Patent Publication Number: US-11660685-B1

Title: Adjustable drill jig system and method of use

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for drilling holes in workpieces, such as cabinet doors and drawers, and more specifically to an adjustable drill jig that allows for easily and efficiently positioning one or more drill bushings for drilling holes in desired locations for the installation of drawers, handles, knobs, hinges, shelfs, and the like. In addition, the system of the present invention includes an extension ruler with a stop for allowing diverse use with large doors or other workpieces. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Conventional methods and systems for the drilling of holes in workpieces include various tools, templates, guides and the like. Conventional methods usually involve using a device, such as a ruler, and making markings on a workpiece with a pen/pencil. During these conventional processes, the user will hold/position the ruler/measuring tape/template and make markings with the pen/pencil. The user will then remove the apparatus and proceed to drill one or more holes with a drill. 
     One of the problems commonly associated with these conventional methods is precision. For example, it is common for the user to shift/move slightly during the process or make a mark that is not perfectly aligned with the desired location. This can cause the holes to be drilled slightly out of place. It should be appreciated that even slight variations in the drilling of holes will cause misalignment and unappealing aesthetics of the finished workpiece. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable, and an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable drill jig that is versatile and allows for a variety of placements of drill bushings for the installation of handles, doors, hinges, knobs, and the like. The system of the present invention can be aligned along tops and/or edges of various shapes and sizes of doors or other workpieces, to provide precise placement of one or more drill bushings, thereby allowing for exact hole drilling. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a T-shaped configuration that allows for a user to position the jig on a workpiece to accommodate the location and drilling of one or more holes on either the left or right hand side of the workpiece at any corner location on the work piece or along any location on the face of the workpiece. 
     Thus, it is a primary objective of the invention to provide an adjustable drill jig system that is versatile and readily adaptable to a variety of drilling applications on a workpiece where a precise location or locations of a hole or holes is or are required. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of an adjustable drill jig system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a front view of a double bracket of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a side cross sectional view of the double bracket of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a front view of a stop of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a side view of the stop of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a front view of an adjustable drill jig system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of an adjustable drill jig system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present application; and 
         FIG.  6    is a front view of an elongated attachment of  FIG.  5   . 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional systems and methods for drilling one or more holes in a workpieces. Specifically, the system of the present invention provides for a plurality of ways to align one or more drill bushings for drilling one or more holes. The system includes, among other features, a T-shaped component that includes one or more moveable guides that can abut against an edge of a workpiece, and ruler elements to accurately align drill bushings in desired locations. In addition, the system includes an extension ruler that allows for the placement and installation of large handles or handles on large doors (as well as other uses). Further, the system includes an elongated attachment with a plurality of drill bushings for drilling a plurality of evenly spaced holes. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG.  1    depicts a front view of an adjustable drill jig system  101  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system  101  overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional hole drilling systems. 
     In the contemplated embodiment, system  101  includes a T-shaped element with a stem  103  and a crossbar  104 . It should be appreciated that the stem and crossbar can be composed of a variety of durable materials, and can be integrally secured together, such as via screws/bolts or the like, or alternatively can be molded as one piece. In the preferred embodiment, the stem  103  and crossbar  104  include ruler lines that allow for precise measurements. The ruler lines can be of any unit, such as inches and/or millimeters. 
     As shown, system  101  further includes a first moveable guide  106  secured to the stem. The first moveable guide  106  including a stop plate  107  that extends out and away from the stem. The moveable guide  106  further includes a tightening element  112 , such as a thumb screw, that allows for the guide  106  to be adjusted up and down. The first guide  106  with the stop plate  107  allows for positioning the system  101  relative to the edge of a workpiece. For example, the top plate  107  can abut at a top of a cabinet door, thereby positioning the crossbar  104  at a desired distance from the top of the cabinet door. 
     System  101  further includes additional guides  110  secured to the crossbar  104 . The guides  110  will further include tightening elements  112 , that allow for adjustment of position as the guides are configured to slide along the crossbar to be positioned as desired by the user. As shown, in one embodiment, the guides  110  will include drill bushings  111 , thereby allowing for variable placement of the drill bushings based on the needs of the user. In the preferred embodiment, the drill bushings are made from metallic materials or other hard/durable materials, thereby being configured to withstand the impact received during drilling of holes into the workpieces. 
     It should be appreciated that a plurality of guides  110  can be added, thereby allowing for diverse placement of drill holes. For example, the user could secure two or more guides  110  to the right of the stem and place the two or more guides  110  as desired and needed for drilling holes. In yet other embodiments, the one or more guides  110  could include stopping elements to further abut against an edge. 
     System  101  further includes an extension ruler  113  that is configured to secure to and extend away from crossbar  104  via a double bracket  114 . This feature allows for placement of one or more drill bushings  111  a predetermined distance from a first edge (as engaged with guide  106 ) and a second edge, which will be engaged with a stop  115 . For example, the user can secure stop plate  107  against a first edge of a cabinet and stop  115  against a second edge of a cabinet, thereby placing one or more drill bushings in desired locations. The extension ruler  113  will further include ruler lines of a predetermined unit, thereby allowing for precise measurement and placement of the drill bushings used by the user. 
     It should further be appreciated that additional guides  110  can be secured to ruler extension  113 . The guides  110  can be placed such that they align with guides secured to crossbar  104 . It should be appreciated and understood that the drill bushings can vary in size based on the needs of the user. 
     In  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the double bracket  114  is shown from a front and side view accordingly. As shown, the double bracket  114  can include top and bottom tightening means  112 , such as thumb screws, thereby allowing for the tightening of the double bracket  114  at a desired location along the crossbar and the extension ruler. It should be appreciated that the user can align the ruler marks on the extension ruler and crossbar  104 , thereby ensuring accuracy. The bracket  114  includes a first and second channel  203 ,  204  to receive the cross bar  104  and extension ruler  113 . In the preferred embodiment, the channels  203 ,  204  are shaped to curve around the extension ruler and crossbar slightly for improved stability. The brackets can vary as is known in the art, while remaining configured to receive and secure to the crossbar and the extension ruler. 
     In  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , front and side views of stop  115  are shown. Stop  115  includes a stop plate  305  that extends outwardly, thereby providing for a structure to engage with an edge of the workpiece. As further, shown, the stop  115  will include a channel  303  for engaging with the extension ruler. 
     It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the extension ruler, double bracket, and stop  115 . This combination of features adds diversity to the T-shaped structure, as the system is more suitable for use with larger doors and the like with the extension ruler. It should further be appreciated that the length and overall dimensions of the extension ruler can vary based on the needs of the user. 
     In  FIG.  4   , a front view depicts an alternative embodiment of an adjustable drill jig system  401  in accordance with the present application. In this embodiment, two T-shaped elements are secured together via a ruler extension  113  and double brackets  114 . It should be appreciated that additional T-shaped elements can be likewise secured based on desires and needs of the user. This combination allows for the user to brace against a top edge with two plates  107 , thereby allowing for improved stability. The user can add any configuration of guides  110  with drill bushings  111  along the cross bars and extension ruler to drill holes in places as desired. AS shown, it should be appreciated that the drill bushings  111  are configured to align with one another when secured to the crossbar or extension ruler. 
     In  FIG.  5   , a front view of yet another alternative embodiment of an adjustable drill jig system  501  is shown. System  501  includes one or more T-shaped elements having a stem  103  and cross bar  104 . In this embodiment, one or more elongated attachments  505  are shown engaged with the cross bar  104 . As shown, the elongated attachments  505  include a plurality of drill bushings  603 . It should be appreciated that the elongated attachments  505  can be used with an extension ruler  113  and stop  115  to position the plurality of drill bushings  603  to a door  503 . As shown, the top plate  107  can be positioned along an edge of the door, wherein stop  115  is positioned along another edge. The T-shaped element can be adjusted to position the elongated attachment as needed by the user for the drilling of one or more holes. The elongated attachment  505  can vary in dimensions and number of drill bushings and is composed of a durable material. 
     In  FIG.  6   , a front view further depicts elongated attachment  505 , having a body  601  with the plurality of evenly spaced drill bushings  603  and a channel  605  to engage with the cross bar and/or extension ruler. As shown, one or more tightening elements  607  can be positioned to secure the elongated attachment  505  in place relative to the cross bar and extension ruler. As further shown, in some embodiments, an end stop  609  is further secured to the elongated attachment  505 . 
     It should be appreciated that the systems of the present invention can be combined and used to position drill bushings at desired locations for a variety of workpieces, including large doors and the like. 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.