GB2588174A

GB2588174A - A jig and use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2588174A
Application number: GB1914731.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Douglass James
Original assignee: ELMDENE GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: ELMDENE GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-11
Filing date: 2019-10-11
Publication date: 2021-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-11
Also published as: GB201914731D0; GB2588174B

Abstract

A jig 10 for directing at least two fixings to secure abutting members, such as decking boards or planks to structural joists, having a body portion 30, a first and second fixing head 110a/b each having at least one guide aperture 160a/b extending therethrough, each head being moveably connected to the body portion, each movable along respective first and second axes. The axes may be parallel and coaxial. The body may have a rotatable knob 80 controlling pinion 70 for simultaneously engaging racks 150a/b for sliding the heads. There may be multiple angled apertures in the form of cylindrical bores or holes. Each head may have a positioning projection 190a/b for engaging the edges of abutting decking in use to locate and correctly space the boards, the apertures opening adjacent the projections to position fixings into the edges of decking. The jig may have several detachable parts e.g. which form the guide apertures upon engagement.

Description

A JIG AND USE THEREOF

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a jig for directing at least two fixings to conned abutting members and use thereof.

Background of the Invention

Fixings are often used to affix members to one another to form a structure, an example of which is decking. In decking, elongate decking boards are typically affixed to a sub-frame of elongate members by screws.

Installation of the structures formed of elongate members, such as decking, involves the attachment of many fixings. One problem that has been found is that the fixings are irregularly placed, directed or angled incorrectly which reduces the strength of the overall structure and can split or damage the individual members. Additionally, incorrectly placed fixings can damage the surface of components within the structure, undesirably reducing the aesthetic appeal of the structure as a whole.

Objects and aspects of the present invention aim to alleviate at least these problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jig for directing at least two fixings to affix abutting members, the jig comprising: a central body portion, a first fixing head, the first fixing head comprising at least one guide aperture extending through the first fixing head, a second fixing head, the second fixing head comprising at least one guide aperture extending through the second fixing head, wherein the first fixing head is connected to the body portion such that the first fixing head is movable along a first axis, and wherein the second fixing head is connected to the body portion such that the second fixing head is moveable along a second axis.

In this application, affix will be understood to have the meaning of attaching, fastening, fixing, securing, connecting or coupling one article to another. Further, it will be understood that a fixing is an apparatus used as a fixing means to affix articles together and includes, but is not limited to, screws, nails, nuts, and the like.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the jig is designed to direct a specific fixing and, for example, the applicant has found it may be preferable for the fixing to be a screw.

The jig of the present invention provides a first fixing head and a second fixing head which can be moved along their respective axes such that both the first fixing head and the second fixing head are set or located in desired or optimal positions. Accordingly, the guide apertures of each of the first fixing head and the second fixing head can be set or located as preferred such that they guide the at least two fixings to affix the abutting members in a desired or optimal position. Further, the guide apertures set the angle of affixment by controlling and guiding the fixing when it is located within the guide aperture and when it is affixing the abutting members.

The jig of the present invention is for affixing abutting members. Typically, the abutting members are top elongate members supported on bottom support elongate members, where the weight of the top elongate members are at least partially supported by the support elongate members. Usually, the longitudinal axis of the top elongate members extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support elongate members. As such, the jig of the present invention is particularly, and preferably, suitable for simultaneously directing or guiding at least two fixings to affix a decking board to a sub-frame during the installation or fitting of decking. That is, the jig can be used to affix at least two fixings in any one position in which the jig is placed by the user.

Preferably, in use, the at least one guide aperture of the first fixing head and the at least one guide aperture of the second fixing head guide or direct the fixings to affix a first elongate member to a second elongate member. In this way, the jig can be used to affix multiple fixings to the same elongate member without changing the position of the jig.

Preferably, the first fixing head is slidably movable along the first axis. Preferably, the second fixing head is slidably movable along the second axis. In this way, the fixings heads can be easily moved along their respective axes to achieve an optimal or desired position or separation. This feature enables the jig of the present invention to be versatile and used with a range of differently sized elongate members.

Preferably, the first axis and the second axis are substantially parallel. More preferably, the first axis and the second axis are coaxial. In this way, the movement of the first fixing head and the second fixing head along their respective axes only alters the distance in between the fixing heads. That is, the angle between the fixing heads is fixed by the configuration of the jig for consistent alignment and affixment of fixings Preferably, the movement of the first fixing head relative to the body portion results in a concomitant movement of the second fixing head relative to the body portion and vice versa. In this way, movement of one of the fixing heads causes movement in the other fixing head. This is beneficial as it helps to quickly and efficiently position the first fixing head and the second fixing head in their desired positions. More preferably, the movement of the first fixing head relative to the body portion results in a reciprocal movement of the second fixing head relative to the body portion and vice versa. The identity between the reciprocal movements of the first fixing head and the second fixing head results in the body portion of the jig remaining centrally aligned. This keeps the centre of gravity centre within the jig which improves ease with which the user can move and manoeuvre the jig.

Preferably, the first fixing head and the second fixing head are both connected to the body portion by a rack and pinion mechanism. The rack and pinion mechanism is particular preferred for the preferred embodiments where the fixing heads are slidably movable as it provides an effective way for controlling the movement of the fixing heads. Thus, the fixings heads can be easily moved along their respective axes to achieve the optimal or desired position. This enables the jig of the present invention to be versatile and used with a range of differently sized elongate members. Further, the rack and pinion mechanism offers a degree of resistance to the movement of a fixing head which improves the ability of the jig to maintain the positions of the fixing heads set by the user.

Preferably, the rack and pinion mechanism comprises two racks and one pinion.

This feature is particularly preferred for the preferred embodiments where the fixing heads have concomitant or reciprocal movement with one another. For example, movement of one rack induces movement in the second rack through the pinion, or movement or the pinion induces movement in both racks.

Preferably, the rack and pinion mechanism is concealed within the body portion.

This protects the rack and pinion mechanism from damage, dirt and wear and thereby improves the longevity of the movement.

Preferably, a rack of the rack and pinion mechanism is integrally formed with the first fixing head. Preferably, a rack of the rack and pinion mechanism is integrally formed with the second fixing head. This reduces the number of parts, complexity and cost of the jig.

Preferably, the jig comprises a control knob which can be rotated.

In one preferred embodiment, rotation of the control knob clamps a portion of the fixing heads in position and thereby prevents movement. In embodiments comprising a rack and pinion, rotation of the control knob clamps both the pinion and racks in position and thereby prevents movement of the fixing heads.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, rotation of the control knob results in concomitant movement of the fixing heads. In this alternative embodiment, the control knob preferably comprises a locking mechanism for locking or securing the position of the control knob and thereby locking or securing the position of the fixing heads.

Preferably, the pinion is connected to a control knob mounted on a surface of the body portion. In embodiment comprising a rack and pinion mechanism, the position of the one or both of the fixing heads can be controlled by rotating the control knob.

In use, the knob can be used to alter the position of the fixing heads when the fixing heads are not easily accessible by the user, for example, if the fixing heads are under another member. Preferably, the control knob comprises a locking feature to lock one or both of the first fixing head and the second fixing head in position.

Preferably, the first fixing head is movable between a first position and a second position, and further wherein the first fixing head is continuously positionable between the first and second positions. Preferably, the second fixing head is movable between a first position and a second position, and further wherein the second fixing head is continuously positionable between the first and second positions. More preferably, both the first fixing head and the second fixing head are movable between a respective first position and a second position, and further wherein each of the first fixing head and the second fixing head are continuously positionable between their respective first and second positions.

Preferably, both the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion comprise at least two guide apertures. In this way, the at least two guide apertures of each fixing head can guide a fixing differently, for example, at different angles or positions, relative to the abutting member. This advantageously increases the versatility of the jig.

Preferably, at least one guide aperture is angled with respect to the first axis.

Preferably, at least one guide aperture is angled with respect to the second axis. Preferably, each guide aperture is angled with respect to both the first axis and the second axis. These preferable features mean that the affixment between the abutting members by the fixing occurs at an angle, which can improve the strength of affixment in the horizontal and vertical directions. Further, angled affixment can be beneficial in decking, for example, to hide the fixing on side of the elongate members, e.g. the decking boards, to prevent damage occurring to the top surface of the decking. Damage to the top surface can result in injuries, splitting or splintering.

Preferably, at least one guide aperture comprises a cylindrical bore. Preferably, each guide aperture comprises a cylindrical bore. In this way, the guide aperture is particularly suited for guiding a screw, nut, nail or similar fixing. Further, the cylindrical bore having a length helps to narrow and control the range of angles at which the fixing will be inserted in the abutting member during affixment.

Preferably, the first fixing portion comprises at least one positioning projection. Preferably, the second fixing portion comprises at least one positioning projection. Preferably, in use, either or both of the at least one positioning projections locates and engages one of the elongate members being affixed. Preferably, in use, the positioning projection abuts a surface of one of the elongate members. Preferably, the surface of the one of the elongate members is the surface which the fixing being used to affix the elongate members enters the elongate member. Preferably, the positioning projection is a flange. Preferably, in use, the flange locates and engages one of the members being affixed across the whole length of its surface. Preferably, the positioning projection extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first or second axis.

Preferably, the positioning projection is a spacer. Preferably, in use, the positioning projection defines the minimum spacing between the one of the elongate members being affixed and another elongate member not being currently affixed. In this way, the positioning projection can be used to define the minimum spacing of the gaps in between adjacent elongate members when used, for example, during the installation of decking. The positioning projections ensures that the gaps between adjacent boards are even and consistent without the need of separate or additional spacing tools. The minimum spacing afforded by the positioning projection is particularly useful when the guide apertures are angled with respect first axis and the elongate members are affixed by an angled affixment In these preferred embodiments, the minimum spacing defined by the positioning projections is the minimum separation between the elongate members required for angled affixment where the fixing does not engage, damage or mar adjacent fixing members.

Preferably, at least one guide aperture terminates adjacent to a positioning projection. More preferably, each guide aperture terminates adjacent to a positioning projection. Preferably, each guide aperture extends through a positioning projection. These preferable features are advantageous as, in use, the guide apertures direct and guide fixings to a position adjacent the positioning projection and, therefore, proximate the abutting member. This feature ensures that the affixment occurs at the desired angle and position and reduces unwanted deviations, variations or changes.

Preferably, the end of each guide aperture distal from the body potion is closer to the longitudinal axis of the jig than the end of each guide aperture proximal to the body potion. Preferably, the spacing between the opening of the guide apertures proximate the body portion is greater than the spacing between the openings of the guide aperture distal from the body portion. In this way, the guide apertures are splayed outwardly with respect to the body portion such that fixings affixing the abutting members diverge as they are inserted into the abutting members.

Preferably, the first fixing head and the second fixing head are each formed from a head section and a base section which are attached together: More preferably, the head section comprises a channel and the base section comprises a channel, wherein the channels together form the substantially cylindrical bore of the guide aperture. Preferably, the majority of the length of the guide aperture is formed by the channels between the head section and base section. It preferable that the guide apertures are formed from two attached pieces as detailed above. Using two pieces simplifies the manufacture of the fixing head and guide apertures which reduces costs as a metal insert inside the guide aperture is not required to manufacture or define the guide aperture. Most preferably, the guide apertures are formed between two attached pieces of the fixing heads as a result of their engagement.

Preferably, the body portion comprises a handle. Accordingly, the fixing heads can be moved without touching them, which reduces the likelihood of wear or damage.

Preferably, the jig has at least one line of symmetry. More preferably, the jig has at least two lines of symmetry.

Preferably, the first fixing head and the second fixing head are substantially identical.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a use of a jig to affix abutting members in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, where the jig can optionally comprise any of the preferably features of the first aspect.

Detailed Description of the Invention

B

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts in a perspective view of the jig in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 depicts an exploded view of the jig of Figure 1; Figure 3A depicts a side-on view of the jig of Figure 1, where the first fixing head and the second fixing head are in first position; Figure 3B depicts a side-on view of the jig of Figure 1, where the first fixing head and the second fixing head are in second position; and Figure 4 depicts a top-down view of the jig of Figure 1, where the jig is being used to affix a first structural member to a second structural member.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 depict a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of a jig 10 for directing at least two fixings to affix abutting members in accordance with the present invention.

The jig 10 comprises a central body portion 20 which is substantially cuboid. The body portion 20 comprises a substantially planar upper section 30 which is opposed to a substantially planar lower section 40. In use, the external lower section 40 engages the top surface of an abutting member being affixed to level the jig 10. A handle 50 extends from the edges of the body portion 20 to provide a looped handle above the body portion 20.

The body portion 20 is substantially hollow between the upper section 30 and the lower section 40. The lower section 40 is removably attached to the rest of the body portion 20. The internal side of the lower section 40 comprises an axle 60 which extends into the hollow core of the body portion 20. The axle 60 is located centrally on the interior side of the lower section 40. A pinion 70, which is cog-like, sits on and around the axle 60 such that the pinion 70 can rotate about the axle 60.

A central knob 80 rests on the exterior side of the upper section 30. The knob 80 comprises an ergonomic central ridge 100.

In one embodiment, the knob 80 comprises a threaded protrusion which extends through a circular opening 90 in the upper section 30 and is connected to a threaded bore in the centre of the axle 60. Rotation of the knob 80 results in the threaded protrusion and threaded bore altering the distance between upper section 30 and the lower section 40. For example, tightening the connection by rotating the knob 80 reduces the distance between the upper section 30 and the lower 40, such that the pinion 70 and the racks 150a, 150b (see later) become clamped between the upper section 30 and lower section 40. In this way, tightening of the knob 30 can set or fix the positions of the fixing heads 110a, 110b by clamping the pinion 70 and racks 150a, 150b.

In an alternative embodiment, the central knob 80 extends through the circular opening 90 and engages the pinion 70 such that, in use, rotation of the knob 80 rotates the pinion 70. This arrangement allows for fine adjustment of the positions of the fixing heads 110a, 110b. In this embodiment, the control knob 80 can optionally comprises a locking mechanism to secure its position which in turn secures the position of the pinion 70.

The jig 10 further comprises two fixing heads: a first fixing head 110a and a second fixing head 110b. The fixing heads 110a, 110b are substantially identical and the features, structures and interactions of the fixing heads 110a, 110b will be described exclusively in reference to the first fixing head 110a but the description equally applies to the second fixing head 110b as well.

The first fixing head 110a comprises a head section 120a, a base section 130a, a docking section 140a and a rack 150a. The rack 150a extends into the hollow core of the body portion 20 through a side aperture 160a in the body portion 20 and engages the pinion 70 on the axle 60. Rotation of the pinion 70 moves the rack 150a and the first fixing head 110a linearly along a first axis.

The rack 150a extends from the docking section 140a of the first fixing head 110a.

The docking section 140a is substantially cuboid and can be inserted into the side aperture 160a and accommodated in the hollow core of the body portion 20. In use, movement of the first fixing head 110a towards the body portion 20 along the first axis increases the proportion of the docking section 140a accommodated within the body portion 20. Conversely, movement of the first fixing head 110a away from the body portion 20 reduces the amount accommodated within the body portion 20.

The docking section 140a increases the durability of the connection of the body portion 20 to the first fixing head 110a by limiting movement of the first fixing head 110a in directions not along the first axis, as movement in these directions causes the docking section 140a to engage the body portion 20. This limited movement reduces the forces acting on the rack 150a and improves the durability of the connection between the first fixing head 110a and the body portion 20.

The head section 120a of the first fixing head 110a extends from the docking section 140a on the side opposing the rack 150a. The head section 120a comprises one primary guide aperture 160a and two secondary guide apertures 170a, all of which comprise a substantially cylindrical bore and extend through the head section 120a. The openings of the primary guide aperture 160a and two secondary guide apertures 170a are located on a line which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

The primary guide aperture 160a is located centrally on the head section 120a and extends through the head section 120a from an upper surface of the head section 120a to the base surface of the head section 120a. The primary guide aperture 160a extends in a direction substantially parallel with the rack 150a and the first axis.

Further, the primary guide aperture 160a is positioned at a downward angle, or in other words, the primary guide aperture 160a is angled such that the opening of the primary guide aperture 160a in the upper surface of the head section 120a is distal from the rack 150a and docking section 140a whereas the opening of the primary guide aperture 160a in base surface of the head section 120a is located proximate the docking section 140a and rack 150a. In this way, the primary guide aperture 160a is angled diagonally downward toward a position underneath the body portion 20.

The two secondary guide apertures 170a are located on either side of the primary guide aperture 160a. The two secondary guide apertures 170a extend through the head section 120a from an upper surface of the head section 120a to the base surface of the head section 120a. Both of the secondary guide apertures 160a extend in a direction diagonal downward direction angled with away from the rack 150a and the first axis. Thus, the spacing between the opening of the guide apertures 160a, 170a proximate the body portion 20 is greater than the spacing between the openings of the guide aperture 160a, 170a distal from the body portion 20. Accordingly, the primary guide aperture 160a and the secondary guide apertures 170a have an outwardly splayed configuration with respect to the rack 150a.

In use, the primary guide aperture 160a and the secondary guide aperture 170a are for guiding and directing a fixing that is being used to affix a first elongate member to a second elongate member. In this embodiment, the primary guide aperture 160a and the secondary guide apertures 170a direct the fixing downwardly at an angle such that the fixing can be inserted into a side of the first elongate member, traverse the interior of the elongate member diagonally and enter the second elongate member through its top surface.

The fixing head 110a further comprises a base section 130a, where the base section 130a is affixed to the head section 120a by screws 180a. The base section 130a comprises a positioning projection 190a which is a flange. The base section 130a can be removed and replaced with differently sized positioning projection 190a flanges which can be used to alter the width of the spacing between adjacent members being affixed. For example, it can be used to control the gaps between the boards of decking and since the base section 130a is removable and replaceable the width of the positioning projection 190a can be swapped by the user for different uses.

Each of the substantially cylindrical bores of each of the guide apertures 160a, 170a is formed from a circular opening in the fixing head 110a and a pair of channels in the head section 120a and the base section 130a. The channels in the head section 120a and the base section 130a have complementary semi-circular cross-sections such that attaching the head section 120a to the base section 130a forms the cylindrical bore of the guide apertures 160a, 170b. Each of the head sections 130a and base sections 140a comprises three channels for forming the one primary guide aperture 160a and the two secondary guide apertures 170a.

The positioning projection 190a extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rack 150a and the first axis. In use, the positioning projection 190a engages with a side of the abutting members. The primary guide apertures 160a and the secondary guide apertures 170a extend through the first fixing head 110a to a position just above the top edge of the positioning projection 190a.

As mentioned above, the first fixing head 110a and the second fixing head 110b are identical. As such, the second fixing head 110b comprises the following features which are identical to their counterparts on the first fixing head 110a: a head section 120b, a base section 130b, a docking section 140b, a rack 150b, a second axis, a primary guide aperture 160b, two secondary guide apertures 170b, screws 180b and a positing projection 190b.

Figure 3A and Figure 3B depict the jig 10 of Figure 1 and 2 where the first fixing head 110a and the second fixing head 110b have been moved between a first position, Figure 3A, and a second position, Figure 3B.

The rack 150b of the second fixing head 110b engages the same pinion 70 as the rack 150a of the first fixing head 110a. As such, rotation of the pinion 70 moves the first fixing head 110a along the first axis and the second fixing head 110b along the second axis simultaneously in opposing directions by the same amount. The first axis and the second axis are coaxial.

In the first position, Figure 3A, both the first fixing head 110a and the second fixing head 110b are adjacent to the body portion 20 and the docking sections 140a, 140b are located wholly within the hollow core of the body portion 20.

In the second position, Figure 33, the first fixing head 110a and the second fixing head 110b have been moved away from the body portion 20 along their respective axes. The docking sections 140a, 140b are now partially accommodated within the body portion 20 and partial located outside of the body portion 20.

In use, the user can either rotate the knob 80 to move both the first fixing head 110a and the second fixing head 110b simultaneously along their respective axes. Alternatively, the user can move the first fixing head 110a along the first axis, which via the racks 150a, 150b and pinion 70 induces a reciprocal movement of the second fixing head 110b in the opposing direction along the second axis. In this way, the body portion 20 and the handle 50 are maintain centrally on the jig 10. This keeps the centre of gravity of the jig 10 centrally aligned beneath the handle 50 which improves ease with which the user can move and manoeuvre the jig 10.

Figure 4 of the drawings depicts the jig 10 when it is being used to affix a first elongate structural member 200 to a second elongate structural member 210 during the installation of decking. In use, the first fixing head 110a and the second fixing head 110b are positioned either side of a first structural member 200 and are moved towards one another until the positioning projections 190a, 190b engage with opposing sides of the first structural member 200. The positioning projections 190a, 190b engage with the side surfaces of the first structural member 200, which in this example are the surfaces which do not form the top working surface of the decking. During the installation of decking, the width of the positioning projections 190a, 190b define the minimum spacing between the adjacent first structural members 200 ensuring even and consistent spacing of the first structural members 200 improving the visual appeal of the resulting decking.

Next, one or more fixings are inserted into one on more of the guide apertures 160a, 160b, 170a, 170b and are used to affix the first structural member 200 to the second structural member 210 which is located beneath the first structural member 200.

The plurality of guide apertures 160a, 160b, 170a, 170b means that a corresponding number of fixings can be used to affix the structural members 200,210 to one another without moving the jig 10. This ensures the position, angle and spacing of the fixings is even. The respective guide apertures 160a, 160b, 170a, 170b are used to direct and guide the fixing at a predetermined correct angle to form the affixment.

In this illustrate example, a secondary guide aperture 170a on the first fixing head 110a is being used. In this embodiment, a screw 220 is used as the fixings to affix the structural members 200, 210. Typically, a drill is used to affix the first structural member 200 and the second structural member 210 to one another. The cylindrical bore of the guide aperture 160a, 160b, 170a, 170b guides the angle and position of the drill as well as the screw 220.

Claims

Claims 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8.A jig for directing at least two fixings to affix abutting members, said jig comprising a central body portion, a first fixing head, said first fixing head comprising at least one guide aperture extending through said first fixing head, a second fixing head, said second fixing head comprising at least one guide aperture extending through said second fixing head, wherein said first fixing head is connected to said body portion such that said first fixing head is movable along a first axis, and wherein said second fixing head is connected to said body portion such that said second fixing head is moveable along a second axis.
The jig of claim 1, wherein said first fixing head is slidably movable along said first axis.
The jig of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said second fixing head is slidably movable along said second axis.
The jig of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first axis and said second axis are substantially parallel.
The jig of claim 5, wherein said first axis and said second axis are coaxial.
The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein the movement of said first fixing head relative to said body portion results in a concomitant movement of said second fixing head relative to said body portion and vice versa.
The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein said first fixing head and said second fixing head are both connected to said body portion by a rack and pinion mechanism.
The jig of claim 7, wherein said rack and pinion mechanism comprises two racks and one pinion.
9. The jig of claim 8, wherein said pinion is connected to a control knob mounted on a surface of said body portion.
10 The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein both said first fixing head and said second fixing head are movable between a respective first position and a second position, and further wherein each of said first fixing head and said second fixing head are continuously positionable between their respective first and second positions.
11. The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein both said first fixing portion and said second fixing portion comprise at least two guide apertures.
12. The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein at least one guide aperture is angled with respect to said first axis, and wherein at least one guide aperture is angled with respect to said second axis.
13. The jig of claim 12, wherein each guide aperture is angled with respect to both the first axis and the second axis.
14. The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein at least one guide aperture comprises a cylindrical bore.
15. The jig of claim 14, wherein each guide aperture comprises a cylindrical bore.
16. The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein said first fixing portion comprises at least one positioning projection.
17. The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein said second fixing portion comprises at least one positioning projection.
18. The jig of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein at least one guide aperture terminates adjacent to a positioning projection.
19. The jig of claim 18, wherein each guide aperture terminates adjacent to a positioning projection.
20. The jig of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein each guide aperture extends through a positioning projection.
21. The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein the end of each guide aperture distal from said body potion is closer to the longitudinal axis of said jig than the end of each guide aperture proximal to said body potion.
22. The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein said guide apertures are formed between two attached pieces of said fixing heads as a result of their engagement.
23. The jig of any one preceding claim, wherein said jig has at least one line of symmetry.
24. The jig of claim 23, wherein said jig has at least two lines of symmetry.
25. Use of the jig of any one of claims 1 to 24 to affix abutting members.