WO2022070065A1

WO2022070065A1 - Frame anchoring

Info

Publication number: WO2022070065A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/058899
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Boogaerts
Original assignee: Bds, Besloten Vennootschap
Priority date: 2020-09-30
Filing date: 2021-09-29
Publication date: 2022-04-07
Also published as: BE1028658A1; BE1028658B1

Abstract

This invention relates to a device and method for attaching a U-shaped frame profile (1,2) to be mounted vertically to a bearing structure (4). The device comprises an anchoring element (7) with two guide elements (10). An opening (9) in the anchoring element allows anchoring the anchoring element in the bearing structure (4) with an attachment means. The device also comprises two guide plates (13) to guide the anchoring element (7) over a path between the upstanding edges of the profile. A complementary guide element (100) of the guide plate is, when in use, obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal direction of the profile to be mounted vertically, such that the anchoring element upon, attaching the frame, can slide from a higher to a lower position under the influence of gravity when attaching the frame, At least a section (12) of the anchoring element (7) hereby comes to rest on the bearing structure. (4), such that anchoring with the attachment means affixes the guide plates (13) relative to the anchoring element and the bearing structure.

Description

Frame anchoring

The present invention relates to the art of construction and interior decoration, and in particular to the mounting of frames, such as frames for bearing doors or windows in or on a wall .

A conventional method for mounting door frames comprises the use of mounting foam. This allows quick and robust mounting, but the used mounting foam may contain unwanted harmful substances for people, animal and/or environment .

Furthermore, in fire-resistant frames said approach is less suitable or even unsuitable, as the hardened foam cannot prevent the deformation of a metal frame in case of exposure to heat . An additional problem with the use of mounting foam is that the expanding foam may end up on the paint of the frame, which may be difficult to remove and may even cause permanent discolouration or damage of the paint . That is why there is a need in the art for mounting systems that do not require mounting foam, and which preferably also allow a quick, robust and precisely adjustable mounting of a door frame .

Alternative and simple solutions may comprise pouring concrete in a metal frame or directly bricking in the frame . However, this is only possible in a structural phase, not in the finishing phase of a building. This also has clear disadvantages in terms of time efficiency and adjustability. Moreover as the concrete dries there may be a deviation in the mounting which can no longer be compensated or is very difficult to compensate . It goes without saying that a door frame needs to be mounted very precisely to allow a free pivot of the door leaf around the hinge points while still obtaining a good fit in the closed position, e . g. for aesthetic reasons and ttoo achieve good sound muffling.

Furthermore, removing a frame mounted by means of such structural approach again is particularly laborious .

It is also possible to mount a metal frame by first attaching a wooden plank, wooden filling blocks or a complete wooden frame to the wall, which subsequently the metal frame is mounted over, e . g. attached thereto with nails, screws or glue . However, this is a time-consuming method, requiring a lot of additional precise bespoke work. The disadvantage of attaching with screws or nails is that they are visible afterwards, whereas attachment with glue, among others, can no longer be adapted in case of a deviating positioning, may adhere poorly (e . g. due to insufficient glue being used, dust, or poor pre-treatment) and does not allow the frame to be reused elsewhere . Furthermore, the glue may contain polluting substances and complicates the separation of waste streams in case of removal and/or demolition.

It is also known in the art to attach a hollow metal door frame with an anchor that is adapted to prevent the door frame from buckling or deforming when the frame is attached to the wall . For example, US 2012/311944 relates to such an anchor which comprises a hollow intermediate portion, with a base portion located on one end having a hole defined therein. A pair of opposed flanges extends outward from the other end of the intermediate portion. The height of the anchor hereby corresponds with the depth ooff the frame profile . When the anchor is mounted in the hollow frame, the intermediate portion provides strength and stability to prevent deformation of the frame when securing the frame to the wall . A screw that is inserted through a hole in the profile, the hole in the base portion, the cavity of the intermediate portion and in the end engages in the wall itself , ensures a firm attachment. The flanges are hereby (centrally) supported on the wall surface aanndd clamp (peripheral) edges of the frame profile between the anchor and the wall . The base portion is supported on the inside of the profile where the hole in the profile is provided, such that the anchor is tightened by the screw on both the profile and the wall . A perpendicular orientation of the flanges relative to the central part of the anchor ensures a good alignment relative to the wall, such that torque is avoided. US 4873804 describes a similar solution, whereby the jamb anchor is movably mounted (upon assembly) relative to a support piece with flanges to make contact with the wall .

However, aa disadvantage of said known anchors is that mounting screws remain visible after mounting the frame . They can be finished for example with plastic covers, such that the mounting screws are less conspicuous, although the attachment points are still visible . Another disadvantage is that such covers are usually only available in a restricted number of colours . Even if the colour corresponds with the frame the covers may still have aa noticeably deviating texture compared to the frame, and the covers may discolour differently than the frame over time . In other known mounting systems, as disclosed in BE 901103 or US 4 , 510, 722 for example, a section of the brackets, which need to be adjusted during assembly remain visible at the outer edges of the frame after mounting. Furthermore, said systems have the disadvantage that mounting and adjusting may be time consuming.

The system described in BE 890707 uses clamping jaws, which draw the frame profile together and tighten it across the wall . This allows a quick mounting, but can only be applied for frames made of thin metal plates, such that the frame profile can deform sufficiently to firmly clamp it tight . However, such thin profiles aarree less suitable for bearing heavy doors and/or in case of intensive use . A further disadvantage is that the profile may deform irregularly, such that e . g. dents are created, which may be particularly problematic for irregular wall surfaces, such as irregular brickwork. It is also possible that the wall surface tapers, which e . g. may occur in plasterboard walls if a plasterboard was mistakenly mounted with a bevelled edge oriented toward the door opening. Consequently, when mounting, the profile may slide off the wall due to clamping.

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a good, robust, efficient and/or simple anchoring of a frame to a bearing structure, such as e . g. a wall .

Whereas the present description is chiefly aimed at, and illustrated by, aa device and method for mounting and attaching a door frame to a wall, it will be clear for the person skilled in the art that embodiments are not necessarily restricted to this end, and for example are also applicable to other types of frames, such as for bearing a window, a fence or a swinging door, and/or for attaching to a type of bearing structure other than a wall, such as a support beam.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the use of mounting foam and/or glue can be avoided. Mounting foam and/or glue may contain unwanted harmful substances and/or damage the paint of the frame . Mounting foam can also not prevent the deformation of the frame in case of exposure to heat .

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they allow a quick and efficient mounting .

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they allow a precise mounting, which can be adjusted precisely.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they allow mounting whereby no attachment elements, such as ssccrreewwss,, nails, brackets or clamps, remain visible after mounting.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they allow mounting in an existing wall opening, which possibly is already completely finished. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they allow mounting in many different wall types, e . g. in substantially all commonly used wall types .

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that unwanted deformation of the door frame can be avoided, while still obtaining a firm attachment of the frame to the wall .

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they allow mounting a door frame that is suitable to bear heavy doors and/or for intensive use .

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they are suitable for mounting fire-resistant doors .

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a proper mounting of a door frame can be obtained on irregular wall surfaces and/or in imperfectly formed door openings .

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that use of polluting substances can be avoided, and/or that a good reusability and/or recyclability of materials can be obtained, e . g. because the frame and all used attachment means can be manufactured completely out of metal .

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a door leaf can be hung in a frame before the frame is permanently secured to the wall . In methods as known in the art, the door can only be mounted after permanent mounting of the frame, which may result in many additional problems if the door appears not to fit well, such as removing and replacing the frame and/or adjusting the door leaf .

A device and/or method according to embodiments of the present invention realises the abovementioned objective .

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for attaching a frame to a bearing structure, whereby the frame comprises at least one U-shaped profile to be mounted vertically. The device comprises aann anchoring element comprising two guide elements on opposite sides of the anchoring element which is provided with at least one opening to anchor the anchoring element in the bearing structure through it with an attachment means . The device comprises two guide plates to, when affixed to or integrally formed in the upstanding edges of the U-shaped profile, guide the anchoring element in between, whereby each guide plate comprises a complementary guide element ttoo guide a corresponding guide element of the anchoring element such that the anchoring element may slide into the cavity of the U-profile over a predefined path. The complementary guide element of every guide plate, when thus affixed to or formed in the aforementioned upstanding edge of the U-shaped profile, is obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal direction of the U-shaped profile to be mounted vertically, such that the anchoring element, when mounted between the two guide plates upon attaching the frame, may slide from a higher position to a lower position along the predefined path under the influence of gravity. In said downward slide of the anchoring element, at least one section moves toward the bearing structure and comes to rest thereon, such that anchoring the anchoring element in the bearing structure with the attachment means with this section resting on the bearing structure, ensures that the guide plates are stably supported and secured relative to the anchoring element and the bearing structure .

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention, the anchoring element may comprise a temporary attachment element to temporarily attach the anchoring element to the U-shaped profile, such that the anchoring element is locked in the aforementioned higher position until the temporary attachment is detached.

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention, the temporary attachment element may comprise a further opening in the anchoring element ttoo screw the anchoring element to the profile using a screw or bolt .

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention, the ''at least one opening' may consist more specifically of at least two openings, which are spread in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of a connecting line between the two guide elements .

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention, the, or every, opening of the anchoring element may comprise an oblong or oval opening, with a longitudinal direction parallel to the aforementioned direction of the connecting line between the two guide elements . In a device according to embodiments of tthhee present invention, the guide elements of the anchoring element may comprise a peg, lip and/or protrusion, and the complementary guide elements of the guide plates may comprise a groove, recess and/or notch.

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention. the groove, recess and/or notch may be narrower across at least one section of its length than the peg, lip and/or protrusion, such that the anchoring element only fits between the guide plates in a tilted position .

In a device according to embodiments of tthhee present invention, the groove, recess and/or notch may comprise a narrowing such that, in use, the anchoring element of the aforementioned higher position, where the groove, recess and/or notch is wide enough to hold the anchoring element in an upright orientation, is able ttoo slide to the aforementioned lower position, where the groove, recess and/or notch is only wide enough to hold the anchoring element in a tilted orientation.

In a device according to embodiment of the three present invention, the guide elements of the anchoring element may comprise a groove, recess and/or notch, and the complementary guide elements of the guide plates may comprise a peg, lip and/or protrusion.

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention, the anchoring element may comprise or substantially consist of a substantially unbendable flat plate, e.g. a flat metal plate. However, embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily restricted to a plateshaped (and/or flat or not) anchoring element.

In a device according to embodiment of the three present invention, tthhee anchoring eelleemmeenntt may comprise or substantially consist of a bent or folded (deformable) plate, whereby the plate is folded or bent along one or several folding lines which are substantially oriented parallel to the connecting line between the two guide elements such that a central section of the anchoring element, comprising the guide elements, protrudes relative to an upper section and a lower section on either side of said central section.

In a device according ttoo embodiments ooff the present invention, it is possible that the free end of the lower section does not lie in the extension of the plane of the upper section , and the free end may protrude in the same direction as the central section from the aforementioned plane .

In a device according to embodiment of the the present invention, the anchoring element may comprise a structural weakening to stimulate further folding and/or bending of the plate along one or more of the aforementioned folding lines when the anchoring element is subjected to a tightening force as a result of anchoring the anchoring element in the bearing structure with the attachment means through the at least one opening. A device according to embodiments of the present invention may comprise the U-shaped profile to be mounted vertically, with the two guide plates integrally formed therein or with the two guide plates attached in or to the upstanding edges of the profile .

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention the two guide plates can be attached (e . g. welded) to the inside of the upstanding edges of the U-shaped profile and symmetrically relative to each other .

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention the anchoring element may be mounted in the cavity of the profile and between the two guide plates such that the guide elements and the complementary guide elements functionally interlock.

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention, a width of the anchoring element can be adapted such that the anchoring element between the guide plates, formed in or mounted to the upstanding edges of the profile, fits with sufficient clearance to allow sliding of the anchoring element along the aforementioned path .

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention the anchoring element can be temporarily (in other words easily detachable) attached to the profile such that the anchoring element is locked in the aforementioned higher position. In a device according to embodiments of the present invention the profile may be provided with at least one opening which is positioned such that at least one opening in the anchoring element is accessible via the opening in the profile, such that an attachment means can be inserted through the opening of the profile and through the opening of the anchoring element to secure the anchoring element to the bearing structure .

In a device according to embodiments of the present invention the profile may comprise a draught profile to mount a draught strip in and/or to and/or against, whereby the draught profile and the at least one opening in the profile are positioned such that said opening is covered by the draught strip when mounted in and/or to and/or against the draught profile .

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a method for attaching a frame to a bearing structure , The method comprises providing aa U-shaped profile to be mounted vertically (as part) of the frame, whereby two guide plates form part of, or are affixed to, the upstanding edges of the profile . The method comprises providing an anchoring element with two opposing guide elements which can slide into complementary guide elements of the respective two guide plates, whereby the anchoring element has been or is mounted inside the cavity of the U-shaped profile and between the guide plates such that the guide elements and the complementary guide elements functionally interlock, The method comprises mounting and aligning the frame, comprising the U-shaped profile, in a space provided for this purpose in or against the bearing structure . The method further comprises, after mounting the frame, detaching the anchoring element such that the anchoring element under the influence of gravity and guided by the two guide plates slides toward the bearing structure and such that the anchoring element comes to rest oonn the bearing structure with at least one part thereof . The method comprises attaching the anchoring element to the bearing structure by means of at least one attachment means which engages through an opening of the anchoring element in the bearing structure, such that said attachment clamps the anchoring element in the complementary guide elements .

In a method according to embodiments of the present invention attaching the anchoring element may comprise inserting the attachment means through aann opening in the profile and through the opening of the anchoring element, e . g. whereby said openings are substantially aligned such that the anchoring means can be anchored in aa substantially perpendicular way (without necessarily being restricted to this) in the bearing structure .

A method according to embodiments of the present invention may comprise covering the aforementioned opening (or openings) in the profile by means of a draught strip.

In a method according to embodiments of the present invention the opening in the profile may comprise an oblong, e . g . oval, opening which when mounting the profile is substantially vertically oriented, and the opening in the anchoring element can comprise an oblong, e . g. oval, opening which is substantially perpendicular relative to the opening in the profile, such that an overlap between both openings in case of deviations from an ideal position can still be obtained when mounting.

A method according to embodiments of the present invention may comprise locking the anchoring element in (or near) an upper position of a path over which the anchoring element can slide between the complementary guide elements when detached again. This path may run from the upper position to a lower position and obliquely away from the bearing structure (in the upper position) toward the bearing structure (in the lower position) , such that the anchoring means can slide in a downward way and toward the bearing structure when detached.

In a method according to embodiments of the present invention detaching the anchoring element may comprise detaching the anchoring element from the aforementioned upper position, where it was locked.

In a method according to embodiments of the present invention locking may comprise attaching the anchoring element with a screw or bolt to the profile, and detaching may comprise removing the screw or bolt again.

In a method according to embodiments of the present invention providing the profile may comprise attaching the two guide plates to the inside of the upstanding edges of the profile . In a method according to embodiments of the present invention providing the anchoring element may comprise mounting the anchoring element between the guide plates .

In a method according to embodiments of the present invention mounting and aligning may comprise mounting various frame profiles which together form the frame .

In a method according to embodiments of the present invention aligning may comprise ensuring the frame formed by the frame profiles is perpendicular and level .

In a method according to embodiments of the present invention mounting and aligning may comprise temporarily affixing the frame profiles and/or the frame, for example using wedges and/or screw clamps .

In a method according to embodiments of the present invention, after detaching tthhee anchoring element, the anchoring element may tilt when sliding downward and toward the bearing structure by a narrowing in the complementary guide elements, and attaching the anchoring element to the bearing structure by means of the attachment means may produce torque and/or tension between the guide elements and the complementary guide elements against the direction of said tilt such that the anchoring element and the guide plates firmly interlock.

In a method according to embodiments of the present invention attaching the anchoring element to the bearing structure may comprise serially (or consecutively) attaching with several attachment means which through several corresponding openings of the anchoring element engage in the bearing structure .

The independent and dependent claims describe specific and preferred characteristics of the invention. Characteristics of the dependent claims can be combined with characteristics of the independent claims and with characteristics of other dependent claims as indicated and not necessarily only as indicated in the claims .

FIG 1 shows an exemplary frame construction as known in the art .

FIG 2 shows an anchoring element for a device according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 3 shows a guide plate for a device according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 4 shows a device according to embodiments of the present invention, mounted in a frame profile, before the (substantially) permanent attachment of the frame to a wall . FIG 5 shows a first phase of an anchoring of a frame to a wall using a device according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 6, 7 and 8 show a further phase of an anchoring of a frame to a wall using a device according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG 9 illustrates an advantageous compensation of deviations, such as slope, of a wall when anchoring a frame according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 10 shows a further example of a device according to embodiments of the present invention . FIG 11 illustrates a further phase of an anchoring of a frame to a wall using said further example of a device according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 12 and 13 show how deviations, such aass slope and/or surface irregularities, of a wall for a frame anchoring according to embodiments of the present invention can be simply compensated.

FIG 14 illustrates steps of a method according to embodiments of the present invention relating to the use of an exemplary device as already shown in FIG 2 to FIG 9.

FIG 15 illustrates steps of a method according to embodiments of the present invention, relating to the use of an exemplary device as already shown in FIG 10 to FIG 13.

FIG 16 illustrates steps of a further exemplary method according to embodiments of the present invention, relating to the use of a further example of a device according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 17 illustrates steps of yet another exemplary method according to embodiments of the present invention, relating to the use of yet another further example of a device according to embodiments of the present invention.

The figures are schematic and not limiting . Elements in the figures are not necessarily shown to scale . The present invention is not restricted to the possible specific embodiments according to the present invention as shown in the figures .

Regardless of the exemplary embodiments described below, the present invention is only restricted by the enclosed claims . The enclosed claims are hereby explicitly included in this detailed description, whereby every independent claim forms a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The term "comprises" , as used in the claims, is not restricted to the characteristics, elements or steps described thereinafter and does not exclude additional characteristics, elements or steps . This therefore specifies the presence of the mentioned characteristics, without excluding a further presence or addition of one or more characteristics .

In this detailed description numerous specific details are set forth. Embodiments of the present invention can be realised without these specific details , Furthermore, well- known characteristics, elements and/or steps cannot be described in detail in the interest of clarity and conciseness .

In a first aspect the present invention provides a device for attaching a frame, such as a door frame, to a bearing structure, such as a wall .

FIG 1 shows an exemplary frame construction as known in the art, without necessarily restricting embodiments to this end. The frame provides a fitting connection and (pivotable) attachment of (e . g. ) a door leaf 5 to a wall 4 (or other bearing structure) , for example in a wall opening. The frame may be composed of several parts, such as two vertical stiles and a horizontal end piece 3, e . g. a top rail (or crossrail) . When mounting a (single) door a distinction can be made between a vertical lock stile 1 on the one side and a vertical hinge stile 2 on the other side, which are adapted to provide respectively a (receiving part of a) door lock and to attach door hinges 6 to .

Such frame construction is suitable, for example, for mounting a door in a thin wall, such as light partitions or commonly used inside wall (e . g. in brickwork construction or aerated concrete) . It is aann advantage that embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for such walls and frames, and thereby can result in a good finish without visible attachment elements . However, embodiments are not restricted to this . For thicker walls, dimensions of the used components ccaann be adapted accordingly and/or additional mounting pieces can be used, e . g. to the underside of the vertical stiles to prevent torque of the profiles .

Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable to mount U-shaped frame profiles, that need to be mounted vertically such as aa lock and/or hinge stile , "U- shaped" hereby refers to a form whereby an open cavity is formed by a convexity of the form. This type of profiles is well known in the art . It is customary to adapt the cavity formed in such profile to the width of a wall oorr other bearing structure (possibly with some clearance) , or to select it based thereon, such that at least one small piece of the profile can slide over said bearing structure , Part of the bearing structure can hereby thus be inserted and hidden in the cavity of the profile, such that the bearing structure appears to transition and to end in the profile, at least visually, where the opening framed by the frame is formed. s known in the art, such profiles can be manufactured from metal or synthetic material (without being restricted to this) . Whereas aa three-piece frame construction (two vertical stiles and aann end piece) was discussed above, embodiments are not necessarily restricted to this, however are indeed particularly suitable for this .

For the sake of convenience three orthogonal directions can be indicated, more specifically a vertical V axis oriented according to the direction of gravity, a lateral L axis which is horizontally oriented in the door plane (in the closed position of the door) , and a depth direction D which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the door plane (in the closed position of the door) . Furthermore, a direction toward the centre of the door plane and parallel with the lateral direction can be indicated as 'centrally' oriented and a direction away from this centre of the door plane and parallel with the lateral direction as 'peripherally' oriented.

It will be clear that small deviations of these ideally perpendicular directions relative to each other are possible in practice, e . g. due to inaccuracies in the construction of the wall . In this way the "vertical" axis can deviate a few degrees, e. g. within the range of 0° to (in the extreme)

45° , preferably within the range of 0° to 15° , preferably within the range 0 ° to 5° , in practice, of the direction from the field of gravity. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they are suitable for mounting a frame in a robust way, even if the wall opening shows irregularities or deviations .

The device according to embodiments of the present invention for attaching a frame to a bearing structure comprises an anchoring element 7 and two guide plates 13. At least one (e . g. one, two, three or more) such anchoring element 7 (with the associated guide plates) can be used per vertical profile of the frame to firmly anchor said profile to the bearing structure, ee .. gg.. a wall . The number of anchoring elements that is used ccaann bbee determined aass aa function of the application, such as for example based on the dimensions of the frame and/or the weight that needs to be borne by the frame, e . g. of the door.

FIG 2 shows an exemplary anchoring element 7 . The anchoring element 7 comprises a - preferably metal - plate (or may substantially consist thereof) . Said plate can be flat, as illustrated in FIG 2. The plate can be substantially unbendable, such that therefore no noticeable deformation occurs with normal use . However, as further discussed below, this is not necessarily the case for all embodiments of the present invention, in other words the plate may also be bent and/or deformable, or the anchoring element may have a different three-dimensional form (e . g. a form that is not reducible to a possibly deformed plane) .

FIG 3 shows an exemplary guide plate 13. The guide plate 13 is adapted for permanent attachment to the inside of the frame profile, for example by welding, such that the two guide plates are symmetrical relative to each other . The two guide plates are thus at one and the same height in the vertical direction V on the inside of the (open and hollow; e . g. U-shaped) profile, spread relative to each other in the depth direction D, such that the oonnee guide plate is substantially mirrored relative to the other guide plate relative to a plane parallel to the door plane (a plane that extends in the vertical direction V and the lateral direction

L) .

A device according to embodiments may comprise a hollow open frame profile, whereby the two guide plates are affixed in such aa way opposite each other to the inside of the upstanding edges of the hollow open (e . g. U-shaped) frame profile . Several pairs of guide plates may be affixed in such a way in the hollow open frame profile to mount several anchoring elements aatt different heights (spread in the vertical direction V) . The device may comprise several such frame profiles which together, upon mounting (or already connected in advance; or integrally formed) , form the frame . The guide plates may also (each) be adapted to, at different heights, receive several anchoring plates, e. g. may comprise an oblong plate, which at several heights are provided with guide elements to attach several anchoring plates . In other words, each anchoring element may be supported by a separate pair of guide plates, or one pair of (long) guide plates may support several anchoring elements .

The guide plates can also be formed as an integral part of the frame profile . For example, a groove (or other guide element) can be formed in the material which structurally forms the profile (e . g. preferably finished with a finish element on the outside of the profile to hide the guide element, in mounted condition) .

The anchoring element 7 comprises two opposing guide elements 10 which, upon assembly of the frame, ccaann slide in complementary guide elements 100 of the respective two guide plates 13. Upon assembly, said opposing guide elements are located on either side of the plate in the depth direction D, e . g . such that two extreme edges of the plate in the depth direction > each comprise one such guide element 10. The two guide plates 13 are hereby mounted to the inside of the open hollow (U-shaped) profile (or integrated herein) on either side of the profile (e . g. to the inside of each upstanding edge of the profile, iinn other words oriented toward the cavity of the profile and opposite each other) , such that the anchoring element ; can slide in the cavity of the profile over a predefined path.

The anchoring element can be adapted to be mounted between the two guide plates, such that the free movement of the anchoring element is restricted by the predefined path. The anchoring element can also, in embodiments of the present invention, already be mounted between the two guide plates that are affixed to, or formed in, the profile such that the guide elements 10 and the complementary guide elements 100 functionally interlock.

The guide elements 10 can be integrally formed with the anchoring element 7 , in other words the guide elements and the anchoring element can together consist of one piece, or the guide elements 10 and the anchoring element 7 can consist of separate components, e . g. such that composed they form the anchoring element 7. The separate components may correspond with resp. the guide elements and a support structure on which they may be mounted, but this is not necessarily the case either . The separate components may consist of one and the same material or different materials .

The width F of the anchoring element, regardless of the guide elements 10 (e . g. a general width with the exception of an additional width of any further extending lips) , mmaayy be adapted to the depth (in depth direction D) of the profile, such that the central part of the anchoring element fits between the guide plates (with some clearance) when said guide plates are mounted on (to the inside of) the upstanding edges of the profile . As shown in FIG 2, the lips may be formed by cutting or milling out small rectangular parts 11 at the angular points of the substantial rectangular plate . However, it must also be noted that these are not necessarily cut out rectangles, but also for example a rounded recess of the corners .

The guide elements 10 of the anchoring element and the complementary guide elements 100 of the guide plates 13 may also, for example, comprise respectively (a) a peg, lip or protrusion and (b) a groove, recess or notch, or vice versa .

As shown in FIG 2, the guide elements 10 may comprise lips at opposite sides of the plate, and the complementary guide elements 100 may comprise a recess in each of the two guide plates 13 such that the lips may freely (at least during assembly) slide in the recess . It will be clear for the person skilled in the art that the width of the lip A and the recess B are aligned to each other, but may vary over different embodiments, whereby the lip, for example, may even be replaced by a simple peg-shaped protrusion. The width A of the lip may hereby be narrower than the width of the anchoring plate (considered in a more central point) , such that the movement of the anchoring plate is restricted (in the depth direction D) between the two guide plates 13 upon assembly.

The width B of the recess may hereby be slightly wider than the width of the lip A such that the anchoring element is not clamped, in other words ., such that sliding over the defined path remains possible . In this way a lip of the anchoring element can fit with some clearance in the recess, such that the anchoring element between the two guide plates can slide along a path determined by the recesses .

The recess may further comprise a narrowing to a smaller width C, on a lower section, such that the anchoring element, when sliding in a downward direction, is forced to tilt (around the depth direction D) . Thus, the anchoring element can slide in a downward direction from the upper position, whereby (embodiments are not necessarily restricted to this) the lower edge 12 of the anchoring element is ultimately stopped by the bearing structure (e . g. wall) and such that the upper edge of the anchoring element in the lateral direction L tapers in the central direction (toward the door, or at least the opening where the door will be mounted, and in other words away from the bearing structure) . However, in other embodiments another part of the anchoring element, such as e . g. an upper edge, may also make contact with the bearing structure first, e . g. because the anchoring element is suitably bent or folded to this end (as further described in detail below for example) .

Conversely, the guide elements 10 of the anchoring element may comprise notches on either side of the plate, through which an upstanding edge or rib-shaped protrusion of (resp. each of) the guide plate can slide . For the person skilled in the art it will be clear that this substantially creates an analogue situation, which therefore is not further discussed in detail, but certainly also falls under possible embodiments of the present invention.

The two opposing guide elements 10 of the anchoring element 7 and the complementary guide elements 100 of the two guide plates 13 define a predefined path along which the anchoring element 7 may slide while the frame is being mounted from a higher position in the vertical direction V to a lower position in the vertical direction V under the influence of gravity. Said shift from high to low slides at least one part of the anchoring element 7 toward the bearing structure until at least one part supports against it, in other words, transitions from a (more) central position in the lateral direction toward a (more) peripheral position in the lateral direction. For example the guide plate may possess a substantially, or approximately, rectangular shape, whereby the complementary guide element 100, such as a recess or rib-shaped protrusion, runs obliquely relative to the edges (or at least one edge) of the guide plate, e . g. diagonally, e . g. at an angle within the range of 15° to 75° , e . g. within the range of 30° to 60 ° , ee .. gg.. within the range of 40 ° to 50° , such as approximately 45° . AAss shown in FIG 3, the complementary guide element 100 may comprise an opening

(recess) with slanted sides 14 (relative to the edge) for example . Said slanted sides can be substantially parallel relative to each other, regardless of any broadening at the end, see width B v. width C of the recess .

An edge of the guide plate is, for example, when in use, substantially vertically oriented (according to direction V) , e . g. such that it supports against (or runs parallel with) the connecting part of the profile between the two upstanding edges of the profile (the underside of the U- shape) , such that the complementary guide element tapers from said connecting part toward the bearing structure (e . g. wall) .

The anchoring element 7 may comprise a temporary attachment element to temporarily (in other words, easily detachable) affix the anchoring element to the profile, e. g t.o the connecting part of the profile . Hereby, before assembly of the frame to the bearing structure, the anchoring element is locked in the upper position of the aforementioned path. As shown in FIG 2 , said temporary attachment element may comprise an opening 8 in the plate that is adapted to screw the anchoring element to the profile with a screw 15 (see also FIG 4 ) . Embodiments of the present invention may already comprise the ssccrreeww 15 (or bolt) , although this is not strictly necessary; under normal circumstances such screws are amply available during works . The opening 8 may be provided with a thread to secure the screw 15 in, or the screw (or bolt) may be secured using a weld nut or a counter nut . It needs to be noted that, upon mounting, when the screw is removed again, typically the counter nut will no longer be accessible, but this is not necessarily a problem. Under such circumstances the counter nut can freely fall downward and remain inside the profile without causing any problems . It also needs to be noted that many obvious alternatives can be chosen, which therefore can be considered as included in possible embodiments of the present invention. Examples of alternative (or supplementary) attachment systems are, inter alia, a magnet system, a Velcro system, clips, a hook system, etc .

In this way an elastic element, such as a spring or elastic rubber or polymer, may temporarily hold the anchoring element in the upper position between the anchoring plates, whereby it can be easily detached by exercising some pressure. Such elastic element to lock the anchoring element in the upper position may be part of the anchoring element or of one (or both) guide plate (s) , or a combination of both . Another alternative may, for example, comprise a temporary attachment with a glue, resin or adhesive that easily detaches by exercising some pressure . AAss already noted, preferably the use of glue is avoided for ecological reasons, but it needs to be noted hereby that a temporary and easily detachable attachment does not require a strong bond and may be obtained by less (or non-) polluting types of glue, e . g. a biodegradable product .

Preferably, the temporary attachment element can be adapted to repeatedly affix, and detach, the anchoring element to, and from, the profile again, in other words, to go through several cycles of attachment and detachment if necessary. This clearly offers aann advantage in the eevveenntt aa first mounting attempt fails (and therefore needs to be attempted again) or was interrupted for other reasons (e . g. postponed) .

The anchoring element 7 comprises one or more openings 9, preferably at least two, through which screws or similar attachment means can be inserted to robustly attach the profile to the wall . Preferably, in case of several openings, said openings are spread over a distance in the direction perpendicular to the depth direction D. Said direction possesses a substantially vertical V component upon assembly, but as discussed above it is also, with normal application, tilted in the lateral direction L (in other words around an axis in the depth direction D) . Where for reasons of consistency the three substantial orthogonal directions V, L, D are referred to as defined in reference to the orientation of the components with a typical assembly, it needs to be noted that the 'depth direction D' hereby certainly does not refer to the direction of the depth or thickness of the plate-shaped anchoring element as such, but to a 'length ' or 'width direction' in which the principal plane of the anchoring element extends when viewed in isolation.

As already mentioned, preferably the anchoring element is provided with aatt least two such openings 9 ttoo receive corresponding screws or other attachment means, such that the anchoring element can be attached with said screws (or similar) to the bearing structure. For example, a first opening may receive a first screw in a zone near a first edge (e . g. lower edge) and a second opening may receive a second screw in a zone near a second edge (e . g. opposite relative to the first edge; e . g. upper edge) . By attaching the anchoring element to the wall (or other bearing structure) via, consecutively, a screw (or similar) through the first opening and a screw (or similar) through the second opening, a firm anchoring is obtained. This can, obviously, be further expanded with even more screws to obtain an even firmer attachment .

For example, by affixing the anchoring element in a zone around a first opening relative to the wall, a stable tilting point is created. The second anchoring step, through the second opening, may function as the tightening of a lever relative to said stable tilting point . By spreading the two openings maximally over the height of the anchoring element, a force exercised when securing the second attachment means through the second opening can be maximally translated in a move/tilt (by the leverage effect) , which ensures that the anchoring element firmly locks in its position relative to the guide plates (and in other words also relative to the profile) .

Despite that embodiments provided with at least two openings 9 are probably preferred in most current applications, it needs to be noted that one opening to receive just one screw (or similar attachment means) may also be effective as an embodiment . This is illustrated for example in FIG 16, in which steps of an assembly method are shown, using a single attachment screw 17 which engages in the wall through a single opening in the anchoring element . It will be clear for the person skilled in the art that, in such embodiment, the single opening 9 is located preferably in a central zone of the anchoring element .

It will be clear that the one or more openings may also consist of one (larger) opening through which several screws (or other connecting means) can be inserted. Preferably such big opening is then of course adapted to secure the connecting means, such as a head of a screw. This may for example be made possible by a meandering narrow opening (snake-shaped opening) , or by using an additional plate that is wider (or longer) than the opening to mount between the screw head and the anchoring element . It goes without saying that providing several, smaller, openings to receive several attachment means in resp. different mounting points generally speaking can be more practical than working with a big, snake-shaped opening or using additional clamp plates .

Dividing into several (smaller) openings also offers the advantage that the structural strength of the anchoring element is affected less, and/or that the user is helped in sufficiently spreading the mounting points due ttoo the restriction imposed by the available openings .

The at least one opening may comprise a plurality of openings which possess an elongated form, such as oval openings . Such opening may hereby be longer in the depth direction D, such that a good positioning of attachment means, such as screws, plugs, bolts etc. , in the direction perpendicular to this (typical, subject to some tilting, vertically oriented upon assembly) is supported by the available openings, and such that some freedom is provided in the depth direction D of the frame to find a suitable location and orientation in which the attachment means, through the opening, can engage in the bearing structure, such as a wall .

Instead of a flat (level) plate, the anchoring element 7 may also comprise (or substantially consist of ) a bent or folded plate for example . A thin plate may, for example, be folded such that, despite a limited thickness, it is sufficiently strong, e . g. such that buckling in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plate is already folded is sufficiently resisted. FIG 10 shows an example of such bent or folded anchoring element 7 . In this example the guide elements 10 and complementary guide elements 100 consist of resp. narrower lips (anchoring element) and a narrower guide groove (recess in each of the guide plates) than in the previously discussed example, but said width (or the type of guide elements) may of course also vary across embodiments and may be chosen by the person skilled in the art depending on the application.

Said bent or folded anchoring element 7 may, as discussed above , be mounted between the guide plates 13, which are mounted to the inside of the upstanding edges of the profile, such that the anchor is locked in a first position (see the upper position referred to above) , e . g. by means of a screw 15.

The anchoring element 7 may for example be (lightly) folded along (at least) aa fold 39. An upper section 27 may for example be substantially parallel with the sides ooff the profile in the locked position. A lower section 28 may also be parallel with said upper section, whereas aa central section is recessed, for example forms a V- or U-shaped fold in the middle (or at least in a more centrally situated part in the considered direction, between the upper and lower section) . However, embodiments may also be executed thus that the lower (or the upper) section is (slightly) tilted relative to the orientation of the upper (or resp. the lower) section, e. g substantially around an axis parallel to the depth direction D. Consequently, a lower (or upper) edge of the anchoring element may (e. g. slightly) recess in the same direction as the central fold (from the principal plane of the plate) , which offers advantages when tightening the anchor upon assembly of the frame, as further explained below relating to a method according to embodiments of the present invention.

One of the folds 39 may (substantially) be oriented according to aa line which connects the guide elements 10 (or substantially parallel with said line) . Each of the folds 39 may, in embodiments of the present invention, be parallel with said connecting line (without necessarily being restricted to this) . Furthermore, the anchoring element may be provided with a structural weakening which encourages further folding (preferential folding) along at least one of said folds, e . g. of the fold that coincides with the aforementioned connecting line, when a tightening force is exercised. As shown in FIG 10, said structural weakening may be provided by one or more openings 35, e . g. oblong openings or slots, which lie on (or near) said folding line , An alternative structural weakening may for example be provided by making notches in, or milling, the plate of the anchoring element along (at least aa section of) said folding line without necessarily forming a complete opening through the plate .

The device according to embodiments of the present invention may also comprise tthhee U-shaped profile ttoo be mounted vertically 1, 2. For example, the device may comprise the frame, consisting of one or more profiles including at least one U-shaped profile to be mounted vertically, The device may comprise a set of components, including one or more profiles to be mounted as a frame, or may comprise a frame consisting of composite profile parts . The two guide plates 13 can be integrally formed in, oorr already be attached beforehand, in/to the upstanding edges of the profile . The two guide plates 13 can thus be attached, e . g. welded, to the inside of the upstanding edges of the U-shaped profile and symmetrically relative to each other. In such device according to embodiments of the present invention the anchoring element 7 may be mounted in the cavity of the profile and between the two guide plates 13, such that the guide elements 10 and the complementary guide elements 100 functionally interlock. For example, aa width F of the anchoring element 7 can be adapted such that the anchoring element between the guide plates 13, formed in or mounted to the upstanding edges of the profile, fits with some (in other words , sufficient) clearance to allow the anchoring element to slide along the aforementioned path. The anchoring element 7 may be temporarily attached to the profile, such that the anchoring element is locked in the aforementioned higher position (at least "higher" when the profile is considered in the intended vertical orientation for mounting) .

The profile 1, 2 may be provided with one or more openings 18 (e . g. generally in the connecting part between the two upstanding edges of the profile) , which are positioned such that the one or more openings 9 in the anchoring element are accessible through said opening 18 , e . g. such that an attachment means can be inserted through the opening 18 to be secured through the opening 9 to the bearing structure 4. The U-shaped profile 1, 2 may also comprise a draught profile 22 to mount a draught strip 21 in and/or against . As shown in FIG 17 , the draught profile 22 may comprise a separate profile that is mounted, or can be mounted, to the U-shaped profile . In an example of a method according to embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG 17 , the draught profile 22 may be mounted on the U-shaped profile (see step e) , after attaching the anchoring element 7 with screws 17 , 20 to the wall (see steps c and d) .

In alternative embodiments the draught profile may also consist of a part of the U-shaped profile (e . g. the draught profile can be integrally formed as part of the U-shaped profile) . The draught profile is not necessarily a profile in itself, but may also be formed by, e . g. , a rebate in the

U-shaped profile . The device may also comprise the draught strip 21, e.g. as part of a mounting kit provided by the device . The draught profile and the openings 18 may hereby be positioned such that the openings 18 are covered by the draught strip 21 when it is mounted in the draught profile

22. The draught profile may hereby also possibly cover a threaded hole in the profile where a temporary screw 15 or similar attachment means held the anchoring element in the upper reference position before mounting and securing the frame .

If the draught profile is executed as a separate component, e . g . aass shown in FIG 17, this may offer the additional advantage that screws (or other attachment means) can be hidden not only by the draught strip, but also by the draught profile, when this, after screwing, is mounted over the screw head and/or over the provided openings (to mount the screws through) . This means that mounting screws or other attachment means is not necessarily restricted to a relatively narrow strip, corresponding to the dimensions of the draught strip.

When the frame needs to be mounted on a relatively thin wall or partition, such as oonn partitions constructed from plasterboard, the width, in the horizontal direction D, of the bearing walls and thus also of the frame is relatively restricted. This means that a screw or screws (or other attachment means) can only be mounted in a relatively narrow zone, which advantageously can be covered with the draught strip. However, in wider walls it may be preferable to spread the screws or other attachment means width-wise (direction

D) to obtain a firm and stable anchoring. For example, additional mounting pieces could be used to obtain a stable and firm attachment accross the depth of a wider wall, but (additionally oorr alternatively) a separate (mount able) draught profile, aass already mentioned, may offer the advantage that the screws can be spread across a wider zone and still be hidden after assembly. This is further schematically presented in FIG 17 , where several screws 17 , 20 are spread accross the width direction D, for example two times two screws (e . g. lower left, lower right, top left, top right) . Thus it is also possible to spread the screws across a wider base, such that a good and stable anchoring can also be obtained in wider walls . Nevertheless, it remains possible to hide said screws by, in this case, covering them with the separate draught profile (and possibly also the draught strip) .

In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for attaching a frame, such as a door frame, to a bearing structure, such as a wall, e . g. by using one (or several) device (s) according to embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention.

The method comprises providing a frame, consisting of one or more profiles, whereby, aass part of the method or already provided in advance, two (or several) guide plates are mounted, e . g. welded to the inside of upstanding edges of at least one of the profiles (e. g. to be mounted vertically) . Said guide plates can also be integrally formed in the profile .

The method comprises providing an anchoring element with two opposing guide elements 10 which can slide in complementary guide elements 100 of the respective two guide plates 13. Upon assembly, the opposing guide elements are located on either side of the anchoring element according to the depth direction D. As aforementioned, the guide elements of the anchoring element may comprise opposite lips, and the complementary guide elements of the guide plates may comprise grooves, notches or recesses in which said lips, with some clearance, fit or a similar mechanism such as an upstanding rib as the complementary guide element and a groove or notch in the anchoring element .

The anchoring element can be mounted in advance between the guide plates, in a cavity of the profile, or the method may comprise mounting the anchoring element between the guide plates, such that the guide elements and the complementary guide elements functionally interlock.

The anchoring element can be locked in (or near) an upper position of the path over which the anchoring element can slide between the complementary guide elements when detached again. Said path runs from an upper position, when the frame is mounted in its intended orientation for mounting, to a lower position and obliquely away from the bearing structure (in the upper position) toward the bearing structure (in the lower position) .

The method comprises mounting and aligning the frame in a space provided for this purpose in or against the bearing structure (or between several supporting structures) , such as in a wall opening for mounting a door, in other words in the intended orientation for mounted referred to above .

Mounting and aligning may for example comprise mounting various frame profiles which together form the frame, such as a lock stile 1, aa hinge stile 2 and an end piece 3.

Aligning may comprise ensuring the frame is perpendicular and level according to usual standards . Mounting may comprise temporarily affixing the frame profiles and/or the frame, for example using wedges and/or screw clamps .

FIG 14 to FIG 17 show steps of aa method according to embodiments of the present invention, respectively using different examples of a device according to embodiments of the present invention. In the method illustrated in FIG 14 an anchoring element and two corresponding guide plates are provided as already previously described relating to FIG 2 to FIG 9. For FIG 15 a similar method is shown relating to an anchoring element and guide plates as already described relating to FIG 10 to FIG 13.

FIG 16 shows a method whereby a variant of the device according to FIG 2 to FIG 9 is used. Said exemplary method and the device used therein differ from the example shown in FIG 14 in that only a single attachment means (e . g. screw 17 ) may suffice to anchor the anchoring element to the wall, (see e . g. step c) .

FIG 17 shows a further example, whereby a separate draught profile is used which, after mounting the screws, may be mounted over the screw openings in the frame profile and/or the screw heads .

In said figures 14 to 17 , step a shows the situation after mounting and aligning the frame (and thus also with the anchoring element provided in the cavity of the profile between the guide plates) . Mounting and aligning may comprise simultaneously mounting a door leaf in the frame, whereby the door leaf can be mounted and remain in place during securing and/or adjusting the frame . It is a particular advantage that the door leaf does not have to be removed and transferred all the time for adjusting the frame . Furthermore, no mould is needed to mount the frame : the door leaf may be used as a mould to position the frame . The frame is hereby automatically at right angles and perpendicular, is not warped, and the necessary clearance around the door leaf for allowing a good opening and pivot of the door can be simply guaranteed.

The method may comprise detaching the anchoring element from its locked position, such that it can slide freely over the aforementioned path . Under the influence of gravity it hereby slides from the position in which it was locked to a lower position, and thus toward the bearing structure, until at least one section, e . g. an edge 12 (or the edge 27 ) , of the anchoring element rests on the bearing structure, ee .. gg.. in a contact zone 16 (see FIG 5) . It also needs to be noted that the example illustrated in FIG 10 may also be suitable for mounting upside down, in other words, such that the "upper" section 27 of the anchoring element is oriented downward (and consequently the "lower" section 28 upward as well) .

Detaching may for example comprise removing a screw 15 or bolt that held the anchoring element in said locked position. Alternatives may for example comprise pressing loose an elastic clamping element or loosening a poor glue or resin bond, a magnet connection, Velcro or clips, restriction to these examples . Under the influence of gravity the anchoring element thus slides to a lower position until at least one part of the anchoring element rests on the bearing structure . However, said part of the anchoring element is not necessarily a lower edge 12 of the anchoring element . As shown in FIG 10 and 11, the anchoring element may comprise (or substantially consist of) aa bent or folded plate . An upper section 27 of the anchoring element may hereby first touch three bearing structure after it is released, e . g. by removing the screw 15, and drops down along a path defined by the guide elements and complementary guide elements .

In the figures 14 to 17 , step b shows the situation after detaching the anchoring element from the locked position (e . g. by removing a temporary attachment screw) , whereby the anchoring element thus has come to rest against the wall under the influence of gravity.

The method comprises attaching the anchoring element to the bearing structure by means of a first attachment means, such as a screw 17, which engages through an opening 9 of the anchoring element in the bearing structure, as shown in FIG

5 (see also FIG 11) . This is illustrated in the figures 14 to 17 , every time in the step c, whereby a first screw 17 is used to anchor the anchoring element in at least one first point to the wall . However, in the example of FIG 17, two screws were already mounted in said step c, but at a substantially equal height, such that the anchoring element in this example initially is already anchored in two points at equal height, but spread over the width of the wall (and the frame) , which may improve the stability of the anchoring (particularly in the event of an application on wider walls) .

By securing a second attachment means, e . g. screw 20 in FIG

6 and/or FIG 11, the anchoring element is clamped in the space provided by the complementary guide elements 100, e . g. against an upper slanted side 14 of a guide recess in each of the guide plates . This creates a contact 19 between the guide plates and the anchoring element, such that the anchoring element now rests stably on the bearing structure 4 on the one hand and the guide plates 13 on the other hand.

Securing a second attachment means (e . g. screw 20) is shown in step d in FIG 14 , FIG 15 and FIG 17. However, in particularly simply conceived embodiments, the method is restricted to mounting the first attachment means 17 , as shown by the absence of a corresponding step in FIG 16.

However, it needs to be noted that the uussee of several attachment means (e . g. screws) iiss preferable in most situations . Comparable ttoo applying two screws at approximately equal height as the first attachment means 17 in step c of the example in FIG 17 , here to the use of several (e . g . two) screws 20 at approximately equal height (spread widthways) as the second attachment in step d (FIG 17 ) can be chosen.

The complementary guide elements may comprise a narrowing which ensures that, in said lowest position of the anchoring element, the anchoring element is tilted relative to the vertical direction V. In other words, at least over a lower part of the path the guide elements and complementary guide elements can be adapted to provide less space than would be required to mount tthhee aanncchhoorriinngg element in aa vertical orientation. Consequently a tension can be created between the anchoring element and the guide plates (which are robustly attached to the frame profile) to robustly affix the frame . By anchoring the anchoring element with several attachment means, e . g. screws, to the bearing structure, e. g. preferably in a number of points located at different heights (and preferably also with a somewhat different orientation, sseeee also e . g. FIG 14-17 , among others, particularly in steps c and d) , the anchoring element, and thus also the clamped guide plates, consequently also the profile, is hereby firmly secured to the wall, such as e . g. by the screws 17 , 20 illustrated in FIG 6. In this example the anchoring element 7 is firmly clamped between the edges 14 of the guide plates 13, the bearing structure 4 and the screw heads . The slanted sides 14 mean the frame cannot slide further over the wall or away from the wall . The obliquely oriented anchor that is affixed to the bearing structure thus stops the frame profile moving in two directions . When the frame profile, as is customary, is dimensionally aligned to the width of the bearing structure, typically a wall, movement iinn a direction perpendicular to the wall (depth direction D) is also (substantially) prevented.

In the example illustrated by FIG 10 and FIG 11, the anchoring element 7 , after detaching tthhee temporary attachment (e . g. by removing screw 15) , drops downward until an upper section 27 supports against the bearing structure 4 . At that moment the centrally protruding zone between folds 39 does not touch the bearing structure yet . The anchor can now be attached to the bearing structure, ee .. gg.. wall, for example by drilling holes in the wall through an opening 18 in the frame and through aann opening 9 of the anchoring element . Then the anchoring plate can be secured with e . g. screws 17 to the bearing structure. Just as shown in FIG 5, first a side of the anchoring element can be secured where the anchoring element first touched the bearing structure (e . g. underside in FIG 5; upperside in FIG 11) . Subsequently, the other side (upperside in FIG 5; underside in FIG 11) can be secured, see e . g. screw 20, such that the anchoring element is clamped with some tension in the guide plates . Further attachments (e . g. screws) may possibly be applied to further improve the anchoring. For embodiments whereby the lower section 28 of the anchoring element tapers slightly away from the bearing structure, as shown in FIG 1.0 and 11, said lower section is firmly tightened (e . g. preferably flush) against the bearing structure .

As shown in the exploded view 110 in FIG 11, consequently the lips 10 can also be tilted and clamped in the space provided by the complementary guide elements 100 (e . g. grooves) of the guide plates . IItt is an advantage of a structural weakening of the anchoring element in a folding zone around the folding line, e . g. by means of grooves or slots 35, that some flexibility is provided such that the lips at the ends of the anchor can slightly tilt and be firmly clamped in the guide grooves of the guide plates 13. In this way the frame comes to be firmly clamped to the wall in all directions . The method may comprise covering openings 18 in the profile through which the attachment means is (are) inserted to engage in the bearing structure via de opening (s) 9 in the anchoring element . Said openings in the profile may be located at a position corresponding with a mounting zone for a draught strip, such that the openings in the profile can be covered with a draught strip 21, see e . g. FIG 7 and FIG

8 (see also FIG 11 ) . This has the advantage that the openings for securing the profile can be hidden by a draught strip, which could be mounted under normal circumstances anyway . Consequently, after the draught strip is mounted, the holes in the profile through which the anchoring element is secured, and possibly also a threaded hole where there was a provisional screw to lock the anchoring element in the upper position, are no longer visible .

For example, in the methods illustrated in the figures 14 to

17 , steps e (in FIG 15 and 16) , d (in the case of FIG 16) and f (FIG 17 ) show covering the opening and the screw heads with a draught strip 21. In the example shown in FIG 17 the draught profile 22 is provided as a separate component that can be mounted on the frame profile . The draught profile 22 can thus be attached to the frame profile after mounting the screws, such that consequently screw openings and/or screw heads can also be hidden. This is shown in step e of FIG 17.

Furthermore, the advantage of said method is that if the reveals of the walls are not straight, but taper somewhat, the profile can still be anchored without problem. As illustrated in FIG 9, the anchoring element ccaann drop obliquely to still find a good support on the guide plates . Even if the wall (or another bearing structure) is oblique in two directions, the orientation of the anchoring element can be secured such that the guide plates are clamped and result in a perpendicular and level position of the profile . As will be clear for the person skilled in the art, if the reveal of the wall is oblique or convex to such an extent that the possible slope of the anchor is insufficient, a filler, such as a wooden block, ccaann still be used at the level of the anchoring element . Therefore the frame, under a broad spectre of possible deviations, can still be mounted quickly and well .

This is also clearly illustrated in FIG 12 and FIG 13. In the exemplary folded anchor, as described above, four oblique sides 38 of the anchor can tilt continuously variably in both directions ( FIG 12 v. FIG 13) while they slide downward, such that ultimately the anchor connects well to a possibly oblique or uneven section of the wall . The frame remains perpendicular and level, thanks to e . g. screw clamps, and the anchor firmly locks in the guide plates in the anchoring in the wall, such that the frame is firmly mounted in the correct orientation, despite the aforementioned slanted and/or uneven wall .

Claims

1. A device for attaching a frame (1, 2 , 3) to a bearing structure (4 ) , whereby the frame comprises at least one U-shaped profile to be mounted vertically (1,2) the device comprising: an anchoring element (7 ) comprising two guide elements (10) on its opposite sides and which is provided with at least one opening (9) to anchor the anchoring element in the bearing structure (4) through it with an attachment means and two guide plates (13) to, when affixed to or integrally formed in the upstanding edges of the U-shaped profile, guide the anchoring element (7 ) in between, whereby each guide plate comprises aa complementary guide element (100) to guide a corresponding guide element ( 10) of the anchoring element such that the anchoring element can slide into the cavity of the U-profile over a predefined path, whereby the complementary guide element (100) of every guide plate (13) , when thus affixed to or formed in the aforementioned upstanding edge of the U-shaped profile, is obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal direction of the U-shaped profile to be mounted vertically, such that the anchoring element, when mounted between the two guide plates upon attaching the frame, can slide from a higher position to a lower position along the predefined path under the influence of gravity, and whereby at least a section (12) of the anchoring element (7 ) is adapted to move toward the bearing structure (4) and come to rest thereon in the aforementioned downward slide, such that anchoring in the bearing structure of the anchoring element with the attachment means, when the aforementioned section (12) rreessttss oonn the bearing structure, ensures a stable support and a securing of the guide plates (13) relative to the anchoring element and the bearing structure .

2. The device according to claim 1, whereby the anchoring element (7 ) comprises a temporary attachment element to temporarily attach the anchoring element to the U-shaped profile, such that the anchoring element is locked in the aforementioned hhiigghheerr position until the temporary attachment is detached.

3. The device according to claim 2, whereby the temporary attachment element comprises a further opening (8 ) in the anchoring element (7 ) to screw the anchoring element to the profile using a screw or bolt (15) .

4. The device according to any one of the previous claims, whereby the at least one opening (9) comprises at least two openings which are spread in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction (D) of a connecting line between the two guide elements (10) .

5. The device according to any one of the previous claims, whereby the, or every, opening ( 9) comprises an oblong or oval opening, with a longitudinal, direction parallel to the aforementioned direction (D) of the connecting line between the two guide elements ( 10) .

6. The device according to any one of the previous claims, whereby the guide elements (10) of the anchoring element (7 ) comprise a peg, lip and/or protrusion, and whereby the complementary guide elements (100 ) of the guide plates (13) comprise a groove, recess and/or notch, oorr vice versa.

7. The device according to claim 6, whereby the groove, recess and/or notch are narrower than the peg, lip and/or protrusion over at least a section of its length, such that the anchoring element (7 ) only fits in tilted between the guide plates (13) .

8. The device according to claim 7 , whereby the complementary guide element (100) comprises the groove, recess and/or notch, whereby such groove, recess and/or notch comprises a narrowing such that, in use, the anchoring element (7 ) of the aforementioned higher position, where the groove, recess and/or notch is wide (B) enough to hold the anchoring element in an upright orientation, is able to slide to the aforementioned lower position, where the groove, recess and/or notch is only wide (C) enough to hold the anchoring element in aa tilted orientation.

9. The device according to any one of the previous claims, whereby the anchoring element (7 ) comprises or substantially consists of a substantially unbendable flat plate .

10. The device according to any one of the claims 1 to 8 whereby the anchoring element (7 ) comprises or substantially consists of a deformable and bent or folded plate , whereby the plate is folded or bent along one or several folding lines (39) which are substantially oriented parallel to the connecting line between the two guide elements (10) such that a central section of the anchoring element (7 ) , comprising the guide elements (10) , protrudes relative to an upper section (27 ) and a lower section (28 ) on either side of said central section.

11. The device according to claim 10, whereby the free end of the lower section (28 ) does not lie in the extension of the plane of the upper section (27 ) , whereby the free end protrudes from the aforementioned plane in the same direction as the central section.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, whereby the anchoring element (7 ) comprises a structural weakening (35) to stimulate further folding and/or bending of the plate along one or more of the aforementioned folding lines (39) when the anchoring element (7 ) is subjected to a tightening force as a result of anchoring the anchoring element in the bearing structure (4 ) with the attachment means through the at least one opening ( 9) .

13. The device according to any one of the previous claims, comprising the U-shaped profile to be mounted vertically (1, 2) with therein the two guide plates (13) integrally formed or attached in or to the upstanding edges of the profile .

14 . The device according to claim 13, whereby the two guide plates (13) are attached to the inside of the upstanding edges of the U-shaped profile and symmetrically relative to each other.

15. The device according to claim 13 oorr 14 , whereby the anchoring element (7 ) is mounted in the cavity of the profile and between the two guide plates (13) , such that the guide elements (10) and the complementary guide elements (100) functionally interlock.

16. The device according to claim 15, whereby a width (F) of the anchoring element (7 ) can be adapted such that the anchoring element between the guide plates (13) , formed in or mounted to the upstanding edges of the profile, fits with sufficient clearance to allow sliding of the anchoring element along the aforementioned path.

17. The device according to claim 15 or 16, whereby the anchoring element (7 ) is temporarily attached to the profile such that the anchoring element is locked in the aforementioned higher position .

18. The device according to any one of the claims 13 to 17 , whereby the profile ( 1, 2) is provided with at least one opening ( 18) which is positioned such that at least one opening ( 9) in the anchoring element is accessible via said opening (18 ) in the profile, such that an attachment means (17, 20) can be inserted through the opening (18 ) of the profile and through the opening ( 9) of the anchoring element (7 ) to secure the anchoring element to the bearing structure (4 ) .

19. The device according to claim 18, whereby the profile (1 , 2 ) comprises a draught profile (22) to mount a draught strip (21) in and/or against, whereby the draught profile (22 ) and the at least one opening (18 ) in the profile are hereby positioned such that the opening (18 ) is covered by the draught strip (21) when mounted in and/or against the draught profile .

20 . A method for attaching a frame (1, 2, 3) to a bearing structure (4 ) , the method comprising: providing aa U-shaped profile (1, 2) to be mounted vertically of the frame, whereby two guide plates (13) form part of or are affixed to the upstanding edges of the profile; providing an anchoring element (7 ) with two opposing guide elements (10) that are able to slide into complementary guide elements ( 100) of the respective two guide plates (13) , whereby the anchoring element has been or is mounted inside the cavity of the U- shaped profile and between the guide plates such that the guide elements and the complementary guide elements functionally interlock; mounting and aligning the frame, comprising the U- shaped profile, in a space provided for this purpose in or against the bearing structure (4 ) ; after mounting the frame, detaching the anchoring element such that the anchoring element under the influence of gravity and guided by the two guide plates slides toward the bearing structure such that the anchoring element comes to reset on three bearing structure with at least one part ( 12 ; 27 ) thereof; and attaching the anchoring element to bearing structure by means of at least one or at least two attachment means (17 , 20) which engage in the bearing structure through an opening ( 9) of the anchoring element, such that the anchoring element is clamped in the complementary guide elements .