Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Framing to receive door – doorjamb – or window sash – Architrave; i.e. – finish strip on floor – ceiling – or wall...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-11
2001-09-04
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Framing to receive door, doorjamb, or window sash
Architrave; i.e., finish strip on floor, ceiling, or wall...
C052S213000, C408S097000, C144S144510, C033S194000, C033S197000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282852
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and a method for installing door frames and in particular to an apparatus and a method of ensuring that a door frame assembly is plumb and square with a door.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the construction industry, doors are typically provided along with a frame assembly for installation in a doorway. The complete door frame, which typically consists of two side jambs (a hinge jamb and a strike jamb) and a head jamb, are nailed to wall studs to form a frame around three sides of the door. The head jamb spans the distance between the side jambs at their tops. Casing members are placed around the perimeter of the doorway.
Numerous problems must often be overcome before the jambs and the door may be installed. The doorway studs may be twisted or warped. The jambs may also be warped or nonuniform. The jambs may have a camber from production at the factory.
If these problems are not corrected then the door frame may not be plumb and the reveal (the space between the door and the jambs) may not be uniform. The door may then not open and close properly. The strike jamb may rub against the door when closed. There may further be tension between the door and the hinge jamb. The door may rub against the floor or head jamb, The door may tend to swing in an open or closed direction by itself.
Various devices and methods have been attempted to overcome these problems and ensure that the jambs are plumb and the reveal is uniform. However, none of these devices or methods achieve the result as contemplated by the present invention. Typically, an installer will insert tapered shims between the jambs and the studs in an attempt to adjust the reveal and square the jambs. This is time-consuming and may not be effective for severe warping.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,745 to Barr discloses a self-aligning prefabricated door frame assembly that employs casings that automatically adjust for irregularities in a roughed-in frame. Shinning hardware may also be included to attain the proper fit between the jambs and the stud lumber.
The patent referred to herein is provided herewith in an Information Disclosure Statement in accordance with 37 CFR 1.97.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses an apparatus for installing door frames which may comprise at least one template member having a first end, a second end, and at least one aperture formed therein. The apparatus preferably comprises at least two template, members. The apparatus preferably comprises at least three apertures on each template member.
The apparatus may further include means, joined to said at least two template members, for horizontally adjusting said at least two template members relative to each other. Said horizontally adjusting means may include, but is not limited to, at least one elongated member joined approximately normal to each of said at least two templates. Said at least one elongated member preferably comprises at least one first member and at least one second member. In one embodiment said at least one first member may be slidably positioned within said at least one second member.
Securing means such as, but not limited to, at least one set screw
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, bolt, pin or clamp may be used to secure the at least one first member and the at least one second member in their desired positions. For example, said securing means may be positioned through one of said at least one first or second members to secure the at least one first and second members in their desired positions by friction.
In an alternative embodiment, said at least one first member and said at least one second member comprises at least one hole located therein. Said securing means may be positioned through said at least one hole thereby securing said at least one first member and said at least one second member in place. Said securing means may include a hand retractable spring plunger which includes a pin and locking mechanism employing biasing means such as a spring to ensure the pin stays in place when pressed. The preferred positions of said at least one first and second members are the positions that result in the at least two template members being substantially parallel.
The apparatus may further comprise means, joined to each of said at least two template members, for plumbing said template members. Said plumbing means may comprise, but is not limited to, at least one screw positioned within said at least one template member. Besides a screw, other plumbing means may include, but are not limited to, at least one bolt, pe& pin or other members.
To install a door frame the apparatus is positioned within a doorway, said doorway composed of two trimmer studs joined by a header stud, such that each of the at least one template members of the apparatus is juxtaposed one of the two trimmer studs, and said at least one aperture outlines the perimeter of at least one slot to be cut in the trimmer stud. Using said at least one aperture as a guide, at least one slot is cut in the trimmer stud using, e.g., a router or saw. At least one shim, which is preferably a non-tapered shim, may then be inserted into said trimmer stud. The apparatus is removed and the door frame member is installed, said door frame member juxtaposed said at least one shim.
Before cutting said at least one slot in the trimmer stud, the installer preferably ensures that the at least one template member of the apparatus is substantially plumb. The installer may turn the at least one screw which contacts the trimmer stud and adjusts the at least one template member until the at least one template member is plumb. The hinge jamb and strike jamb may then be plumb and substantially square with the door. If the apparatus comprises at least two template members, the installer preferably ensures that said at least two template members are substantially parallel.
The process steps are not limited to the order set forth herein. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the apparatus may be removed before said at least one shim is inserted into said trimmer stud.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3788378 (1974-01-01), Sobel
patent: 4154034 (1979-05-01), Bursk et al.
patent: 4400886 (1983-08-01), Bindschatel
patent: 5373334 (1994-12-01), Coker
patent: 5560112 (1996-10-01), Stein et al.
patent: 5762115 (1998-06-01), Shouse
patent: 5947656 (1999-09-01), Simson et al.
patent: 5974745 (1999-11-01), Barr
Friedman Carl D.
Ivey Floyd E.
Liebler Ivey & Connor
Varner Steve
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