FI20245287A1 - A threshold arrangement and procedure for its installation - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a threshold arrangement which allows the width of the threshold frame to be adjusted. The width of the walls determines the width of the threshold arrangement. Due to the variation in wall thicknesses, it is often necessary to manufacture threshold frames of different widths to accommodate these differences. According to one aspect of the present invention, the threshold arrangement comprises a number of extension parts and a further frame part which are configured to be joined together to form a threshold frame to be covered by a surface part.

Description

A THRESHOLD ARRANGEMENT AND A METHOD FOR INSTALLING

THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention relates to a threshold arrangement and a method for installing thereof. In particular, the present invention pertains to a threshold arrangement enabling the adjustment of the width of a threshold frame.

BACKGROUND

Thresholds are used to cover the gap between the floor and the door frame, and to effectively connect two distinct areas, such as rooms, together. A threshold may comprise a threshold frame, also known as a sill, which lies beneath the surface part of the threshold to facilitate structural integrity and adaptability between different spaces.

The threshold frame is particularly essential for thresholds connecting diverse areas, such as the transition between a dry living space and a bathroom, providing an integration of spaces with varying heights. In the context of bathrooms or any areas with a floor drain, it is crucial that waterproofing measures extend sufficiently high on the threshold to prevent water leakage and to comply with building regulations. This ensures that the space remains + functional and safe, avoiding potential water damage to surrounding areas. Thus,

S a threshold frame is typically installed in thresholds for waterproofing purposes, os and it is normally covered by one or more surface parts to ensure a seamless = finish and to maintain the integrity of the waterproof barrier. z 25 Installation of the threshold frame is typically performed during the > waterproofing phase of constructions, significantly ahead of the delivery and 5 installation of the surface part. The height of the surface part is determined later,

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O based on the final floor level, ensuring a precise and fluid transition between

O different floor heights.

The width of walls determines the width of the threshold arrangement. Due to the variability in wall thicknesses, it is often necessary to manufacture threshold frames in a range of widths to accommodate these differences. This customization ensures that thresholds can be tailored to fit the specific requirements of each installation site.

Manufacturing threshold frames of varying widths can be time-consuming due to the additional work steps required for threshold installation. This could raise the assembly costs of thresholds. Threshold frames cannot be produced until the actual width of walls is known, potentially leading to delays in threshold installation. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the field of thresholds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective is to at least alleviate the problems described hereinabove not satisfactorily solved by the known arrangements, and to provide a feasible threshold frame for a threshold with an easily adjustable width.

The aforesaid objective 1s achieved by the embodiments of an arrangement in accordance with the present invention.

The aforesaid objective(s) are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 1.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention a threshold arrangement comprising a number of extension parts and additionally a frame part configured — to be joined together for forming a threshold frame to be covered by a surface + part.

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N In an embodiment, the arrangement comprises connection means for connecting 3 the frame part and/or the extension parts. co 9 In an embodiment, the connection means comprises a tongue part and a groove

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= 25 part provided in the frame part and the extension parts. This embodiment 5 provides a practical solution for joining the frame part with one or more

N extension parts. The tongue and groove parts can be swiftly, effortlessly, and

N securely joined, and the surface part covering the connections aids to stabilize

N and mask the extension parts.

In an embodiment, the connection means comprises glue for bonding the frame part and number of said extension parts together. Gluing can be performed in addition to or instead of using other connection means, such as tongue and groove parts.

In an embodiment, the width of the extension part is about 10 mm, and in another embodiment, the width of the extension part is about 20 mm. These dimensions of these extension parts are adequate to allow for sufficient adjustability in the width of a frame part.

Yet, in an embodiment, a number of the extension parts and/or the frame part are arranged in a substantially vertical orientation for forming a vertical threshold frame. Vertical thresholds are primarily utilized in areas where the bathroom — floor is elevated compared to the floor on the opposite side of the threshold, often encountered during renovations.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for installing a threshold arrangement comprises at least the steps of - joining a number of extension parts and additionally a frame part together for forming a threshold frame, and - positioning the threshold frame in its location.

The utility of the present invention arises from multiple factors, depending on each particular embodiment.

The frame part and the extension parts are easy to manufacture and to connect together. Utilizing extension parts of different widths facilitates the easy adjustment of a frame part to the required width. Additionally, the present s invention may accelerate installation by eliminating the need to measure a wall < width for manufacturing a frame part to that specific dimension. It may also & reduce costs, as all parts can be pre-made and are ready to be connected. co . . Lo

O 25 The expression “a number of” refers herein to any positive integer starting from

E one (1), e.g. to one, two, or three. 5 In this document, “the length of a frame part and an extension part” is defined as

N . oas .

O the distance from one wall to another within a doorway. This means that the

N 'length' herein refers to the measurement of the longest side of both the frame

N . . . . . part and the extension part, effectively spanning the entire width of the doorway.

In this document, “the width of a frame part” refers to the dimension of the frame part that is measured across the side perpendicular to its longest side, and this measurement is taken at floor level. Accordingly, “the width of an extension part? is defined in the same manner, meaning it is the dimension measured across the side that is perpendicular to the longest side of the extension part, also measured at floor level.

In this document, “the thickness of a frame part and an extension part” is defined as the vertical distance from the floor upright.

In case of a vertical threshold, “the width of an extension part and a frame part” should be understood as the vertical distance from the floor upright.

Different embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED DRAWINGS

Next the invention is described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings in which

Fig 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a threshold arrangement in accordance with the present invention,

Fig. 2a illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an extension part in accordance with the present invention,

Fig. 2b illustrates a side view of another embodiment of an extension part in s 20 accordance with the present invention,

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N . . . . . os Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a threshold arrangement ? comprising a vertical threshold frame in accordance with the present invention, ©

O and = > Fig. 4 isa flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for installing a threshold 5 25 arrangement in accordance with the present invention. > +

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a threshold arrangement in accordance with the present invention. A threshold arrangement 100 comprises a frame part 102, which is covered by a surface part 104. According to the present 5 invention the arrangement further comprises a number of extension parts 106a, 106b configured to be connected with the frame part 102 for adjusting the width thereof.

The embodiment depicted in Fig. 1, the threshold is a typical horizontal threshold. Normally, these threshold arrangements comprise a frame part 102.

The frame part and the extension part can have various dimensions. According to regulations, the width of a bathroom doorway is at least 80 cm. However, the skilled person understands that doorways can be wider of narrower than that.

Preferably, the length of the frame part and the extension part corresponds to the most used doorway widths, starting from 80 cm.

The width of a frame part can vary. Preferably, the width of the frame part is the most common shortest width for a frame part, such as 40 mm — 50 mm.

Depending on the embodiment, the width of the extension part is approximately 10 mm as shown in Figure 2a, or approximately 20 mm as illustrated in Figure 2b. The skilled person would understand that, within the scope of the invention, — the width of the extension part can be adjusted to different measurements other than specifically mentioned.

The thickness of a frame part depends on the surface part or parts intended to be

N used with it. As illustrated in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, there are two

N different thicknesses for the two different type of surface parts 104a and 104b.

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= 25 — The thickness of an extension part is preferably chosen to match the thickness of > the corresponding frame part to ensure compatibility and uniformity. In cases,

E wherein the frame part has two different thicknesses, preferred approach is to 5 select the thickness of the extension part to match the lesser of the two

N thicknesses of the frame part, because the lower part of the frame part is typically

N 30 covered with a wider surface part. The thicker part of the frame part normally has

N a waterproof layer attach to it and the surface part can be a sheet metal covering the side of the frame part and only shortly the surface of the frame part.

In an embodiment, the arrangement comprises connection means for connecting the frame part and/or the extension parts together. Yet, in an embodiment, the connection means comprises a tongue part and a groove part provided in the frame part and the extension parts.

In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1, the frame part 102 and two extension parts 106a and 106b are joined together by using tongue and groove parts 200 provided in the frame part 102 and the extension parts 106a and 106b. Figs. 2a and 2b depict the extension parts 106a and 106b comprising a tongue part 204 and a groove part 202.

The frame part 102 is preferably provided with a groove part 202. This configuration ensures that, whether the frame part is used on its own or in conjunction with one or more extension parts, the outer side will consistently feature the groove part that does not include a protrusion, which might hinder the installation of the threshold.

The dimensions of the groove part can vary. However, it is typically preferred that both the width and height of the groove part are approximately 2 mm to 3 mm. The skilled person will understand that that the shape and size of the tongue part 204 should correspondingly match the dimensions of the groove part 202 to ensure a proper fit and connection.

In an embodiment, the connection means comprises glue for bonding the frame part 102 and/or a number of the extension parts 106a, 106b together. Gluing can be performed in addition to or instead of using other connection means, such as + tongue and groove parts 200.

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N Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a threshold arrangement 3 25 comprising a vertical threshold frame in accordance with the present invention.

D In an embodiment, a number of the extension parts and/or the frame part are

I arranged in a substantially vertical position for forming a vertical threshold - frame. The embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, the vertical threshold arrangement 2 comprises a frame part 102 and an extension part 106.

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N 30 The skilled person will understand that the vertical threshold frame can be

N constructed using only extension parts, omitting the frame part if necessary. The extension parts and/or frame part for the vertical threshold frame are joined in a similar manner as described above in connection with the horizontal threshold frame.

Normally, the vertical threshold frame is covered with a surface part 302. The surface part can be fabricated from a variety of materials, including but not limited to, a metal sheet. The surface part might consist of several pieces, allowing for flexibility and adaptability in design and installation.

Fig. 4 1s a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for installing a threshold arrangement in accordance with the present invention.

At method start-up 402, preparatory actions may take place. This phase could encompass various tasks, including measuring the width of the walls adjacent to the doorway and prepping the floor for the installation process. Typically, the waterproofing phase of the construction has been already performed.

At 404, a number of extension parts and additionally a frame part are joined together for forming a threshold frame of the appropriate width. Depending on embodiment, this step might include connecting tongue and groove parts of the extension part(s) and/or the frame part and/or gluing thereof, for example.

At 406, the threshold frame is positioned in its designated location. This process might also involve securing the frame in place through methods such as screwing and/or gluing. Additionally, if a waterproof layer is required, it can be attached to the side of the threshold frame during this step.

At 408, the method execution is ended. This step might include actions such as covering the installed threshold frame with one or more surface parts, for example. s Conseguently, a skilled person may on the basis of this disclosure and general

S knowledge apply the provided teachings in order to implement the scope of the & present invention as defined by the appended claims in each particular use case 0 25 — with necessary modifications, deletions, and additions.

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Claims (8)

1. A threshold arrangement characterized in that, said arrangement comprises a number of extension parts and additionally a frame part configured to be joined together for forming a threshold frame to be covered by a surface part.

2. A threshold arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said arrangement comprises connection means for connecting said frame part and/or said extension parts.

3. A threshold arrangement according to claim 2, wherein said connection means comprises a tongue part and a groove part provided in said frame part and said extension parts.

4. A threshold arrangement according to of any preceding claim, wherein said connection means comprises glue for bonding said frame part and number of said extension parts together.

5. A threshold arrangement according to of any preceding claim, wherein the width of said extension part is about 10 mm.

6. A threshold arrangement according to of any claim 1-3, wherein the width of said extension part is about 20 mm.

7. A threshold arrangement according to of any preceding claim, wherein a number of said extension parts and/or said frame part are arranged in a + substantially vertical position for forming a vertical threshold frame. N

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8. A method for installing a threshold arrangement according to any of 3 claims 1-7, comprising at least the steps of © 9 - joining a number of extension parts and additionally a frame part I = 25 together for forming a threshold frame, and x - positioning the threshold frame in its location. 0 N O N