GB2517722A

GB2517722A - A Door Fitting Assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2517722A
Application number: GB1315381.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter James Ards
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-29
Filing date: 2013-08-29
Publication date: 2015-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2033-08-29
Also published as: GB2517722B; GB201315381D0

Abstract

A door fitting assembly 1 comprises a shoe F1.1 adapted to receive a first location of a door, a holding mechanism to engage a second location of the door and a mechanism for raising and lowering the shoe. The first location may be a corner of the door and the holding mechanism may comprise at least one clamp F1.2, F1.3. The assembly may comprise at least one wheel F1.4 located adjacent the shoe and may include at least one ball caster or rubber foot. The mechanism for raising or lowering the shoe may comprise at least one hand operated lever F1.6 having two lever arms which causes the shoe to slide along a guide member F1.9. The assembly may further comprise detachable stabilising and hinge-fitting devices. A template member may be provided to facilitate the fitting of butt hinges. The invention also relates to a method of fitting a door using the assembly.

Description

A DOOR FITTING ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a door filling assembly and to a method of fitting a door using said assembly.

The acts of hanging a door, fitting ironmongery and filling locks are by nature often carried out in buildings. This can provide challenges for carrying doors up stairs and in awkward to access locations. Additionally, there are difficulties when working in confined spaces.

Doors, in particular fire doors, can be awkward and heavy to manually handle especially since doors can be of weights in excess of 50 kilograms. This is well above the recommended lifting weight for two people. Hinges and optionally concealed door closures need to be filled on one side of the door panel (e.g. on a stile) so that the door can be hung and if one or more locks are required these need to be fitted on the opposite side of the door panel. The above mentioned acts also typically involve the use of sharp hand tools and/or power tools. It is advisable to complete a risk assessment before starting such operations.

The present invention seeks to alleviate the current disadvantages associated with fitting doors.

Thus, in a first aspect, the invention provides a door fitting assembly comprising: (i) a shoe adapted to receive a first location, preferably a corner, of a door or door panel; (U) holding means adapted to engage a second location of the door or door panel; and (Ui) means for raising and lowering the shoe such that the door or door panel can be raised and/or lowered.

By the term "door panel" is meant a door without one or more of hinges, handles, locks or the like. In the remainder of this specification, the term "door" will be used to encompass both doors and door panels.

The door fitting assembly according to the invention holds doors of various sizes and weights without the need for a person to stabilise the door. The door fitting assembly thus enables safe manual handling, holding, transporting, lifting and positioning of various types, sizes and weights of doors. It may be used to facilitate the lifting of a door, especially into a vertical position, to enable fitting of a door in a door frame and/a dooi lining. Furthermore, the door fitting assembly facilitates both the hanging of a door and the fitting of ironmongery by one person.

When the door fitting assembly holds a door, for example in the horizontal plane, it allows hinge recesses to be cut out on the edge of a door by one person. i.e. without the need for a second person to stabilise the door.

Preferably, the door fitting assembly is provided with at least one wheel, particularly preferably wherein said wheel is located towards one end of the assembly, especially adjacent the shoe.

Preferably, the door fitting assembly is provided with a plurality of wheels or at least one wheel and at least one ball caster or rubber foot. The presence of one or more wheels aids the transport of the door fitting assembly on its own as well as when a door is received therein.

The shoe has any form suitable to receive a first location of a door. In one embodiment of the invention the shoe comprises a base and three side walls, wherein two of the side walls oppose each other at a distance which is at least as wide as the door to be received and the third wall extends between the two opposite side walls. Preferably and for ease of manufacture, the base and the side walls are each independently of square or rectangular shape. However, the shape of the base and the shape of the side walls are not limited except that the iesulting combination must be able to receive a door or door panel.

In a preferred embodiment, the shoe is detachable. Alternatively, it may be integrally formed with the rest of the door fitting assembly.

The base and side walls of the shoe may be integrally formed from one piece of material or they may be independently formed and subsequently joined (e.g. welded) together. In one embodiment, only one of the side walls is attached to the base, extending upwards therefrom, and the other side walls are attached to, or extend from, the side wall attached to the base. In an alternative embodiment, each of the side walls are attached to the base but not attached to, or extending from, each other.

The base of the shoe is preferably a square or rectangle having an area of approximately 3750 mm2, e.g. a rectangle with two sides about 50-1 00 mm in length, e.g. 75 mm, and two sides from about 10 mm in length, e.g. 50 mm. The side walls of the shoe are preferably ito 15cm tall and may be the same height or differ in height from one another.

The shoe is adapted to be raised and lowered through movement along the door filling assembly, preferably slideable movement.

The means for raising and lowering the shoe may be any suitable lifting mechanism, for example a jack or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for raising the shoe comprises at least one lever means operable for raising the shoe to a raised position and the means for lowering the shoe comprises at least one release lever operable to lower the shoe from the raised position to a lowered position. Preferably, the at least one lever means is operated by hand.

Preferably, the at least one lever means comprises two lever arms. The two lever arms are operable to be grasped by the hand of a user and the two lever aims are adapted to be moved relative to each other so as to cause the shoe to be raised. When the lever arms of the at least one lever means are moved relative to each other, the shoe is lifted a desired distance along the door assembly and is held in place until the release lever is activated. The release lever is configured to lower the shoe when the release lever is activated, piefeiably by manually operating the ielease lever, e.g. by piessing downwardly on the release lever.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the means for raising the shoe comprises a hand-operated lever with two lever arms and one or more channels, each channel containing a guide member, such that when the lever arms are operated between a position in which the two levers arms are spaced apart and a position in which the two levers arms are located relatively close together, the shoe slides along the guide member or members and is lifted a desired distance along the guide member or members. In one embodiment, the lever arms are repeatedly operated between the position in which the two levers arms are spaced apart and the position in which the two levers arms are located relatively close together until the shoe is lifted the desired distance.

For safety and balance, the means for raising and lowering the shoe preferably comprises S two levers, e.g. in the form of a dual lever mechanism.

Preferably, a rubber stopper is located beneath the means for raising and lowering the shoe.

Preferably, the means for raising and lowering the shoe also raises and lowers the holding means adapted to engage the door or door panel.

The holding means preferably comprises at least one clamp.

In another embodiment, the door filling assembly may optionally further comprise: (iv) a detachable stabilising device adapted to engage a door and comprising at least one wheel.

In another embodiment, the door tilling assembly may optionally further comprise: (v) a detachable hinge-filling device adapted to engage a door and comprising a protruding plate adapted to receive screws.

The protruding plate of the detachable hinge4itting device is suitable for use in engaging the hinge-fitting device with a hinge of a door.

Being detachable, the hinge-filling device can engage a door on the same side as the rest of the door filling assembly or on another side.

When either the hinge-fitting device or the stabilising device engages a door on the same side as the rest of the door fitting assembly, this further stabilises the door in the horizontal position. When the hinge-filling device engages a door on the opposite side to the rest of the door filling assembly, this further stabilises the door in the vertical position.

The hinge4itting device may further comprise one or more wheels, locking casters (e.g. swivel! rotating locking casters) and/or ball casters. If present, the ball caster is preferably located at the base of the hinge-fitting device. Preferably, a locking swivel caster is located at the top of the hinge-fitting device.

The door fitting assembly can be used together with either the hinge-fitting device or the stabilising device to transport a door to a door frame. If the hinge-fitting device is used for transportation, it must have at least one wheel. That is, the door fitting assembly when used with the hinge-fitting device or the stabilising device enables the supporting and transporting of a door (e.g. in a horizontal position) to where the door is to be fitted.

When fitted to the door assembly, the stabilising device engages a door on the same side as the rest of the door fitting assembly. This further facilitates the transport of a door in the horizontal position. Alternatively, the hinge-fitting device with at least one wheel can be used in place of the stabilising device. When the stabilising device, or the hinge-fitting device with at least one wheel, engages a door on the opposite side to the rest of the door fitting assembly, this further facilitates the transport of a door in the vertical position.

The hinge-fitting device may also comprise any one or more of the following: one or more clamps, a retractable foot, a slideable shaft and means for raising and lowering said shaft, e.g. one or more lever means. Clamps are means to engage the door, the retractable foot is for stabilisation of the device and the slideable shaft and means for raising and lowering said shaft enable the movement of the protruding plate to where hinges are to be fitted as well as enabling the compact storage of the device. In another embodiment, the slideable shaft is replaced with channel and guide members as described above.

In a preferred embodiment, a retractable foot is located on the same side of the hinge-fitting device as a locking caster but at the other end of the hinge-fitting device. The hinge-fitting device can then balance on the locking caster and retractable foot. If clamps are located opposite the retractable foot and locking caster, the hinge-fitting device can be used with the door fitting assembly to stabilise a door, e.g. in the horizontal position.

The detachable stabilising device preferably comprises one or more clamps to engage the door.

In a preferred embodiment, wheels, preferably two wheels, are located opposite the clamp of the stabilising device. This aids the stabilisation of the door filling assembly.

The detachable stabilising device preferably comprises a boring guide. When this preferred stabilising device is attached to the door fitting assembly, it facilitates the fitting of a mortise lock to a door as well as the support and transport of a door. The stabilising device when fitted to the door fitting assembly can also be used to facilitate lock fitting.

The detachable stabilising device may be detached from the door assembly by way of a release lever.

In a preferred embodiment, the stabilising device is also fitted with a brake for the wheel.

Any known brake may be used; however, a spring loaded locking pin which engages into the wheel is preferred.

If the stabilising device is used with the door fitting assembly then the detachable hinge-fitting device is not required to be used in the horizontal position and therefore does not require clamps ora locking caster wheel.

For heavier doors, the stabilising device when fitted to the door fitting assembly can be used in place of the detachable hinge-fitting device to stabilise the door, i.e. for supporting and transporting the door in a horizontal or inclined position). The door is then lifted (e.g. into the vertical position) and positioned into the frame.

In a preferred embodiment, the door fitting assembly has wheels and the hinge-fitting device has a ball caster at its base. This door fitting assembly and the hinge4itting device engage the door on opposite sides and can be used to position the door. The door can then be hung to a door frame and/or door lining using various types of hinges.

As well as enabling transport, the attachment of the detachable stabilising device to the door fitting assembly also facilitates the cutting of a mortise for a mortise lock using an Auger or blacksmith drill and a modified Forstner bit, both with depth stops.

The invention also provides a detachable template member. The template member facilitates the fitting of butt hinges to a door and with an adaptor can also be used to aid fitting of mortise locks. The template member may be attached to the door fitting assembly according to the invention for storage purposes. When detached from the door fitting assembly, the template member facilitates the fitting of hinges using a cutting device such as an oscillating multitool, a chisel or the like. The template member can be used with an attachment to cut a mortise for a mortise lock using a device such as an Auger or blacksmith drill and a modified Forstner bit. A door lock fitting jig can be attached to the template member to enable the mortise for the mortise lock to be recessed. This is especially advantageous if the stabilising device is not part of the door fitting assembly being used.

The template member is preferably a jig comprising movable jaws engageable with the edge of a door. The template member acts as a template to guide a cutting device to create a recess for a hinge. In a preferred embodiment, the template member comprises at least one slideable portion, e.g. a slider plate, which enables the portion of the door to be recessed out to be determined by the user, i.e. so that the recessed portion equates the size of the hinge to be fitted.

The template member can be also used to form the mortise for the mortise lock if not using the stabilising device. The template member is clamped with the attachment on the door where the lock is to be positioned. Then using an Auger with a depth stop collar, the template member is drilled through at each position to the required depth. Then the template member is repositioned off centre by half a hole and each hole is re-drilled through using the modified Forstner bit and the timber between the holes is removed.

Finally, the waste may be removed with a chisel or a rotary rasp and the lock fitted.

The door tilling assembly can be fitted with various types of ground engaging wheels.

These include, but are not limited to Nylon, Double or Triple multidirectional wheels. Two sets of three triple multidirectional wheels or three nylon wheels in triangular layout may be used to enable transportation up or down stairs.

A swivel locking caster on the hinge-filling device may be clamped to the door above where the door fitting assembly is clamped. This stabilises the door, especially when in the horizontal position, to facilitate hinge fitting and transport. A rubber foot may be used in place of the locking caster wheel for stabilisation.

Several combinations of the devices and attachments are applicable to door fitting depending upon the type and weight of doors to be fitted. The most suitable arrangement of door fitting assembly according to the invention for any given circumstance depends upon the weight of the door(s) to be hung.

For example, pre-hung doors and frames may require the door fitting assembly with the S detachable hinge-fitting device just to position the door in the frame and/or lining safely.

In this embodiment, the hinge-fitting device does not need to be provided with wheels.

Equally, DIY users may select this option just for fitting the door in the frame.

Light weight doors may only require the door fitting assembly with the detachable hinge-fitting device, i.e. without the stabilising device. In this embodiment the door fitting assembly and hinge-fitting device can be made from light gauge materials such as approximately 1.5 mm gauge telescopic square tubing or any other geometric telescopic tubing.

For repeated use with heavy doors or fire doors, the best option may involve the door fitting assembly, the stabilising device and the hinge-fitting device, wherein the hinge-fitting device has no clamps or wheels and is made from heavy gauge section material such as approximately 2 mm gauge telescopic square tubing. The door fitting assembly and devices are, however, not limited to such material and may each independently be made from any material as herein described.

In a preferred embodiment, the door fitting assembly comprises one or more channels, each channel containing a guide member, a shoe adapted to receive a first location of a door and configured for slideable movement along the one or more guide members, a hand-operated release lever, hand-operated lever means with two lever arms, at least one clamp adapted to engage said door at the same side as the shoe, at least two wheels and a rubber stopper.

Especially preferably, the door filling assembly comprises two clamps adapted to engage said door at the same side as the shoe, one clamp being near the base of the assembly and the other being further up the shaft.

For stability during stabilisation of the door filling assembly and during transport of a door, two wheels are preferably located at the base of the door filling assembly and two wheels are preferably located adjacent the lower clamp.

The materials from which the door assembly, the detachable hinge-fitting device, stabilising device and template member are produced include telescopic geometric tube in mild steel, aluminium alloy, plastic or carbon fibre of various gauges. Clamps are preferably made from mild steel, aluminium or plastic and the lever mechanisms are preferably made from cast alloy or steel, particularly preferably cast alloy with 8 mm mild steel vertical rod. Axles are preferably tubular steel with various wheels including multidirectional wheels, preferably held in place on the axle with split pin, cir-clip, R clip, collar or any other suitable means known in the art. Fixings are preferably made of stainless steel or high tensile steel.

The door fitting assembly and/or devices may be coated. Suitable coatings include galvanising and other electroplating, powder coating, painting or plastic dipping.

The process for making the assembly and devices can include MIG, MAO, TIG, electric arc, oxyacetylene and spot welding and mechanical fixings including adhesives.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of fitting a door using the door fitting assembly as defined herein.

In a preferred embodiment, said method comprises the following steps: (a) positioning the shoe of said assembly to receive a first location of a door, preferably the bottom corner on the side of the door opposite to the side to which a hinge is to be fitted; (b) securing the dcci with holding means, prefeiably one or moie clamps, of said assembly on the same side as said shoe; and optionally (c) engaging the detachable hinge-fitting device or the stabilising device with the door above said holding means, preferably by clamping.

The present invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which are shown, by way of example only, a number of embodiments of the present invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the door fitting assembly which may be used for lifting and/or transporting; Figures 1A, lB and 1C are perspective views of the door fitting assembly including device C having alternative wheel arrangements; S Figure 1 D is a perspective view of the door fitting assembly without any wheels.

Figures 2 and 2A are perspective views of a preferred hinge-fitting device according to the invention; Figure 3(i)is a front elevation of the doorfitting assembly; Figure 3(u) is a sectional plan view along the line A-A of figure 3(i); Figure 3(iU) is an end elevation of the door fitting assembly of figure 3(i); Figure 3A(i) is a front elevation of the door fitting assembly with a preferred hinge-fitting device in position; Figure 3AOi) is a sectional plan view along the line A-A of Figure 3A(i); Figure 3A(iii) is an end elevation of the door fitting assembly of figure 3A(O; Figure 3B(i) is a front elevation of the door fitting assembly with a preferred stabilising device in position; Figure 3BOi) is a sectional plan view along the line A-A of Figure 3B(i); Figure 3BOii) is an end elevation of the door fitting assembly of Figure 3B(i); Figure 3C is a sectional front elevation of the preferred mechanism of the raising and lowering means of a door fitting assembly according to the invention; Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 40 show front elevation, side and sectional views of a preferred hinge-fitting device according to the invention; Figure 5 is an orthographic projection of a preferred template member for use with a preferred stabilising device; Figure 5A is an isometric projection of Figure 5; Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are orthographic views of a preferred stabilising device; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a preferred template member and an attachment for the template member; Figure 8 is an orthographic view of the template member of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a front view of the preferred dual lever mechanism for the raising and lifting means of the door filling assembly; Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative door fitting assembly according to the invention; Figure 11 is a front view of the raising and lifting means of the door tilling assembly of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a dry wall plaster lifter arrangement for a preferred hinge-fitting device; Figures 13 to 15 show a particularly preferred embodiment of the door assembly being used with a preferred stabilising device; Figure 16 shows a preferred embodiment of the hinge-fitting device in use; Figure 17 shows the door assembly and stabilising device of Figures 13 to 15 being used with the hinge-fitting device from Figure 16; Figure 18 shows a jig for use with the door fitting assembly according to the invention; and Figure 19 shows an alternative jig for use with the door fitting assembly according to the invention.

In the Figures, like reference numerals are used for like components. Figure 1 shows a preferred door fitting assembly 1 comprising a shoe F1.1 adapted to receive a corner of a door or door panel and clamps Fl.2 and Fl.3 adapted to engage the door or door panel above the corner received by the shoe F1.1. Door fitting assembly 1 further comprises hand-operated levers Fl.5 and Fl.6, each having two lever arms, fulcrums Fl.7 and Fl.8, guide members F1.9 and Fib, connection plates F1.ll and Fi.12, channels Fl.16, rubber stopper Fl.17 and hand-operated release lever Fl.27.

Hand-operated levers Fl.5 and Fl.6 are operated, preferably repeatedly, between a position in which the two levers arms are spaced apart and a position in which the two levers arms are located relatively close together to raise shoe Fl.1 and clamps Fl.2 and Fl.3 a desired distance along guide members F1.9 and Fib in channels F1.16. When the lever arms are squeezed together, shoe Fl.l and clamps Fl.2 and Fl.3 slide along the guide members Fl.9 and Fl.1O and are raised a desired distance along door assembly 1.

By pressing downwardly on release lever F1.27 shoe Fl.l and clamps Fl.2 and Fl.3 slide along guide members Fl.9 and Fl.1U in channels Fl.16 from the raised position to a lowered position.

The door fitting assembly 1 in Figure 1 is further provided with wheels F1.4 located adjacent the shoe Fl.l and wheels Fl.14 and F1.15 at the base of the assembly. Fl.13 is an axle.

Figure 1A shows the door fitting assembly 1 of Figure 1 in combination with a preferred detachable stabilising device F1.18 adapted to engage a door. F1.18 is provided with a mortise lock boring guide jig F1.20. Detachable stabilising device F1.18 is provided with wheels 2 and clamp 3.

An alternative wheel arrangement F1.19, FA1.19 or FAA1.19 may be substituted for each of wheels F1.4 shown in Figures 1, 1A, lB. 1C and 1D. A multidirectional wheel arrangement is shown in Figure 1 B. In Figure 1D a simplified door fitting assembly 10 is shown which is similar to the door fitting assembly 1 is as shown in Figure 1 but without any wheels.

Figure 2 shows a preferred hinge-fitting device 200 with clamps F2.1 and F2.2, swivel locking caster F2.3, hinge connecting plate F2.4, lever F2.5, ball caster F2.6, retractable foot F2.7 and slideable shaft F2.8. When a door fitting assembly according to the invention such as door fitting assembly 1 is fitted on the lock side of a door and hinge-fitting device 200 of Figure 2 is fitted on the hinge side of a door, swivel locking caster F2.3 supports the door while in the horizontal position and ball caster F2.6 supports the door while in the vertical position.

Figure 2A shows a simplified hinge-fitting device 210 with hinge connecting plate F2.4, lever F2.5 and ball caster F2.6.

A first preferred arrangement for the door fitting assembly according to the invention comprises the door fitting assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 D in combination with hinge-fitting device 210 shown in Figure 2A. In this arrangement, the door fitting assembly comprises detachable hinge-fitting device 210, wherein said hinge-filling device 210 has no wheels but may have optional ball casters. This arrangement is suitable for hanging medium to light weight doors and for fitting pre-hung doors into a frame. This arrangement is preferably not used for holding or transporting a door in the horizontal position.

A second preferred arrangement for a door filling assembly according to the invention comprises the door filling assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 in combination with hinge-filling device 200 shown in Figure 2. This combination is shown in Figures 3A and 4 and is particularly suitable for medium weight doors. Detachable hinge-fitting device 200 of Figure 2 is provided with wheels, e.g. a rotating locking caster and a ball caster, and enables safe manual handling, holding, transport, lifting and positioning of various types and sizes to facilitate hanging the door and fitting of ironmongery by one person.

A third preferred arrangement for the door fitting assembly according to the invention comprises the door fitting assembly 1 shown in Figure 1A, 1 B or 1 C in combination with hinge-fitting device 210 shown in Figure 2A and stabilising device F1.18 shown in Figure 6. The combination of the door fitting assembly 1 shown in Figure 1A, lB or 1C in combination with stabilising device F1.18 of Figure 6 is shown in Figure 3B. In this combination, the detachable hinge-filling device is not required to be used in the horizontal position and does not require clamps or a locking caster wheel. This arrangement may be used with heavy doors including fire doors as well as medium to light doors and can be used with a further attachment, template member D4 (an example of which is shown in Figure 7), to fit mortise locks.

The operation of a preferred door filling assembly according to the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures. It is noted that this description would apply equally to other door fitting assemblies according to the invention.

With a door in the upright vertical position, the shoe Fl.1 at the base of the door fitting assembly 1 is located and positioned by the user such that the shoe Fl.1 is positioned at the edge of the door on the lock side (i.e. opposite the hinge side). Shoe F1.l is positioned using levers F1.5 and Fl.6 (or dual lever mechanism F9.5). Then, by leaning the door towards the hinge side (i.e. away from the user) and lifting the base of the door on the lock side, shoe Fl.1 is positioned under the door and the door is allowed to lean back into the shoe F1.1. The door fitting assembly 1 is then secured to the door by turning screws on clamps Fl.2 and Fl.3 so as to engage clamps Fl.2 and F1.3 with the door and thereby secure the door to the door filling assembly 1.

Detachable hinge-filling device 200 (see Figure 2) is then clamped into position on the door above the door fitting assembly 1 using clamps F2.l and F2.2 with the wheel F2.3 facing in the same direction as the wheels Fl.4 of the door fitting assembly 1, i.e. the wheel (F2.3) is on the same side as the wheels Fl.4 of the door fitting assembly 1. The door can then be lowered into the horizontal position with the hinge side uppermost and the load transferred to the ground via the three wheels Fl.4 and F2.3 and the retractable foot F2.7. This allows the door to be held in position until the hinges are rebated by hand or machine or by using template member D4 (see Figure 7) with an oscillating multi tool.

Once the hinges have been fitted to the door (e.g. using template member D4), the S retractable foot F2.7 can be retracted and the door can be safely transported to the filling location by means of wheels Fl.4 and F2.3. At this point the door can be returned to the vertical position and hinge-fitting device 200 can be removed from the door by reversing the clamping process described earlier. Hinge-fitting device 200 is then attached to the bottom hinge of the door using one or more screws from the hinge located into the appropriate slot in the plate F2.4.

The door can then be positioned into the frame by sliding it forward and sideways using the wheels F1.4 or the multi-directional -wheels FA1.19 if filled (see Figure 1B) and the ball caster F2.6 on hinge-fitting device 200. A spacer can be placed at the top of the door to ensure the correct gap between the door and the frame. Once positioned in the door frame, the door can be lifted vertically and held in position by means of operating the hand lever F2.5 which transfers the weight of the door through the ball caster F2.6 of hinge-fitting device 200 to the ground. This moves the centre of gravity of the door onto the shoe Fl.1 so that the weight of the door is transferred to the shoe of the door fitting assembly 1. Then the hand levers Fl.5 and F1.6 are operated simultaneously acting upon the fulcrums Fl.7, F 1.8 and transferring the applied force to the ground acting wheels Fl.14 and F1.15 via the guide members F1.9, Fl.l0 and axle Fl.13, thereby lifting and holding the door in position within the frame.

Because guide members Fl.9, Fl.10 are not directly fixed to any part of the door fitting assembly 1 clamped to the door but act jointly with channels F1.16 as shafts which slide with respect to each other, the vertical force applied to them simultaneously results in an equal and opposite reaction applied to the ground consequently lifting the door to the required height in the door frame. The door frame can then be marked for recessing and fitting the hinges. Then the door filling assembly 1 and hinge-fitting device 200 can be released and the door can be moved away from the frame to enable the hinges to be recessed in the frame.

Once this has been done the door can be repositioned using the door fitting assembly 1 and detachable hinge-fitting device 200 and held in position while the door hinges are screwed to the frame. Once the door has been hung, further vertical force can be applied to the door using the door fitting assembly 1 and the detachable hinge-fitting device 200.

This will hold the door in position while optional handles, locks and letter boxes are fitted.

The use of stabilising device F1.18 in conjunction with the door fitting assembly 1 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 1A, 1 B, 3B, 5, 5A, SB and 6. It is noted that this description would apply equally to any stabilising device according to the invention.

Stabilising device F1.18 may be used with the door fitting assembly ito support, hold and transport heavy doors in the horizontal plane and for mortise lock recessing using an Auger or blacksmith drill and modified Forstner bit all with depth stops.

Stabilising device F1.18 and attachment F1.20 can be fitted to the door fitting assembly 1 to enable the mortise to be cut into the door to receive the mortise lock. Stabilising device F1.18 is slid to the position for the lock and clamped to the door using the clamp (see Figure 3B(iD)). With stabilising device F1.18 fitted to the door fitting assembly 1 at 990 mm from the base of the door to the handle spigot, attachment Fl.20 can be used to form the recess for the mortise lock. An Auger or drill with a depth stop collar is used to drill through each hole H in the attachment Fl.20 to the required depth to remove the waste.

Then stabilising device FlAB is raised (or lowered) by approximately 8 or 9 mm (i.e. by half a hole size) and a modified Forstner bit is used, removing the waste between the holes H. The remaining waste can be removed with a chisel, then the mortise lock is placed in the mortise and the keeper plate position marked on the edge of the door. A multi oscillating tool and/or chisel can then be used to cut the edge of the keeper recess and a chisel can be used to remove waste and fit the keeper plate.

As can be seen from Figures 1, 5, 5A and 6, the attachment Fl.20 of stabilising device Fl.18 to the door fitting assembly 1 facilitates the cutting of the mortise for the mortise lock using an Auger or blacksmith drill and a modified Forstner bit, both with depth stops.

Figures 7 and 8 show template member D4 which facilitates the filling of butt hinges such as Hi00 to a door 500. Template member D4 may be attached to the door fitting assembly according to the invention for storage purposes. When detached from the door fitting assembly, template member 04 facilitates the fitting of hinges using an oscillating multitool.

Template member 04 comprises plates F7.2 and F7.6 which are adapted to be clamped to edge of a door by clamps F7.1. Template member D4 acts as a template to guide a cutting device to create a recess for a hinge, e.g. hinge H100. Template member 04 further comprises slider plates F7.3 and F7.5 which enable the portion of the door to be recessed out to be determined by the user, i.e. so that the recessed portion equates the size of the hinge to be fitted.

In use, template member D4 is fixed (using clamps F7.1) to the edge of a door 500 held in a horizontal position by the door fitting assembly 1 and hinge-fitting device 200 or stabilising device F1.18. To obtain the correct depth for the recess, a hinge H100 is positioned under plate F7.2 and slideable plate F7.3. Slideable plate F7.3 is then fixed in place by tightening the socket head cap screw bolt F7.4.

With an oscillating multi tool cutter in a vertical position and using template member D4 as a guide, the edge of the door can be penetrated to the thickness of a hinge H100. This process is repeated along the whole length of the perimeter of the hinge line. When this is completed, the oscillating multi tool cutter can be positioned in a horizontal position and the other edge of the door can be penetrated. This process is repeated along the length of the hinge until the recess is completely removed. Template member D4 is then removed by unscrewing the clamps F7.1 and the hinge is screwed into position. The process is then repeated for any further hinges required.

A door lock fitting jig 400 can be attached to template member D4 to enable the mortise for a mortise lock to be recessed. Door lock jig 400 can be clamped to a door using template member D4 at the position the lock is to be positioned. Then using an Auger with a depth stop collar, the jig 400 can be drilled through at each position to the required depth. The jig 400 should then be repositioned off centre by half a hole H so that each hole in the door is re-drilled through using a modified Forstner bit and the timber between the holes can be removed. Finally, the waste may be removed with a chisel or a rotary rasp and the lock fitted.

Figure 9 shows an alternative dual lever mechanism for raising and lifting shoe Fl.1 and clamps Fl.2 and Fl.3 of the door fitting assembly 1. The mechanism in Figure 9 has dual lever F9.5, guide member F9.l0, connection plates F9.12 and release lever F9.21.

S Figure 10 shows an alternative door fitting assembly 100 which is similar to door fitting assembly 1. Door fitting assembly 100 is provided with the raising and lifting means of Figure 11.

A plastering attachment 600 (see Figure 12) can also be filled to the hinge-fitting device according to the invention, e.g. hinge-fitting device 200, to enable plaster board to be lifted into position when dry wall lining. The base of the attachment 600 is simply placed under the plaster board and lifted into position using the lever as lifting a door with the hinge-fitting device.

Figures 13 to 15 show a particularly preferred embodiment of the door assembly according to the invention being used with a preferred stabilising device F1.18. In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 15, the door assembly has multidirectional wheels FA1.19.

Figure 16 shows a preferred embodiment of the hinge-filling device according to the invention in use. Hinge connecting plate F2.4 is connected to a hinge on the door and the ball caster F2.6 rests on the floor.

Figure 17 shows the door assembly of Figures 13 to 15 being used with the hinge-filling device of Figure 16. Here the rotating locking caster F2.3, lever F2.5 and clamp F2.1 of the hinge-fitting device are also visible.

The mortise lock boring guide jigs in Figures 18 and 19 are provided with clamps and can be used, tor example, with door fitting assembly according to the invention as templates for culling a mortise. That is, rather than use attachment Fl.20 and stabilising device F1.18, a mortise lock boring jig with clamps may be used to aid the culling of the mortise for a lock.

It will of course be understood that aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that additions and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims: 1. A door fitting assembly comprising: (i) a shoe adapted to receive a first location of a door or door panel; (ii) holding means adapted to engage a second location of the door or door panel; and (iii) means for raising and lowering the shoe such that the door or door panel can be raised and/or lowered.
2. The door fitting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first location of the door or door panel comprises a corner of the door or door panel.
3. The door fitting assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the holding means comprises at least one clamp.
4. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the door fitting assembly is provided with at least one wheel.
5. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said wheel is located towards one end of the assembly.
6. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said wheel is located adjacent the shoe.
7. The door filling assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one ball caster or rubber foot.
8. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a plurality of wheels.
9. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for raising and lowering the shoe comprises at least one hand-operated lever means operable for raising the shoe.
10. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hand-operated lever means comprises two lever arms.
11. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for raising and lowering the shoe comprises a release lever operable for lowering the shoe.
12. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for raising and lowering the shoe comprises a hand-operated release lever, a hand-operated lever with two lever arms and one or more channels, each channel containing a guide member, wherein the lever arms are moveable relative to each other between a position in which the two levers arms are spaced apart and a position in which the two levers arms are located relatively close together such that when the lever arms are operated, the shoe slides along the guide member or members and is lifted a desired distance along the guide member or members.
13. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising: (iv) a detachable stabilising device adapted to engage a door and comprising at least one wheel, wherein said door fitting assembly enables the supporting and transporting of a door to where the door is to be fitted.
14. The door filling assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stabilising device further comprises a boring guide to facilitate lock filling.
15. The door fitting assembly as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the stabilising device comprises one or more clamps.
16. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising: (v) a detachable hinge-filling device adapted to engage a door and comprising a protruding plate adapted to receive screws, wherein said door fitting assembly enables the supporting and transporting of a door to where the door is to be filled.
17. The door filling assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the hinge-fitting device comprises one or more wheels, locking casters or ball casters.
18. The door fitting assembly as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the hinge-fitting device further comprises a retractable foot to aid stabilisation.
19. The door fitting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a template member adapted to facilitate the fitting of butt hinges.
20. The door fitting assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the template member is a jig comprising movable jaws engageable with the edge of a door.
21. The door fitting assembly as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the template member comprises at least one slideable portion.
22. A method of fitting a door using a door fitting assembly as defined in any preceding claim.
23. The method as claimed in claim 22 comprising the following steps: (a) positioning the shoe of the door filling assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21 to receive a first location of a door; and (b) securing the door with holding means of the door fitting assembly on the same side as said shoe.
24. The method as claimed in claim 22 comprising the following steps: (a) positioning the shoe of the door filling assembly as defined in any one claims 11 to 21 to receive a first location of a door; (b) securing the door with the holding means of the door fitting assembly on the same side as said shoe; and (c) engaging the detachable hinge-fitting device or stabilising device with the door above said holding means.
25. The method as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24 wherein in step (a) the shoe of the door filling assembly is positioned to receive a bottom corner of a door, said bottom corner being on the side of the door opposite to the side to which a hinge is to be fitted.
26. A door fitting assembly substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
27. A method of fitting a door substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
28. A template member adapted to facilitate the fitting of bull hinges substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 7, 8, 18 and 19o1 the accompanying drawings.