METAL BLINDS FOR A DOOR

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a metallic blind frame for a door according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] As is known, metal jambs for a door are used to anchor the door frame to them instead of to the wall. This is typically done when one of the following two situations exists: the wall where the door is to be installed is not sufficiently strong, and there is therefore a risk that the door frame will not be securely anchored to the wall, or the wall opening in which the door is to be installed has already been precisely finished, in which case anchoring the door to the jamb can be done quickly, securely, and neatly. State of the art

[0003] In accordance with the state of the art, the metal jambs are manufactured using closed-section profiles and are delivered pre-assembled. The connecting and anchoring elements are rigidly attached to the posts and crossbeam, often by welding, so that the jamb is delivered to the wall opening as a single unit, then positioned within it and anchored to the wall. The known technique thus involves the production of jambs that are individually designed for each installation location and the dimensions of the wall opening in which the door is to be installed.

[0004] However, the mass production of a single blind frame model would be practical and desirable, as it could be adapted on-site to the installation location and the dimensions of the wall opening. Furthermore, the fact that the blind frame is delivered as a single unit, with its main components (i.e., two posts, the crossbeam, the connecting elements, and the anchoring elements) already rigidly assembled, can cause difficulties during transport from its place of manufacture to its installation site due to its size.

[0005] Document US 1,723,991 A discloses a blind frame for a door that is suitable for being assembled at the installation site of the door and has the features of the preamble of claim 1. Description of the invention

[0006] The object underlying the invention is therefore to further develop a metallic blind frame for a door of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1, in order to provide a blind frame that can be easily adapted at its installation site to the dimensions and shape of the wall opening into which it must be placed, and which can also be easily transported to this wall opening without particular difficulty. According to the invention, this object is achieved if a metallic blind frame for a door, which has the features of the preamble of claim 1, additionally has the features specified in the characterizing portion of claim 1.

[0007] Thanks to the special arrangement of the elongated holes provided in the posts and crossbeam according to the invention, and the connecting holes provided in the connecting elements according to the invention, and also thanks to the self-tapping screws, it is always possible to adapt the blind frame according to the invention to the features of the wall opening in which it is to be installed. For this purpose, it will suffice to cut the posts and crossbeam to the desired length on site with a metal saw and then connect their ends together using the connecting elements by screwing each self-tapping screw into a connecting hole of the connecting elements and into the elongated hole of the post or crossbeam below. Since sequences of elongated holes and sequences of connecting holes are provided, it is always possible to find locations where the screwing described above is possible.The self-tapping screws also mean that there is no need to provide a nut inside the posts and the crossbeam.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, it is also possible to transport all components of the blind stock in a loose state instead of transporting the already assembled blind stock, and this requires much less space for transport.

[0009] Both typical angle profiles of known technology, which have a U-shaped cross-section, and flat angle elements, one for each side of the door, can be used as connecting elements. In both cases, however, such connecting elements must be provided with the sequence of connecting holes provided according to the invention.

[0010] It is also conceivable that the two connecting sections of each connecting element are formed from two plates, in which case further self-tapping screws are provided according to the invention, and that at least one locking hole is provided both in the first connecting section, i.e., in one of the plates, and in the second connecting section, i.e., in the other of the plates. In this way, in the assembled position of the connecting element, i.e., the two plates that form it, the two locking holes can be arranged opposite each other, and a further self-tapping screw can be screwed into them, so that the plate connected to the crossbeam is firmly and rigidly connected to the plate connected to the post.

[0011] According to the invention, it is preferred that each connecting element has an intermediate section arranged between the two connecting sections of the connecting element, connecting them together, and having a cross-section whose bending strength is less than that of each of the two connecting sections. In such a case, if, as provided according to the invention, the two connecting sections have an L-shaped cross-section and the width of the first connecting section and the width of the second connecting section are not equal, it is possible to provide connecting elements that are initially straight, e.g., during transport, and then, when connecting the crossbeam to the posts, are bent due to the reduced bending strength of the intermediate section.The two connecting sections of the fastener are pivoted due to the bending of the intermediate section, and their areas containing the locking holes can, thanks to the different widths of the connecting sections, be positioned one above the other, allowing a corresponding self-tapping screw to be inserted into the two locking holes. Furthermore, if the intermediate section of each fastener has a reduction in cross-section, such as a weakening hole or a notch, the bending of the connecting section is facilitated.

[0012] The anchoring elements are known. Each of them can be bent at a right angle so that each of its two anchoring sections is arranged in a specially designated niche in the wall. According to the invention, the connection between a post or crossbeam and such an anchoring element is achieved by inserting one of the two anchoring sections into two opposing elongated holes of an associated post or crossbeam. In this way, thanks to the widespread availability of the elongated holes, the most suitable location for anchoring the post or crossbeam to the wall can be selected.

[0013] In most cases, anchoring is achieved by filling the two niches in the wall, in which the two connecting sections are arranged, with a fluid filling material, e.g. mortar or insulating foam, but in the case of particularly heavy doors, the invention additionally provides that each of the two anchoring sections has fastening holes through which fastening screws extend, so that the two anchoring sections can be attached even more securely to the wall.

[0014] To hold the anchoring element in position until the niches in the wall are filled, each anchoring element is provided with two tabs, each of which protrudes at its end from the plane formed by the surface of the anchoring element. These two tabs prevent the anchoring element from slipping out of the elongated holes, as will be explained below.

[0015] The anchoring elements described are particularly suitable for anchoring the blind frame to brick walls and walls that are not particularly strong or compact. In the case of concrete walls, anchoring screws are preferred as anchoring elements, each of which extends into a corresponding anchoring hole in a sequence of anchoring holes provided both on the side of the posts connecting the two post walls, which have the elongated holes, and on the side of the crossbeam connecting the two crossbeam walls, which also have elongated holes. Often, the anchoring screws are used to anchor the crossbeam because there may be a concrete beam in the ceiling above the door, while the anchoring elements with two anchoring sections are used to anchor the posts because the walls are made of bricks.

[0016] With regard to the posts and the crossbeam, these are formed according to the invention from profiles with an open cross-section, which, compared to those with a closed cross-section, are lighter and less expensive and easier to cut. The interior of the open-cross-section profiles is filled with a fluid filling material, typically mortar or insulating foam, which then hardens over time. Such a filling reduces heat transfer in the event of a fire because less metal is present and because the conductivity of the mortar or insulating foam is lower than that of the metal. The filling also reduces sound transmission and achieves a stiffness comparable to that of profiles with a closed cross-section.

[0017] The invention provides that the cross-section of the posts and the crossbeam can be U-shaped, but it is preferred according to the invention that the open-section profiles forming the posts and the crossbeam have a cross-section whose shape is that obtained by adding a line laterally to a "U" as a continuation of the lower section of the "U". In such a cross-section, the two parallel walls of the "U" represent the cross-section of the two walls of the posts, which are provided with elongated holes, and the cross-section of the two walls of the crossbeam, which are provided with elongated holes, respectively, and the line represents the cross-section of a wing projecting laterally from one of the two aforementioned walls of the two posts and from one of the two aforementioned walls of the crossbeam.Because the blind frame, according to its arrangement and anchoring, is partially integrated into the mortar with which the wall is constructed, the wing serves to hold the mortar in position and acts as edge protection and protects the wall.

[0018] To simplify the filling of the posts and crossbeam with the filling material, which is said to be typically mortar, the connecting elements have through holes through which the filling material can flow.

[0019] Finally, to ensure the correct distance between the two posts during the installation of the blind post, the blind post also includes at least one spacer that connects the posts and has a U-shaped cross-section. Each end of the spacer is inserted into a U-shaped slot—one of a number of slots provided in the posts—in a manner that allows it to be fixed in position. At the end of the installation, the spacer is largely removed. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the metallic blind frame for a door according to the invention, which are explained purely by way of example but not in a limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, the various figures in the drawings are shown at different scales and schematically depict: the Fig. 1 the front view, which is interrupted at various points, of a blind stock according to the invention; the Fig. 2 the section view along the section line S1-S1 of the Fig. 1 ; the Fig. 3 the enlarged perspective view of what is inside the dashed circle that is in Fig. 1 shown in the upper left corner; Figs. 4 and 5 the enlarged perspective view of what is inside the dashed circle that is in Fig. 1shown in the lower left, or rather the dashed circle that is in Fig. 1 shown in the bottom right corner; Fig. 6 the perspective view of the blindstock of the Fig. 1 , if it is positioned in the wall opening for the door; the Fig. 7 the enlarged perspective view of what is inside the dashed circle that is in Fig. 6 shown in the upper right corner; Figs. 8 - 12 the perspective view of some components of the blindstock of the Fig. 1 , which are depicted alone; the Fig. 13 the perspective view of some components of the blindstock of the Fig. 1 , which were assembled in their advantageous transport position from their place of manufacture to the installation site of the blind stock; the Fig. 14 the front view of the components of the Fig. 13 . Best way to implement the invention

[0021] The figures show a metallic jamb for a door. It comprises two posts 1, each of which has two walls 1a arranged opposite each other, and a crossbeam 2, which is connected at one end to one of the two posts 1 and at its other end to the other of the two posts 1, and has two walls 2a arranged opposite each other.

[0022] The blind cane also includes, as is particularly evident in Fig. 3 As shown, connecting elements 3, for connecting the crossbeam 2 to the two posts 1, and anchoring elements 4;4', for anchoring the two posts 1 and the crossbeam 2 to the wall in which the door is located. In each of the two walls 1a of the two posts 1, see the Fig. 3 or the Fig. 8, a sequence of elongated holes 5 is provided and the two elongated hole sequences 5 of each post 1 resulting therefrom are arranged opposite each other in such a way that each elongated hole 5 of one of the two elongated hole sequences 5 is opposite an associated elongated hole 5 of the other of the two elongated hole sequences 5 and vice versa.

[0023] Each of the two walls 2a of the crossbeam 2 also has a sequence of elongated holes 5 provided, see the Fig. 3 or the Fig. 9 The two resulting sequences of elongated holes 5 are arranged opposite each other in such a way that each elongated hole 5 of one of the two sequences of elongated holes 5 is opposite a corresponding elongated hole 5 of the other of the two sequences of elongated holes 5, and vice versa. In this way, a plurality of pairs of elongated holes 5 are distributed along the walls 1a and 2a.

[0024] How to in Fig. 3As can be seen, two connecting elements 3 are provided to connect one end of the crossbeam 2 to a post 1. Each connecting element 3 has a first connecting section 3a, which is connected to a post 1, and a second connecting section 3b, which is connected to the crossbeam 2. Each of the two connecting sections 3a, 3b has a sequence of connecting holes 6, see the Fig. 10 , and, when the associated connecting element 3 is in the assembled position, which is in Fig. 3 As can be seen, each sequence of connecting holes 6 lies above an associated sequence of elongated holes 5. The provision of two connecting elements 3, one for each side of the door, allows, thanks to the break between the two connecting elements 3, the heat transfer in the event of a fire to be reduced.

[0025] Furthermore, a plurality of self-tapping screws 7 are provided, each having a self-tapping shank whose diameter is larger than the width of each of the elongated holes 5. Each self-tapping screw 7 is screwed into an associated connecting hole 6 and thereby penetrates and deforms an associated elongated hole 5 located behind the connecting hole 6. Each connecting element 3 has at least two locking holes 8, and further self-tapping screws 7' are also provided. As in Fig. 10 As can be seen, one of the locking holes 8 is located in the first connecting section 3a of the connecting element 3 and the other in the second connecting section 3b of the connecting element 3. When the connecting element 3 is in the assembled position, see the Fig. 3, its two blocking holes 8 are arranged opposite each other and another self-tapping screw 7' is screwed into them 8.

[0026] As can be seen from the comparison between the Fig. 10 and the Fig. 3 As can be seen, each connecting element 3 is bent, and this is made possible by the fact that it has an intermediate section 3c which is in Fig. 10 The intermediate section 3c is evident and is arranged between the two connecting sections 3a, 3b of the connecting element 3, connecting them together. The intermediate section 3c has a cross-section, e.g., a square cross-section, whose bending strength is less than that of each of the two connecting sections 3a, 3b. In this way, each connecting element 3, which is initially straight, can be... (see the) Fig. 10 , be bent, see the Fig. 3 The two connecting sections 3a and 3b, however, have an L-shaped cross-section; see the Fig. 10The width of the first connecting section 3a and the width of the second connecting section 3b are not equal. Therefore, during bending, and in the area where the two locking holes 8 are located, one connecting section overlaps the other. Furthermore, the intermediate section 3c of each connecting element 3 has a reduction in cross-section, e.g., a weakening hole 9 as shown in the figures, to further reduce the bending strength of the intermediate section 3c and to simplify bending. After the connecting element 3 has been bent, it no longer returns to its initial straight position unconstrained because the material of the intermediate section 3c has been deformed.

[0027] Each anchoring element 4 is also, as is known, bendable; see the Fig. 3 and the Fig. 11It 4 has two anchoring sections 4a, 4b, of which 4a, 4b each are in an associated niche in the wall specifically designated for this purpose, see the Fig. 7 , is arranged and then covered with a fluid filling material 11, e.g. mortar or insulating foam with which such niches are filled.

[0028] How to in Fig. 3 As can be seen, one of the anchoring sections, e.g., anchoring section 4a, is inserted into two opposing elongated holes 5 of an associated post 1 or crossbeam 2. Each anchoring element 4 is also provided with two tabs 4d which are Fig. 11 The two tabs 4d can be seen, each of which protrudes with its end from the plane formed by the surface of the anchoring element 4. The two tabs 4d prevent the anchoring element 4a from slipping out of the holes 5, because one of them rests on the wall in which the elongated hole 5 is located, see the Fig. 3, and the other, after being pushed inwards while passing through the elongated holes 5, has moved back to its initial position, in which it protrudes from the plane of the surface of the anchoring element 4.

[0029] The figures also show the mounting holes 4c, which each of the two anchoring sections 4a, 4b has. If necessary, fastening screws can extend through these mounting holes 4c, e.g., in Fig. 7 shown to further anchor the two anchoring sections 4a,4b to the wall in which the door is located, in addition to the mortar 11.

[0030] As an alternative to the anchoring element 4 having the two anchoring sections 4a, 4b, it is possible that an anchoring element is formed from an anchoring screw 4', see the Fig. 1 , 3 and 7. Such an anchoring screw 4' is shown, for example, in the figures with reference to a possible concrete beam arranged above the door and extends through an associated anchoring hole 10 of a sequence of anchoring holes 10, which is provided both in the side 1b of the posts 1, which connects the two walls 1a, and in the side 2b of the crossbeam 2, which connects the two walls 2a.

[0031] The posts 1 and the crossbeam 2 are formed from profiles with an open cross-section and have a cross-section whose shape is that achieved by adding a line to the side of a "U" as a continuation of the lower section of the "U". In a cross-section of this shape, the two parallel walls of the "U" represent the cross-section of the two walls 1a of the posts 1 and the cross-section of the two walls 2a of the crossbeam 2, respectively, and the line represents the cross-section of a wing 1c or 2c that projects laterally from one of the two walls 1a of the posts 1 and from one of the two walls 2a of the crossbeam 2, respectively.

[0032] The interior of the posts 1 and the support 2 is filled with a fluid filling material 11, e.g., mortar or insulating foam, which then hardens over time. To allow filling even in the corners, the connecting elements 3 have through holes 12 through which the filling material 11 can flow.

[0033] The metallic blind post also includes at least one spacer 13 for connecting the posts 1 during assembly. The spacer 13 has a U-shaped cross-section and is inserted at each of its ends, in a position-fixable manner, into a U-shaped slot 1d of a plurality of slots 1d provided in the side 1b of the posts 1, see the Fig. 1 , 4 and 5The spacer 13 also has a pair of notches 13a near each of its ends, into which the bottom of the slot 1d of the post 1 is inserted. To allow such insertion, each end of the spacer 13 is inserted with play along the vertical into the associated slot 1d, as can be seen in Fig. 5 sees.

[0034] The spacer 13 also has a fastening hole 13b near each of its ends, and at least one further fastening hole 1e is provided in the two walls 1a of each post 1. When the bottom of the slot 1d of the post 1 is inserted into the pair of notches 13a of the spacer 13, the fastening hole 13b and the further fastening hole 1e are opposite each other, and a locking screw 14 can be screwed into them. After the blind post has been inserted into the infill material 11, the part of the spacer 13 not inserted into the slots 14 is cut off and removed.

[0035] The Figs. 13 and 14 Finally, they demonstrate how the blind stock can be packed with minimal space requirements. Note the very narrow width, which is possible because flexible connecting elements (3) have been incorporated.

Claims

1. Metal sub-frame for a door comprising: . two uprights (1), each of which has two walls (1a) which are arranged facing one another; . a crosspiece (2), which is connected at one end thereof to one of the two uprights (1) and at the other end thereof to the other of the two uprights (1) and has two walls (2a) which are arranged facing one another; . connection elements (3), for connecting the crosspiece (2) to the two uprights (1); each connection element (3) having a first connection section (3a), connected to an upright (1), and a second connection section (3b), connected to the crosspiece (2); and anchoring elements (4;4'), for anchoring the two uprights (1) and the crosspiece (2) to the wall in which the door is positioned, characterised in that in each of the two walls (1a) of the two uprights (1) a succession of slots (5) is provided, the two successions of slots (5) of each upright (1) being arranged in such a way facing one another, that each slot (5) of one of the two successions of slots (5) lies facing a respective slot (5) of the other of the two successions of slots (5) and vice versa; in that in each of the two walls (2a) of the crosspiece (2) a succession of slots (5) is also provided, these two successions of slots (5) also being arranged in such a way facing one another, that each slot (5) of one of the two successions of slots (5) lies facing a respective slot (5) of the other of the two successions of slots (5) and vice versa; in that each of the two connection sections (3a,3b) has a succession of connection holes (6) and each succession of connection holes (6) is, in the mounted position of the respective connection element (3), superimposed on a respective succession of slots (5); and in that a plurality of self-tapping screws (7) is provided, each of which has a self-tapping stem whose diameter is larger than the width of each of the slots (5), each self-tapping screw (7) being screwed into a respective connection hole (6) and thereby penetrating, deforming it, into a respective slot (5) which is located behind the connection hole (6).

2. Sub-frame according to claim 1, characterised in that further self-tapping screws (7') are provided and in that each connection element (3) has at least two locking holes (8), one of which is arranged in the first connection section (3a) and the other in the second connection section (3b); in the mounted position of the connection element (3) its two locking holes (8) being arranged facing one another and a further self-tapping screw (7') being screwed therein (8).

3. Sub-frame according to claim 2, characterised in that each connection element (3) has an intermediate section (3c), which is arranged, joining them to one another, between the two connection sections (3a,3b) of the connection element (3) and has a cross-section the flexural strength of which is less than that of each of the two connection sections (3a,3b), in that the two connection sections (3a,3b) have an L-shaped cross-section and in that the width of the first connection section (3a) and the width of the second connection section (3b) are not equal.

4. Sub-frame according to claim 3, characterised in that in the intermediate section (3c) of each connection element (3), a reduction (9) of the cross-section is foreseen, which (9) reduces the flexural strength of the intermediate section (3c).

5. Sub-frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each anchoring element (4) is bendable and has two anchoring sections (4a,4b), one (4a) of which is inserted into two slots (5) lying facing one another of a respective upright (1) or crosspiece (2), each of the two connection sections (4a,4b) being positioned in a respective specific recess of the wall in which the door is foreseen.

6. Sub-frame according to claim 5, characterised in that each of the two anchoring sections (4a,4b) has fixing holes (4c) through which fixing screws extend for fixing the two anchoring sections (4a,4b) to the wall in which the door is positioned.

7. Sub-frame according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that each anchoring element (4) is provided with two tabs (4d), each of which protrudes with its end from the plane formed by the surface of the anchoring element (4).

8. Sub-frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each anchoring element (4') is formed by an anchoring screw, which (4') extends in a respective anchoring hole (10) of a succession of anchoring holes (10) which is provided both in the side (1b) of the uprights (1) which (1b) joins the two walls (1a) and in the side (2b) of the crosspiece (2) which (2b) joins the two walls (2a).

9. Sub-frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the uprights (1) and the crosspiece (2) are formed by profiles having an open cross-section and in that the internal space of the uprights (1) and the crosspiece (2) is filled with a filling fluid material (11), which then solidifies over time10. Sub-frame according to claim 9, characterised in that the open cross-section profiles forming the uprights (1) and the crosspiece (2) have a U-shaped cross-section, the two parallel walls of the U representing the cross-section of the two walls (1a) of the uprights (1), respectively the cross-section of the two walls (2a) of the crosspiece (2), and the base of the U representing the side (1b) of the uprights (1) joining the two walls (1a) of the uprights (1), respectively the side (2b) of the crosspiece (2) joining the two walls (2a) of the crosspiece (2).

11. Sub-frame according to claim 10, characterised in that the open cross-section profiles forming the uprights (1) and the crosspiece (2) have a cross-section the shape of which is obtained by laterally adding to a U a segment as a continuation of the base of the U, the two parallel walls of the U representing the cross-section of the two walls (1a) of the uprights (1), respectively of the two walls (2a) of the crosspiece (2), and the segment representing the cross-section of a wing (1c), respectively (2c), which protrudes laterally from one of the two walls (1a) of the two uprights (1), respectively from one of the two walls (2a) of the crosspiece (2).

12. Sub-frame according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the connection elements (3) have passage holes (12), through which the filling material (11) can pass.

13. Sub-frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one spacer (13) for connecting the uprights (1) together, which (13) has a U-shaped cross-section and is inserted with each end thereof, in a manner that allows a fixable position, in a U-shaped slit (1d) of a plurality of slits (1d) which is provided in the side (1b) of the uprights (1), each end of the spacer (13) being inserted in the respective slit (1d) with clearance along the vertical direction and the spacer (13) having in turn, near each end thereof, a pair of notches (13a), in which the bottom of the slit (1d) is inserted.

14. Sub-frame according to claim 13, characterised in that the spacer (13) has, near each end thereof, a fixing hole (13b) and in that in the two walls (1a) of each upright (1) there is at least one further fixing hole (1e); when the bottom of the slit (1d) of the uprights (1) is inserted in the pair of notches (13a) of the spacer (13) the fixing hole (13b) and the further fixing hole (1e) facing one another and being crossed by a locking screw (14).