CA2138579A1 - Adjustable door and window frame levelling device - Google Patents
Adjustable door and window frame levelling deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2138579A1 CA2138579A1 CA 2138579 CA2138579A CA2138579A1 CA 2138579 A1 CA2138579 A1 CA 2138579A1 CA 2138579 CA2138579 CA 2138579 CA 2138579 A CA2138579 A CA 2138579A CA 2138579 A1 CA2138579 A1 CA 2138579A1
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- male
- female
- component
- plate
- extending
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Abstract
A door and window frame levelling device for levelling the frame relatively to the structural studs to which it is attached. The device has a female component adapted to be fixed to frame and a male component adapted to be fixed to an adjacent stud. The male and female components are in a slidable engagement relatively to one another. The male and female components are linked together by an adjustment screw. The head of the adjustment screw is secured to the female component while the threaded stem of the adjustment screw extends thogh a section of the male component. The rotation of the adjustment screw causes a relative translational displacement between the male and female components. In one embodiment, the male component is fixed to the stud by a set of fastening screws wich extend throiugh a perpendicular flange. In a second embodiment, the male component is fixed to the stud by a set of fastening screws wich extend throiugh a fixing plate. In athird embodiment, a set of fixing tongues are used to secure the male copmonent to a frame having an extruded configuration.
Description
Patent Application of Jean-Marie Ouellet for an Adjustable Door and Window Frame Levelling Device.
Background-Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to the field of door and window frames and is particularly concerned with an adjustable device for facilitating the leveling of door and window frames.
Background-Prior Art:
The installation of door and window frames is often a tedious and relatively difficult 20 task. One of the main drawbacks of the installation procedure is that the frames must be levelled. The door and window frames must be levelled to allow for proper operation respectively of the doors and windows that they support. Since the structural studs to which the frames are attached are often slanted relatively to one another, the frame installer must often resort to performing an operation called shimming.
The shimming operation consists in fitting relatively thin strips of material in the spacing between the frame and the studs to which the latter is attached. The strips used for the shimming operation are typically strips of shingle-type material that have a generally tapering configuration. By varying the number, the level of insertion and the positioning of the shimming shingles, an experience person may eventually succeed in leveling a door or window frame. However, the procedure requires a certain level of dexterity.
Once the shimming shingles have been properly inserted between the frame and the adjacent studs, the person performing the installation procedure must secure the shimming shingles in place. The shimming singles are typically secured in place by 10 inserting a fastening element such as a nail through the side surface of the frame, the shimming single and the adjacent stud. This step also requires a certain amount of manual dexterity.
Apart from being a tedious operation the conventional method used for installing door and window frames also creates a set of structural drawbacks. Firstly, the shimming shingles that are inserted between the frame and the adjacent studs adversely affect the insulation of the walls. Indeed, the shimming shingles take up a volume that is usually filled with insulating material. Furthermore, the shimming shingles being conventionally made of wood have a tendency to warp and to develop cracks, thus creating p~.~s~ges 20 through which cold air is susceptible of flowing.
Secondly, the fastening elements such as nails which are inserted through the side surface of the frame, the shimming single and the adjacent stud deteriorate the esthetic appearance and the structural integrity of the elements through which they are inserted.
The conventional method and devices used for levelling window and door frames have not only proven to be unsatisfactory during the installation procedure, they have also proven to be inadequate for adjusting the frame after installation. Indeed, it is well known that in most areas, as the environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity and the like change, the door frame and the adjacent structural studs either expand or 0 contract, thereby causing the door to improperly fit in the frame. Often an expending door can be corrected by planning or sawing off a portion thereof, but this may only result in an improperly fitted door with respect to the jambs between which the door is mounted, under normal environmental conditions.
Some prior art devices attempted to provide for adjustment in order to compensate for expansion or contraction of the structural components. Although these prior art known constructions were serviceable to some degree, they were again tedious to use and still resulted in functional problems because of the improper sealing of the door or frame edge with respect to the facing element. As a result, if the door was employed as an outside 20 door, air leakage usually occurred which necessitated the use of external sealing members.
Summary of the Invention:
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved door and window frame levelling device.
The levelling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will facilitate the levelling of door and window frames during the installation procedure thereof.
The levelling device in accordance with the present invention will also facilitate adjustment of the door and window frames having expanded or contracted because of environmental variations after installation.
The levelling device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to allow for a relatively precise adjustment of the relative positioning between the frame and the adjacent structural studs to which it is attached.
The levelling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is adapted to allow a relatively precise adjustment in directions both perpendicular and 20 parallel to the wall to which it is attached.
The levelling device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to provide ~138579 for an accurate adjustment while minimizing the detrimental effect caused to the structural integrity and the esthetic aspect of the structures to which it is attached.
The levelling device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to provide an accurate adjustment while causing minimal damage to the insulation properties of the wall to which it is attached.
The levelling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is adapted to conform to conventional forms of manufacturing so as to provide a levelling 0 device that is economically feasible.
The levelling device in accordance with the present invention has a female component adapted to be fixed to a door or window frame and a male component adapted to be fixed to an adjacent structural stud. The male and female components are in a slidable engagement relatively to one another. The male and female components are linked together by an adjustment screw. The head of the adjustment screw is secured to the female component while the threaded stem of the adjustment screw extends though a section of the male component. The rotation of the adjustment screw c~uses a relative translational displacement between the male and female components.
Accordingly, there is provided a levelling device for levelling a frame relatively to an adjacent structural stud, the frame and said adjacent structural stud having a pair of opposed surfaces, the opposed surfaces being in a face to face and a substantially proximal relationship relatively to one another, the opposed surfaces defining a spacing between each other, the levelling device comprising a male component, the male component having a male component fixing means for allowing the male component to be fixed to one of the opposed surfaces, a female component, the female component having a female component fixing means for allowing the female component to be fixed to one of the opposed surfaces, a retaining and guiding means fixed to both the male component and the female component for retaining the male component and the female component together while allowing a relative translational movement along a 10 predetermined axis between the male component and the female component, a motion inducing means fixed to both the male component and the female component for inducing a selective translational relative movement between the male component and the female component while preventing an unwanted translational relative movement between the male component and the female component, the levelling device being configured and sized so as to be insertable in the spacing.
Conveniently, the male component has a substantially flat male component main plate defining a male plate inner surface, a male plate outer surface, a male plate front peripheral edge, a male plate rear peripheral edge and a pair of opposed male plate side 20 peripheral edges; the female component has a substantially flat female component main plate defining a female plate inner surface, a female plate outer surface, a female plate front peripheral edge, a female plate rear peripheral edge and a pair of opposed female plate side peripheral edges; and wherein the retaining and guiding means includes a pair of lateral flanges extending integrally from the male plate side peripheral edges, a corresponding pair of retaining legs extending integrally and substantially inwardly from the female plate side peripheral edges, each of the retaining legs defining a channel for slidably receiving one of the lateral flanges.
Preferably, each of the retaining legs retaining leg has a spacing segment extending substantially away from the female component main plate and an integrally extending and substantially "V"-shaped retaining segment, the retaining segment having 10 a female abutment flange which extends in a direction substantially parallel to the female component main plate.
Conveniently, each of the lateral flanges has a male spacing segment and an integrally extending male abutment segment, each of the male spacing segments extending substantially inwardly and away from the male component main plate and the male abutment segments extending in a geometrical plane substantially parallel to the male component main plate, each of the lateral flanges being slidably inserted into a corresponding "V"-shaped retaining segment, and each of the male abutment segments being in a slidable abutting relationship with a corresponding female abutment flange.
Preferably the male plate inner surface is in a facing relationship with the female plate inner surface and wherein the motion inducing means includes a screw-head receiving slot extending through the female component main plate adjacent the female plate front peripheral edge, an adjustment screw retaining leg extending integrally and inwardly from the male component main plate, the adjustment screw retaining leg extending substantially perpendicularly to the male component main plate and the female component main plate in between the male component main plate and the female component main plate, an adustment screw aperture extending through the adjustment screw retaining leg, an adjustment screw, the adjustment screw having an adjustment screw head and an integrally extending adjustment screw threaded stem. the adjustment screw head being partially and rotatably inserted into the screw-head receiving slot, the 10 adjustment screw threaded stem being threadaly inserted into the adustment screw aperture.
In accordance with a first embodiment, the female component fixing means includes a set of female component fixing apertures extending through the female main plate and wherein the male component fixing means includes a male component fixing flange extending integrally and substantially perpendicularly from the male plate front peripheral edge, the male component fixing flange being provided with a set of male component first fixing apertures and a male component adjustment slot extending therethrough.
In accordance with a second embodiment, the female component fixing means includes a set of female component fixing apertures extending through the female main plate and wherein the male component fixing means includes a male component fixing plate integrally and resiliently extending from the male plate front peripheral edge, the male component fixing plate extending in a substantially parallel and adjacent relationship relatively to the male plate outer surface, a set of male component second fixing apertures extending integrally though the male component fixing plate, a corresponding set of male component access apertures extending through the male component main plate substantially in register with the male component second fixing apertures, a spacing aperture extending through the male component main plate in an overlying relationship with the male component fixing plate, a spacing screw threadaly inserted into the spacing 0 aperture.
In accordance with a third embodiment, the levelling device further comprises a pair of grasping tongues extending substantially outwardly from the male plate outer surface, the grasping tongues being substantially symmetrically disposed relatively to each other, each of the grasping tongue having a spacing segment extending generally away from the male component main plate and an integrally extending grasping segment extending in a geometrical plane substantially parallel to the male component main plate.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which:
- ~13~579 Figure 1: in a perspective view, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2: in an exploded view, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3: in a perspective view, illustrates a reinforcement component part of a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4: in an elevational view with a section taken out, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5: in a transversal cross-sectional view taken along arrows V-V of figure 4, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6: in a side view, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7: in a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along arrows VII-VII of figure 6, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8: in a schematic elevational view, illustrates a door and its associated door frame levelled relatively to a pair of adjacent vertical structural studs using a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9: in a transversal cross-sectional view taken along arrows IX-IX of figure 8, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention attached both to a structural stud and to the door frame adjacent a door hinge;
Figure 10: in a transversal cross-sectional view taken along arrows X-X of figure 8, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention attached both to a structural stud and to the door frame adjacent a door knob;
Figure 11: in a transversal cross-sectional view, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention attached both to a structural stud and to the door frame adjacent a door hinge;
Figure 12: in an elevational view, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13: in a transversal cross-sectional view taken along arrows XIII-XIII of figure 12, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14: in a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along arrows XIV-XIV of figure 12, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
figure 15: in a partial perspective view, illustrates the bottom side of the male section of a levelling device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16: in a longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the male section of a levelling device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
Detailed Description:
Referring to figure 2, there is shown an exploded view of a leveling device 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The levelling device 10 has a generally flat female component 12 and a generally "L"- shaped male component 14.
The female component 12 has a substantially flat and rectangular shaped female main plate 16. The female main plate 16 has a front peripheral edge 18, a rear peripheral edge 20 and a pair of opposed side peripheral edges 22. The female main plate 16 also has an inner surface 24 and an outer surface 26.
The female main plate 16 is provided with a set of female component fixing apertures 28 extending therethrough. The female main plate 16 is also provided with a head receiving slot 30 extending therethrough. The head receiving slot 30 is substantially centrally disposed relatively to the side peripheral edges 22. A concave-shaped recess 32 is formed in the inner surface 24 adjacent the head receiving slot 30.
A pair of retaining legs 34 extends integrally and substantially inwardly from the side peripheral edges 22. As illustrated more specifically in figure 5, each retaining leg 34 has a spacing segment 36 and substantially "V"-shaped retaining segment 38. Each retaining segment 38 has a female component abutment flange 40 which projects in a geometrical plane substantially parallel to the female main plate 16. Both abutment flanges 40 project inwardly towards each other.
The male component 14 has a substantially flat and rectangular-shaped male main plate 42. The male main plate 42 has a front peripheral edge 44, a rear peripheral edge 46 and a pair of opposed side peripheral edges 48. The male main plate 42 also has an inner surface 50 and an outer surface 52.
The male main plate 42 is provided with a set of access apertures 54 extending therethrough. As illustrated more specifically in figure 4, the access apertures 54 are positioned so as to be substantially in register with the fixing apertures 28 when the female component 12 and the male component 14 are assembled in a predetermined 20 relationship relatively to each other.
A pair of lateral flanges 56 extend integrally from the side peripheral edges 48 of the male main plate 42. Each lateral flange 56 has a male spacing segment 58 and a male abutment segment 60. Each male spacing segment 58 extends substantially inwardly from a corresponding side peripheral edge 48. Each male abutment segment 60 extends laterally from a corresponding male spacing segment in a geometrical plane substantially parallel to the male main plate 42.
A male component fixing flange 62 extends integrally and substantially perpendicularly from the front peripheral edge 44 of the male main plate 42. The male component fixing flange 62 has a set of male fixing apertures 64 extending therethrough.
10 The male component fixing flange 62 also has a male component fixing slot 66 extending therethrough. The male component fixing slot 66 is preferably substantially centrally disposed relatively to the peripheral edges of the fixing flange 62. The male component fixing slot 66 is also substantially transversally oriented across the male component fixing flange 62.
The male component fixing flange 62 is configured and sized so as to extend laterally on both sides over the corresponding lateral flanges 56. A pair of spacing notches 68 is formed on each side of the male component 14 between the male component fixing flange 62 and the adjacent lateral flange 56. The spaGing notches 68 20 are spaced from the peripheral edge of the male component fixing flange 62 by the male spacing segments 58. The spacing notches 68 are adapted to allow through p~.ssflge of the female component abutment flanges 40 when the male component 14 and the female component 12 are assembled, as illustrated in figures 1 and 6.
An adjustment screw retaining leg 70 is formed in the male main plate 42. The adjustment screw retaining leg 70 is formed by bending inwardly a segment of the male main plate 42 which is positioned adjacent a rear peripheral edge 46 of the latter. The adjustment screw retaining leg 70 extends integrally and substantially perpendicularly from the male main plate 42. An adjustment screw aperture 72 extends through the adjustment screw retaining leg 70. As illustrated more specifically in figure 1 and 4, the adjustment screw retaining leg 70 is configured and sized so that when the male 10 component 14 and the female component 12 are assembled, the adjustment screw retaining leg 70 extends perpendicularly between the inner surface 24 of the female main plate 16 and the inner surface 50 of the male main plate 42.
A screw-type component 74 is releasably attached to both the female component 12 and the male component 14. The screw-type component 74 is positioned in the spacing between the inner surface 24 of the female main plate 16 and the inner surface 50 of the male main plate 42. The screw-type component 74 has a substantially disk-shaped screw head 76. The screw head 76 defines a substantially flat head first surface 78 and an opposed substantially flat head second surface 80. A substantially elongated 20 screw stem 82 extends integrally and substantially perpendicularly from the head second surface 80. The head first surface 78 is provided with a blade receiving recess 84. The blade receiving recess 84 is adapted to receive the blade of a screwdriver-type tool. The 2138~79 screw stem 78 is provided with an outwardly projecting thread 86.
Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the levelling device 10 in an assembled configuration whereas figure 2 illustrates the same embodiment in an exploded configuration. In order to assemble the levelling device 10, the lateral flanges 56 part of the male component 14 are slidably inserted inside the retaining segments 38 part of the retaining legs 34 of the female component 12. The female component 12 and the male component 14 are adapted to slide relatively to one another. The retaining segments 38 10 are adapted to releasably attach the male component 14 and the female component 12 together while allowing them to slide relatively to one another.
When the levelling device 10 is assembled, as illustrated in figures 5 through 7, the screw stem 82 is adapted to be inserted inside the adjustment screw aperture 72. In this position, the thread 86 is in an abutting relationship with the peripheral edge of the adjustment screw aperture 72. A peripheral segment of the screw head 76 is adapted to be inserted into the head receiving slot 30 so that a fraction of the head second surface 80 lockingly abuts against the peripheral edge of the head receiving slot 30.
As illustrated in figures 8 through 10, the levelling device 10 is adapted to be positioned between a door and window frame 88 and an adjacent stud 90. The studs are ~138~79 adapted to be used as structural reinforcements for a conventional wall. It should be understood that although the levelling device 10 is shown in the drawings in a situation wherein it is used with a door frame, it could also be used similarly with a window frame or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In figures 8 through 10, the door frame 88 is shown comprising a set of beams that surround a door 92. The door 92 is pivotally attached to the door frame 88 by a set of hinges 94. The door 92 is adapted to be opened and closed using a conventional door knob 96 and its associated mechanism 98.
In order to install a set of levelling devices 10, a user must first solidly attach the devices 10 to the door frame 88. Each levelling device 10 is attached to the door frame 88 by fastening a set of first fastening screws 100 through the female component fixing apertures 28 and through an outer surface 102 of the door frame 88. The first fastening screws 100 are tightened so as to rigidly secure the female components 12 to the door fame 88.
The access apertures 54 are adapted to allow through pA~sAge of a screw driver blade so as to allow a user to access the first fastening screws 100 that are inserted into 20 the female component fixing apertures 28. In order to facilitate access to the first fastening screws 100 through the access apertures 54, the female component fixing apertures 28 are preferably put substantially in register with the access apertures 54. The female component fixing apertures 28 and the access apertures 54 are put in register with one another by moving the male component 14 and the female component 12 relatively to each other using the screw-type component 74 as will be hereinafter disclosed.
In order to provide for an optimal structural behavior, as illustrated in figure 8, the levelling devices 10 are preferably positioned so as to be substantially in register with the hinges 94. As illustrated in figure 9, the female component 12 is preferably positioned at a spacing distance indicated by the reference character S from the frontal surface 104 0 of the door frame 88. The spacing distance S is typically in the range of 3/8th of an inch.
Once the female component 12 of the levelling devices 10 are fixed to the door frame 88, the latter is positioned between the adjacent vertical studs 90. The door frame 88 is positioned so that the male component fixing flange 62 abuts against the front surface 106 of the studs 90.
A set of second fastening screws 108 are then used to temporarily fixed the levelling devices 10 to the studs 90. Each second fastening screw 108 is inserted through a corresponding male component fixing slot 66 and a front surface 110 of the studs 90.
20 The second fastening screws 108 are not initially fully tightened in order to allow for a lateral relative displacement between the door frame 88 and the adjacent studs 90. The lateral relative displacement is performed in a direction substantially parallel to the wall formed by the studs 90. The lateral relative displacement is indicated in figures 9 and 10 by the reference character L.
Once the desired lateral relative positioning between the door frame 88 and the adjacent studs 90 is reached, the second fastening screws 108 are fully tightened and a set of third fastening screws 112 are tightened through both the male fixing apertures 66 and the front surface 106 of the studs 90. This step releasably locks the door frame 88 and the adjacent studs 90 in a predetermined lateral relative positioning.
0 Once the door frame 88 has been laterally levelled, the user may wish to adjust the relative positioning between the door frame 88 and the adjacent studs 90 in a direction indicated in figures 9 and 10 by the reference character B. The direction B is in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the wall formed by the studs 90.
In order to adjust the relative positioning between the door frame 88 and the adjacent studs 90 in the direction B, the user merely needs to insert the blade of a screw driver type tool through the spacing C defined between the male main plate 42 and the female main plate 16. The user then inserts the tip of the blade into the blade receiving recess 84. Once the tip of the blade is inserted into the blade receiving recess 84, the screw driver is used to rotate the screw-type component 74.
Since the thread 86 is in an abutting relationship with the peripheral edge of the adjustment screw aperture 72, the rotation of the screw-type component 74 causes the latter to be either threadaly inserted into or retracted from the adjustment screw aperture 72 depending on the direction of the rotational movement. In either direction, rotation of the screw-type component 74 causes the latter to translate relatively to the adjustment screw retaining leg 70 and thus relatively to the male component 14.
Concurrently, since a fraction of the head second surface 80 lockingly abuts against the peripheral edge of the head receiving slot 30, the rotation of the adjustment screw aperture 72 does not cause a relative displacement between the adjustment screw 10 aperture 72 and the female type component 12. In fact, the rotation of the adjustment screw aperture 72 causes a peripheral segment of the screw head 76 to push against the peripheral edge of the head receiving slot 30 thus creating a relative translational movement between the female component 12 and the male component 14 in the direction indicated by the reference character B.
Furthermore, since the female component 12 is attached to the door frame 88 by the first fastening screws 100 and since the male component 14 is attached to the adjacent structural stud 90 by the second fastening screw 108 and the third fastening screws 112, the rotation of the adjustment screw aperture 72 is transformed by the 20 levelling device 10 into a translational displacement between the door frame 88 and the stud 90 in the direction indicated by the reference character B.
~138579 In order to prevent the first fastening screws 100 from splintering the door frame 88, a reinforcement component 114 is preferably positioned between the outer surface 26 of the female main plate 16 and the door frame 88 about the door knob 96, as illuslrat6d in figure 10. The reinforcement component 114 is particularly useful in the event that the door 92 is forced.
The reinforcement component 114 is illustrated more specifically in figure 3. The reinforcement component 114 has a substantially "L"-shaped general configuration. The reinforcement component 114 has a substantially flat and generally rectangular shaped 10 reinforcement component main plate 116. A substantially flat and generally rectangular shaped reinforcement component abutment flange 118 extends integrally and substantially perpendicularly from the reinforcement component main plate 11 6.
A set of reinforcement component fixing apertures 120 extend through the reinforcement component main plate 116. The reinforcement component fixing apertures 120 are positioned so as to be substantially in register with the fixing apertures 28 when the female main plate 16 is superposed on the reinforcement component main plate 116, as illustrated in figure 10.
A reinforcement component slot 122 extends through the reinforcement component main plate 11 6. The reinforcement component slot 122 is adapted to receive the recess 32 formed in the female main plate 16 when the latter is superposed on the reinforcement component main plate 116, as illustrated in figure 10.
Referring now more specifically to figures 11 though 14, there is shown a levelling device 10' in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The levelling device 10' is substantially similar to the levelling device 10. Components of the levelling device 10' which are substantially identical or equivalent to similar components part of the levelling device 10 are indicated by the same reference numerals.
The main difference between the levelling device 10' and the hereinbefore described levelling device 10 resides in the components and method used for fixing the male component 14 to the door frame 88. Instead of having a male component fixing flange 62 which extends substantially perpendicularly from the male main plate 42, the levelling device 10' has a male component fixing plate 124 which extends in a substantially parallel and juxtaposed relationship with the outer surface 52 of the male main plate 42. The male component fixing plate 124 has an inner surface 138 and an outer surface 140.
A set of main plate access apertures 126 extend through male main plate 42. A
corresponding set of male fixing plate fixing apertures 128 extend through the male component fixing plate 124. As illustrated in figure 12, the male fixing plate fixing apertures 128 are positioned substantially in register with the main plate access apertures 126. The male fixing plate fixing apertures 128 have a diameter that is relatively smaller then the diameter of the main plate access apertures 126.
A spacing aperture 130 extends through the male main plate 42. A spacing screw 132 is threadaly inserted through the spacing aperture 130. The spacing screw 132 has a spacing screw head 134 and a spacing screw stem 136. As illustrated more specifically in figures 11 and 14, the distal end of the spacing screw stem 136 is adapted to abut against the inner surface 138 of the male component fixing plate 124.
In use, as illustrated more specifically in figure 11, the levelling device 10' is 10 particularly adapted to be used in situations wherein the door frame 88 is in a retracted position relatively to the adjacent studs 90. The male component 14 of the levelling device 10' is adapted to be fixed to inner surface 142 of an adjacent structural stud 90.
The male component 14 is fixed to the stud 90 by inserting a set of fastening screws 144 through the main plate access apertures 126, through the male fixing plate fixing apertures 128 and into the inner surface 142 of the stud 90. The spacing screw head 134 is adapted to abut against the inner surface 138 of the male component fixing plate 124 while the main plate access apertures 126 are provided for allowing access to the spacing screw head 134 by a conventional screw driver blade.
Similarly to the situation with the levelling device 10, with the levelling device 10', the door frame 88 and the adjacent stud 90 are levelled relatively to one another in the 2138~79 direction indicated by the reference character B by rotating the screw-type component 74.
The door frame 88 and the adjacent stud 90 are levelled relatively to one another in the direction indicated by the reference character L by rotating the spacing screw 132.
As illustrated in figures 11 and 14, rotation of the spacing screw 132 causes the male component fixing plate 124 to pivot about the front peripheral edge 44 between a first position wherein the inner surface 138 of the male component fixing plate 124 is in an abutting relationship with the outer surface 52 of the male main plate 42 and a second position wherein the inner surface 138 of the male component fixing plate 124 is in a spaced relationship with the outer surface 52 of the male main plate 42 Figures 15 and 16 illustrate portions of a male component part of a levelling device 10" in accordance with yet a third embodiment of the present invention. The levelling device 10 is substantially similar to the levelling device 10'. Components of the levelling device 10" which are substantially identical or equivalent to similar components part of the levelling device 10' are indicated by the same reference numerals.
Again, the main difference between the levelling device 10" and the hereinbefore 20 described levelling device 10' resides in the components and method used for fixing the male component 14 to a frame. The levelling device 10" further comprises a pair of fixing tongues 140 which project integrally and outwardly from the outer surface 52 of the male 2138~79 main plate 42. In fact, the fixing tongues 140 are preferably punched out of the male main plate 42.
The fixing tongues 140 are substantially symmetrically disposed relatively to one another. Each fixing tongues 140 typically has a fixing tongue spacing segment 142 and an integrally extending fixing tongue grasping segment 144. The fixing tongue grasping segments 144 are both in a substantially spaced and parallel relationship relatively to the male main plate 42.
As illustrated more specifically in figure 16, the levelling device 10" is adapted to be used in situations wherein the door or window frame 146 is formed out of an extruded channel of polymeric material. Instead of using fastening screws that are relatively difficult to insert and which are susceptible of damaging the extruded polymeric channel, the male component 14 is fixed to the frame 146 by releasably squeezing predetermined sections of the frame 146 between the fixing tongue grasping segments 144 and the male main plate 42.
Background-Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to the field of door and window frames and is particularly concerned with an adjustable device for facilitating the leveling of door and window frames.
Background-Prior Art:
The installation of door and window frames is often a tedious and relatively difficult 20 task. One of the main drawbacks of the installation procedure is that the frames must be levelled. The door and window frames must be levelled to allow for proper operation respectively of the doors and windows that they support. Since the structural studs to which the frames are attached are often slanted relatively to one another, the frame installer must often resort to performing an operation called shimming.
The shimming operation consists in fitting relatively thin strips of material in the spacing between the frame and the studs to which the latter is attached. The strips used for the shimming operation are typically strips of shingle-type material that have a generally tapering configuration. By varying the number, the level of insertion and the positioning of the shimming shingles, an experience person may eventually succeed in leveling a door or window frame. However, the procedure requires a certain level of dexterity.
Once the shimming shingles have been properly inserted between the frame and the adjacent studs, the person performing the installation procedure must secure the shimming shingles in place. The shimming singles are typically secured in place by 10 inserting a fastening element such as a nail through the side surface of the frame, the shimming single and the adjacent stud. This step also requires a certain amount of manual dexterity.
Apart from being a tedious operation the conventional method used for installing door and window frames also creates a set of structural drawbacks. Firstly, the shimming shingles that are inserted between the frame and the adjacent studs adversely affect the insulation of the walls. Indeed, the shimming shingles take up a volume that is usually filled with insulating material. Furthermore, the shimming shingles being conventionally made of wood have a tendency to warp and to develop cracks, thus creating p~.~s~ges 20 through which cold air is susceptible of flowing.
Secondly, the fastening elements such as nails which are inserted through the side surface of the frame, the shimming single and the adjacent stud deteriorate the esthetic appearance and the structural integrity of the elements through which they are inserted.
The conventional method and devices used for levelling window and door frames have not only proven to be unsatisfactory during the installation procedure, they have also proven to be inadequate for adjusting the frame after installation. Indeed, it is well known that in most areas, as the environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity and the like change, the door frame and the adjacent structural studs either expand or 0 contract, thereby causing the door to improperly fit in the frame. Often an expending door can be corrected by planning or sawing off a portion thereof, but this may only result in an improperly fitted door with respect to the jambs between which the door is mounted, under normal environmental conditions.
Some prior art devices attempted to provide for adjustment in order to compensate for expansion or contraction of the structural components. Although these prior art known constructions were serviceable to some degree, they were again tedious to use and still resulted in functional problems because of the improper sealing of the door or frame edge with respect to the facing element. As a result, if the door was employed as an outside 20 door, air leakage usually occurred which necessitated the use of external sealing members.
Summary of the Invention:
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved door and window frame levelling device.
The levelling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will facilitate the levelling of door and window frames during the installation procedure thereof.
The levelling device in accordance with the present invention will also facilitate adjustment of the door and window frames having expanded or contracted because of environmental variations after installation.
The levelling device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to allow for a relatively precise adjustment of the relative positioning between the frame and the adjacent structural studs to which it is attached.
The levelling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is adapted to allow a relatively precise adjustment in directions both perpendicular and 20 parallel to the wall to which it is attached.
The levelling device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to provide ~138579 for an accurate adjustment while minimizing the detrimental effect caused to the structural integrity and the esthetic aspect of the structures to which it is attached.
The levelling device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to provide an accurate adjustment while causing minimal damage to the insulation properties of the wall to which it is attached.
The levelling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is adapted to conform to conventional forms of manufacturing so as to provide a levelling 0 device that is economically feasible.
The levelling device in accordance with the present invention has a female component adapted to be fixed to a door or window frame and a male component adapted to be fixed to an adjacent structural stud. The male and female components are in a slidable engagement relatively to one another. The male and female components are linked together by an adjustment screw. The head of the adjustment screw is secured to the female component while the threaded stem of the adjustment screw extends though a section of the male component. The rotation of the adjustment screw c~uses a relative translational displacement between the male and female components.
Accordingly, there is provided a levelling device for levelling a frame relatively to an adjacent structural stud, the frame and said adjacent structural stud having a pair of opposed surfaces, the opposed surfaces being in a face to face and a substantially proximal relationship relatively to one another, the opposed surfaces defining a spacing between each other, the levelling device comprising a male component, the male component having a male component fixing means for allowing the male component to be fixed to one of the opposed surfaces, a female component, the female component having a female component fixing means for allowing the female component to be fixed to one of the opposed surfaces, a retaining and guiding means fixed to both the male component and the female component for retaining the male component and the female component together while allowing a relative translational movement along a 10 predetermined axis between the male component and the female component, a motion inducing means fixed to both the male component and the female component for inducing a selective translational relative movement between the male component and the female component while preventing an unwanted translational relative movement between the male component and the female component, the levelling device being configured and sized so as to be insertable in the spacing.
Conveniently, the male component has a substantially flat male component main plate defining a male plate inner surface, a male plate outer surface, a male plate front peripheral edge, a male plate rear peripheral edge and a pair of opposed male plate side 20 peripheral edges; the female component has a substantially flat female component main plate defining a female plate inner surface, a female plate outer surface, a female plate front peripheral edge, a female plate rear peripheral edge and a pair of opposed female plate side peripheral edges; and wherein the retaining and guiding means includes a pair of lateral flanges extending integrally from the male plate side peripheral edges, a corresponding pair of retaining legs extending integrally and substantially inwardly from the female plate side peripheral edges, each of the retaining legs defining a channel for slidably receiving one of the lateral flanges.
Preferably, each of the retaining legs retaining leg has a spacing segment extending substantially away from the female component main plate and an integrally extending and substantially "V"-shaped retaining segment, the retaining segment having 10 a female abutment flange which extends in a direction substantially parallel to the female component main plate.
Conveniently, each of the lateral flanges has a male spacing segment and an integrally extending male abutment segment, each of the male spacing segments extending substantially inwardly and away from the male component main plate and the male abutment segments extending in a geometrical plane substantially parallel to the male component main plate, each of the lateral flanges being slidably inserted into a corresponding "V"-shaped retaining segment, and each of the male abutment segments being in a slidable abutting relationship with a corresponding female abutment flange.
Preferably the male plate inner surface is in a facing relationship with the female plate inner surface and wherein the motion inducing means includes a screw-head receiving slot extending through the female component main plate adjacent the female plate front peripheral edge, an adjustment screw retaining leg extending integrally and inwardly from the male component main plate, the adjustment screw retaining leg extending substantially perpendicularly to the male component main plate and the female component main plate in between the male component main plate and the female component main plate, an adustment screw aperture extending through the adjustment screw retaining leg, an adjustment screw, the adjustment screw having an adjustment screw head and an integrally extending adjustment screw threaded stem. the adjustment screw head being partially and rotatably inserted into the screw-head receiving slot, the 10 adjustment screw threaded stem being threadaly inserted into the adustment screw aperture.
In accordance with a first embodiment, the female component fixing means includes a set of female component fixing apertures extending through the female main plate and wherein the male component fixing means includes a male component fixing flange extending integrally and substantially perpendicularly from the male plate front peripheral edge, the male component fixing flange being provided with a set of male component first fixing apertures and a male component adjustment slot extending therethrough.
In accordance with a second embodiment, the female component fixing means includes a set of female component fixing apertures extending through the female main plate and wherein the male component fixing means includes a male component fixing plate integrally and resiliently extending from the male plate front peripheral edge, the male component fixing plate extending in a substantially parallel and adjacent relationship relatively to the male plate outer surface, a set of male component second fixing apertures extending integrally though the male component fixing plate, a corresponding set of male component access apertures extending through the male component main plate substantially in register with the male component second fixing apertures, a spacing aperture extending through the male component main plate in an overlying relationship with the male component fixing plate, a spacing screw threadaly inserted into the spacing 0 aperture.
In accordance with a third embodiment, the levelling device further comprises a pair of grasping tongues extending substantially outwardly from the male plate outer surface, the grasping tongues being substantially symmetrically disposed relatively to each other, each of the grasping tongue having a spacing segment extending generally away from the male component main plate and an integrally extending grasping segment extending in a geometrical plane substantially parallel to the male component main plate.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which:
- ~13~579 Figure 1: in a perspective view, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2: in an exploded view, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3: in a perspective view, illustrates a reinforcement component part of a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4: in an elevational view with a section taken out, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5: in a transversal cross-sectional view taken along arrows V-V of figure 4, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6: in a side view, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7: in a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along arrows VII-VII of figure 6, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8: in a schematic elevational view, illustrates a door and its associated door frame levelled relatively to a pair of adjacent vertical structural studs using a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9: in a transversal cross-sectional view taken along arrows IX-IX of figure 8, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention attached both to a structural stud and to the door frame adjacent a door hinge;
Figure 10: in a transversal cross-sectional view taken along arrows X-X of figure 8, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention attached both to a structural stud and to the door frame adjacent a door knob;
Figure 11: in a transversal cross-sectional view, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention attached both to a structural stud and to the door frame adjacent a door hinge;
Figure 12: in an elevational view, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13: in a transversal cross-sectional view taken along arrows XIII-XIII of figure 12, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14: in a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along arrows XIV-XIV of figure 12, illustrates a levelling device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
figure 15: in a partial perspective view, illustrates the bottom side of the male section of a levelling device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16: in a longitudinal cross-sectional view, illustrates the male section of a levelling device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
Detailed Description:
Referring to figure 2, there is shown an exploded view of a leveling device 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The levelling device 10 has a generally flat female component 12 and a generally "L"- shaped male component 14.
The female component 12 has a substantially flat and rectangular shaped female main plate 16. The female main plate 16 has a front peripheral edge 18, a rear peripheral edge 20 and a pair of opposed side peripheral edges 22. The female main plate 16 also has an inner surface 24 and an outer surface 26.
The female main plate 16 is provided with a set of female component fixing apertures 28 extending therethrough. The female main plate 16 is also provided with a head receiving slot 30 extending therethrough. The head receiving slot 30 is substantially centrally disposed relatively to the side peripheral edges 22. A concave-shaped recess 32 is formed in the inner surface 24 adjacent the head receiving slot 30.
A pair of retaining legs 34 extends integrally and substantially inwardly from the side peripheral edges 22. As illustrated more specifically in figure 5, each retaining leg 34 has a spacing segment 36 and substantially "V"-shaped retaining segment 38. Each retaining segment 38 has a female component abutment flange 40 which projects in a geometrical plane substantially parallel to the female main plate 16. Both abutment flanges 40 project inwardly towards each other.
The male component 14 has a substantially flat and rectangular-shaped male main plate 42. The male main plate 42 has a front peripheral edge 44, a rear peripheral edge 46 and a pair of opposed side peripheral edges 48. The male main plate 42 also has an inner surface 50 and an outer surface 52.
The male main plate 42 is provided with a set of access apertures 54 extending therethrough. As illustrated more specifically in figure 4, the access apertures 54 are positioned so as to be substantially in register with the fixing apertures 28 when the female component 12 and the male component 14 are assembled in a predetermined 20 relationship relatively to each other.
A pair of lateral flanges 56 extend integrally from the side peripheral edges 48 of the male main plate 42. Each lateral flange 56 has a male spacing segment 58 and a male abutment segment 60. Each male spacing segment 58 extends substantially inwardly from a corresponding side peripheral edge 48. Each male abutment segment 60 extends laterally from a corresponding male spacing segment in a geometrical plane substantially parallel to the male main plate 42.
A male component fixing flange 62 extends integrally and substantially perpendicularly from the front peripheral edge 44 of the male main plate 42. The male component fixing flange 62 has a set of male fixing apertures 64 extending therethrough.
10 The male component fixing flange 62 also has a male component fixing slot 66 extending therethrough. The male component fixing slot 66 is preferably substantially centrally disposed relatively to the peripheral edges of the fixing flange 62. The male component fixing slot 66 is also substantially transversally oriented across the male component fixing flange 62.
The male component fixing flange 62 is configured and sized so as to extend laterally on both sides over the corresponding lateral flanges 56. A pair of spacing notches 68 is formed on each side of the male component 14 between the male component fixing flange 62 and the adjacent lateral flange 56. The spaGing notches 68 20 are spaced from the peripheral edge of the male component fixing flange 62 by the male spacing segments 58. The spacing notches 68 are adapted to allow through p~.ssflge of the female component abutment flanges 40 when the male component 14 and the female component 12 are assembled, as illustrated in figures 1 and 6.
An adjustment screw retaining leg 70 is formed in the male main plate 42. The adjustment screw retaining leg 70 is formed by bending inwardly a segment of the male main plate 42 which is positioned adjacent a rear peripheral edge 46 of the latter. The adjustment screw retaining leg 70 extends integrally and substantially perpendicularly from the male main plate 42. An adjustment screw aperture 72 extends through the adjustment screw retaining leg 70. As illustrated more specifically in figure 1 and 4, the adjustment screw retaining leg 70 is configured and sized so that when the male 10 component 14 and the female component 12 are assembled, the adjustment screw retaining leg 70 extends perpendicularly between the inner surface 24 of the female main plate 16 and the inner surface 50 of the male main plate 42.
A screw-type component 74 is releasably attached to both the female component 12 and the male component 14. The screw-type component 74 is positioned in the spacing between the inner surface 24 of the female main plate 16 and the inner surface 50 of the male main plate 42. The screw-type component 74 has a substantially disk-shaped screw head 76. The screw head 76 defines a substantially flat head first surface 78 and an opposed substantially flat head second surface 80. A substantially elongated 20 screw stem 82 extends integrally and substantially perpendicularly from the head second surface 80. The head first surface 78 is provided with a blade receiving recess 84. The blade receiving recess 84 is adapted to receive the blade of a screwdriver-type tool. The 2138~79 screw stem 78 is provided with an outwardly projecting thread 86.
Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the levelling device 10 in an assembled configuration whereas figure 2 illustrates the same embodiment in an exploded configuration. In order to assemble the levelling device 10, the lateral flanges 56 part of the male component 14 are slidably inserted inside the retaining segments 38 part of the retaining legs 34 of the female component 12. The female component 12 and the male component 14 are adapted to slide relatively to one another. The retaining segments 38 10 are adapted to releasably attach the male component 14 and the female component 12 together while allowing them to slide relatively to one another.
When the levelling device 10 is assembled, as illustrated in figures 5 through 7, the screw stem 82 is adapted to be inserted inside the adjustment screw aperture 72. In this position, the thread 86 is in an abutting relationship with the peripheral edge of the adjustment screw aperture 72. A peripheral segment of the screw head 76 is adapted to be inserted into the head receiving slot 30 so that a fraction of the head second surface 80 lockingly abuts against the peripheral edge of the head receiving slot 30.
As illustrated in figures 8 through 10, the levelling device 10 is adapted to be positioned between a door and window frame 88 and an adjacent stud 90. The studs are ~138~79 adapted to be used as structural reinforcements for a conventional wall. It should be understood that although the levelling device 10 is shown in the drawings in a situation wherein it is used with a door frame, it could also be used similarly with a window frame or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In figures 8 through 10, the door frame 88 is shown comprising a set of beams that surround a door 92. The door 92 is pivotally attached to the door frame 88 by a set of hinges 94. The door 92 is adapted to be opened and closed using a conventional door knob 96 and its associated mechanism 98.
In order to install a set of levelling devices 10, a user must first solidly attach the devices 10 to the door frame 88. Each levelling device 10 is attached to the door frame 88 by fastening a set of first fastening screws 100 through the female component fixing apertures 28 and through an outer surface 102 of the door frame 88. The first fastening screws 100 are tightened so as to rigidly secure the female components 12 to the door fame 88.
The access apertures 54 are adapted to allow through pA~sAge of a screw driver blade so as to allow a user to access the first fastening screws 100 that are inserted into 20 the female component fixing apertures 28. In order to facilitate access to the first fastening screws 100 through the access apertures 54, the female component fixing apertures 28 are preferably put substantially in register with the access apertures 54. The female component fixing apertures 28 and the access apertures 54 are put in register with one another by moving the male component 14 and the female component 12 relatively to each other using the screw-type component 74 as will be hereinafter disclosed.
In order to provide for an optimal structural behavior, as illustrated in figure 8, the levelling devices 10 are preferably positioned so as to be substantially in register with the hinges 94. As illustrated in figure 9, the female component 12 is preferably positioned at a spacing distance indicated by the reference character S from the frontal surface 104 0 of the door frame 88. The spacing distance S is typically in the range of 3/8th of an inch.
Once the female component 12 of the levelling devices 10 are fixed to the door frame 88, the latter is positioned between the adjacent vertical studs 90. The door frame 88 is positioned so that the male component fixing flange 62 abuts against the front surface 106 of the studs 90.
A set of second fastening screws 108 are then used to temporarily fixed the levelling devices 10 to the studs 90. Each second fastening screw 108 is inserted through a corresponding male component fixing slot 66 and a front surface 110 of the studs 90.
20 The second fastening screws 108 are not initially fully tightened in order to allow for a lateral relative displacement between the door frame 88 and the adjacent studs 90. The lateral relative displacement is performed in a direction substantially parallel to the wall formed by the studs 90. The lateral relative displacement is indicated in figures 9 and 10 by the reference character L.
Once the desired lateral relative positioning between the door frame 88 and the adjacent studs 90 is reached, the second fastening screws 108 are fully tightened and a set of third fastening screws 112 are tightened through both the male fixing apertures 66 and the front surface 106 of the studs 90. This step releasably locks the door frame 88 and the adjacent studs 90 in a predetermined lateral relative positioning.
0 Once the door frame 88 has been laterally levelled, the user may wish to adjust the relative positioning between the door frame 88 and the adjacent studs 90 in a direction indicated in figures 9 and 10 by the reference character B. The direction B is in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the wall formed by the studs 90.
In order to adjust the relative positioning between the door frame 88 and the adjacent studs 90 in the direction B, the user merely needs to insert the blade of a screw driver type tool through the spacing C defined between the male main plate 42 and the female main plate 16. The user then inserts the tip of the blade into the blade receiving recess 84. Once the tip of the blade is inserted into the blade receiving recess 84, the screw driver is used to rotate the screw-type component 74.
Since the thread 86 is in an abutting relationship with the peripheral edge of the adjustment screw aperture 72, the rotation of the screw-type component 74 causes the latter to be either threadaly inserted into or retracted from the adjustment screw aperture 72 depending on the direction of the rotational movement. In either direction, rotation of the screw-type component 74 causes the latter to translate relatively to the adjustment screw retaining leg 70 and thus relatively to the male component 14.
Concurrently, since a fraction of the head second surface 80 lockingly abuts against the peripheral edge of the head receiving slot 30, the rotation of the adjustment screw aperture 72 does not cause a relative displacement between the adjustment screw 10 aperture 72 and the female type component 12. In fact, the rotation of the adjustment screw aperture 72 causes a peripheral segment of the screw head 76 to push against the peripheral edge of the head receiving slot 30 thus creating a relative translational movement between the female component 12 and the male component 14 in the direction indicated by the reference character B.
Furthermore, since the female component 12 is attached to the door frame 88 by the first fastening screws 100 and since the male component 14 is attached to the adjacent structural stud 90 by the second fastening screw 108 and the third fastening screws 112, the rotation of the adjustment screw aperture 72 is transformed by the 20 levelling device 10 into a translational displacement between the door frame 88 and the stud 90 in the direction indicated by the reference character B.
~138579 In order to prevent the first fastening screws 100 from splintering the door frame 88, a reinforcement component 114 is preferably positioned between the outer surface 26 of the female main plate 16 and the door frame 88 about the door knob 96, as illuslrat6d in figure 10. The reinforcement component 114 is particularly useful in the event that the door 92 is forced.
The reinforcement component 114 is illustrated more specifically in figure 3. The reinforcement component 114 has a substantially "L"-shaped general configuration. The reinforcement component 114 has a substantially flat and generally rectangular shaped 10 reinforcement component main plate 116. A substantially flat and generally rectangular shaped reinforcement component abutment flange 118 extends integrally and substantially perpendicularly from the reinforcement component main plate 11 6.
A set of reinforcement component fixing apertures 120 extend through the reinforcement component main plate 116. The reinforcement component fixing apertures 120 are positioned so as to be substantially in register with the fixing apertures 28 when the female main plate 16 is superposed on the reinforcement component main plate 116, as illustrated in figure 10.
A reinforcement component slot 122 extends through the reinforcement component main plate 11 6. The reinforcement component slot 122 is adapted to receive the recess 32 formed in the female main plate 16 when the latter is superposed on the reinforcement component main plate 116, as illustrated in figure 10.
Referring now more specifically to figures 11 though 14, there is shown a levelling device 10' in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The levelling device 10' is substantially similar to the levelling device 10. Components of the levelling device 10' which are substantially identical or equivalent to similar components part of the levelling device 10 are indicated by the same reference numerals.
The main difference between the levelling device 10' and the hereinbefore described levelling device 10 resides in the components and method used for fixing the male component 14 to the door frame 88. Instead of having a male component fixing flange 62 which extends substantially perpendicularly from the male main plate 42, the levelling device 10' has a male component fixing plate 124 which extends in a substantially parallel and juxtaposed relationship with the outer surface 52 of the male main plate 42. The male component fixing plate 124 has an inner surface 138 and an outer surface 140.
A set of main plate access apertures 126 extend through male main plate 42. A
corresponding set of male fixing plate fixing apertures 128 extend through the male component fixing plate 124. As illustrated in figure 12, the male fixing plate fixing apertures 128 are positioned substantially in register with the main plate access apertures 126. The male fixing plate fixing apertures 128 have a diameter that is relatively smaller then the diameter of the main plate access apertures 126.
A spacing aperture 130 extends through the male main plate 42. A spacing screw 132 is threadaly inserted through the spacing aperture 130. The spacing screw 132 has a spacing screw head 134 and a spacing screw stem 136. As illustrated more specifically in figures 11 and 14, the distal end of the spacing screw stem 136 is adapted to abut against the inner surface 138 of the male component fixing plate 124.
In use, as illustrated more specifically in figure 11, the levelling device 10' is 10 particularly adapted to be used in situations wherein the door frame 88 is in a retracted position relatively to the adjacent studs 90. The male component 14 of the levelling device 10' is adapted to be fixed to inner surface 142 of an adjacent structural stud 90.
The male component 14 is fixed to the stud 90 by inserting a set of fastening screws 144 through the main plate access apertures 126, through the male fixing plate fixing apertures 128 and into the inner surface 142 of the stud 90. The spacing screw head 134 is adapted to abut against the inner surface 138 of the male component fixing plate 124 while the main plate access apertures 126 are provided for allowing access to the spacing screw head 134 by a conventional screw driver blade.
Similarly to the situation with the levelling device 10, with the levelling device 10', the door frame 88 and the adjacent stud 90 are levelled relatively to one another in the 2138~79 direction indicated by the reference character B by rotating the screw-type component 74.
The door frame 88 and the adjacent stud 90 are levelled relatively to one another in the direction indicated by the reference character L by rotating the spacing screw 132.
As illustrated in figures 11 and 14, rotation of the spacing screw 132 causes the male component fixing plate 124 to pivot about the front peripheral edge 44 between a first position wherein the inner surface 138 of the male component fixing plate 124 is in an abutting relationship with the outer surface 52 of the male main plate 42 and a second position wherein the inner surface 138 of the male component fixing plate 124 is in a spaced relationship with the outer surface 52 of the male main plate 42 Figures 15 and 16 illustrate portions of a male component part of a levelling device 10" in accordance with yet a third embodiment of the present invention. The levelling device 10 is substantially similar to the levelling device 10'. Components of the levelling device 10" which are substantially identical or equivalent to similar components part of the levelling device 10' are indicated by the same reference numerals.
Again, the main difference between the levelling device 10" and the hereinbefore 20 described levelling device 10' resides in the components and method used for fixing the male component 14 to a frame. The levelling device 10" further comprises a pair of fixing tongues 140 which project integrally and outwardly from the outer surface 52 of the male 2138~79 main plate 42. In fact, the fixing tongues 140 are preferably punched out of the male main plate 42.
The fixing tongues 140 are substantially symmetrically disposed relatively to one another. Each fixing tongues 140 typically has a fixing tongue spacing segment 142 and an integrally extending fixing tongue grasping segment 144. The fixing tongue grasping segments 144 are both in a substantially spaced and parallel relationship relatively to the male main plate 42.
As illustrated more specifically in figure 16, the levelling device 10" is adapted to be used in situations wherein the door or window frame 146 is formed out of an extruded channel of polymeric material. Instead of using fastening screws that are relatively difficult to insert and which are susceptible of damaging the extruded polymeric channel, the male component 14 is fixed to the frame 146 by releasably squeezing predetermined sections of the frame 146 between the fixing tongue grasping segments 144 and the male main plate 42.
Claims (8)
1. A levelling device for levelling a frame relatively to an adjacent structural stud, said frame and said adjacent structural stud having a pair of opposed surfaces, said opposed surfaces being in a face to face and a substantially proximal relationship relatively to one another, said opposed surfaces defining a spacing between each other, said levelling device comprising:
- a male component, said male component having a male component fixing means for allowing said male component to be fixed to one of said opposed surfaces, - a female component, said female component having a female component fixing means for allowing said female component to be fixed to one of said opposed surfaces, - a retaining and guiding means fixed to both said male component and said female component for retaining said male component and said female component together while allowing a relative translational movement along a predetermined axis between said male component and said female component, - a motion inducing means fixed to both said male component and said female component for inducing a selective translational relative movement between said male component and said female component while preventing an unwanted translational relative movement between said male component and said female component, - said levelling device being configured and sized so as to be insertable in said spacing.
- a male component, said male component having a male component fixing means for allowing said male component to be fixed to one of said opposed surfaces, - a female component, said female component having a female component fixing means for allowing said female component to be fixed to one of said opposed surfaces, - a retaining and guiding means fixed to both said male component and said female component for retaining said male component and said female component together while allowing a relative translational movement along a predetermined axis between said male component and said female component, - a motion inducing means fixed to both said male component and said female component for inducing a selective translational relative movement between said male component and said female component while preventing an unwanted translational relative movement between said male component and said female component, - said levelling device being configured and sized so as to be insertable in said spacing.
2. A levelling device as recited in claim 1 wherein said male component has a substantially flat male component main plate defining a male plate inner surface, a male plate outer surface, a male plate front peripheral edge, a male plate rear peripheral edge and a pair of opposed male plate side peripheral edges; said female component has a substantially flat female component main plate defining a female plate inner surface, a female plate outer surface, a female plate front peripheral edge, a female plate rear peripheral edge and a pair of opposed female plate side peripheral edges; and wherein said retaining and guiding means includes - a pair of lateral flanges extending integrally from said male plate side peripheral edges, - a corresponding pair of retaining legs extending integrally and substantially inwardly from said female plate side peripheral edges, each of said retaining legs defining a channel for slidably receiving one of said lateral flanges.
3. A levelling device as recited in claim 2 wherein each of said retaining legs retaining leg has a spacing segment extending substantially away from said female component main plate and an integrally extending and substantially "V"-shaped retaining segment, said retaining segment having a female abutment flange which extends in a direction substantially parallel to said female component main plate.
4. A levelling device as recited in claim 3 wherein each of said lateral flanges has a male spacing segment and an integrally extending male abutment segment, each of said male spacing segments extending substantially inwardly and away from said male component main plate and said male abutment segments extending in a geometrical plane substantially parallel to said male component main plate, each of said lateral flanges being slidably inserted into a corresponding "V"-shaped retaining segment, and each of said male abutment segments being in a slidable abutting relationship with a corresponding female abutment flange.
5. A levelling device as recited in claim 4 wherein said male plate inner surface is in a facing relationship with said female plate inner surface and wherein said motion inducing means includes - a screw-head receiving slot extending through said female component main plate adjacent said female plate front peripheral edge, - an adjustment screw retaining leg extending integrally and inwardly from said male component main plate, said adjustment screw retaining leg extending substantially perpendicularly to said male component main plate and said female component main plate in between said male component main plate and said female component main plate, - an adustment screw aperture extending through said adjustment screw retaining leg, - an adjustment screw, said adjustment screw having an adjustment screw head and an integrally extending adjustment screw threaded stem. said adjustment screw head being partially and rotatably inserted into said screw-head receiving slot, said adjustment screw threaded stem being threadaly inserted into said adustment screw aperture.
6. A levelling device as recited in claim 5 wherein said female component fixing means includes a set of female component fixing apertures extending through said female main plate and wherein said male component fixing means includes a male component fixing flange extending integrally and substantially perpendicularly from said male plate front peripheral edge, said male component fixing flange being provided with a set of male component first fixing apertures and a male component adjustment slot extending therethrough.
7. A levelling device as recited in claim 5 wherein said female component fixing means includes a set of female component fixing apertures extending through said female main plate and wherein said male component fixing means includes a male component fixing plate integrally and resiliently extending from said male plate front peripheral edge, said male component fixing plate extending in a substantially parallel and adjacent relationship relatively to said male plate outer surface, a set of male component second fixing apertures extending integrally though said male component fixing plate, a corresponding set of male component access apertures extending through said male component main plate substantially in register with said male component second fixing apertures, a spacing aperture extending through said male component main plate in an overlying relationship with said male component fixing plate, a spacing screw threadaly inserted into said spacing aperture.
8. A levelling device as recited in claim 7 further comprising a pair of grasping tongues extending substantially outwardly from said male plate outer surface, said grasping tongues being substantially symmetrically disposed relatively to each other, each of said grasping tongue having a spacing segment extending generally away from said male component main plate and an integrally extending grasping segment extending in a geometrical plane substantially parallel to said male component main plate.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB939326091A GB9326091D0 (en) | 1993-12-21 | 1993-12-21 | Device for levelling doors during their installation |
| GB9326091.7 | 1993-12-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2138579A1 true CA2138579A1 (en) | 1995-06-22 |
Family
ID=10746962
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2138579 Abandoned CA2138579A1 (en) | 1993-12-21 | 1994-12-20 | Adjustable door and window frame levelling device |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2138579A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9326091D0 (en) |
-
1993
- 1993-12-21 GB GB939326091A patent/GB9326091D0/en active Pending
-
1994
- 1994-12-20 CA CA 2138579 patent/CA2138579A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9326091D0 (en) | 1994-02-23 |
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