Electrical Outlet and Switchbox Locator

This invention relates to a construction tool, and more particularly, a construction tool for locating and marking an electrical outlet or switch box on an interior wall panel prior to installing the panel.

In constructing interior walls by covering studs with gypsum or wood panels or when covering gypsum with decorative panelling, it is necessary to measure precisely the location of electrical outlets and switch boxes previously mounted on or between the studs. If an error is made in measuring the relative location of the outlet or switch box with respect to the edges of the panel to be installed, an entire panel may be ruined. Accordingly, the precise location of openings to be cut from panels to accommodate outlets and switch boxes can be tedious and time consuming.

In accordance with the invention, a locating tool is provided which includes a framework of vertical and horizontal telescoping members. The vertical members are adjusted so as to extend from floor to ceiling in front of the outlet or switch box opening to be reproduced on the wall panel. The horizontal members are also adjusted to the width of the panel on which the outlet opening is to be reproduced. A template both vertically and horizontally adjustable on the framework is then located over the outlet. The framework is removed, placed in clips having a flat base and positioned on the wall panel. The template location is traced on the panel, which is then cut, accurately locating the outlet opening.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view in elevation of the locating tool of the invention positioned between a floor and ceiling to locate an outlet and/or switch box;

FIG. 2 is a rear view in elevation of the tool of FIG. 1 applied to a wall panel to locate the outlet and/or switch box opening located on the wall of FIG. 1 on the panel;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the plane indicated by line 3--3 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of one of the adjustment members of the framework in FIG. 2.

Referring now in detail to the drawing, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, the locating tool 10 of the present invention includes a framework having a pair of spaced, vertical telescoping members 12, 14 and a pair of spaced, horizontal telescoping members 16, 18, riveted at their opposite ends to members 12, 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vertical members 12, 14 are adjusted so as to extend from room floor 20 to a ceiling 22 and locked in adjusted position by thumbscrews 24 in the outer sleeve of each member 12, 14. Horizontal members 16, 18 are then adjusted to the width of the wall panel to be installed and locked in adjusted position by thumbscrews 26 in the outer sleeve of each member 16, 18.

A rectangular template 28 for an outlet or switch box is slidably mounted by a ring 30 on its rear surface on a pair of spaced, horizontal telescoping slide bars 32, 34 having sleeves 36 on their oppsite ends slidable vertically along top and bottom, respectively, of members 12 and 14. The templates 28 are adjusted vertically by sliding sleeves 36 on members 12, 14 to the vertical height of the outlet or switch box and retained at that height by tightening thumbscrews 38 on sleeves 36. Templates 28 are then slid horizontally over the outlet or switch box on the adjacent wall and retained in the located position by thumbscrews 40 on each template.

The framework is then removed from its engagement between floor 20 and ceiling 22, turned over, and has its members 12, 14 engaged in clips 42 having flat bases 44. The flat bases 44 of each clip 42 is then placed on the surface of the wall panel 46 to be installed, as shown in FIG. 2. The outline of each template 28 is traced on the panel 46, accurately locating the outlet and switch box on panel 46, and openings cut in the panel.