[0001] The invention relates to a threshold suitable for use in homes and business accommodations,
widthways embodied with a slightly arched profile, and at the ends in the longitudinal
direction of the profile with attachable fastening members for mounting the threshold.
[0002] Such a threshold can be crossed without significant problems even if the person is
sitting in a wheelchair or using a walking aid with wheels.
[0003] US-A 3,014,253 discloses a threshold, widthways embodied with a slightly arched profile,
using at the ends in the longitudinal direction of the profile attachable fastening
members for mounting the threshold. Said fastening. members are fastened to a doorframe
by means of screws. In order to conceal the portion of the fastening member mounted
on the doorframe, the same is finished by applying some timbering to the doorframe.
[0004] US-A-3,667,192 also discloses such a threshold. The fastening members of the threshold
known from this publication are embodied as clamps that are slidable in the longitudinal
direction and can be fastened to the ends of the profile of the threshold and subsequently
driven into the doorframe. Thus with this embodiment of the threshold, the fastening
members remain out of sight; however, one drawback is that the dimensions of the threshold
are required to be in exact conformity with the doorframe in which it is to be fitted
while, as in US-A 3,014,253, the doorframe incurs noticeable damage.
[0005] US-A 3,778,931 relates to a threshold widthways embodied with a slightly arched profile
and at the ends in the longitudinal direction of the profile with attachable fastening
members formed such that they extend under the doorjambs and are fastened thereto
at both sides of said doorframe by means of screw fastenings. This requires very exact
dimensioning of the threshold while also making mounting of the threshold very complicated.
[0006] One object of the invention is to provide a threshold as referred to in the preamble
that forms a suitable transition between rooms having different floors, involving
different floor conditions. Examples of these are carpeting, tiles, parquet, concrete,
etc.
[0007] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a threshold that is suitable to
bridge differences in level between adjacent rooms, that can tolerate a load while
retaining its shape, is anti-slip, and in addition makes a pleasing design possible.
[0008] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a threshold that is a simple to
manufacture and that can be mounted quickly and at low-costs, while mounting does
not cause any damage to the doorframe such as to be visible after the threshold is
removed.
[0009] In accordance with the invention, these objectives and additional advantages are
provided by a threshold as characterized in the appended claims.
[0010] Primarily, the threshold according to the invention is characterized in that the
fastening members are designed for fastening to an underground. For one thing, this
provides a simple manner of mounting the threshold according to the invention, without
causing permanent damage to the doorframe.
[0011] The profile is preferably embodied such as to have a substantially flat topside,
and sides that widthways slope downwards from the topside.
[0012] In order to promote the safe use of the threshold, it is desirable for the topside
of the profile to be furnished with an anti-slip provision, such as ridges or projections.
[0013] Preferably the profile and the fastening members are embodied with engaging projections
and recesses or grooves for slidably receiving the projections. This makes mounting
easy, also because there are no strict requirements regarding the accuracy of the
dimensioning of the threshold according to the invention, while still allowing the
entire width of the threshold to be utilized by the slidable coupling of the profile
and the fastening members.
[0014] A suitable embodiment of the threshold is characterized in that the fastening members
are equipped to be fastened to an underground with the aid of screws, nails or similar
means.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, the threshold is characterized in that the same
comprises cover plates to conceal the fastening members and the transition area between
the fastening members and the profile. This complies with the aesthetic objective
of the invention, so as to provide a pleasing product.
[0016] This may be further promoted in the embodiment that is characterized in that the
cover plates are slidable in the longitudinal direction of the profile. This renders
a precise dimensioning of the threshold according to the invention unnecessary, while
when mounted, the optical effect will be of a threshold with an exact fit.
[0017] For the sake of convenience and simplicity of mounting, the cover plates are preferably
provided with projections that can be arranged around rims of the fastening members
for the realization of a snap-on connection.
[0018] The invention will now be further elucidated with reference to the drawing in which
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the threshold according to the invention at a
position above the mounting position in a door frame; and
the Figures 2 to 4 shows various stages of mounting relating to the threshold according
to the invention.
[0019] Similar parts in the drawing are identified by the same reference numbers.
[0020] With reference first to Figure 1, a threshold 1 is shown, suspended between the jambs
2 of a doorframe. In the mounted position, the threshold 1 will be lowered onto the
underground 3. The threshold 1 according to the invention is characterized in that
widthways it is embodied with a slightly arched profile 4, as is clearly shown in
Figure 2. At the ends 4' and 4'' in the longitudinal direction of the profile 4, fastening
members 5,6 are provided to be coupled with the profile 4, which fastening members
serve for fastening the threshold 1 to the underground 3. Preferably the profile 4
is embodied with a substantially flat topside 7 (see Figure 2) with widthways, from
the topside downward sloping sides 8 and 9. Figure 2 further clearly shows that at
the topside 7, the profile 4 is furnished with an anti-slip provision, being in the
case illustrated a series of ridges. The profile 4, as well as the fastening members
5,6, is embodied with engaging projections 10 and recesses or grooves 11 for slidably
receiving the projections 10. In the situation illustrated, the projections 10 are
provided on the fastening members 5,6, and to engage these, the profile 4 is provided
with grooves 11. Naturally, the projections may also be provided on the profile, and
the grooves or recesses may be provided in the fastening members.
[0021] Figure 2 further shows that the fastening members 5,6 are embodied with recesses
12, which serve for fastening the fastening members 5,6 to the underground 3 with
the aid of screws, nails or similar means. Figure 3 shows the manner in which this
may be accomplished.
[0022] Figure 4, subsequently shows the threshold 1 in the mounted condition wherein all
that remains to be done is to fit a cover plate 13 at the two ends 4', 4'', to conceal
the fastening members 5,6 and the transition area between the fastening members 5,6
and the profile 4. Preferably the cover plates are slidable in the longitudinal direction
of the profile 4 in order to allow them to abut closely to the jambs 2.
[0023] It is further desirable for the cover plates 13 to be provided with projections (not
shown) that can be arranged around rims of the fastening members 5,6 for the realization
of a snap-on connection. When the cover plates 13 are in position, the mounting of
the threshold 1 is all completed.
[0024] The above specification is to be understood as being a non-limiting exemplary embodiment
of the threshold according to the invention which merely serves to elucidate the appended
claims, which will determine the protective scope merited by the present invention.
[0025] Although the threshold according to the invention has substantially been developed
to replace thresholds in existing homes in order to create a safe living environment,
the threshold according to the invention may also be applied in new building projects
when a threshold is required between two rooms because of, for example, a difference
in level or because the floors have different finishes.
[0026] The threshold according to the invention is characterized by a particularly fine
design and the possibility of bridging differences in level between adjacent rooms
of up to approximately 30 mm. The threshold according to the invention can be mounted
within ten minutes. With the threshold according to the invention many accidents in
the living and working environment may be avoided. The majority of accidents people
are involved in are known to be accidents in the domestic environment.
[0027] A particularly suitable embodiment of the threshold according to the invention that
can be manufactured at low costs is one in which the profile is made of anodized aluminium.
Embodying the profile with an anti-slip provision in the form of projections or ridges
as described above, moreover strengthens the profile. Apart from the arching profile
providing a safe transition between floors, it is also possible to mount the threshold
according to the invention such as to incline slightly in order to bridge differences
in levels between said floors.
1. A threshold (1), suitable for use in homes and business accommodations, widthways
embodied with a slightly arched profile (4), and at the ends (4', 4'') in the longitudinal
direction of the profile (4) with attachable fastening members (5, 6) for mounting
the threshold, characterized in that the fastening members (5, 6) are designed for fastening to an underground.
2. A threshold according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile (4) is embodied with a substantially flat topside (7), and sides (8,
9) that widthways slope downwards from the topside (7).
3. A threshold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the topside (7) of the profile (4) is furnished with an anti-slip provision, such
as ridges or projections.
4. A threshold according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile (4) and the fastening members (5, 6) are embodied with engaging projections
(10) and recesses or grooves (11) for slidably receiving the projections.
5. A threshold according to one of the claims 1-4, characterized in that the fastening members (5, 6) are equipped to be fastened to an underground with the
aid of screws, nails or similar means.
6. A threshold according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the same comprises cover plates (13) to cover the fastening members (5, 6) and the
transition area between the fastening members (5, 6) and the profile (4).
7. A threshold according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover plates (13) are slidable in the longitudinal direction of the profile (4).
8. A threshold according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the cover plates (13) are provided with projections that can be arranged around rims
of the fastening members (5, 6) for the realization of a snap-on connection.