Perimeter replication device

Abstract

Described is a perimeter replication device for a frame, comprising: an adjustable frame, comprising: an adjustable frame; a plurality of elongate members; and a plurality of hinges connected to the plurality of elongate members. Each elongate member of the plurality of elongate members is connected at a first end to a first hinge of the plurality of hinges and at a second end to a second hinge of the plurality of hinges such that the adjustable frame is a substantially continuous structure. Each elongate member of the plurality of elongate members is telescopic, and the perimeter replication device further includes a locking unit configured to lock the adjustable frame in a locked configuration, the locking unit including an elongate member locking mechanism and a hinge locking mechanism, the elongate member locking mechanism is configured to lock each of the plurality of elongate members in any position between a telescoped unextended configuration and a maximum telescoped extended configuration, and the hinge locking mechanism is configured to lock each of the plurality of hinges in any position between a minimum position and a maximum position. A perimeter replication method for replicating a perimeter of a door frame is also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a perimeter duplication device for use in buildings, for example for door frames, window frames etc., and to a perimeter duplication method for duplicating the perimeter of an aperture in a building. Background Art

[0002] When installing a door to a door frame, individuals such as contractors and mechanics may require a lot of labor and time. One known method involves taking multiple measurements of the door frame to ensure that the selected blank door fits within the door frame. The measurements of the door frame are typically taken multiple times and averaged to reduce errors. However, this method results in inaccuracies and may not capture any irregularities in the door frame, such as the angle or tilt of the door frame.

[0003] Alternatively, a blank door is selected as a "closest fit" to the door frame. In these cases, the door is not custom made to the door frame. The user may then perform the additional step of cutting the blank door to the proper size. Such a process may require multiple iterations of inspection and cutting, requiring more time and labor.

[0004] Additionally, a gap between the door and door frame is required to allow for clearance fitting, so the gap cannot be too small. Additionally, if the gap is too large, the door will not adequately block noise or drafts from entering the room. This gap must be measured by hand, which can be challenging when measuring old or misshapen door frames where the perimeter is not straight across its entire length.

[0005] Similar issues apply to other openings in buildings, such as windows.

[0006] Objects and aspects of the claimed invention seek to at least alleviate these problems of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a perimeter replication device for a building, comprising: an adjustable frame, which comprises: a plurality of elongated members; and a plurality of hinges connected to the plurality of elongated members. Each of the plurality of elongated members is connected to a first hinge of the plurality of hinges at a first end, and is connected to a second hinge of the plurality of hinges at a second end, so that the adjustable frame is a continuous structure. Each of the plurality of elongated members is telescopic, and the perimeter replication device further comprises a locking unit, which is configured to lock the adjustable frame in a locked configuration, the locking unit comprising an elongated member locking mechanism and a hinge locking mechanism, the elongated member locking mechanism being configured to lock each of the plurality of elongated members in any position between a telescopic unextended configuration and a maximum telescopic extended configuration, and the hinge locking mechanism being configured to lock each of the plurality of hinges in any position between a minimum position and a maximum position.

[0008] In this way, a device for replicating the perimeter of an aperture frame (e.g., a door frame, a window frame, etc.) is provided. The device allows a user to replicate the perimeter of a frame, thereby providing a stencil from which the user can cut, for example, a door of a corresponding shape. The user can adjust the adjustable frame, and then lock the adjustable frame in the adjusted position, so that the device forms a variety of template shapes and sizes. The slender member locking mechanism and the hinge locking mechanism can be locked and unlocked independently of each other, so that the device can be used by a user working alone. Thereafter, with reference to the example of a door, the user can assemble the hinge to the cut-out door and hang the door on the frame. Therefore, a simplified device is provided that helps to measure a door and assemble the door to a door frame. The perimeter of another aperture outside the door can be replicated in a similar manner.

[0009] In the following, the invention is described with reference to a door frame, but it should be understood that other applications than door frames (eg window frames etc.) are possible.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of elongated members consists of three elongated members. In some embodiments, the plurality of elongated members consists of four elongated members. In some embodiments, the plurality of elongated members consists of five elongated members. In further embodiments, the plurality of elongated members comprises at least five elongated members. It will be appreciated that the number of elongated members is selected to best fit the application of the perimeter measurement device, i.e., to provide an elongated member for each side of the perimeter to be replicated.

[0011] Preferably, the adjustable frame is a quadrilateral comprising a first longitudinal member opposite a second longitudinal member and a first transverse member opposite a second transverse member. Preferably, the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member are substantially identical, and the first transverse member and the second transverse member are substantially identical.

[0012] In some embodiments, each elongated member has substantially the same length. Preferably, the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member are at least 1.5 times the length of the first cross member and the second cross member. More preferably, the length of the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member is at least twice the length of the first cross member and the second cross member. In this way, a substantially rectangular frame is provided.

[0013] Preferably, when in the maximum telescopic extension configuration, the length of the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member is 1500mm to 2500mm. More preferably, when in the maximum telescopic extension configuration, the length of the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member is 2000mm to 2200mm.

[0014] Preferably, the length of the first and second longitudinal members when in the unextended configuration is 1000mm to 2000mm. More preferably, the length of the first and second longitudinal members when in the unextended configuration is 1400mm to 1600mm.

[0015] Preferably, when in the maximum telescopic extension configuration, the length of the first cross member and the second cross member is 500mm to 1300mm. More preferably, when in the maximum telescopic extension configuration, the length of the first cross member and the second cross member is 800mm to 1000mm.

[0016] Preferably, the length of the first and second cross-members when in the unextended configuration is 400mm to 800mm. More preferably, the length of the first and second cross-members when in the unextended configuration is 500mm to 700mm.

[0017] Preferably, the plurality of elongated members are substantially straight. In selected embodiments, one or more of the plurality of elongated members are substantially curved. Preferably, the plurality of elongated members are independently retractable. In this way, the user can adjust the length of each elongated member independently of each other elongated member.

[0018] Preferably, each of the plurality of elongated members comprises an outer member and an inner member, at least a portion of the inner member being located within the outer member, the inner member being configured to extend from the outer member when the elongated member is in a telescopically extended configuration. In this way, in the unextended configuration, a substantial portion of the inner member is contained within the outer member and is therefore inaccessible to the user's fingers. Since a plurality of moving parts are located internally, a more secure perimeter replication member is provided.

[0019] In some embodiments, each elongated member includes a second inner member, at least a portion of the second inner member is located within the first inner member, and the second inner member is configured to extend from the first inner member when the elongated member is in a telescopically extended configuration. Preferably, each elongated member includes only the first inner member and the outer member. In this way, when the device is assembled to the perimeter of the frame, only the length of one inner member relative to the outer member needs to be adjusted.

[0020] The elongated member locking mechanism is configured to lock each of the plurality of elongated members in substantially every position between the unextended configuration and the telescopically extended configuration. In this way, the length of each elongated member can be adjusted to more accurately and precisely match the perimeter of the frame. Preferably, the elongated member locking mechanism includes a friction blocking member located on the outer member, which is configured to removably hold the inner member in position relative to the outer member. Preferably, the friction blocking member is located at a first end of the outer member, and the inner member can be telescopically extended from the first end. Preferably, the friction blocking member includes a handle, which is configured to be used for a user to actuate the friction blocking member. In this way, the user can adjust the length of each elongated member before removably holding each elongated member in a locked configuration at a desired length.

[0021] Alternatively, the elongated member locking mechanism is configured to lock each of the plurality of elongated members in a plurality of discrete locking configurations. Preferably, at least one of the plurality of elongated members comprises a plurality of apertures at discrete positions on the elongated member, and the elongated member locking mechanism comprises a blocking member configured to be accommodated in an aperture in the plurality of apertures to block the movement of the elongated member relative to the elongated member locking mechanism. More preferably, each of the plurality of elongated members comprises a plurality of apertures at discrete positions on the elongated member. Preferably, the blocking member is located on an external member. Preferably, the distance between each of the plurality of apertures is 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0022] Preferably, the hinge locking mechanism comprises a handle configured to be used for a user to actuate the hinge locking mechanism. Preferably, the handle comprises an external tool cooperation portion for cooperating with an external tool. For example, a wrench can be used to lock and unlock the hinge locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the external tool cooperation portion comprises a hexagonal member configured to be rotated by a wrench. Alternatively, the external tool cooperation portion comprises a screw. In this way, a screwdriver can be used to lock and unlock the hinge mechanism. Alternatively, the external tool cooperation portion comprises an orifice. In this way, a corresponding key (such as a hexagonal key or an Allen key) can be used to lock and unlock each hinge mechanism. In a selected embodiment, the handle is manually operated. In this way, the user can lock and unlock the hinge mechanism using only their hands without the need for an external tool. Therefore, the user can adjust the angle formed between each adjacent elongated member before removably locking each hinge at a desired angle. In this way, each hinge can be locked in turn so that the device can be used by a user working alone.

[0023] Preferably, the adjustable frame further comprises a spacer unit located on a perimeter opposing face of the adjustable frame.It will be appreciated that the perimeter opposing face is the face of the frame which is located closest to or substantially adjacent to the door frame during use.

[0024] Preferably, the spacer unit comprises a plurality of spacer members on a plurality of hinges. Preferably, each hinge in the plurality of hinges comprises two spacer members. Preferably, the height of each spacer in the plurality of spacers is between 1 mm and 5 mm. More preferably, the height of each spacer member in the plurality of spacer members is between 1.5 mm and 3 mm. Still more preferably, the height of each spacer member in the plurality of spacer members is about 2 mm.

[0025] Preferably, each of the plurality of elongate members has a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the perimeter-opposing face of each of the plurality of hinges comprises a curved portion. It will be appreciated that the perimeter-opposing face is the face of the frame that is positioned closest to or substantially adjacent to the door frame during use. In this way, when the perimeter of the frame to be replicated has uneven corners, the adjustable frame fits better within the perimeter of the frame.

[0026] Preferably, the configuration of each of the plurality of elongated members is identical. Alternatively, the configuration of the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member is identical, and the configuration of the first cross member and the second cross member is identical. Alternatively, the configuration of each of the plurality of elongated members is not identical.

[0027] In an embodiment, the plurality of elongated members comprise metal. In this way, the perimeter replication device can be made more resilient to damage. In some embodiments, the plurality of elongated members comprise a lightweight metal, such as aluminum. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of elongated members can be made substantially of plastic. In this way, the weight of the perimeter replication device can be reduced. In some embodiments, the plurality of elongated members comprise steel. Other materials can be used.

[0028] The plurality of hinges may comprise aluminum.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a perimeter replication method for replicating the perimeter of a door frame, comprising: providing a perimeter replication device according to the first aspect of the present invention; placing the perimeter replication device adjacent to the perimeter to be replicated; adjusting the adjustable frame to replicate the perimeter; and locking a locking unit of the perimeter replication device.

[0030] Preferably, the perimeter replication method comprises the step of ensuring the device is in an unlocked configuration.Preferably, the step of ensuring the device is in an unlocked configuration precedes the step of abutting the perimeter replication device to the perimeter to be replicated.

[0031] Preferably, the step of abutting the perimeter replication device to the perimeter to be replicated comprises aligning the perimeter replication device in the same plane as the frame to be abutted.Preferably, the step of abutting the perimeter replication device to the perimeter to be replicated comprises abutting the spacer members of the perimeter replication device to the perimeter of the frame to be replicated.

[0032] Preferably, the perimeter replication method comprises the step of removing the perimeter replication device from the frame to be replicated. Preferably, the perimeter replication method comprises the step of placing the perimeter replication device on the material to be cut. For example, the material to be cut may be a door blank or a wooden board. Preferably, the perimeter replication method comprises the step of marking the perimeter of the perimeter replication device onto the material to be cut. Preferably, the perimeter replication method comprises the step of cutting the material to be cut to the marked perimeter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1A and Figure 1B depicts a perimeter replication apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention, the perimeter replication apparatus being shown in a maximum telescopically extended configuration;

[0035] Figure 2A and Figure 2B depicts the perimeter replication apparatus of FIG. 1 in an unextended configuration;

[0036] Figure 3A depicts a hinge of the perimeter replication apparatus of FIG1 ;

[0037] Figure 3B depicts an exploded view of a hinge of the perimeter replication apparatus of FIG1 ;

[0038] Figure 4A Depicts an interior view of the elongated member locking mechanism of the perimeter replication apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

[0039] Figure 4B depicts an exploded view of the elongated member locking mechanism of the perimeter replication apparatus of FIG. 1 ; and

[0040] Figure 5 A perimeter replication method according to a second aspect of the present invention is disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Although the embodiments described herein relate to perimeter measurement devices for door frames, it should be understood that the perimeter duplication device of the present invention has many more applications than the embodiments below. For example, the device can be used in other recesses and apertures into which door-like structures need to be fitted, such as window frames and cabinets, or in picture frames where photographs or artwork need to be cut to size.

[0042] 1 to 4, a perimeter duplication apparatus 100 for a door frame is shown. The apparatus 100 includes an adjustable frame including four independently retractable elongated members 105, 110, 115, 120 and four hinges 125 connecting each of the four elongated members 105, 110, 115, 120. The plurality of elongated members 105, 110, 115, 120 include a first longitudinal member 105 positioned opposite an identical second longitudinal member 110 and a first cross member 115 positioned opposite an identical second cross member 120.

[0043] The first longitudinal member 105 is coupled to the first end 110a of the second longitudinal member 110 via the first cross member 115 at the first end 105a. The first longitudinal member 105 is coupled to the second end 110b of the second longitudinal member 110 via the second cross member 120 at the second end 105b. The first longitudinal member 105 is connected to the first hinge 125a at its first end 105a and to the second hinge 125b at its second end 105b, so that the adjustable frame is a continuous structure. The construction of the first longitudinal member 105 will be described herein. It should be understood that the construction of the first longitudinal member 105, the second longitudinal member 110, the first cross member 115 and the second cross member 120 are the same.

[0044] The first longitudinal member 105 includes an inner member 135 located within the outer member 130. As shown in FIG1 , the inner member 135 is configured to extend from the first end 130a of the outer member 130 between the maximum telescopic extension configuration shown in FIG1 and the unextended configuration shown in FIG2 . The inner member 135 and the outer member 130 cooperate so that when the first longitudinal member 105 is in the maximum telescopic extension configuration, the inner member 135 cannot be accidentally removed from the outer member 130. In this way, when the first longitudinal member 105 is in the maximum telescopic extension configuration, at least a portion of the inner member 135 remains located within the outer member 130.

[0045] The first longitudinal member 105 includes an inner spacer 195 (eg, Figure 4A ), the internal spacer 195 is configured such that the inner member 135 remains concentrically located within the outer member 130 during telescopic extension and contraction, thereby ensuring smooth telescopic movement.

[0046] The inner spacer 195 includes a rectangular block that is configured to be received in the inner member 135 with a transition fit. In this manner, the inner member 135 cannot move relative to the inner spacer 195. The inner spacer 195 also includes an abutment portion 195a that includes a raised edge that stands upright from the inner spacer 195 and is continuously positioned around the perimeter of the inner spacer 195.

[0047] The first longitudinal member 105 includes an inner strut collar 136 configured to partially surround the inner member 135 and abut the abutment portion 195a when the inner spacer 195 is located within the inner strut collar 136. In this manner, the inner spacer 195 prevents the inner member 135 from moving relative to the inner strut collar 136 when the inner spacer 195 and the inner member 135 are located within the inner strut collar 136. The inner strut collar 136 can be secured to the inner member 135 and the inner spacer 195 via four bolts 137 located within the inner member 135, perpendicular to the surface of the inner member 135, and four complementary threaded side inserts 138 located within the inner spacer 195, perpendicular to the surface of the inner spacer 195. The threaded side inserts 138 have an interference fit within the inner spacer 195. Bolts 137 may be threaded onto the threaded side inserts 138 to secure the inner strut collar 136 to the inner member 135 and the inner spacer 195. A pair of bolts 317 and a pair of threaded side inserts 138 are each located on opposite sides of the inner spacer 195. The "side" of the threaded side insert 138 refers to the location of the threaded insert, not the location of the threads of the threaded insert.

[0048] When the inner member 135 and the inner strut collar 136 are positioned within the outer member 130, the inner strut collar 136 itself acts as a spacer between the inner member 135 and the outer member 130. The inner strut collar 136 helps ensure that the inner member 135 remains concentrically positioned within the outer member 130 during telescopic extension and retraction, thereby ensuring smooth telescopic motion. The inner strut collar 136 further helps reduce friction between the inner member 135 and the outer member 130.

[0049] The first longitudinal member 105 also includes an outer strut collar 139 configured to receive a portion of the first end 130a of the outer member 130. The outer member 130 is received within the outer strut collar 139 with an interference fit such that the outer member is secured to the outer strut collar 139. The outer strut collar 139 further receives the inner member and allows the inner member 135 to slide within the outer member 130. In a similar manner to the inner strut collar 136, the outer strut collar 139 helps the inner member 135 remain concentrically located within the outer member 130 during telescopic extension and retraction and reduces friction between the inner member 135 and the outer member 130.

[0050] The device 100 also includes a locking unit including an elongated member locking mechanism 140 (see Figure 4A ) and hinge locking mechanism 145 (see Figure 3A , 3B ). The locking unit is configured to lock the adjustable frame in a locked configuration. The elongated member locking mechanism 140 includes four elongated member locks, one elongated member lock is located on each of the four elongated members and is configured to lock the position of the outer member 130 relative to the inner member 135. Each elongated member lock is configured to operate independently of each other elongated member lock. The hinge locking mechanism 145 includes four hinge locks, one hinge lock is located on each of the four hinges. Each hinge lock is configured to operate independently of each other hinge lock. The hinge lock located on the first hinge 125a is configured to lock the first longitudinal member 105 and the first transverse member 115 at an angle α, as shown in Figure 1a. Adjacent pairs of elongated members are configured to lock in a similar manner. It should be understood that the angle α can be any angle between a minimum angle of 0 degrees and a maximum angle of 180 degrees.

[0051] When all four hinge locking mechanisms 145 and all four elongated member locking mechanisms 140 are locked, the adjustable frame is in a locked configuration. When one or more of the hinge locking mechanisms 145 and / or the elongated member locking mechanisms 140 are unlocked, the adjustable frame is in a partially locked configuration. When all four hinge locking mechanisms 145 and all four elongated member locking mechanisms 140 are unlocked, the adjustable frame is in an unlocked configuration.

[0052] The elongated member locking mechanism 140 is configured to lock each elongated member in substantially every position between an unextended configuration and a telescopically extended configuration. The elongated member locking mechanism 140 includes a friction blocking member 150 configured to releasably hold the inner member 135 in a position relative to the outer member 130. The friction blocking member 150 includes a threaded insert 151 and a rotating handle 155, the handle 155 being coupled to a first end 151a of the threaded insert 151. The threaded insert 151 includes a threaded inner diameter, and the handle 155 includes a bolt having threads complementary to the threaded inner diameter of the threaded insert 151. The bolt of the handle 155 is configured to be screwed onto the first end 151a of the threaded insert 151. A user can lock and unlock the elongated member locking mechanism 140 via the handle 155, which is fan-shaped to improve the user's grip.

[0053] The threaded insert 151 also includes a diamond knurled outer diameter and is configured to fit within the bore of the inner member 135 with an interference fit and partially embed into the inner spacer 195 at the second end 151b of the threaded insert 151. In this manner, the second end 151b of the threaded insert 151 can be secured to the inner spacer 195 with the threaded insert 151 partially within the inner member 135.

[0054] The handle 155 can be tightened on the threaded insert 151 so that the handle 155 abuts the outer member 130, thereby providing a force that urges the outer member 130 toward the inner strut collar 136, the inner member 135, and the inner spacer 195. When the threaded insert 151 is fixed to the handle 155 at its first end 151a and fixed to the inner spacer 195 at its second end 151b, tightening the handle 155 on the threaded insert 151 brings the handle 155, the outer member 130, the inner strut collar 136, the inner member 135, and the inner spacer 195 closer together so that they abut each other. The force provided by the tightened handle 155 increases the friction between the outer member 130 and the inner member 135 via the inner strut collar 136 and the inner spacer 195, thereby reducing the ease of movement between the outer member 130 and the inner member 135.

[0055] The elongated member locking mechanism 140 can be assembled as follows. The four threaded side inserts 138 and the second end 151b of the threaded insert 151 can be inserted into the apertures provided in the inner spacer 195. The inner spacer 195 can then be inserted into the inner member 135. The inner spacer 195 and the inner member 135 subassembly can then be inserted into the inner strut collar 136. The bolts 137 can be inserted into the inner strut collar 136 and coupled to the four threaded side inserts 138 to secure the inner strut collar 136 to the inner spacer 195. The inner member 135 subassembly can then be inserted into the outer strut collar 139 and the outer member 130.

[0056] The outer member 130 includes an elongated slot 160 extending from a first end 160a to a second end 160b. When the inner member 135 is positioned within the outer member 130 in an unextended configuration, the slot 160 extends a distance equal to the position of the threaded insert 151, with the first end 160a proximate the first cross member 115 and the second end proximate the second cross member 120. In this manner, the inner member 135 can be accommodated within the slot 160 without preventing movement of the threaded insert 151 by the second end 160b of the slot 160. The threaded insert 151 abuts the second end 160b of the slot 160 in the unextended configuration, thereby preventing the inner member 135 from moving further into the outer member 130 and beyond the unextended configuration.

[0057] The slot 160 is substantially straight and parallel to the direction of movement of the inner member 135 within the outer member 130. The threaded insert 151 stands up from the inner member 135 at a substantially right angle and protrudes through the slot 160 so that the first end 151a of the threaded insert 151 protrudes from the slot 160. The first end 151a of the threaded insert 151 remains protruding from the slot 160 throughout the telescopic extension and retraction of the elongated member. The handle 155 is attached to the first end 151a of the threaded insert 151 so that the outer member 130 is located between the inner member 135 and the handle 155.

[0058] In this way, a user can tighten the handle 155 on the threaded insert 151 to lock and unlock the elongated member locking mechanism 140. The force introduced by tightening the handle 155 on the threaded insert 151 pushes the inner member 135 into a non-concentric position within the outer member 130, thereby causing friction between the abutting surfaces of the inner spacer 195, the inner member 135, the inner strut collar 136, and the outer member 130. The frictional force helps prevent movement of the inner member 135 relative to the outer member 130. When the handle 155 is loosened on the threaded insert 151, the force is removed, thereby allowing the inner member 135 to move relative to the outer member 130. In this way, a user can easily engage and disengage the elongated member locking mechanism 140 via the handle 155.

[0059] The threaded insert 151 is received in the slot 160 with a clearance fit, and the slot 160 has a substantially constant width along its length. Thus, the threaded insert 151 can be easily moved along the slot 160 when the elongated member locking mechanism 140 is in the unlocked configuration.

[0060] The slot 160 is a closed aperture in the outer member 135 and extends from the first end 130a of the outer member 130. The threaded insert 151 moves substantially along the entire length of the slot 160 when the elongated member moves from the unextended configuration to the maximum telescopic extension configuration, and vice versa. That is, when the elongated member is in the unextended configuration of FIG. 2, the elongated member locking mechanism 140 is located at the first end 160a of the slot 160. When the elongated member is in the maximum telescopic extension configuration of FIG. 1, the elongated member locking mechanism 140 is located at the second end 160b of the slot 160.

[0061] The hinge locking mechanism 145 includes a handle 165 including a rotating member 165a standing upright from the handle 165. The rotating member 165a has an external tool cooperation portion formed by a hexagonal member 166, and the hexagonal member 166 is configured to be rotated by a wrench (i.e., a spanner). The user can tighten and loosen the rotating member 165a using the wrench to lock and unlock the hinge locking mechanism 145.

[0062] The hinge locking mechanism 145 includes a screw 170 located in an aperture of two main body parts 175 of the hinge 125. The two main body parts 175 are configured to move independently of each other. The axis of rotation of the two main body parts 175 of the hinge is the longitudinal axis of the screw 170. A pair of plates 180 are located between each main body part 175 to reduce wear on the main body parts 175. The rotating member 165a is located at the end of the screw 170, and by tightening the rotating member 165a on the screw, the force in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the two main body parts 175 is increased, thereby keeping the two main body parts 175 together. When the rotating member 165a is tightened, the friction between the plates 180 increases, which increases the difficulty that the main body parts 175 can rotate relative to each other. The wrench helps the user apply torque to the rotating member 165a to apply an appropriate level of axial force on the plates 180, thereby locking them in place relative to each other.

[0063] Regardless of the angle α between adjacent elongated members formed by the hinge 125, the rotating member 165a can be rotated relative to the screw 170. In this way, the user can lock the hinge 125 at any desired angle. Once locked, the hinge locking mechanism 145 applies a load of approximately 1250 kg to the plate 180, thereby ensuring that the hinge 125 will not move unintentionally, such as when a force is accidentally applied to the adjustable frame. In this way, the adjustable frame will remain in the locked position to which it has been adjusted. When the rotating member 165a is released, the axial load between the plates 180 is removed, and the main body 175 of the hinge 125 can rotate relative to each other again.

[0064] In order to be configured to lock at any angle between the minimum angle and the maximum angle, the hinge 125 can at least partially utilize the friction between the two plates 180 when they are pressed together in the locked configuration. In an embodiment, the friction is sufficient to offset reasonable torque applied to the hinge 125 via the elongated members of the adjustable frame during use, such as a user holding the device 100 against a door frame or due to the weight of the device 100 and the gravity when the user lifts the device 100. In order to increase the torque required to move the hinge 125, and therefore increase the force required to change the angle between adjacent elongated members 105, 110, 115, 120, once the hinge mechanism is in the locked configuration, the friction between the two plates 180 should offset the force applied by the user to the adjustable frame, such as during the maximum telescopic extension configuration.

[0065] The friction force can be expressed as F r , = μN calculation, where F r is the friction force, μ is the friction coefficient between the two plates 180, and N is the axial force holding the plates 180 together. The friction coefficient depends on the material of the plates 180. By increasing the friction coefficient, the friction force provided is increased. In this embodiment, the plates 180 are aluminum with a friction coefficient of 1.05, and the axial force N depends on the force applied to the rotating member 165a by the user with a wrench.

[0066] When the adjustable frame is in the maximum telescopic extension configuration, the distance between the first hinge 125a and the second hinge 125b is 2.1 m. The applied torque T applied The force F applied can be obtained by multiplying the distance d1 between the two hinges 125a, 15b by the force F applied perpendicular to the distance applied In one example, when a user applies a load of 100 N (≈10 kg) to the first hinge 125 a, the applied torque T experienced at the second hinge 125 b is applied It is about 210Nm.

[0067] Friction torque T of hinge 125 applied The friction force Fr The friction torque T is calculated by multiplying the distance d2 of the friction force from the pivot point of the hinge 125. In one embodiment, the outer radius of the plate 180 is 22.5 mm and the inner radius is 9.65 mm. When the plates 180 are pressed together, the friction force will act in the radius between the inner radius and the outer radius. Therefore, the distance d2 of the friction force from the pivot point is taken as 16.075 mm. The friction torque T friction About 0.0169N.

[0068] In one embodiment, if T friction =T applied = 210 Nm, the axial force N pressing the plates 180 together can be calculated to be 12500 N, which is a load of approximately 1250 kg. Therefore, in order to provide an axial force to counteract the forces experienced by the elongated members 105, 110, 115, 120 during normal use, an axial force of approximately 1250 kg load forces the two plates 180 together.

[0069] The adjustable frame also includes an external spacer unit located on the perimeter opposite face 190 of the adjustable frame. The spacer unit includes eight spacer members 185, two spacer members 185 are located on each hinge 125. Each spacer member 185 stands upright at a height of about 2 mm from the perimeter opposite face 190. The spacer members 185 stand upright at right angles relative to the elongated members adjacent to it. Each spacer member 185 basically forms a raised lip edge of the hinge 125, and the spacer member 185 contacts each elongated member adjacent to each corresponding hinge 125. In this way, the spacer member 185 contacts the perimeter of the door frame, and there is a gap of about 2 mm between each elongated member and the perimeter of the door frame. Like this, when the adjustable frame is adjusted to abut the perimeter of the frame, the spacer member 185 located at basically either end of each elongated member separates the elongated member from the perimeter of the frame by 2 mm.

[0070] The hinge 125 is configured to allow a user to adjust the angle α between each adjacent elongated member 105, 110, 115, 120 between a minimum angle of 0 degrees and a maximum angle of 180 degrees. For example, the user can lock the first hinge 125a so that the angle α is substantially any acute or obtuse angle, including a right angle. In a further embodiment of the device 100 of Figures 1 to 4, the hinge 125 is configured to allow a user to adjust the angle between each adjacent elongated member 105, 110, 115, 120 between a minimum angle of 10 degrees and a maximum angle of 170 degrees. However, it should be understood that the angle between each adjacent elongated member is limited by the configuration of the adjustable frame in this case, the number and position of the locking and unlocking locking mechanisms 140, 145 and / or the adjustable frame, and the size of the corresponding elongated members 105, 110, 115, 120.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, in a second aspect of the present invention, a perimeter duplication method 500 for duplicating the perimeter of a door frame is provided. The method 500 first includes a providing device step 501, wherein the perimeter duplication device 100 of the first aspect of the present invention 501 is provided. This is followed by an abutting perimeter step 502, wherein a user abuts the perimeter duplication device 100 to the perimeter to be duplicated. Next, the method 500 includes an adjusting step 503, wherein an adjustable frame of the device 100 is adjusted to duplicate the perimeter of, for example, a door frame. This is followed by a locking step 504, wherein a user locks a locking unit of the device 100 so that the adjustable frame remains in an adjusted position when removed from the door frame; and locking the locking unit of the device 100.

[0072] Additionally, prior to the abutting perimeter step 502, the user can ensure that the device 100 is in an unlocked configuration, i.e., all four hinge locks and all four elongated member locks are unlocked. Additionally, during the abutting perimeter step 502, the user can align the device 100 in the same plane as the door frame to be abutted. The user can then adjust the adjustable member to ensure that the spacer member 185 abuts the perimeter of the door frame. The user can independently rotate each hinge 125 and independently telescopically extend and retract each elongated member 105, 110, 115, 120 to replicate the perimeter of the door frame.

[0073] During the locking step 504, the user can then manually lock each elongated member lock and use a wrench to lock each hinge lock so that the device 100 is in a locked configuration. Thereafter, the device 100 can then be removed from the door frame by pulling the device 100 toward the user or pushing the device 100 away from the user. The device 100 retains the adjusted shape created by the user replicating the door frame because the door frame has been locked in place.

[0074] Next, the device 100 can be placed on, for example, a door blank, panel or board so that the device 100 can be used as a template. The user can align one of the elongated members against the edge of the door blank to reduce material waste. The user can then pull around at least a portion of the peripheral opposing faces 190 of the adjustable frame. The user can cut the door blank to fit the door frame that the device 100 has copied in a single copy and cut step. A gap of 2 mm is accommodated in the copy template produced on the door blank. In addition, the user does not need to take any measurements of the frame or lift the blank door to the frame to check the fit. The user can then fit the hinges on the door blank and hang the door on the frame.

[0075] like Figure 1B and Figure 2BAs shown, the elongated members are rigid, substantially straight and have a substantially rectangular cross-section. Each elongated member has a width greater than a depth, such that the perimeter opposing faces 190 are narrower than their adjacent faces.

[0076] The first longitudinal member 105 and the second longitudinal member 110 are 2100 mm in their maximum telescopic extended configuration and 1500 mm in their unextended configuration. The first cross member 115 and the second cross member 120 are 900 mm in their maximum telescopic extended configuration and 600 mm in their unextended configuration. It should be understood that the height of the spacer member 185 is not included in the length of the first longitudinal member 105, the second longitudinal member 110, the first cross member 115 or the second cross member 120. Thus, the total length of the longitudinal side of the adjustable frame is 2104 mm in the maximum telescopic extended configuration and 1504 mm in the unextended configuration. The total length of the cross side of the adjustable frame is 904 mm in the maximum telescopic extended configuration and 604 mm in the unextended configuration.

[0077] The size of the template provided by the apparatus 100 is equal to the length of the adjusted elongate members 105, 110, 115, 120 because the spacer members 185 provide the desired 2 mm gap on each side of the adjustable frame between the adjustable frame of the apparatus 100 and the door frame to be replicated.

[0078] In this way, a perimeter duplication device 100 is provided that improves the ease and time it takes for a user to measure and fit a door, window, etc. to a frame, recess, or aperture. A custom template is created that allows a user to easily duplicate old frames that may have been bent or become bent or misshapen, as well as frames of unusual geometries that would prove difficult to measure when using methods known in the art. In addition, reduced manual labor is required because the user is not required to take any measurements of the frame, nor is it required to lift a blank door to the frame to check the fit. The device 100 is also lightweight and portable, and can be operated by a single user. In addition, the user does not require any specialized skills to operate the device 100.

[0079] Other embodiments of the invention not described herein are contemplated. For example, it should be understood that the overall dimensions of the adjustable frame in the maximum telescopically extended configuration and the unextended configuration depend on the application of the device. For example, dimensions smaller than those described herein are suitable for smaller openings and frames, such as windows, and dimensions larger than those described herein are suitable for larger openings and frames, such as garage doors.

Claims

1. A perimeter duplication device for a frame, comprising: An adjustable frame, the adjustable frame comprising: a plurality of elongated members; and a plurality of hinges connected to the plurality of elongated members; wherein each of the plurality of elongated members is connected at a first end to a first hinge of the plurality of hinges and at a second end to a second hinge of the plurality of hinges such that the adjustable frame is a substantially continuous structure; wherein each of the plurality of elongated members is telescopic; and The perimeter replication device further comprises a locking unit configured to lock the adjustable frame in a locked configuration, the locking unit comprising an elongated member locking mechanism and a hinge locking mechanism, the elongated member locking mechanism being configured to lock each of a plurality of elongated members in any position between a telescopic unextended configuration and a maximum telescopic extended configuration, the hinge locking mechanism being configured to lock each of a plurality of hinges in any position between a minimum position and a maximum position.

2. The perimeter replication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable frame is a quadrilateral including a first longitudinal member opposite a second longitudinal member and a first transverse member opposite a second transverse member.

3. The perimeter replication apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member are substantially identical, and wherein the first cross member and the second cross member are substantially identical.

4. A perimeter replication apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the length of the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member is at least twice the length of the first transverse member and the second transverse member.

5. A perimeter replication apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of elongate members are substantially straight.

6. The perimeter replication apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate member locking mechanism is configured to lock each elongate member of the plurality of elongate members in substantially every position between an unextended configuration and a telescopically extended configuration.

7. The perimeter replication apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongated member locking mechanism is configured to lock each of the plurality of elongated members in a plurality of discrete locked configurations.

8. The perimeter replication apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge locking mechanism is configured to independently lock each hinge of the plurality of hinges in a locked configuration.

9. The perimeter replication apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustable frame further comprises spacer units located on perimeter-opposing faces of the adjustable frame.

10. The perimeter replication apparatus of claim 10, wherein the spacer unit comprises a plurality of spacer members on a plurality of hinges.

11. The perimeter replication apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of spacer members has a height of approximately 2 mm.

12. A perimeter replication apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of elongate members are independently retractable.

13. A perimeter replication apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of elongated members comprises an outer member and an inner member, at least a portion of the inner member being located within the outer member, the inner member being configured to extend from the outer member when the elongated member is in a telescopically extended configuration.

14. A perimeter replication apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each elongate member of the plurality of elongate members has a rectangular cross-section.

15. A perimeter replication method for replicating the perimeter of a frame, comprising: Providing a perimeter replication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14; placing the perimeter replication device adjacent to the perimeter to be replicated; adjusting the adjustable frame to replicate the perimeter; and A locking unit is provided to lock the perimeter replication device.

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