GB2544988B

GB2544988B - Adjustable door jamb

Info

Publication number: GB2544988B
Application number: GB1521247.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Manir Mohammad
Original assignee: Property Dev Services Uk Ltd
Current assignee: Property Dev Services Uk Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-02
Filing date: 2015-12-02
Publication date: 2019-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-02
Also published as: GB2544988A; GB201521247D0

Description

ADJUSTABLE DOOR JAMB

The present invention relates to an adjustable doorjamb for use in an adjustable door lining.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION A door lining is a door frame for use in buildings, and typically includes two doorjambs and a head. The head is attached to the upper ends of the jambs, and the door lining fitted in an opening in a wall, where a door is to be positioned. Once fastened in position, a door is hinged to one of the jambs and is latched or locked to the other jamb. A door stop is usually nailed around the inside of the frame during fitting, but can be machined into the jambs and head during manufacture of the frame. The door closes against the door stop and when latched, is held firm between the latch and door stop.

Internal door linings, particularly in the United Kingdom, are available in a range of standard widths, namely AVC (107mm); 5%” (132mm) and 6VU (158mm) to fit a range of sizes of door opening, ie the width of the wall in which to the door lining is to be fitted. Often the width of the door opening is a non-standard width. This is usually encountered in restoration of older buildings, but can occur in new builds, due to variations in plastering and wall boarding techniques.

It is also possible that the width of the door opening is non-standard. Standard doors openings are 27” (690mm), 30” (765mm) and 33” (840mm) wide.

To fit a non-standard door ling, a carpenter will usually select a larger door lining, the closest in size to the wall thickness, and plane it down to the required thickness. Alternatively, strips of wood can be glued to the sides of the jambs and head to increase their width, before planing and/or sanding to fit. Where the wall thickness is much greater than standard sizes, the frame may be bespoke machined.

If the width of the door opening is also a non-standard size, then the length of the head must be cut accordingly as well. A joint may be cut to provide a shoulder on the head, enabling the jambs to be fitted squarely.

It will be appreciated that the fitting of a non-standard door lining is therefore an expensive task, because it takes significantly more time than fitting a standard door lining. If several non-standard door linings are required in the same property, which is often the case, then the cost of the carpenter’s time increases accordingly. Furthermore, a greater range of woodworking tools is required to fit a non-standard door ling. A DIY enthusiast undertaking this work will therefore have to spend more money on equipment and in the event, the task may be too complex to complete successfully.

To resolve the problem of different wall widths, it has been proposed to provide a standard door lining with machined slots in the side. A right-angle (“L-shaped”) architrave is pushed into the slot, covering part of the doorway recess and the face of the adjacent wall. The architrave can move in and out of the slot and can provide a limited amount of adjustability in the width of the wall. This solution works to a limited extent, but is flawed, because it relies on the use of a bespoke angled architrave. If it is necessary to match the architrave to another in a building, then the system cannot be used, unless matching angled architrave is machined. In practice, it is quicker and more cost effective to make a bespoke door frame.

It is also known to create the jambs and header of a door lining from multiple pieces of timber. For example, taking one j amb, a central member is attached to the wall opening, and further timbers are attached to it extending to either side (ie with a gap between). A door stop is finally placed over the gap. This method is laborious and expensive, because multiple timbers are utilised and more fixings are required.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable doorjamb for use in an adjustable door lining which reduces or substantially obviates the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable door jamb comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member, the first elongate member having a rectangular cross section and a tongue extending from one side thereof, and the second elongate member having a rectangular cross section and a slot in one side thereof, the tongue of the first elongate member being received in the slot of the second elongate member, at least one adjustment means provided between the f i rst and second el ongate members for adj usti ng and control I i ng the rel ative spaci ng between the edges of the first and second elongate members, the or each adjustment means being a threaded rod with a drive head at one end thereof and an unthreaded portion having a step therein at the other end thereof, a female threaded member for engagement with the threaded rod and a si otted receivi ng member for receivi ng the step of the unthreaded portion, the tongue being arranged to slide in and out of the slot of the second elongate member during adjustment.

Advantageously, the adjustment means enables the spacing between the first and second elongate members to be adjusted during fitting of the doorjamb, thus enabling the overall width of the door jamb to be adjusted to fit a particular width of opening. Furthermore, the opposite sides of the doorjamb need not be adjusted parallel, but can be adjusted to lie flush to the wall surfaces, thus enabling straightforward fitting of architrave after the doorjamb is fitted.

There may be two, three or more adjustment means provided between the first and second elongate members.

By providing a number of adjustment means, the first and second elongate members are connected together at different positions along their length, providing for a more rigid doorjamb. T he adj ustment means may be spaced apart. A central adjustment means may be positioned close to the door catch position, substantially mid-way along the door jamb. Upper and lower adjustment means may be provided close to the usual hinge positions, at around 150mm from each end of the doorjamb.

An aperture may be provided in one side of the second elongate member for receiving the slotted receiving member.

An aperture may be provided in one side of the first elongate member for receiving the female threaded member.

Apertures may be provided in the first and second elongate members for receiving the adjustment means.

An end of each adjustment means is therefore held longitudinally captive with respect to the second member, but is free to rotate relative thereto. The screw thread of the adjustment means is engaged in the female threaded member, set into the first elongate member, and on rotation of the screw thread, the second elongate member is moved relative to the first elongate member. A door stop may be provided to overlie and fix to the tongue, in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable door lining comprising a pair of adjustable doorjambs in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and an adjustable head for attachment between the doorjambs.

The head may comprise a first member and a second member, the first member having a tongue extending from one side thereof, and the second member having a slot in one side thereof, the tongue being received within the slot, and slidable within the slot, enabling the first and second members to be moved relative to one another whilst the tongue is engaged within the slot.

The first and second members of the head may be retained together by means of at least one securing element. The securing element may be a bolt, and there may be at least two bolts.

Advantageously the width of the head at each end can float with the width of the upper ends of the doorjambs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a door lining including an adjustable doorjamb of the invention;

Figure 1A shows a cross section of a first member of the adjustable doorjamb of Figure i;

Figure IB shows a cross section of a second member of the adjustable doorjamb of Figure 1;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of part of the adjustable doorjamb of Figure 1, showing the adjustment means;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the upper part of the door lining of Figure 1, the doorjambs on either side of the door lining being adjusted to different widths and the head adjusted to correspond to the different widths at each end thereof;

Figure 4 shows part of the door jamb and head of Figure 1 in an openly adjusted position;

Figure 5A shows a screw threaded adjuster screw of the type fitted in the adjustable doorjamb of Figure 1; and

Figure 5B shows a bolt of the type fitted in the header of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figure 1, an adjustable door lining is indicated generally at 10 and is shown fitted in position in a door opening in a wall 12. The adjustable door lining 10 includes a first adjustable doorjamb 14, a second adjustable doorjamb 16 and an adjustable head 18.

Each adjustable doorjamb 14, 16 has a first member 20 and a second member 22, which are connected together, but which can be controllably moved apart to adjust the overall width of the doorjamb 14,16. The first member 20 comprises an elongate member of rectangular cross section 24, with a tongue or mortise 26 extending from an edge, the inside edge in use, of the rectangular cross section 24. The tongue 26 does not extend over the full length of the first member, but is cut away at it’s upper and lower ends, adjacent positions of upper and lower adjustment means, described further below.

The second member 22 comprises a similar elongate member of rectangular cross section, but with a slot or groove 28 extending into the edge, the inside edge in use, of the member, for receiving the tongue 26 of the first member. A cross section through a central region of the second member 22, showing the slot 28 is shown in Figure IB. The slot is wide enough to allow the tongue 26 to easily slide in and out of the slot, and is deep enough to allow the full depth of the tongue 26 to be accommodated in the slot 28.

Referring also to Figure 2, an adjuster or adjustment means for adjusting the relative positions of the first and second members 20, 22 is indicated generally at 30. Each adjustable doorjamb 14, 16 has three adjustment means 30, including upper, central and lower adjustment means, as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5A, the adjustment means includes a threaded screw 32. A drive head 34 for a screwdriver, preferably a posi-drive head, is disposed at one end of the screw 32. The other end of the screw 32 is machined down to provide a short smooth stem 36 connecting to a smooth cylinder 38. The smooth stem 36 is smaller in diameter than the smooth cylinder 38, providing a step in diameter at the end of the screw.

Referring back to Figure 2, the screw 32 is threadingly engaged with a threaded member 40 located in a lateral aperture 42 in the first member 20, and the cylinder 38 of the screw is rotationally engaged in a slotted member 44 located in a lateral aperture 46 in the second member 22. The lateral apertures are blind holes machined in one side of the first and second members, in the sides, which in use lie against the end of a wall forming a door opening. A further blind hole 48 is machined from the edge, the outer edge in use, of the first member 20, and connects between the lateral apertures (when the doorjamb is assembled). The hole 48 extends through the width of the first member including the tongue and into the second member, where it terminates at the aperture 46. The screw 32 is inserted into the hole 48, screwed into the threaded member 40 and engaged in the slotted member 44.

The cylinder 38 at the end of the screw 32 is retained in the slotted member 44 such that it is free to rotate, but cannot move longitudinally in the hole 48. The screw head can be accessed through the end of the hole 48 and as the screw is rotated in one direction the first and second members are drawn together and as it is rotated in the other direction they are moved apart. As the first and second members 20, 22 move towards and away from one another, the tongue 26 moves in and out of the slot 28, but always remains engaged. It will be appreciated that the three adjusters in each door jamb must be operated together. That is, if the bottom adjuster is more or less unadjusted such that the tongue is fully engaged in the slot, but the top adjuster is fully adjusted out, then the middle adjuster must be adjusted to around a mid-point of adjustment.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the adjustable head 16 includes a first head member 50 and a second head member 52. In similar manner to the doorjambs 14, 16, the first head member 50 has a tongue 54, which extends partly along the length of the head and which is received in a slot 56 in the second head member 52. The first and second head members are held together by bolts 58, as shown also in Figure 5B. The ends of the bolds are screwed into nuts, inset in the second head member. The purpose of the bolts is to hold the first and second head members together, whilst allowing them to move freely toward and away from each other with the tongue 54 moving in and out of the slot 56. In other words, the members can float relative to one another and can be aligned to the first and second members 20,22 of respective doorjambs.

Referring back to Figure 1, the head 18 is cut with square ends and fits into rebates cut into the upper ends of the doorjambs 14,16. The head 18 is pre-cut to a length, such that the distance between the doorjambs 14, 16 is 840mm (33”), ie suitable for a large standard door. To adjust the head to different widths of door openng, it is conveniently pre-marked for cutting in two positions, 60, 62, namely suitable for a 765mm (30”) opening which is a standard door size, and 690mm (27”) which is a standard small door size. The head is attached to the doorjambs 14, 16, by screws between the respective first members and second members.

In use, a door lining comprises a pack of two adjustable doorjambs 14, 16 and a head 18. The head 18 is cut to length as required, using the markings 60, 62 as a guide. The first member 20 of each doorjamb 14,16 is then fitted and screwed to the first member 50 of the head 18, and the second member 22 of each doorjamb 14, 16 is fitted and screwed to the second member 52 of the head 18.

The pre-assembled door lining can then be lifted into position in a door opening. The outer edges of the first members 20 are then aligned to be flush with the wall surfaces (on the side that the door is to be hanged) and the first members secured with screw fixings, nails, or other suitable fixings and/or polyurethane foam.

The position of the second members 22 of the door lining can then be adjusted by turning of the screws 32. In this way, each second member 22 can be adjusted so that it’s outer edge lies flush with the wall surface on the other side of the door opening. As the second members 22 are moved, the second member 52 of the head 18 moves with them, because it is free to float relative to the first member 50. Once the final position is established, then the second member 22 of each doorjamb can be fixed. A door can then be fitted to the secured door lining. Door stop can then be secured in conventional manner, by nailing, and the nails can be arranged to pass through the tongues 26, 54. The use of tongues is highly advantageous, because they provide material to which the door stop can be fixed. Architrave of any required design can also then be attached to the edges of the door lining in conventional manner.

Standard UK door linings are currently provided in widths of 107mm (4.5”), 132mm (5.25”) and 158mm (6.25”). The doorjambs 14,16 and head 18 are provided in these standard sizes, but have the capability to expand by 25mm (1”) along their length. It will be appreciated that a significant advantage of the invention is that the second members 22, 52 may not lie parallel with the first members 20, 50, because the walls on either side of an opening may not be parallel. The adjustability of the door lining means than no machining of timber is required to fit both non-standard sizes, but also walls which are not plumb on both sides. It will be appreciated that the doorjambs and head of the invention can be provided in any desired size and larger sizes are proposed. For example, in some older buildings, door linings of 254mm (10”) width may be required. The adjustability is intended to be 25mm, but if larger first and second members are utilised, then the tongue and slot sizes can be increased to provide further adjustability.

The invention is suitable both for professional tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts, because it is easier to fit than standard door lings, it does not require a large number of tools and it is fully adjustable.

The embodiment described above is provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable door jamb comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member, the first elongate member having a rectangular cross section and a tongue extending from one side thereof, and the second elongate member having a rectangular cross section and a slot in one side thereof, the tongue of the first elongate member being received in the slot of the second elongate member, at least one adjustment means provided between the first and second el ongate members for adj usti ng and control I i ng the rel ative spaci ng between the edges of the first and second elongate members, the or each adjustment means being a threaded rod with a drive head at one end thereof and an unthreaded portion havi ng a step therei n at the other end thereof, a femal e threaded member for engagement with the threaded rod and a slotted receiving member for receiving the step of the unthreaded portion, the tongue being arranged to slide in and out of the slot of the second elongate member during adjustment.

2. An adjustable door jamb as claimed in claim 1, in which there are two adjustment means provided between the first and second elongate members.

3. An adjustable door jamb as claimed in claim 1, in which there are three or more adjustment means provided between the first and second elongate members.

4. An adjustable door jamb as claimed in claim 2 or 3, in which the adjustment means are spaced apart.

5. An adjustable door jamb as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an aperture is provided in one side of the second elongate member for receiving the slotted receiving member.

6. An adjustabledoor jambas claimed in claim 5, in which an aperture is provided in one side of the first elongate member for receiving the female threaded member.

7. An adjustable doorjamb as claimed in any preceding claim, in which apertures are provided in the first and second elongate members for receiving the adjustment means.

8. An adjustable doorjamb as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a door stop is provided to overlie and fix to the tongue, in use.

9. An adjustable door lining comprising a pair of adjustable doorjambs as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, and an adjustable head for attachment between the doorjambs.

10. An adjustable door lining as claimed in claim 9, in which the head comprising a first member and a second member, the first member having a tongue extending from one side thereof, and the second member having a slot in one side thereof, the tongue being received within the slot, and slidable within the slot, enabling the first and second members to be moved relative to one another whilst the tongue is engaged within the slot.

11. An adjustable door lining as claimed in claim 10, in which the first and second members of the head are retained together by means of at least one securing element.

12. An adjustable door lining as claimed in claim 11, in which the securing element is a bolt.