pre-programmed into the intelligence of modules  206 / 207 , such as the standard dimensions for a single-gang and dual-gang outlet box cutout, for example, and provide the user with a visual indicator through a display  209 , or an audible indicator through speaker  212 , or both, when such a known dimension is achieved by the adjustment of template  202 .  
         [0053]     A preferred embodiment of the invention also enables a user, utilizing one or more of buttons  215  to enter into memory (not shown) within modules  206  or  207 , the exact dimensions of a particular cutout, such that the dimension is saved in memory for recall at a later time. Other means for a user entering such dimension information into modules  206  or  207  may include placing template system  201  upon a printed outline supplied by the manufacturer with a new “old work” gang box, for example, aligning the slot of template  202  with the outline for the cutout, and then, utilizing one or more of buttons  215 , initiating functionality for determining the dimensions of the outline based on the positions of the extension arms, as previously described. A user may then select from memory within modules  206 / 207 , by utilizing rotary knob  211 , for example, various dimensions for different cutouts, and then adjust template  202  to match a selected dimension, and receive a visual and/or audible indication from module  206 / 207  when such a dimension is achieved. Various embodiment of invention may also utilize measurement marks, which may be placed at various locations of the extensions of template  202  or modules  206 / 207 , providing the user with a quick visual reference indicating the dimensions of the outline.  
         [0054]     Modules  206 / 207  of template system  201  are enabled for laser or sonic distance measurement through elements  219  for determining the distance between a calculated reference point and a wall, a ceiling or a floor, as well as the distance between the inward-facing elements  219  of modules  206  and  207 . Intelligence built into the distance sensing functionality of modules  206 / 207  may calculate, for example, the distance between the floor and the starting reference point for the cutout, and display the information through display  209 . A predetermined measurement, such as a minimum required distance between the floor and outlet box according to building code, may be pre-programmed into memory of modules  206 / 207 , and modules  206 / 207  may then give a visual/audible indicator when template system  201  is positioned on a wall at the proper height such that the lower border of the outline for the cutout, represented as line D in  FIG. 2A , is at the proper distance from the floor as detected by the laser or sonic distance measurement functionality.  
         [0055]     Template system  201  is also provided with a pair of levels  210  and  212 , level  210  located horizontally on the upper inner surface of arm  239   b  of module  206 , the other located vertically along the inside edge of module  207 . The user is thereby provided a quick visual indication of whether or not the template is positioned on the wall squared to a horizontal line. In a preferred embodiment modules  206  and  207  are also provided with detecting means (not shown), which detect the status of each level and may then provide a visual indicator through display  209  of the current angle of template system  201  relative to plumb, for example, or may also provide a visual and/or audible indicator when such alignment is achieved. In one embodiment the system uses a magnetometer system for determining level.  
         [0056]     Once the dimension of the cutout is determined and template  202  has been adjusted by the user to exactly match said dimension as described above, the exact location for the cutout is then determined utilizing the stud-sensing functionality of either module  206  or  207 , depending on whether the cutout will be located to the right or left of a stud within the wall. For the example given the starting reference point for a cutout that is to be located to the right of the wall stud, will be the intersection of lines A and C, the starting reference point for an opening to be located to the left of a wall stud, being the intersection of lines A and B. Either starting reference point is preferably located adjacent to the left or right side of the wall stud as applicable, as shown in the example given by  FIG. 1 , illustrating the intersection of lines A and B, located adjacent to surface  15  of stud  13 .  
         [0057]     Utilizing the stud sensing functionality the user is enabled to locate template system  201  on the wall in the correct position relative to the stud, by receiving a visual/audible indicator from one of modules  206 / 207  when proper alignment is achieved, and the starting reference point of the outline for cutout is in the correct position relative to the wall stud. The user may then move template system  201  up or down in alignment with the wall stud until the predetermined distance is detected between the starting reference point for the cutout and the floor, at which point the user may also receive a visual/audible indicator from one of modules  206 / 207  that the correct distance has been achieved. Once the correct position of template system  201  relative to the wall stud, and correct distance from the floor has been achieved, the user may then rotate template system  201  to level the outline of template  202  to plumb, and also receive a visual/audible indicator from modules  206 / 207  when a perfectly level line has been achieved.  
         [0058]     Module  206  has a locator pin mechanism  250  for the purpose of anchoring the right side of template system  201  in its held position over a wall stud after proper location and alignment has been achieved. Module  207  has an equivalent locator pin mechanism  251  for anchoring the left side. In the example described above for placing template system  201  on the drywall at the proper height, angle, and location relative to the wall stud, the user, upon achieving the correct template position for the proposed cutout, activates locator pin mechanism  251 , which drives a pin  253  into the drywall at a downward angle, anchoring the left side of template system  201  to the drywall. The user then verifies that template  201  is level, and activates locator pin mechanism  250 , which drives a pin  254  into the drywall at a downward angle thereby anchoring the right side of template system  201 . Activation of pin mechanisms to  250  and  251  to drive pins  253  and  254  into the drywall may be a manual function performed by the user, or in some embodiments may be automated by the user selecting one of buttons  215 , for example, which may cause an electrically-operated pin driver mechanism, for example, to drive pins  253  and  254  into the drywall. Control means for retracting pins  253  and  254  from the drywall may also be manual or automated in various embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Other alternative embodiments of the present invention may utilize locator pins which permanently protrude somewhat from the bottom of modules  206 / 207 , and securing template system  201  to the drywall may be achieved by simply pressing template system  201  into the drywall after proper location and angle as indicated, thereby urging the locator pins on the back of template system  201  into the drywall, preferably at a slight downward angle.  
         [0059]     In a preferred embodiment, once template system  201  is properly positioned and secured to the drywall utilizing the locating pin mechanisms  250  and  251 , the user then utilizes a cutting tool, whose cutting bit has a dimension less than the width of the rectangular slot following the outline of the cutout, to make the cut in the drywall following the guide provided by the rectangular slot in template  202 . The cutting bit, attached to the tool, is adjusted for the proper depth-of-cut according to the thickness of the drywall, and is inserted into the rectangular slot following the outline of the cutout. The user then makes the required cut in the drywall by following the guide provided by the rectangular slot in template  202  along the entire periphery of the outline. Once the cutting is complete, the user then removes template system  201  from the drywall, leaving a cut out section, which is removed to form the desired opening. The cut out section remains in place within the opening, supported only by a small section of drywall which was not cut caused by lifting of the cutting tool out of the slot guide and over support bridges  242  of module  206 , and bridges  243  of module  207 . The user may then simply perform a small cut with a drywall saw or other hand-held cutting utensil, at the four bridge locations to remove the cut out section to form the opening, or simply remove the cut out section by gently tapping on the surface to break the small drywall bridges that remain.  
         [0060]      FIG. 2B  is an end view of template system  201  of  FIG. 2A . In this view the right side of module  206  template system  201  is shown, with extension arm  223   a  extending outward. Buttons  215 , rotary knob  211  and display  209  of module  206  are also visible on the upper surface of module system  201 . Emitter/receiver elements  219  are also visible on the side and top and bottom of module  206 . Locator pin mechanism  251  is more clearly illustrated in this view, with a retractable pin  253  in the extended position protruding slightly below the level of the bottom surface of template  201 , at a slight downward angle as described above with reference to  FIG. 2A .  
         [0061]      FIG. 2C  is a top view of template system  201  of  FIG. 2A , and the drywall of  FIG. 1 . The top of both modules  206  and  207  are visible in this view, as are emitter/receiver elements  219  and buttons  215  and rotary knobs  211  on the upper surface of modules  206  and  207 . Locator pin mechanisms  250  and  251  are also clearly seen in the view, with locator pins  253  and  254  in the extended position protruding slightly into drywall  11 , securing template  201  in its position on the upper surface of drywall  11 . Extension arms  231   a  and  239   a  are shown in their assembled position, the end of extension arm  239   a  extending slightly into the end of extension  231   a.    
         [0062]      FIG. 2D  is an end view of a crossection of assembled extension arms to  223  and  227  taken along line D-D of the template system of  FIG. 2A . The tubular nature and shape of both extension arms  223  and  227  is clearly depicted in this view, extension arms  227  having slightly smaller dimensions than extension arms  223 , allowing for the ends of extension arms  227  to neatly slide into the ends of extension arms  223  as shown. Extension arms  227  are secured within extension arms  223  by tightening of screws  270  through extension arms  223 , urging the ends of screws  270  into the upper surface of extension arms  227 , thereby preventing extension arms  227  from sliding back and forth within extension arms  223 . Slot  284  formed between extension arms  223   a/b , and slot  286  of extension arms  227   a/b , as shown in  FIG. 2A , combine in this view to provide slot  284 / 286  between the assembled extension arms  223  and  227  enabling a bit of a drywall cutting tool to extend downward, completely through slot  284 / 286  and protrude far enough below the bottom surface of extension arms  223  sufficient for making the desired cutout in the wall covering.  
         [0063]      FIG. 3  is an elevation view of a template system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Template system  301  provides an alternative method for following the outline for a cutout with a drywall cutting implement, such as a rotary drywall cutting tool as described with reference to  FIG. 2A . Template system  301  comprises stud location device modules  306  and  307  which are functionally equivalent to modules  206 / 207  of the preferred embodiment described in  FIG. 2A . Modules  306 / 307  are each provided with the same speaker and display, function control, emitter/receiver elements and locator pin anchoring systems and other elements for positioning and leveling template system  301 , for cutting an opening in drywall along an outline defined by the area encompassed by lines A, B, C and D, similarly as described for template system  201  of  FIG. 2A . Modules  306  and  307  also each have an extension arm protruding horizontally, inward from the top of each module, arm  339  from module  306  and arm  331  from module  307 . In this embodiment, however, extension arms  339  and  331  are connected with a center sleeve  335  which is adapted on one end to slide into the end of arm  331 , and on the opposite end to slide over the end of arm  339 , in similar fashion the upper arms of template  201  of  FIG. 2A . Template system  301  also has an L-shaped template extension  323 , one end of which is inserted into track  391  of module  306 , similarly as described for template  201 , and a similar L-shaped extension  327  inserted into track  392  of module  307 . A sleeve  325  connects extensions  327  and  323  similarly as for extensional arms  339  and  331 , also secured in position by tightening screws  370 .  
         [0064]     The method used for following the outline for making the drywall cut differs in this embodiment however, in that, instead of following a slotted groove with the rotary drywall cutting tool or other cutting implement, as in template system  201  of  FIG. 2A , the user follows along the inside edge of the outline formed by the assembled extension arms  339 ,  331 ,  323  and  327 , and center elements  325  and  335 , following the cutout outline defined by horizontal lines A and D, intersecting with vertical lines B and C, as shown in the view. The configuration of the extension arms and center connectors also extends the limits of adjustability for template system  301 , allowing the user to accurately cut openings much larger than standard single or dual-gang openings.  
         [0065]      FIG. 4  is elevation view of a template system according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Template system  401  differs from systems  201  of  FIGS. 2A and 301  of  FIG. 3  in that only a single stud location device module  406  is utilized for locating the beginning reference point of an outline of a cutout to be made, and providing the squared and level guide along which the user follows with the cutting tool to make the cut. Module  406  is substantially equivalent to the modules of the preferred embodiment described in  FIG. 2A  in both form and functionality, sharing all of the elements as described for function control, display, laser or sonic distance measurement, leveling, and so on. Module  406 , however, differs slightly in functionality from module  206  of  FIG. 2A , in that, due to the single module design of system  401 , added functionality is incorporated enabling the user to locate the starting reference point for the outline of a cut to be made, relative to a detected wall stud, the outline aligned with either side of the wall stud. For instance, if a user wishes to locate and cut an opening for installing a stud-mounted gang box which is to be secured to the left side of a stud, the user would utilize module  406  to locate the stud and identify the stud dimensions and outline, and using the distance measurement, leveling, audible/visual indicators and other functionality as described for the previous embodiments, the user would then position template system  401  on the drywall in the correct position, anchor with the locator pin mechanisms  451  and  452 , and proceed to make the cut with a rotary drywall cutting tool for example, following the guideline provided by the template system. On the other hand, if the user wishes to cut the opening for installing a gang box on the right side of the stud, the user would then invert system  401  such that the template portion of system  401  is positioned to the right of module  406 . Intelligence within module  406  would then, either automatically of by the user invoking a command with one of buttons  415 , for instance, consider the inverted position of the system, and still correctly indicate to the user when the proper distance from the floor, angle and alignment with the wall stud is achieved. The user is thereby enabled to utilize system  401  for making level, squared openings in drywall, regardless of whether the opening will be to the left or right of the wall stud.  
         [0066]     Template system  401  utilizes the template elements similar to those described for module  301  of system  301  of  FIG. 3 , having an extension arm  439  extending horizontally from the top of module  406 , with a center extension  435  sliding over arm  439 . In the absence of a second equivalent module as in the previous embodiments described, L-shaped extensions  427  and  431  are provided to form the left portions of the template. The end of the upper portion of extension  431  is adapted to slide over center extension  435 , and the same is true for the lower arm  427  and center extension  425 . Template  401  is shown in this view adjusted to the outline dimensions of a single-gang opening, and may also be secured in position utilizing screws such as previously described, or some other securing means.  
         [0067]     As with system  301  of  FIG. 3 , the inner surfaces of the extension elements of template system  401 , forming the rectangular outline defined by lines A, B, C and D, provide the guide for making the cut in the drywall, the user following the outline with the cutting tool while slightly urging the tool outwardly in order to prevent wandering of the cutting tool. Locator pin mechanisms  450  and  452  are equivalent in form and function to those of previously described embodiments, and are similarly employed by the user to project a pin slightly into the surface of the drywall, at a slightly downward angle, for anchoring both sides of the template system to the drywall once it is placed in the correct position for cutting the opening along the determined outline.  
         [0068]      FIG. 5A  is an elevation view of a template system module according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Module  501  is provided in this embodiment, as a standalone unit which, when used with other like modules and template elements in a template system which will be subsequently described, allows the user to accurately locate the outline for making a large cut in drywall, relative to the location of a hidden wall stud, wherein the size of the opening is much larger than possible with the previous embodiments disclosed above.  
         [0069]     Module  501  contains stud-sensing circuitry according to known technology, preferably utilizing the latest mini-radar sensing technology for accurately reading the exact dimensions and location of the framing stud. In this respect module  501  is functionally equivalent to module  206  of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0070]     Module  506  also has a display  509  utilizing known display technology such as LCD, for providing the user with visible readings, information and possibly graphics pertaining to the operation and positioning of module  506 , and a speaker  512  for providing the user with various audible indicators. Buttons  515  are provided for executing the various functions of module  506 , which is further described below, and for selecting display of various information and settings pertaining to the modules&#39; operation and function. Levels  510  and  512  provide the leveling capability of the unit, as with previously described embodiments.  
         [0071]     Module  506  is also provided with a plurality of emitter/receiver elements  519 , one element  519  located on each of the top, bottom, left and right sides of module  506 . Elements  519  are connected to circuitry and processor (not shown) within module  506  enabled for emitting, receiving, reading and processing laser or sonic signals. Elements  519  are enabled as in previously described embodiments for laser or sonic distance measurement utilizing known technology that is suitable for measuring the distance between, for example, the distance between module  506  and a wall, ceiling, floor, or another module  506 . The functions of each of elements  519  are separately programmable through activation of one or more of buttons  515 .  
         [0072]     Locator pin mechanisms  550  and  551  and pins  552  and  553 , which are also similar to those used in module  206  of  FIG. 2A , are also provided in this embodiment for the purpose of anchoring module  506  in its held position over a wall stud after proper location and alignment has been achieved. Activation of pin mechanisms to  550  and  551  to drive pins  552  and  553  into the drywall may be a manual function performed by the user, or may be automated by the user selecting one of buttons  215 , for example, which cause the pin driver mechanism to drive pins  552  and  553  slightly into the drywall, at a downward angle. Control means for retracting pins  553  and  554  from the drywall may also be manual or automated without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.  
         [0073]     Module  506  is provided with a rotating mounting apparatus  560 , which rotates freely within module  506 , and contains two pairs of small slots  563  extending from the surface downward into apparatus  560 . Apparatus  560  is provided for attaching the end of a template element as is further detailed below.  
         [0074]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of template system module  506  of  FIG. 5A . In this view the flat profile of module  506  is apparent, clearly showing emitter/receiver elements  519 , display  509 , and pin mechanisms  550 / 551  and pins  552 / 553  in the extended position, protruding slightly below the bottom surface of module  506 . Rotating mounting element  560  is shown with slots  563  extending slightly down into element  560 .  
         [0075]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a plurality of template system modules  506  of  FIG. 5A , interconnected with template guide rails according to an embodiment of the present invention. Template system  60 , as will be described, allows the user to accurately locate the outline for making a large cut in drywall, relative to the location of a hidden wall stud, wherein the size of the opening is much larger than possible with the previous embodiments disclosed above.  
         [0076]     An example of an application where system  601  might be used is for making a level and perfectly squared opening in a wall covered with drywall, for installing a recessed medicine cabinet, for instance, into a wall, wherein it is necessary for both the left and right sides of the opening to be aligned with wall studs such that the medicine cabinet may be attached directly to the studs.  
         [0077]     Template system  601  comprises a pair of modules  506  and a pair of modules  507 , modules  506  located at the top left and bottom left corners of a rectangle, modules  507  being located at the top and bottom corners at the right of the rectangle. Modules  506  and  507  are physically and functionally equivalent to each other, with the exception that modules  507  differ slightly from modules  506  in that the arrangement of all of the elements on the surface of modules  507  is opposite to that of modules  506 , allowing for arranging them in a pattern as shown for making the large cut. For instance, module  506  has the rotating element  560  located in the lower right corner, and module  507  has an equivalent rotating element  562  located in the lower right corner.  
         [0078]     A set of four adjustable template guide rails  605  are provided in this embodiment, for the purpose of providing the guide along which the user will follow with a rotary drywall-cutting tool, for example, when making a cut. Guide rails  605  each comprise multiple sections  605   a - d  which are adapted for one section to slide back and forth within another, similarly to the adjustable template systems previously described. Sections  605   a  and  605   d  are each adapted on one end, as shown later in greater detail, to attach to the rotating elements  560  or  562  of modules  506  and  507 , such that one guide rail  605  may span and interconnect a pair of modules  506  or  507 , as shown in the figure.  
         [0079]     Each of center sections  605   b  and  605   c  have a slot  640  spanning the entire length of the section and extending completely through, and each of end sections  605   a  and  605   d  have a similar slot, except that instead of extending the entire length, the slot terminates close to the end which is attached to rotating elements  560 / 562  of modules  506 / 507 .  
         [0080]     In practice of the embodiment shown by  FIG. 6 , the example shows the outline of a large cutout to be made, represented by the area encompassed by intersecting lines A, B, C and D. The cutout to be made in this example spans horizontally from one hidden wall stud (not shown) to another. The user will first locate the wall stud, which will border the left of the outline, utilizing the stud sensor functionality of a first module  506 . Distance measurement functionality in module  506  as described enables placement of module  506  at the desired height from the floor. Once module  506  is aligned with the hidden wall stud and at the proper height, module  506  is leveled using levels  510  and  512 , and then locator pin mechanisms  550  and  551  are activated to anchor module  506  in its proper location to the surface of the drywall.  
         [0081]     With the first module now in place at the upper left corner of the proposed cutout, and perfectly leveled to plumb, the remaining three modules of the system may be positioned. As previously mentioned, module  506  is enabled for laser or sonic distance measurement utilizing circuitry and functionality within module  506 , and emitter/receiver elements  519  located on each of the four sides of module  506 . In this embodiment, however, modules  506  and  507  are also enabled for emitting a laser beam or sonic signal through any of elements  519 , and are also capable of reading an emitted laser beam or sonic signal from any other module  506  or  507 .  
         [0082]     For locating and placing the second module in the system (module  507 , top right), the user will first locate the hidden wall stud which will border the right side of the proposed cutout, utilizing the stud sensing functionality of module  507 . Once the proper position for module  507  is determined relative to the right-side wall stud, the user will then activate such as one of buttons  515  of module  506 , to emit a visible laser beam  590  horizontally from an element  519  on the side of module  506 , towards the second module ( 507 ). Since the first module ( 506 ) is now positioned at the upper left corner of the proposed cutout, and is anchored to the drywall perfectly squared to a horizontal line, the laser beam  590  is emitted from module  506  following a perfectly horizontal line. Elements  519  of modules  506  and  507  are also enabled for detecting such an emitted laser beam from another module, and the second module ( 507 ) which will be placed at the upper right of the outline detects, through an element  519  on the side of module  507  facing module  507 , the emitted laser beam from module  506 , and when module  507  is aligned horizontally with module  506 , thereby indicating the correct height for module  507 , module  507  provides a visible/audible indicator to the user that such horizontal alignment has been achieved. Leveling functionality in module  507  enables the user now to position module  507  perfectly squared to module  506 .  
         [0083]     With module  507  now in place at the upper right corner of the proposed outline, the user will activate locator pin mechanisms as in module  506  to anchor module  507  to the drywall in its correct position. A first guide rail  605  is then connected at one end to rotating element  560  of module  506 , and extended to, and connected at the other end to rotating element  562  of module  507 , thereby providing a guide for making the first cut along the top horizontal line of the outline.  
         [0084]     The third module ( 507 ), which will be placed at the lower right of the outline, is then positioned according to the location of the hidden wall stud utilizing the stud sensing technology, leveled using the leveling functionality and positioned in place at the proper distance from the second upper-right module ( 507 ) utilizing the distance measurement functionality. The third module  507  may also be vertically aligned with the second module  507  by detecting a laser beam emitted from the second module  507 , similarly to the horizontal leveling described above between modules  506  and  507 .  
         [0085]     After correct positioning of the third module ( 507 ) pin locator mechanisms are activated in module  507 , thereby anchoring module  507  in its correct position on the drywall surface, at the bottom right corner of the proposed outline. A second guide rail  605  is then attached on one end to the rotating element  562  of the upper-right module  507 , and extended down vertically to module  507  and attached to rotating element  562  of the third module ( 507 ). The user may then activate such as one of buttons  515  of the lower-right module  507  to emit a perfectly horizontal laser beam to the left for aligning a fourth module ( 506  lower-left) such that the fourth module may be correctly positioned relative to the remaining three modules, which have already been located, squared and anchored to the drywall. The fourth module is then anchored at the lower left corner of the outline utilizing pin locator mechanisms as described, and one end of a third guide rail  605  is then attached to rotating element  562 , the other end extended towards the fourth module  506 , and attached to rotating element  560  of the final module  506 . Once modules  506  and  507  have been positioned and anchored, and all guide rails  605  have been attached at both end to modules  506 / 507 , a squared and level template is thereby provided for cutting a large opening between two wall studs, wherein the user follows the guide provided by slot  640  of guide rails  605  with the cutting tool around the entire outline completing the rectangle.  
         [0086]      FIG. 7A  is an elevation view of a template system module and portion of a template guide rail of  FIG. 6 , enlarged to show greater detail. In order to avoid redundancy, elements shown in this view, which have been previously described, will not be repeated in this example. Greater detail is given in this enlarged view of the attachment of one end of guide rail  605  to rotating member  560  of module  506 . The round end of section  605   a  can be seen positioned over a pair of slots  563  in rotating member  560  of module  506 , the other end inserted into the end of section  605   b , as previously described, enabling adjustability of guide rail  605 . Once guide rail  605  is attached in rotating member  560 , guide rail  605  may be rotated at various angles such that large, odd-shaped cutouts may be made by anchoring module  506  to the drywall as described and then repositioning additional modules  506  or  507  to form a new outline.  
         [0087]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the template system module  506  and portion of template guide rail  605  of  FIG. 7A . In this view detail is shown of the method for attachment of the end of guide rail  605  to rotating member  560  of module  506 . The side view of guide rail  605  illustrates an offset bend at the end of guide rail  605 , which enables the bottom surface of guide rail  605  to be flush with the bottom surface of module  506  when guide rail  605  is attached to the top of element  560 .  
         [0088]     At the end of guard rail  605  which attaches to element  560  as shown, a pair of hooks  606  are provided, (one of which is shown in this view) at the end on the lower service, protruding down from the bottom surface of the attaching end of guide rail  605 , and slightly angled inward. Hooks  606  enable the end of guide rail  605  to be attached to rotating element  560 , by inserting hooks  606  into a pair of slots  563 . Guide rail  605  may then be rotated freely on module  506  enabling the formation different shapes of outlines with the template system having angles other than 90 degrees.  
         [0089]     Although the present invention has been described in the various embodiments above to be adapted for use in locating and cutting rectangular shaped openings in “old work” gang box installation applications, and for locating and cutting other larger openings in drywall or other such wall covering, the present invention may be adapted for providing a guide for cutting openings of a variety of sizes and shapes, which may or may not be necessarily aligned with a wall stud. For example, template module systems according to the present invention may be used for cutting openings which are located on the wall based only on the measured distance between the module and a wall, floor or ceiling, as detected by the distance measuring functionality of the module as described. Furthermore, adjustable template systems integrated with modules as described above, or adjustable guide rails for use with separate modular units, such as described in FIGS.  6  and  7 , may be adapted to provide a guide for a cutting tool other than the rotary cutting tool as described above for the various embodiments, such as a hand-held drywall saw, jigsaw or other common drywall cutting implement, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Still further, the functionality for distance measurement, leveling, and intercommunication between modules of a template system may utilize various known technologies (laser, sonic, radar etc . . . ) enabling the functionality, and should not be limited only those technologies herein disclosed. Therefore, the present invention described in terms of the preferred or alternative embodiments is defined by the claims that follow, and not limited by the particular embodiments herein described in detail.