Threshold jig

Abstract

A threshold jig includes an adjustable mechanism platform having a first slide slot having and elongated recess, a first slide bar positioned within the first slide slot, and a first jamb stop head block pivotally secured to a free end of the first slide bar. The first jamb stop head block includes first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/839,721, entitled “UNIVERSAL THRESHOLD JIG”, filed Aug. 24, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a device for taking threshold measurements between door jambs and then marking the material used to make the threshold. More particularly, the present invention relates to a universal jig for creating custom fit thresholds.

2. Description of the Related Art

When construction workers are confronted with cutting thresholds for utilization in the building of homes and other building structures, it is often difficult to take the many measurements required for properly cutting a threshold and then transfer those measurements to the item to be cut. With this in mind, a need exists for a jig capable of conveniently and accurately taking the measurements of a threshold and then transferring those measurements to the material to be cut. The present invention provides such a jig.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig including an adjustable mechanism platform having a first slide slot having an elongated recess, a first slide bar positioned within the first slide slot, and a first jamb stop head block pivotally secured to a free end of the first slide bar. The first jamb stop head block includes first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig wherein the recess of the first slide slot extends outwardly in its width dimension as it reaches an edge of the adjustable mechanism platform.

It is also another object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig wherein the adjustable mechanism platform includes a cover positioned over the first slide slot, the cover maintaining the first slide bar within the first slide slot.

It is also a further object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig wherein the adjustable mechanism platform is further provided with a first adjustable thumb knob that is aligned with and passes through the first slide slot for selectively frictionally holding the first slide bar in position relative to the first slide slot.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig wherein the first slide bar includes an offset head such that the first jamb stop head block is centrally positioned relative to the adjustable mechanism platform.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig wherein the first adjustable slide bar includes a first segment and a second segment connected by an offset segment.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig wherein the first jamb stop head block is provided with a center point indicator mark.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig wherein the first jamb stop head block is provided with a semi-circular recessed area allowing for controlled pivoting of the first jamb stop head block relative to the respective the first slide bar.

It is also a further object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig further including a thumb knob securely holding the first slide bar to the first jamb stop head block.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig wherein each of the first pivoting adjustable stop block and the second pivoting adjustable stop block of the first jamb stop head block includes a relatively large central opening through which a bolt of respective thumb knobs passes for selective tightening thereof and permitting relative movement of the first pivoting adjustable stop block and second pivoting adjustable stop block upon the first jamb stop head block.

It is also another object of the present invention to provide a threshold jig including an adjustable mechanism platform including a first slide slot having an elongated recess and a second slide slot having an elongated recess. A first slide bar is positioned within the first slide slot and a second slide bar is positioned within the second slide slot. A first jamb stop head block is pivotally secured to a free end of the first slide bar and a second jamb stop head block is pivotally secured to a free end of the second slide bar. The first jamb stop head block includes first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks and the second jamb stop head block includes first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective of the threshold jig in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an assembled view of the threshold jig in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are views showing the steps of using the present threshold jig to measure a threshold.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

The present threshold jig 10 provides a convenient serviceable apparatus for use in fitting wood, steel, marble, stone or any other material suited for thresholds common to doors, transitions or any other household application. The threshold jig includes an adjustable mechanism platform 18 including a first slide slot 20 having an elongated recess 24 and a second slide slot 22 having an elongated recess 25. A first slide bar 30 is positioned within the first slide slot 20 and a second slide bar 32 is positioned within the second slide slot 22. A first jamb stop head block 42 is pivotally secured to a free end of the first slide bar 20 and a second jamb stop head block 44 is pivotally secured to a free end of the second slide bar 22. The first jamb stop head block 40 includes first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68, 70 and the second jamb stop head block 42 includes first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68, 70.

Through the utilization of the present threshold jig 10, several necessary measurements are taken and conveniently transferred to the medium used to form a threshold for application within the door, transition, or any other household application. The present threshold jig 10 provides time savings and material savings by avoiding the potential errors from separately transferring a series of measurements. This obviates the liability of making errors in the transfer of information for the production of non-fitting joints. The present threshold jig 10 will simply and practically indicate the proper dimensions for thresholds, door jambs, transition strips, sills, or template any other area the jig may be practically applied and/or employed.

More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an assembled exploded threshold jig 10 in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The threshold jig 10 includes opposite and identical ends 12, 14 shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the structure of a door adjacent the supporting surface. The central portion 16 of the threshold jig 10 is an adjustable mechanism platform 18. The adjustable mechanism platform 18 includes first and second slide slots 20, 22. The first and second slide slots 20, 22 are positioned side by side so as to extend toward opposite edges 28, 29 of the adjustable mechanism platform 18. Each of the first and second slide slots 20, 22 includes an elongated recess 24, 25 having an internal portion 26 of a constant width dimension. The elongated recess 24, 25, however, extends outwardly in its width dimension as it reaches the edge 28, 29 of the adjustable mechanism platform 18 so as to accommodate the shape of the respective first and second slide bars 30, 32 positioned therein in a manner discussed below in greater detail.

The adjustable mechanism platform 18 further includes a cover 34 positioned over the first and second slide slots 20, 22. The cover 34 maintains the respective first and second slide bars 30, 32 within the first and second slide slots 20, 22. As will be appreciated based upon the following disclosure, the adjustable mechanism platform 18 is further provided with first and second adjustable thumb knobs 36, 38 that are aligned with and pass through the first and second slide slots 20, 22 for selectively frictionally holding the first and second slide bars in position as they move along the first and second slide slots 20, 22.

As discussed above, the first and second slide bars 30, 32 are respectively positioned within the first and second slide slots 20, 22. By positioning the first and second slide bars 30, 32 within the respective first and second slide slots 20, 22, the present threshold jig 10 provides for a more compact device as both of the slide bars 30, 32 may be extended from the adjustable mechanism platform 18. Each of the first and second slide bars 30, 32 includes an offset head 40 such that the respective first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 are centrally positioned relative to the adjustable mechanism platform 18. As such, each adjustable first and second slide bars 30, 32 includes a first segment 46 and a second segment 48 connected by an offset segment 50. The first segment 46 is substantially longer than the second segment 48 and the first segment 46 is shaped and dimensioned for positioning within the slide slot 20, 22. The first segment 46 further includes a central recess 52 through which a bolt 54 of the thumb knob 36, 38 passes. As a result, the first and second slide bars 30, 32 may move freely within the respective first and second slide slots 20, 22 with the bolts 54 of the first and second thumb knobs 36, 38 extending through the central recess 52 of the first or second slide bar 30, 32 in a manner that does not impede movement of the slide bar 30, 32 unless the adjustable thumb knob 36, 38 is tightened to frictionally hold the assembly in position. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each slide bar 30, 32 is approximately 15 inches in length.

The utilization of the first and second slide slots 20, 22 in conjunction with the first and second slide bars 30, 32 results in a highly stable structure offering very little play between the first and second slide slots 20, 22 and the respective first and second slide bars 30, 32. In addition, the offset segment 50 provided in each of the slide bars 30, 32 allows for central positioning of the first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 while also permitting the side-by-side relationship of the slide bars 30, 32.

As briefly mentioned above, first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 are respectively pivotally secured to the free ends 56 of the second segments 48 of the first and second slide bars 30, 32. Each of the first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 is designed to pivot in either direction relative to the adjustable mechanism platform 18 to compensate for any deviation in measurement laterally from end to end when measuring the opening in which the threshold or transition part is to be templated. Each of the first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 is provided with a center point indicator mark 59 contained within a recess 58 at the forward end of the jamb stop head block 42, 44. The center point indicator mark 59 and recess 58 are designed to meet the door stop trim molding. By marking the center of the molding, this allows for alignment of the threshold jig 10 to the opening. Each of the first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 is provided with a semi-circular recessed area 60 allowing for controlled pivoting of the jamb stop head block 42, 44 relative to the free end 56 of the respective first and second slide bars 30, 32. As with the connection of the slide bars within the adjustable mechanism platform 18, third and fourth thumb knobs 62, 64 securely hold the free ends 56 of the second segments 48 of the first and second slide bars 30, 32 to the respective first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44. As a result, the third and fourth thumb knobs 62, 64 may be tightened to hold the respective first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 in secure position relative to the first and second slide bars 30, 32.

The second end 66 of each of the first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 is provided with first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68, 70. Each of the first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68, 70 includes a relatively large central opening 72 through which a bolt 74 of respective fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth thumb knobs 76, 78, 80, 82 passes for selective tightening thereof. As a result, the first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68, 70 may be moved relative to the respective first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 to pick up any additional measurements needed to complete the threshold or transition molding to be templated. As with the adjustable mechanism platform 18, the first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 are provided with first and second cover members 84 upon which the thumb knobs 62, 64, 76, 78, 80, 82 press so as to securely hold the first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 relative to the first and second slide bars 30, 32 and hold the first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68, 70 relative to the jamb stop head block 42, 44.

More particularly, and with regard to the first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68, 70, each of the first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68,70 includes a one inch hole (that is, the central opening 72) drilled to allow the pivotal movement of the pivoting adjustable stop block 68, 70 to pick up any deviation in the measurements of the assembly of the item that is to be templated without having to rely on any other measuring device. In addition, the free ends 86 of each of the first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68, 70 is thicker in dimension to make it equal to the thickness of the adjustable mechanism platform 18 and the first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44. This allows the threshold jig 10 to remain level and flush with the surface where the threshold jig 10 is being deployed to assure the accuracy of the template.

In practice, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in utilization of the present threshold jig 10 for marking thresholds or transitions, the thumb knobs 36, 38, 62, 64, 76, 78, 80, 82 are first loosened and the threshold jig 10 is positioned in the general proximity of the middle of the door jamb or opening. Loosening all of the thumb knobs 36, 38, 62, 64, 76, 78, 80, 82 so that all of the adjustable parts are free to move, the first and second jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 are moved using the center point indicator mark 59 to point where it meets the door stop trim molding by marking the center of that molding. Thereafter, the first and second thumb knobs 36, 38 on the adjustable mechanism platform 18 are tightened. Thereafter, the first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68, 70 are moved to a flush position with the rest of the door jamb or transition section of the opening to fit on either side of the door stop trim molding and tighten each of the small fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth thumb knobs 76, 78, 80, 82. The threshold jig 10 is then lifted from the threshold from within the door. This is accomplished by lifting the unit by one end straight up to a point where it becomes free to move away from the opening. The threshold jig 10 is then set on the item that is to be templated. By making a small center mark on the item and aligning the center mark on the threshold jig 10, one can use any marking device to trace the outline of the jamb stop head blocks 42, 44 and the pivoting adjustable stop blocks 68, 70. Thereafter, the threshold or transition is ready to cut to perfect fit. The present threshold jig is dimensioned to accommodate doorways from approximately 24 to 38 inches in width. Although, it is contemplated that the dimensions of the jig components could be made larger to accommodate doorways greater than 38 inches in width. For example, the slide bars could be 20 inches in length thereby accommodating 48-inch doorways.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A threshold jig, comprising:

an adjustable mechanism platform including a first slide slot having an elongated recess;

a first slide bat positioned within the first slide slot;

a first jamb stop head block pivotally secured to a free end of the first slide bar;

the first jamb stop head block includes first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks.

2. The threshold jig according to claim 1, wherein the recess of the first slide slot extends outwardly in its width dimension as it reaches an edge of the adjustable mechanism platform.

3. The threshold jig according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable mechanism platform includes a cover positioned over the first slide slot, the cover maintaining the first slide bar within the first slide slot.

4. The threshold jig according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable mechanism platform is further provided with a first adjustable thumb knob that is aligned with and passes through the first slide slot for selectively frictionally holding the first slide bar in position relative to the first slide slot.

5. The threshold jig according to claim 1, wherein the first slide bar includes an offset head such that the first jamb stop head block is centrally positioned relative to the adjustable mechanism platform.

6. The threshold jig according to claim 5, wherein the first adjustable slide bar includes a first segment and a second segment connected by an offset segment.

7. The threshold jig according to claim 1, wherein the first jamb stop head block is provided with a center point indicator mark.

8. The threshold jig according to claim 1, wherein the first jamb stop head block is provided with a semi-circular recessed area allowing for controlled pivoting of the first jamb stop head block relative to the respective the first slide bar.

9. The threshold jig according to claim 1, further including a thumb knob securely holding the first slide bar to the first jamb stop head block.

10. The threshold jig according to claim 1, wherein each of the first pivoting adjustable stop block and the second pivoting adjustable stop block of the first jamb stop head block includes a relatively large central opening through which a bolt of respective thumb knobs passes for selective tightening thereof and permitting relative movement of the first pivoting adjustable stop block and second pivoting adjustable stop block upon the first jamb stop head block.

11. A threshold jig, comprising:

an adjustable mechanism platform including a first slide slot having an elongated recess and a second slide slot having an elongated recess;

a first slide bar positioned within the first slide slot and a second slide bar positioned within the second slide slot;

a first jamb stop head block pivotally secured to a free end of the first slide bar and a second jamb stop head block pivotally secured to a free end of the second slide bar;

the first jamb stop head block includes first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks and the second jamb stop head block includes first and second pivoting adjustable stop blocks.

12. The threshold jig according to claim 11, wherein the recess of the first slide slot extends outwardly in its width dimension as it reaches an edge of the adjustable mechanism platform and the recess of the second slide slot extends outwardly in its width dimension as it reaches an edge of the adjustable mechanism platform.

13. The threshold jig according to claim 11, wherein the adjustable mechanism platform includes a cover positioned over the first slide slot and second slide slot, the cover maintaining the first slide bar within the first slide slot and the second slide bar within the second slide slot.

14. The threshold jig according to claim 11, wherein the adjustable mechanism platform is further provided with a first adjustable thumb knob that is aligned with and passes through the first slide slot for selectively frictionally holding the first slide bar in position relative to the first slide slot, and the adjustable mechanism platform is further provided with a second adjustable thumb knob that is aligned with and passes through the second slide slot for selectively frictionally holding the second slide bar in position relative to the second slide slot.

15. The threshold jig according to claim 11, wherein the first slide bar includes an offset head such that the first jamb stop head block is centrally positioned relative to the adjustable mechanism platform, and the second slide bar includes an offset head such that the second jamb stop head block is centrally positioned relative to the adjustable mechanism platform.

16. The threshold jig according to claim 15, wherein the first adjustable slide bar includes a first segment and a second segment connected by an offset segment, and the second adjustable slide bar includes a first segment and a second segment connected by an offset segment.

17. The threshold jig according to claim 11, wherein the first jamb stop head block is provided with a center point indicator mark, and the first jamb stop head block is provided with a center point indicator mark.

18. The threshold jig according to claim 11, wherein the first jamb stop head block is provided with a semi-circular recessed area allowing for controlled pivoting of the first jamb stop head block relative to the respective the first slide bar, and the second jamb stop head block is provided with a semi-circular recessed area allowing for controlled pivoting of the second jamb stop head block relative to the respective the second slide bar.

19. The threshold jig according to claim 11, further including a thumb knob securely holding the first slide bar to the first jamb stop head block, and a thumb knob securely holding the second slide bar to the second jamb stop head block.

20. The threshold jig according to claim 11, wherein each of the first pivoting adjustable stop block and the second pivoting adjustable stop block of the first jamb stop head block includes a relatively large central opening through which a bolt of respective thumb knobs passes for selective tightening thereof and permitting relative movement of the first pivoting adjustable stop block and second pivoting adjustable stop block upon the first jamb stop head block, and each of the first pivoting adjustable stop block and the second pivoting adjustable stop block of the second jamb stop head block includes a relatively large central opening through which a bolt of respective thumb knobs passes for selective tightening thereof and permitting relative movement of the first pivoting adjustable stop block and second pivoting adjustable stop block upon the second jamb stop head block.