Abstract:
Improvements in a transfer tool for cabinet holes to transfer a plurality of different size and shape holes from one surface to another. The openings for a sink cabinet typically has a hot and a cold water supply line in addition to a drain pipe with an outlet for a garbage disposal and the location of all the holes and sizes must be identified, and transferred to a cabinet. The transfer tool accommodates a starting corner from a variety of different sizes and shapes cabinets and surfaces. The transfer tool has locators for both the size and the center position of round, square and other style openings. The transfer tool has indicia that identifies the size and center position to allow an installer to simply re-mark the location. The transfer tool has versatility to operate around obstructions and other hole opening locations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/215,863 filed Sep. 9, 2015 the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Field of the invention 
         [0006]    This invention relates to improvements in an adjustable transfer locating and marking system for holes. More particularly, the present transfer tool for cabinet holes allows an installer to locate multiple holes on a wall for plumbing and or outlets and then transfer the size and locations to a cabinet. The holes can then be accurately cut into the cabinet. 
         [0007]    Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98. 
         [0008]    When installing a cabinet, sheetrock, drywall or paneling in a house, office or kitchen the locations and size of the water supply, drain, electrical outlets or other items that extend through the wall requires an opening. Typically an installer will take measurements from a corner to approximate the center and then repeat the measurements on the back of the cabinet. This is repeated for each measurement until all of the locations are identified and then the holes are cut or drilled. The accuracy of these multiple approximate locations can result in cutting large holes or openings that are not centered. 
         [0009]    There have been some tools that identify one or more openings. Some patents and or publications have been made to address these issues. Exemplary examples of patents and or publication that try to address this/these problem(s) are identified and discussed below. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,522,658 issued on Aug. 4, 1970 to John F. Howell discloses an Electrical Outlet Box Locator. The electrical outlet box locator mounts in a room between the ceiling and the floor. The device has an arm that locates an electrical box on a stud wall. The arm is rotated away and the sheetrock is moved into position. The arm is then rotated to the sheetrock and the marking is then transferred to the sheetrock where the location of the hole is identified. While this patent allows for marking of the ceiling and the floor in the location where a cabinet would be located. It further does not accommodate the multiple holes for a cabinet. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,907 issued on Nov. 29, 1977 to Howard Dauber discloses an Electrical Outlet and Switchbox Locator. This patent uses a framework of spaced vertical telescoping members and spaced horizontal telescoping members is adjustable positioned in front of a wall having an electrical outlet. While this patent allows for a transfer for marking openings for electrical outlets, it straddles the width of sheetrock and only allows or one openings in a horizontal direction. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,943,704 issued on Feb. 3, 2015 to William Lee Scammel discloses an Apparatus for Locating Fixture Boxes and the Like. This patent also requires installation between the floor and ceiling. Because the device will occupy the same location where a cabinet will be installed and does not mark a back of a cabinet it is not operable for the intended purpose. 
         [0013]    What is needed is a marking transfer device that locates all of the openings and holes from one surface and can transfer the plurality of holes and locations to the back surface of a cabinet. The proposed transfer tool for cabinet holes provides the solution for not only cabinets, but can also be used with sheetrock, drywall and other marking needs where the markings can be made to either side or mirror side. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    It is an object of the transfer tool for cabinet holes to transfer a plurality of different size and shape holes from one surface to another. The openings for a sink cabinet typically has a hot and a cold water supply line in addition to a drain pipe with an outlet for a garbage disposal. The back of the cabinet therefore typically requires at least four holes. For a quick installation, an installer can simply cut the majority of the back surface of a cabinet. While this will add access to the plumbing, it provides a large opening where material can fall between the cabinet and the wall. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the transfer tool for cabinet holes to accommodate a starting corner from a variety of different surfaces. Wall cabinets come in a variety of different sizes and shapes. The transfer tool must accept the different configurations to locate all of the openings. Generally, the ground and one side is selected as a datum location. The side is either a wall, a level line on the wall or another cabinet that has been set. All locations can then be made from this datum location. Once the wall openings have been identified the transfer tool is removed from the wall and then placed against the back of the cabinet where they can be accurately located in both size and location. 
         [0016]    It is another object of the transfer tool for cabinet holes to have locators for both the size and the center position. In the case of a drain pipe, determining the diameter and the center can be difficult as an installer measures using a tape measure. The transfer tool can have indicia that identifies the size and center position to allow an installer to simply re-mark the location using just a pencil, screw or nail without requiring any additional measurements. 
         [0017]    It is still another object of the transfer tool for cabinet holes to be able to operate around obstructions with multiple locating members. In the case of a kitchen the water supply and drain can be in-line with each other. The location of a drain pipe between a hot and a cold water pipe can be difficult with other marking systems. Because the disclosed system allows for great versatility to operate around obstructions and other hole opening locations. 
         [0018]    Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a transfer tool on a wall. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  shows a first detail view of the transfer tool on a wall. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  shows a second detail view of the transfer tool on a wall. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  shows the transfer tool marking a pipe from a top location. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  shows the transfer tool marking a pipe from a side location. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  shows the transfer tool marking a drain pipe from a top location. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  shows the transfer tool marking an electrical outlet. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  shows the transfer tool locating the holes on a wall. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  shows the transfer tool locating the identified holes on the back of a cabinet. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  shows the marking and cutting of a hole. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11A  shows marking a circle with an angle bracket. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11B  shows marking a circle with a single leg. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11C  shows marking a circle with an “L” bracket. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a transfer tool on a wall. This wall shows three sheets  20 ,  21  and  22  mounted on vertical studs  24  on a footer  23 . The transfer tool has a main supporting member  60 . The main supporting member  60  aligns with a horizontal edge of a cabinet, panel or side of a sheet of sheetrock  20  or any level line drawn as a reference. The main supporting member  60  is located on the sheetrock with fasteners  101 . In this view the fastener is a nail or screw  101  that is placed on the bottom surface  100  of the sheetrock  20 . A number of locating arms  61  are secured to the main supporting member  61 . The locating arms  61  can be positioned with either side up or down. While the orientation of the locating arm(s)  61  to the main support member  60  is predominantly shown in orthogonal vertical or horizontal relationship these components can be connected in an angular relationship to move the components around obstructions to locate all of the openings in a single set-up. 
         [0033]    Each end of the locating arm  61  has a different. One end has a straight end, while the other ends has a “Y” configuration. The locating arms  61  have an elongated slot that is secured in the elongated slot in the main supporting member  60 . A threaded clamp comprising of a nut, bolt or similar fastener that passes through the slots in the locating arm  61  and the main supporting member  60  is secured with a knob  90  having a tapped central hole that the threaded clamp tightens onto to secure the locating arm  61  onto the support member  60 . 
         [0034]    From the left, the first locating arm  61  is secured to the supporting member  60  with the “Y” in the upper orientation. Two “Y” locators  70  are secured to the lower portion of the locating arm  61  with securing fasteners  73  that are threaded to allow for quick repositioning and securing on the locating arm  61 . The “Y” locators  70  locate two separate supply pipes  43  and  44 . These separate pipes can be used to supply water to both a sink and to a dishwasher. Both pipes  43  and  44  receive water from a single pipe  42 . Because this pipe is located on the left side of drain pipe  31  it is typically a hot water supply. 
         [0035]    The second locating arm  61  is secured to the main supporting member  60  with the “Y” in an inverted orientation. The location of the drain is further identified with optional tabs that are more clearly shown and described in other figures within this document. The optional tabs may be used with spacers, such as clearance, kerf or others to adjust for a proper hole saw. The drain pipe  31  extends down into the footer  23 , and then through  60  the floor or foundation into the sewer. 
         [0036]    The third locating arm  61  is also secured in with the “Y” in an inverted orientation and locates the position of a cold water supply pipe  41  that rises  40  from the floor or foundation. 
         [0037]    The final locating arm  61  is shown with the “Y” in the upper orientation. The bottom of this locating arm retains an extension  81  that connects to an outlet  50  locator  80  having a “Z” opening that allows the outlet locator  80  to be placed in different orientations by moving the mounting around the “Z” opening. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  shows a first detail view of the transfer tool on a wall and  FIG. 3  shows a second detail view of the transfer tool on a wall. These two views provide different perspectives to view the different elements of the transfer tool. The supporting member is cropped from above these views. Each locating arm  61  has a slot  62  that is centered along the length of the locating arm, including the “Y” extensions from the locating arm  61 . This slot  62 , allows multiple locations for securing multiple “Y” locator  70  components for locating one or more pipes. 
         [0039]    The “Y” locators  70  are shows with a plurality of tabs  72  that are secured in slots to mark the location of pipes  43  and  44 . The two marks are used to align the circumference of a hole saw or other hole making tool. While this use is disclosed, the “Y” locators  70  can be used in other ways, like drawing the hole with a template or compass, to eliminate trying to find the center of the pipe at the edge on the radius because it is tedious. It is generally easier to find hole centers by first finding the edge, then doing the math. In this case the math is: Pipe diameter plus desired clearances (purpose spacer tab  72 ) equals hole saw size. 
         [0040]    The tabs  72  also have slots to tangently contact the pipes  43  and  44 . The tabs have center marking indicia whereby the location of the center of the hole can be located and marked. A similar set of tabs  72  are used on the “Y” side of the locating arms  61 . These tabs  72  are also secured with fasteners  73  securing the ends  63  of the “Y” arms. The fasteners  73  are loosened and the tabs  72  are moved along the slots to locate the center tangent position of the supply  41 ,  43 ,  44  or drain pipe(s)  31 . 
         [0041]    An outlet  50  provides power to supply an electric water heater, garbage disposal or dishwasher. This figure shows a dual outlet  50  placed in a vertical arrangement, but the outlet could have four or more sockets. The bottom of this locating arm  61  retains an extension  81  that connects to an outlet  50  locator  80  having a “Z” opening that allows the outlet locator  80  to be placed in different orientations. 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  shows the transfer tool marking a pipe  41  from a top location. Slots  64  retain tabs  72  through slots  64  with retainers or clamps  73 . Each arm of the “Y” have marking indicia  65  that provides measurements for the location of the pipe  41  relative to the split in the “Y”. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  shows the transfer tool marking a pipe from a side location. The “Y” locator  70  is secured to the lower portion of the locating arm  61  with securing fasteners  73  that are threaded to allow for quick repositioning and securing on the locating arm  61 . Slots  75  retain tabs  72  through slots  76  with retainers or clamps  73 . Each arm of the “Y” locator  70  have marking indicia  75  that provides measurements for the location of the pipe  45  relative to the split in the “Y”. Slot  77  allows the position of the “Y” locator  70  to be optimized for identifying the location of the pipe  44 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  shows the transfer tool marking a drain pipe from a top location. Slots  64  retain tabs  72  through slots  64  with retainers or clamps  73 . Each arm of the “Y” have marking indicia  65  that provides measurements for the location of the drain pipe  31  relative to the split in the “Y”. The measurement indicia  65  identifies not only the center of the hole, but can also be used to identify the diameter of the pipe or drain. The marking indicia can be in inches, millimeters, radius or diameter. 
         [0045]      FIG. 7  shows the transfer tool marking an electrical outlet  50 . This figure shows a dual outlet  50  placed in a vertical arrangement, but the outlet could have four or more sockets. The bottom of this locating arm  61  retains an extension  81  that connects to an outlet  50  locator  80  having a “Z” opening  82  that allows the outlet locator  80  to be placed in different orientations. Fasteners/retainers  73  on each end of the extension  81  locate and help orient the outlet opening. 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  shows the transfer tool locating the holes on a wall  28 . The transfer tool is located on a wall with the main supporting member  60  located on a wall  28  with fasteners  101 . In this view, the fastener is a nail or screw  101  that is level with the top surface of an adjoining cabinet or side of a wall or corner. A locating tab or finger  68  locates the side of the adjoining cabinet  25 . The locations of all the required holes and openings are located as previously described. Once the locations have all been identified the transfer tool is lifted from the fasteners  101  and then placed onto the back of the cabinet as shown and described in the next figure. 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  shows the transfer tool locating the identified holes on the back  27  of a cabinet  26 . Broken lines  19  show where the opening or holes will be cut into the back of the cabinet. The locating tab or finger  68  is aligned with the mating edge or side of the cabinet and the main supporting member  60  is located on the top of the cabinet  26 . All of the hole locations can then be accurately marked and the holes can be placed in the back of the cabinet  26 . The cabinet  26  can then be simple moved into position against the wall  28  and all of the openings can pass through the back  27  of the cabinet  26  with precision. This minimizes gaps around the plumbing and electrical openings. All of the holes can be located and cut in a single operation. 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  shows the marking and cutting of a hole with the retaining tabs  72  on the locator  70 . The “Y” locators  70  can be used in other ways, like marking the edges  69  or drawing the hole  79  with a template or compass, to eliminate trying to find the center of the pipe at the edge on the radius because it is tedious. In this figure the pipe  19  is shown inside of the larger hole  79  that is drawn and cut with some clearance. The tabs  72  are arranged slightly to make the marking  69  of the cut hole easier. The tabs  72  are set with index marks or a tape measure.  FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C  are examples of how a plumbing locations could be transferred.  FIG. 11A  shows marking a circle  19  with an angle bracket  86 ,  FIG. 11B  shows marking a circle  19  with a single leg  87  and  FIG. 11C  shows marking a circle  19  with an “L” bracket  85 . 
         [0049]    Thus, specific embodiments of a transfer tool for cabinet holes have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. 
       SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0050]    Not Applicable.