FIELD OF THE TECHNIQUE

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the installation of a frame of a window or door, for example for the installation of a frame of a window, of a door or the like and, preferably, of the relative leaf.

The present invention relates in particular to an apparatus for installing a frame of a window or door, and in particular of at least one frame for supporting a wing of a window or door, and preferably also for the installation of the wing of a window or door, inside an opening made in a wall. The apparatus in question therefore finds advantageous use in the technical sector of the production, marketing and use of devices, apparatuses and the like suitable for assisting the work of laying frames by operators in the sector.

Therefore, the apparatus in question finds advantageous use in the technical sector of construction and in the technical sector of the production of accessories for doors and windows and for their installation.

STATE OF THE ART

In the technical sector of reference, the positioning and laying of a frame, supporting at least one leaf of a window or door, inside an opening made in a wall is a very complex operation that requires high precision and experience of the operators who perform it.

The frame of a window or door, as is known, must be bound directly to the wall where the opening is defined or to a counter frame (also known as a "false frame") mechanically fixed to the wall itself. The correct installation of the frame of a window or door allows correct opening and closing of the door that it supports, while even a partially incorrect installation leads to an almost total inactivity of the window itself.

In this situation, over time, the operators have adopted various techniques to carry out the installation of the window frames in a precise manner, albeit in an almost totally manual way.

As is known, the installer who is about to carry out the installation of a window or door, such as an internal door, must be able to identify, evaluate and adequately address various construction site problems; these problems, very frequent, can be divided into two main categories: the so-called "construction defects" (ie construction defects that are a direct consequence of work carried out by craftsmen/companies previously intervened, such as bricklayers, tilers and the like) and "product defects"(ie the manufacturing and supply defects of the window frame itself). More in detail, for example, the most common construction site defects include the sloping floor, the presence of bodies protruding from the floor that prevent the door from opening correctly (for example loose tiles, swelling of the floor covering and the like), the incorrect sizing of the installation opening or an opening that is not perfectly squared which therefore defines a trapezoidal or rhomboidal shape, as well as the absence of the subframe.

More in detail, for example, the most common product defects are warping and/or warping of the door, warping of the uprights of the frame and the like.

The traditional assembly process of a window or door, such as an internal door, requires preliminary assembly of the frame and its positioning in the opening of the wall.

The known process therefore provides for blocking the frame on the wall by means of removable means and therefore for leveling the frame itself.

A known solution in this phase involves the use of equipment for aligning the frame to the surfaces that delimit the opening and also equipment for the vertical installation of the vertical sections of the frame and for the horizontal installation of an upper crosspiece of the frame itself.

In particular, the vertical portions of the frame must be mounted substantially vertical and perfectly parallel to each other in order to allow a correct pivotal constraint of the door and its perfect closure and stop. This parallelism is not easy to obtain as often the masonry walls in which the opening in which to install the window or door is made are not perfectly and appropriately made.

In this situation, the use of temporary alignment devices is known, such as for example wedges configured to be mechanically interposed between the frame to be laid and the masonry wall, in which the opening is made, or between the frame to be laid and a counterframe provided and fixed on the wall, in which the opening is obtained, to receive and support in turn the frame of the window or door.

More in detail, these wedges are placed at the ends of the vertical sections and the horizontal crosspiece of the frame, so that, by inserting the wedge between the frame itself and the masonry (or between the frame and the subframe, if provided), the end moves away from the masonry itself, while by removing the wedge the corresponding end approaches the masonry.

In this way, by moving the wedges in a suitable manner and with the aid of further devices such as levels or the like, it is possible to arrange the frame in the opening in a correct manner. Following the fastening of the frame in the installation opening and the pivoting fastening of the sash to the frame, the operator then checks that the sash is closed (above, in the center and below) by bringing it close to the vertical section of the frame itself and visually checking whether the distance between the edge of the door and the vertical section of the frame remains constant along the entire vertical development of the edge of the door itself.

This procedure has proved to be not free from drawbacks in practice, since all the steps listed above are carried out by the operator by trial and error, hammering the wedges and flexing the upright of the frame by hand until the desired result is achieved. Furthermore, in cases where the operator notices, following the installation of the frame, that the door does not close as the vertical section of the frame is inclined and there is not enough space to level it vertically (for example due to the size of the opening which is too small or due to its substantially trapezoidal shape), the operator himself must necessarily disassemble the entire frame and perform masonry work to widen the hole and then start laying again from the beginning.

A further drawback resides in the fact that the wedges can be moved only by hand by the operator, who must necessarily be very experienced and highly manual.

A further drawback resides in the fact that these wedges are susceptible to even gross errors in laying the frame to the extent that the operator erroneously moves a wedge while fixing the frame to the masonry, thus forcing the operator to repeat the entire pose operation.

In this situation, the use of such devices is very slow, complex and therefore entails an important cost for skilled workers.

Further devices and apparatuses are known in the technical field for the installation of such frames in the openings of the masonry walls, such as for example templates or so-called pneumatic wedges.

Both of these known devices do not obviate the aforementioned drawbacks of requiring a long time to install the frame and the need for highly specialized operators.

An example of a template known in the technical sector of reference is for example described in document EP1959072. These templates comprise an extendable telescopic rod equipped at its ends with anchoring means suitable for gripping the vertical portions of the support frame. In this way, by translating the telescopic rod vertically, it is possible to adjust the parallelism of the vertical sections of the frame itself. Although this known template simplifies the step of parallel alignment of the vertical sections of the frame with respect to the aforesaid wedges, it has nevertheless proved to be not free from drawbacks in practice. In particular, the main drawback resides in the fact that the arrangement of the template consequently requires the use of wedges for the arrangement of the crosspiece.

It is also known from the Italian patent 102017000047221, an apparatus for the installation of a counter frame (or "false frame") for swing doors and/or sliding doors, which is able to arrange the vertical sections of the counter frame in a more rapid manner for hinged door and/or a counterframe for sliding door. In particular, this apparatus comprises two vertical uprights, adapted to be arranged in front of the opening and extending between two ends, adapted to be mechanically abutting respectively against the floor and the ceiling, to thus block the counter-facing apparatus at the opening in to fix the subframe. This apparatus also comprises locking means which protrude from the vertical portions of the counter frame and configured to mechanically constrain the counter frame and be able to position it inside the opening.

However, even this known type of apparatus has proved to be not free from drawbacks in practice. The main drawback lies in the fact that the need to fasten itself to the ceiling makes this device unusable in very large rooms with very high ceilings or makes it completely unusable in the case of attic rooms, where the ceiling is sloping and/or irregular.

A further drawback resides in the fact that this known type of apparatus is not configured to mechanically fix a frame to the counterframe, but is only suitable for fixing a counterframe to a masonry wall in which the opening is made.

A further drawback of the known type of apparatus lies in the fact that the latter is configured to fix its uprights below the floor and above the ceiling, and this in order to be able to hold the counterframe in position even before the construction of the wall on which the opening will then be obtained. This predisposition, albeit convenient in the installation of the counterframes, has proved extremely inconvenient in practice for the installation of the frames of the windows, which instead must be mechanically fixed to the wall in a precise and stable manner. Therefore, a further drawback resides in the fact that the front arrangement of the known type apparatus with respect to the opening makes the installation of swing door frames extremely inconvenient, since the known type apparatus does not allow fastening and fine adjustment of the vertical sections of the frame with respect to the internal faces of the wall on which the opening is obtained.

A further drawback resides in the fact that the apparatus of the known type is not very practical in the setting up phase, ie it is long to install and laborious, thus requiring a great deal of experience on the part of the operators. A further drawback resides in the fact that the apparatus of the known type is designed and built for the installation of the counter frame in a rough environment, that is, not equipped with finishes, such as for example floors and the like. In the technical jargon of the sector, this known type of apparatus is suitable for arranging a counter frame in an environment in which the construction site geometries have not yet been defined.

A further drawback of the aforementioned prior art lies in the fact that the apparatus constantly maintains the subframe ("false frame") suspended from the ground, supporting it below with suitable support devices, and this provision is fine and acceptable for a counterframe but it is in fact an unacceptable constraint for the installation of a frame of a window that instead must rest on the ground on the surface of the reference floor.

EP0918127 and CH678082 describe an apparatus for mounting a frame of a door which consists of a rectangular structure with two uprights connected at the top and at the bottom by corresponding telescopic crosspieces; moreover, on the uprights of the structure there are provided means for hooking the frame to be mounted to the structure itself and means for fixing the structure to the portion of the wall surrounding the opening in which the frame is intended to be mounted.

DE3219066 describes a mounting apparatus for a door frame which consists of a rectangular structure with two uprights connected to each other by a plurality of telescopic crosspieces, thus defining a structure in which the angles between each upright and the corresponding crosspieces are fixed and set/bound.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to propose an apparatus for installing a frame of a window or door which overcomes, at least in part, the drawbacks of traditional solutions.

Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus which allows at least one frame of a window or door to be installed quickly and easily inside an opening.

Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus which allows to install in a quick and simple way, preferably also a leaf to the frame of a window or door.

Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus which allows to install a window frame reducing installation costs.

Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus which allows to install a window or door, obviating the need for the use of highly specialized and/or highly experienced operators.

Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus which reduces the installation time of the doors and windows.

Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus which can be used in a simple, easy, rapid and precise way.

Another object of the invention is to propose a compact and easily transportable apparatus. Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus which can be manufactured simply, quickly and with low costs.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose an apparatus that can be used both for "laying on new" (ie with the presence of a subframe to hook the new frame), and for laying in "construction" or "renovation" ( i.e. by removing the old window frame and in the absence of a subframe, fixing the new frame even directly on the masonry).

Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus which has an alternative characterization, both in constructive and functional terms, with respect to the traditional ones. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These objects, both individually and in any combination thereof, as well as others that will emerge from the following description, are achieved, according to the invention, with an apparatus for installing a frame of a window or door with the characteristics of the claim 1 and/or the attached claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is further clarified hereinafter in some of its preferred embodiments reported for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached tables of drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, applied to a frame of a window or door,

Figure 2 shows it in a front perspective view, Figure 3 shows it in a rear perspective view, Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the apparatus according to the invention, realized along the line IV-IV of figure 2;

Figure 5 shows a detail of the sectional view of figure 4; Figure 6A shows in perspective view a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 6B shows in a further perspective view the second embodiment of the apparatus; Figure 7A shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, applied to a frame of a window or door;

Figure 7B shows in a further perspective view the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, applied to a frame of a window or door;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the apparatus in the version in which only one upright is provided; Figure 9 shows in perspective view the apparatus of fig. 8 applied to a frame of a window or door;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device for moving the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 11 shows a top plan view of the handling device of Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a sectional view of the handling device, taken along the line XII-XII of figure 13;

Figure 13 shows a sectional view of the handling device, taken along the line XIII-XIII of figure 12;

Figure 14A shows a perspective view of the coupling means of the apparatus according to the invention in a different embodiment thereof;

Figure 14B shows in a further perspective view the coupling means of fig. 14A; Figure 15 shows a longitudinal section view of the coupling means of figures 14A and

14B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND OF SOME PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

As can be clearly seen from the attached figures, the apparatus according to the invention for the installation of a window frame has been indicated as a whole with reference 1 in the annexes figures. The apparatus 1 in question is advantageously intended for use in the technical construction sector and, more particularly, in the technical sector of the installation of a frame of a window or door.

More in detail, the apparatus 1 can be used for the installation of a window or door, and at least of a frame F of said window or door, inside an opening A made in a wall W, for example a wall.

Conveniently, in a traditional way, the frame F comprises two vertical sections B connected to each other, at their respective upper ends, by a transverse section C.

Conveniently, the frame F has a height (corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the vertical sections B) which develops along an X1 direction, has a width (corresponding to the distance between the two facing vertical sections B) which extends along the Z1 direction, while the thickness develops along the Y1 direction which is perpendicular to X1 , Y1 and Z1 , thus completing the Cartesian triple.

The apparatus 1 for installing a frame F of a window or door inside an opening A of a wall W, in question comprises at least one upright 2 extending longitudinally in a direction X. Preferably, the upright 2 has a section substantially rectangular transversal, and includes:

- an external face 2” which is intended to come into contact directly or by means of the support modules 50 and 50’, at least in part, with a corresponding vertical section B of the frame F,

- an inner face 2’ which is parallel to the outer face 2" and is spaced from the latter along a direction Z which is perpendicular to X,

- two lateral faces 2’” arranged between the external face 2" and the internal face 2' so as to define a substantially rectangular cross section; the side faces 2’” being spaced apart along a direction Y which is perpendicular to X and Z, thus completing the Cartesian triple.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises support modules 50, 50’ for the contact of the upright 2 with the vertical section B of the frame F. Preferably, first support modules 50 are provided which are fixedly mounted on the upright 2 while the second central support module 50’ is mounted in a sliding manner along the Y direction and, preferably, its movement is controlled/implemented by means of a corresponding knob 51.

Advantageously, the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 comprises an internal face 2', intended to be turned towards the inside of the opening A and an external face 2”, intended to be turned towards the wall W in which the opening A is obtained. Advantageously, the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 comprises two side faces 2”’ arranged substantially transversal with respect to the internal face 2’ and to the external face 2" and placed to connect the internal face 2' and the external face 2”.

Advantageously, the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 is made of resistant material, preferably of metallic material, such as for example aluminum or steel, or even of plastic material.

Advantageously, the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 is made substantially perfectly rectilinear, and is configured to ensure correct linearity of the vertical sections B of the frame F, as described in detail below.

In accordance with a preferential embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the apparatus 1 comprises two vertical uprights 2, preferably congruent with each other and intended to be arranged facing each other inside the opening A. In other words, the apparatus 1 the object of the present invention may advantageously comprise two uprights 2 substantially parallel to each other, each configured to be mechanically associated with a corresponding vertical section B of the aforementioned frame F. The term "congruent" shall mean in the following that the two vertical uprights 2 are substantially equal to each other, or preferably having the same height and/or thickness, or suitable for being mechanically placed associated with two mutually parallel wall portions which laterally delimit a substantially rectangular opening A from each other.

In a possible embodiment (see fig. 8), the apparatus 1 can comprise only one upright 2.

Conveniently, the apparatus 1 further comprises coupling means 3 mechanically associated with the upright 2 and configured to mechanically connect the upright 2 to a vertical section B of said frame F of said window.

Preferably, the coupling means 3 are of the removable type, i.e. they are configured to connect each upright 2 in a reversible manner to the respective vertical section B of the frame F.

Preferably, the coupling means 3 comprise two lateral sides 30, 30’ which are mounted on the upright 2 and which are facing each other and spaced apart along a direction Y (which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the upright 2) so as to detachably clamp the vertical section B of the frame F. In particular, the side panels are configured to come into contact with the lateral surfaces B1 of the vertical portions B of the frame F.

Preferably, at least one first side 30’ is movable towards/away from the other side 30 which can be fixed, or possibly also can be mobile. Preferably, at least one of the two lateral sides 30’ is mounted or associated with a handle 31 which can be moved away from the other side 30, in contrast to the elastic reaction of a spring 32 (see Figure 15) which, preferably, is housed inside a tubular body 33 inside which a rod 34 supporting the side 30’ and the handle 31 slides. Preferably, at least one of the sides 30, 30' comprises a handle 31 which is rotatable around to a corresponding axis between a condition in which it is arranged substantially aligned with the upright 2 and a condition in which it is arranged substantially transversely with respect to the upright 2. Conveniently, the mobile side 30’ further comprises at least one locking device 36 configured to lock the handle 31 at least in the transverse position to the upright 2, opposite to the other side 30.

Preferably, at least one of the sides 30, 30’ comprises a support element 35, for example made of rubber or felt or the like, configured to allow the sides 30, 30' to rest in order to clamp the vertical section B of the frame F in removably without damaging the surface of the latter.

Preferably, the two sides 30 and 30’ can be associated with the upright 2 in different positions along the longitudinal development direction of the upright itself, i.e. along the X direction.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 can also comprise alignment means 4 mechanically associated with said upright 2 and configured to define at least one abutment surface 5 and preferably at least two abutment surfaces 5 mutually spaced along the direction X to check the linearity of said vertical section B of said frame F with respect to each upright 2 and therefore in particular with respect to the corresponding direction X.

Preferably, the coupling means 3 comprise the aforementioned alignment means 4, in which the abutment surfaces 5 preferably cooperate with the lateral sides to clamp the vertical section B of the frame F.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention not illustrated in the attached figures, the alignment means 4 comprise a single abutment surface 5, preferably extending parallel to the X direction, substantially positioned centrally with respect to the extension of the corresponding upright 2.

In this way, the alignment means 4 allow the operator to quickly and easily check the alignment of the vertical section B of the frame F by means of a simple visual comparison with the upright 2.

Furthermore, by bringing the vertical section B to abutment on two abutment surfaces 5 distinct from each other and mutually spaced along the X direction, it is immediately recognizable if the frame F needs corrections or if it is ready for its fixing to the wall W.

Preferably, the alignment means 4 comprise at least two alignment brackets 22 mechanically mounted on said upright 2. As described in more detail below, the alignment brackets 22 can coincide with one of the sides 30 of the coupling means 3.

More in detail, each alignment bracket 22 can be equipped with a fixing portion protruding from a side wall 2’” of the upright 2 and an alignment portion protruding transversely with respect to the fixing portion that defines the aforementioned abutment surface 5, to receive thus abutting the vertical section B of the frame F of the window or door.

Advantageously, the alignment means 4 are movable along the longitudinal direction X of the vertical upright 2. More in detail, the alignment brackets 22 can be slidingly associated with the vertical uprights 2. In this way, the alignment brackets 22 can be suitably moved along the longitudinal extension of the upright 2 if they are initially placed in correspondence with the hinges which are provided on one of the vertical portions B of the frame F to rotatably support the door.

Advantageously, the alignment means 4 comprise at least two alignment brackets 22 mounted on the upright 2 and mutually spaced along the longitudinal extension X of the upright itself, to thus define two corresponding abutment surfaces 5. In accordance with the preferential embodiment illustrated in the annexes figures, the alignment means 4 comprise more than two alignment brackets 22, mounted on the upright 2 spaced apart along the longitudinal development of the upright itself, where each bracket defines a corresponding abutment surface 5 for the vertical section B of the frame F.

Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the coupling means 3 also comprise said alignment means 4. In accordance with this embodiment, the alignment brackets 22 coincide with one of the sides 30 of the coupling means 3, mechanically fixed to the upright 2.

The apparatus according to the invention also advantageously comprises fixing means 6 and configured to fix/constrain the upright 2 to the wall W on which the opening A is obtained. Conveniently, the fixing means 6 are associated with the vertical upright 2. In particular, the fixing means 6 are mounted on an adjustment device 9 which is slidably mounted on the upright 2.

In this way, the apparatus object of the present invention conveniently allows to constrain a vertical section B of a frame F to be installed to an upright 2 of the apparatus 1 and then mechanically fix it to wall W. In other words, the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 is fixed and made integral with the vertical section B of the frame F to be installed and also the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 is fixed and made integral with the wall W, in which it is the opening A for the installation of the frame F has been obtained, to allow and/or thus facilitate the correct installation of the vertical section B of the frame F inside said opening A.

Advantageously, in fact, the operator mechanically fixes the vertical section B of the frame F to the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 by means of the coupling means 3 and verifies the alignment of the vertical section B itself, thus fixed to the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 , by means of the abutment surfaces 5 of the alignment means 4 of the apparatus itself. Following the verification of correct alignment of the vertical section B with the upright 2, the operator can then mechanically fix the frame F of the window frame to the wall W, quickly, easily and obviating the need for particular notions and/or experiences.

Advantageously, the external face 2” of the upright 2, preferably together with each abutment surface 5, is configured to receive the vertical section B of the frame F in support or abutment and in particular, in accordance with a particular embodiment and not limitative, to receive it substantially in adherence for the entire surface 5.

Advantageously, in a possible embodiment, the coupling means 3 comprise at least the aforementioned first side 30’ (or an equivalent abutment element) provided in correspondence with the alignment means 4 and configured to clamp the vertical section B together with at least one of said at least two abutment surfaces 5 (preferably coinciding with a side 30 of the coupling means 3) of said alignment means 4. More in detail, preferably, a first side 30’ of the coupling means 3 is suitably configured to cooperate with the second side 30 of the alignment means 4 to clamp the trat vertical section B and then mechanically constrain the vertical section B to the upright 2. Advantageously, the coupling means 3 define at least a second abutment wall opposite the abutment surface 5 and configured to engage the vertical portion B by friction together with the abutment surface 5 of the alignment means 4.

Advantageously, the second abutment wall of the coupling means 3 is movable between a release configuration, in which it allows the insertion of the vertical section 3 of the frame F, and a coupling configuration, in which it is approached to the abutment wall 5 of the alignment means 4 as long as it clamps and holds by friction the vertical section B of the frame F.

In order to retain the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 according to the invention mechanically anchored to the wall W during the installation operations, the fixing means 6 comprise at least one clamp 7, mounted on the upright 2 and equipped with at least two fixing arms 8, protruding transversely with respect to the direction X and configured to clamp the wall W on which the opening A is obtained to thus mechanically constrain the upright 2 to the wall W.

Conveniently, the clamp 7 is movable between an open configuration, in which it receives the wall W, and a gripping configuration, in which it clamps the wall W, thus mechanically binding the upright 2 in the position thus reached.

In this way, the operator is also able to work alone, constraining the upright 2 to the wall W once the vertical section B of the frame F has been locked against the upright 2 by using the coupling means 3. Furthermore, the operator is able to work easily, quickly and is able to anchor the frame F to the wall W with safety, thus being able to work without worrying that the frame F may fall or move from its position if bumped.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 object of the present invention comprises at least one adjustment device 9. The fixing means 6 for fastening the upright 2 to the wall W are mounted on the adjustment device 9 which is slidably mounted on the upright 2 so as to vary, following its actuation, the distance from the wall W of the upright 2, thus varying the distance from the wall W of the vertical section B which is constrained to said upright 2 by means of the coupling means 3. Conveniently, the aforementioned distance of the upright 2 from wall W can vary in a different and non-constant way along the longitudinal development of the upright 2. Conveniently, the adjustment device 9 is mechanically and/or operationally associated with the upright 2 and in particular configured to cling at least the wall W.

For this purpose, the adjustment device 9 preferably comprises members for clamping the wall W, in particular for clamping the thickness of the wall W, and which are mounted on an element which can be moved with respect to the upright 2 along at least one direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal development direction of the upright itself. Preferably, the movable element with the clamping members is movable with respect to the upright 2 along the Z direction. Preferably, the movable element with the clamping members is movable with respect to the upright 2 also along the Y direction. Preferably, the element movable with the clamping members is movable with respect to the upright 2 also along the direction X.

Conveniently, the clamping members comprise two fixing arms 8, each of which is intended to come into contact with a corresponding face of the wall, to thus clamp the thickness of the wall between said two arms. Conveniently, the mutual distance between the two clamping arms is adjustable in reciprocal approach and departure (with both movable arms or with one fixed arm and one movable arm), to thus adapt to the thickness of the wall W. The adjustment device 9 is configured to allow movement with respect to the wall W of the upright 2 which has been made integral with the vertical section B of the frame F by means of the coupling means 3. Advantageously, the adjustment device 9 is able to move the upright 2 and the vertical section B made integral with each other by the alignment means 4.

Conveniently, the adjustment device 9 can be operated to move the vertical section B of the frame F along at least one direction perpendicular to the direction X and, in particular, along at least one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal development direction of the upright 2.

Preferably, the adjustment device 9 is actu able to move the vertical section B of the frame F along the Z direction, that is, so as to move the vertical section B towards/away from the wall W.

Preferably, the adjustment device 9 can be operated to move the vertical section B of the frame F along the direction Y, that is, so as to move the vertical section B within the thickness of the wall W.

Advantageously, furthermore, the adjustment device 9 can be operated to move the vertical section B of the frame F also at least along a parallel direction to the X1 direction.

Advantageously, in order to carry out a complete adjustment of the position of the vertical section B of the frame F, the adjustment device 9 can be operated to move the vertical section B of the frame F along at least one direction parallel to a direction Z and/or Y, substantially transversal with respect to the X direction

. Conveniently, the apparatus 1 can comprise two or more adjustment devices 9, each mechanically associated with a corresponding upright 2. In this situation, the two or more adjustment devices 9 can be operated at the same time to move the same distance along the direction Z and/or Y the relative vertical uprights 2 with the supports B made solid, and this in order to move the entire frame F rigidly along a predetermined direction.

Preferably, the direction Y is substantially horizontal and even more preferably it is substantially transverse to the plane of arrangement of the opening A of the wall W.

Conveniently, in a possible embodiment shown in the attached figures 10-13, the adjustment device 9 comprises a first carriage 91 slidably mounted on the upright 2 and movable along the direction Z and in which said fixing means 6 are mounted on said first carriage 91. In accordance with a preferential embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment device 9 comprises a first carriage 91 slidably mounted on the upright 2 and movable along the Z direction and a second carriage 92 slidably mounted on the first carriage 91 and movable along the Y direction. Conveniently, the fixing means 6 are mounted on the second carriage 92. Conveniently, the first and second carriages 91 , 92 of the adjustment device 9 can be operated in a manner regulated by the operator, for example by activating a corresponding knob 93, 94 connected to a worm screw 96 which activates the movement of the same carriages, for example by means of a rack and pinion engagement.

In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures 10-13, the handling device 9 comprises a first housing seat 98 and a second housing seat 99, mounted on the second carriage 92. The first seat 98 houses at least partially a first arm 8 and the second housing seat 99 houses at least partially a second arm 8 of the clamp 7.

Advantageously, the device 9 comprises a support bracket 95 which is mechanically fixed to the upright 2 and on which the first carriage 91 is slidably mounted. This way, the operator is able to selectively move the adjustment device 9, along the Z and/or Y directions to vary, with respect to the wall W, the corresponding position along the Z and/or Y directions of the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 , and therefore of the vertical section B of the frame F which is made integral with said upright 2 by means of the coupling means 3. Advantageously, the fixing means 6 are mechanically mounted on said adjustment device 9, so that the actuation of said adjustment device 9 allows the movement of said upright 2 with respect to said wall W.

More in detail, the adjustment device 9 is fixed on one side to the fixing means 6, ie it is suitably fixed to the wall W, and on the other hand it is fixed to the upright 2 of the apparatus according to the invention.

In this way, when the adjustment device 9 is operated, the upright 2 is forced to move along the Y and/or Z directions with respect to the wall W, also dragging the vertical section B of the frame F of the window to be installed as said vertical section B is made integral with the upright 2 by means of coupling means 3.

Obviously, the adjustment device 9 can be operated by means of a mechanism of any type known to the person skilled in the art without thereby departing from the scope of protection of this patent. For example, it could be an actuation mechanism of the electromechanical type, such as in particular a servomotor operated by an electric power supply, or it could be completely mechanical and manual as in the embodiment shown above.

Conveniently, the apparatus 1 object of the present invention comprises at least one level 10 mechanically mounted on the upright 2 and configured to define at least the vertically of said upright 2 and, in particular, to determine the slope with respect to the vertical of the upright 2 so as to arrange it vertically.

More in detail, the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 defines a housing seat, preferably in correspondence with a lateral surface 2’” thereof, in which the level 10 is suitably housed.

Advantageously, the level 10 is visible from the outside, ie it is preferably placed in correspondence with an access opening to the housing seat of the upright 2, so that it is visible by an operator during the window installation operations.

The level 10 is preferably a spirit level and even more preferably a toroidal spirit level.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises at least a spirit level fixed to at least one of the external faces 2’ and/or a lateral surface 2'“ of the upright 2, and at least one further spirit level fixed to the internal face 2’ of the upright.

Advantageously, with particular reference to the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the apparatus 1 for installing a frame F of a window or door inside an opening A of a wall W, comprises at least two aforementioned uprights 2, extending along two respective first axes X, X’. Preferably, in use, the first axes X, X’ are substantially parallel to each other and advantageously substantially vertical. The apparatus 1 also comprises the coupling means 3 mechanically associated with both the two vertical uprights 2 and configured to mechanically connect the vertical uprights 2 to at least two corresponding vertical portions B of the frame F of said window or door. Conveniently, the apparatus 1 object of the present invention further comprises squaring means 11 mechanically associated with the uprights 2 and configured to check the squaring between said two first axes X, X’ of said two uprights 2.

The term "squaring" according to the present patent text, must mean that the frame F of the window or door must define a substantially rectangular figure, and in particular the fact that each vertical section B defines with the horizontal section C a corresponding angle which is substantially right.

In other words, with the apparatus 1 comprising two uprights 2 spaced apart, in order to define that the supports B of the frame F, solidly connected to the uprights 2 of the apparatus 1 , are squared, it is necessary that a straight line joining two points provided at the same height on the two uprights 2 define two corresponding right angles with the uprights 2 themselves.

In other words, the squaring means 11 are configured to detect and verify that the vertical uprights 2, fixed to the vertical supports B of the window frame to be installed, are squared with each other so that the vertical supports B, integral with the uprights 2 result squared too.

In accordance with the preferential embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the squaring means 11 comprise a first device mechanically associated with one (first upright) of the two vertical uprights 2 and a second device associated with the other (second) upright of the vertical uprights 2. Conveniently, the first and second devices of said squaring means 11 are configured to collaborate and verify the parallelism between said two uprights 2.

The first and second devices of the squaring means 11 are preferably placed substantially at the same distance H with respect to a lower end of the uprights 2 and are configured to cooperate in order to check the squaring between the vertical uprights 2 themselves.

Conveniently, the first and second devices of the squaring means 11 can be placed in any position along the respective uprights 2 of the apparatus 1, provided that they are advantageously placed at the same distance H with respect to one end of the corresponding upright 2. Advantageously, the squaring means 11 comprise at least one laser source 12 mechanically mounted on said first upright of said vertical uprights 2 and said second device comprises a target 13 provided/mounted on the second upright of said vertical uprights 2.

Preferably, the laser source 12 and the target 13 in use, they are located substantially at the same height from the lower end of the corresponding upright 2. Advantageously, the laser source 12 of the squaring means 11 is configured to emit a laser beam, preferably along a direction orthogonal with respect to the direction X and facing the second upright of the vertical uprights 2.

More in detail, the laser source 12 is configured to emit a laser beam along a Z direction, preferably orthogonal to the X direction and to the Y direction and advantageously included in the plane defined by the first two axes X, X’, or in the plane of the opening A of the wall W.

In this way, if the laser beam emitted by the laser source 12 hits the target 13, which is placed at the same height, then the operator can quickly visually check the squaring between the vertical uprights 2 and consequently between the supports vertical lines B of frame F.

Advantageously, the target 13 is equipped with at least one center arranged at the same height as the laser source 12 and configured to be intercepted by the laser beam emitted by said laser source 12.

More in detail, the target 13 advantageously comprises a plurality of graphic signs arranged spatially in such a way that, if intercepted by the beam of the laser source, the operator can determine quickly if the uprights 2 are parallel and what the movement necessary to bring them to parallelism may be.

For example, the target 13 can comprise a plurality of concentric circles or it can also comprise a plurality of mutually parallel notches and preferably also comprises a legend written directly on the upright 2, so that it can be easily consulted by the operator.

Advantageously, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention not illustrated in the attached figures, the squaring means 11 comprise a plurality of laser sources 12 mechanically mounted on said first upright of said vertical uprights 2, and spaced apart along the corresponding direction X, and a plurality of targets 13 provided on said second upright of said vertical uprights 2, along the corresponding direction X’, preferably substantially at the same height as the corresponding laser sources 12.

Otherwise, the laser source 12 and the target 13 can be placed at different heights along the corresponding uprights 2 of the apparatus 1 , in order to check only the parallelism of the uprights 2 themselves and therefore of the vertical supports B of the frame F integral with them. Advantageously, in order to verify the parallelism of the uprights 2 of the apparatus 1 , the linear distance parallel to the direction X, X’ between two contiguous laser sources 12 and two corresponding contiguous targets 13 on the other upright 2, must be the same.

Operationally, the operator checks that the light emitted by each laser source 12 hits the corresponding target 13, thus verifying the existence of parallelism between the uprights 2.

In this way, the operator is able to quickly and easily determine whether only if the two vertical sections B connected to the respective vertical uprights 2 are parallel to each other but also if the two vertical supports B connected to the respective vertical uprights 2 are straight or if they define curves and/or loops, for example if made of wooden material.

In other words, with this configuration, the operator is able to simultaneously check the squaring and parallelism of the uprights 2 (and therefore of the portions B of the frame F).

Advantageously, in order to impose parallelism between the two vertical uprights, the apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises spacer means 14 interposed between the vertical uprights 2 and configured to define a linear distance between said two vertical uprights 2.

Advantageously, the spacers means 14 are configured to define a preset linear distance, at which the vertical portions B of the frame F must be advantageously arranged. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spacer means 14 comprise a rod 15 of adjustable length which is arranged parallel to a direction Z orthogonal with respect to the direction X, X’ of the respective vertical uprights 2.

Preferably, the direction Z coincides with the axis of the laser beam of the laser source 12 of the squaring means 11 and is included in the plane of arrangement of the first axes X, X’.

Advantageously, the adjustable rod 15 of the spacer means 14 extends between a first end 15’ facing the first of said two uprights 2 and a second end 15" facing the second of said uprights 2 and is movable between a retracted configuration (illustrated in Figures 2 and 3), in which it is interposed between the vertical uprights 2 preferably without intercepting them and an extended configuration, in which the first end 15’ intercepts the first of said vertical uprights 2 and the second end 15" intercepts the second of said vertical uprights 2.

In this way, the operator is able to easily determine the distance between the two vertical uprights 2 of the apparatus 1 and in particular is able to check the parallelism between them. Operationally, the operator moves the adjustable rod 15 between the retracted configuration to the extended configuration until a desired linear distance is reached.

Subsequently, the operator can translate the adjustable rod 15 vertically (i.e. he can move it along the longitudinal development of the uprights) keeping the first and second ends 15’, 15" to intercept the respective vertical uprights 2, in order to verify that the distance between the latter is constant throughout their longitudinal development.

Advantageously, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the adjustable rod 15 is configured to be mechanically connected to both uprights 2. In this way, the adjustable rod 15 is suitable for transmitting movements exerted on one of the uprights 2 to the other upright 2, thus always ensuring the parallelism between the integral uprights 2 and therefore the parallelism of the supports B (solidly fixed to the uprights 2).

Conveniently, the apparatus 1 comprises one or two uprights 2 and preferably an adjustable rod 15 which can be removably associated with the two uprights 2 and, in particular, the apparatus 1 is not defined by a fixed structure in which the two uprights 2 remain always constrained and fixed to each other by means of one or more transversal sections.

In order to verify the correct positioning of the frame F and in particular to verify that the door can be moved without intercepting roughness on the ground, the apparatus 1 object of the present invention comprises detection means 16 mechanically associated with at least one of said two uprights 2 and configured to detect unevenness on the ground.

Conveniently, the detection means 16 comprise a light source 17 provided at a lower end of at least one of said two uprights 2 and facing at least orthogonal with respect to the direction X, X’ of said vertical uprights 2 to detect unevenness on the ground. In particular, the light source 17 is mounted on the corresponding upright 2 so as to emit a light beam angled with respect to the longitudinal development direction of the upright itself.

Conveniently, the light source 17 of the detection means 16 is substantially provided at a lower end of the uprights 2, substantially in line with or raised with respect to the latter by a set and/or adjustable height and preferably facing parallel to the Y direction and/or Z, substantially orthogonal with respect to the X direction.

Preferably, the light source 17 is adapted to generate a light beam to identify a surface orthogonal to the X, X’ direction at a preset and/or adjustable height. If an axperity exceeds this preset and/or adjustable height, it will be illuminated by the light beam, highlighting it in the eyes of the operator. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the apparatus 1 object of the present invention comprises verification means 27 mechanically associated with the upright 2 and configured to verify the correct closure of a door mounted on the frame F. Conveniently, the verification means 27 comprises at least two protruding elements 18 configured to intercept a wing of said window frame to verify the parallelism of an edge of said wing with respect to said X direction of said upright 2.

Conveniently, the verification means 27 are mounted on both uprights 2 or only on the upright 2 which is intended to be fixed to the vertical section B which is not provided with hinges for the rotation of the leaf (or in any case in correspondence with the vertical section B with which the leaf comes into contact when the window is in closed condition).

Preferably, the protruding elements 18 of the verification means 27 are rotatably mounted on the corresponding upright 2 between a configuration parallel to the X direction and a configuration orthogonal to the X direction. More in detail, in the orthogonal configuration, the protruding elements 18 define end-of-stroke walls suitable for receiving the free edge of the door or window.

In this way, the apparatus 1 according to the invention allows the operator to quickly and easily check the position and alignment of the free edge of the door, in the case of a hinged door, with the edge of the corresponding vertical section. B of the frame F of the window to be installed. Advantageously, the protruding elements 18 of the verification means 27 are arranged spaced apart along said X direction of the upright 2.

More in detail, the protruding elements 18 are aligned with each other along the X direction of the upright 2. Advantageously, the protruding elements 18 act as a limit switch for the free edge of the door or window. Preferably, the verification means 27 comprise at least two protruding elements 18

(positioned respectively in correspondence with the end areas of the upright), more preferably at least three protruding elements 18 (positioned respectively in correspondence with the two end areas of the upright and in the central area of the latter), spaced apart along the longitudinal development of the upright 2. Conveniently, the protruding elements 18 can be identical to each other. Preferably, the protruding elements 18 are configured and/or mounted on the upright 2 so as to protrude/extend from the upright 2 by a distance which is the same/equivalent for all the protruding elements 18. Conveniently, the protruding elements 18 are configured to define a stop/contact limit switch for corresponding areas of the leaf. Conveniently, if, following the closing rotation of the leaf installed on the frame F, all the protruding elements 18 of the verification means 27 come into contact with corresponding areas of the free edge of the leaf, then the operator can easily determine whether or not of the closing of the door is correct.

Preferably, the operator checks that the leaf touches at least three protruding elements 18, so as to ensure that the frame has been installed correctly. Otherwise, if the leaf touches only one or two protruding elements (for example because the leaf has been supplied twisted or loaded) it is necessary for the operator to rotate and/or flex the vertical section B of the frame F until the leaf touches said stretch in at least three points.

Conveniently, in a possible embodiment not shown here, the protruding elements 18 are defined by corresponding portions of the piece that defines the upright itself.

Advantageously, the verification means 27 comprise protruding elements 18 which are defined by the same handles 31 as the coupling means 3, preferably when they are arranged transversely with respect to the upright 2.

Conveniently, the apparatus 1 comprises handling means 19 mechanically connected to said upright 2 and equipped with at least one actuator 20 configured to move the vertical section B of the frame F of the window frame along a direction Y orthogonal to the direction X.

Advantageously, the actuator 20 of the handling means 19 is configured to be actuated by the operator following the actuation of the at least one adjustment device 9. Otherwise, if the apparatus does not include the aforementioned adjustment device 9, the operator can move the upright 2 integral with the support B by simply actuating the actuator 20 of the handling means 19.

Advantageously, the actuator 20 of the handling means 19 can be operated and from the outside by the operator to move the upright 2 along the Y direction to vary the inclination and/or curvature of the vertical section B of the frame F of the window to be installed.

Furthermore, the actuator 20 of the handling means 19 can be operated to move the vertical section B of the frame F with respect to the upright 2 of the apparatus 1 , which is mechanically constrained to the wall W by means of the coupling 3 or alignment 4 means.

In according to the preferential but non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the actuator 20 is associated with at least one of the abutment surfaces 5 of the alignment means 4.

Advantageously, the actuator 20 comprises a screw which passes through at least one abutment surfaces 5 and provided with an end configured to abut against said vertical section B of said frame F of said window or door. Otherwise, the actuator 20 can be mechanically associable to the vertical section B and operable to develop a pressure on the latter in at least one point.

Preferably, the apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises the aforementioned detection means 16 mechanically associated with at least one of said two uprights 2 and configured to detect unevenness on the ground, in which the detection means 16 advantageously comprise a light source 17 provided correspondingly of a lower end of at least one of said two uprights 2 and facing a direction Y (and preferably at least one half-plane) orthogonal with respect to the direction X, X’ of said vertical uprights 2 to detect unevenness on the ground. Preferably, the detection means 16 can comprise an electronic control unit electrically connected to the light source and configured to detect the presence of roughness on the ground.

For example, the light source can be a laser source and the electronic control unit can be configured to detect roughness by means of diffraction processing on the ground surface.

Advantageously, in order to move the upright 2 in the event that the detection means 16 should detect the presence of asperities suitable for jeopardizing the operation of the door, the apparatus 1 comprises lifting means 21 mechanically associated with a lower end of said upright 2 and configured to lift said upright, in particular following a detection of roughness on the ground by said detection means 16.

For example, the lifting means 21 can provide a linear and/or rotatable actuator that can be operated by the operator to lift the upright 2 in a controlled manner and, at the same time, also the vertical section B of the frame F.

Advantageously, following the installation of the window frame in the opening A of the wall W and preferably after having carried out the various checks, the operator releases the apparatus 1 from the frame F, in particular by acting on the coupling means 3 for hooking the upright 2 to the vertical section B of the frame F to be installed and/or fixing means 6 for fixing the upright 2 to the wall W in which the installation opening A is obtained, in order to be able to reuse the apparatus 1 to install further doors and windows on different openings A.

Obviously, according to the present description, it is necessary to understand that all the characteristics described above with reference to the apparatus 1 are to be referred in the same way and application also to a single upright 2 for the installation of at least one vertical section B of a frame F of a window or door, which is also the subject of present invention, which comprises an upright 2 of the type described above, in all its possible embodiments. Conveniently, in the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, the upright 2 can have any longitudinal extension along the direction X, even well below that of the vertical section B along the corresponding direction X1. Conveniently, the upright 2 can have any longitudinal extension along the X direction and can be defined by an element, having a cross section of any shape, in which the longitudinal development along the X direction is greater than the other two dimensions that define the section transversal of the upright itself.

Conveniently, the apparatus 1 can comprise an upright 2 in which the coupling means 3 to the vertical section B are installed and a single adjustment device 9 with the means 6 for fixing the upright 2 to the wall W.

From what has been described above, it appears It is clear that the apparatus 1 object of the present invention is suitable and configured for the installation of window frames, however otherwise it is neither suitable nor constructively suitable for installing counterframes and in particular it is not suitable for installing counterframes for sliding windows, such as in particular sliding doors.

In the following, a method for installing a frame of a window or door is also described by using the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, of which the same numerical references will be maintained.

Preliminarily, the operator fixes the vertical section B of the frame F to be installed to the upright 2, preferably outside the opening A, by means of the coupling means 3. Conveniently, the operator hooks the two vertical sections B of the frame F to the two corresponding vertical uprights 2 of the apparatus 1 , for example keeping the uprights 2 resting on the ground. Preferably, each upright 2 is hooked to the vertical section B so that the lower end of the upright 2 is flush with the lower end of the vertical section B. Following the coupling of the vertical sections B to the respective uprights 2, the

The operator advantageously lifts the apparatus 1 with the portions B hooked and inserts it into the opening A, bringing the vertical portions B of the frame F close to the corresponding portions of the wall W (or to the counterframe if provided) which delimit the opening A. Subsequently, the operator fixes the uprights 2 of the apparatus (integral with the portions B) to the portion of wall W surrounding the opening A by means of the fixing means 6.

Conveniently, by acting on the adjustment device 9, the operator varies the arrangement of the upright 2, and therefore of the section B of the frame which is constrained to the upright 2 by means of the coupling means 3, approaching/moving away from the thickness of the wall W (i.e. moves the upright 2 along a direction corresponding or parallel to the Z direction) and, preferably, also modifies the arrangement of the upright 2, and therefore of the section B of the frame F, along the thickness of the wall W (i.e. it moves the upright 2 along a direction corresponding to or parallel to the Y direction).

Furthermore, considering that the uprights 2 of the apparatus 1 have a substantially perfectly rectilinear longitudinal development, in order to verify the adherence of the portions B of the frame F, the operator uses the alignment means 4. In particular, by means of the alignment means 4, the operator checks whether the portion B of the frame F adheres to the corresponding upright 2 along the entire respective longitudinal extension.

More in detail, the operator visually checks whether the portion B reaches the stop and adheres to the abutment surfaces 5 of the alignment means 4, preferably on several points (if provided) in order to verify the perfect linearity of the portion B (given by substantially perfect linearity of the upright 2) and, in particular, for the purpose of verifying whether the portion B has a straight linear development which remains adherent to the upright 2 along its entire longitudinal extension. In order to check the squaring of the supports B of the frame F, the operator uses the squaring means 11, and in particular verifies that the light emitted by the laser source 12 of a first upright 2 is centered in the target 13 of the other upright 2.

Furthermore the operator can advantageously use the spacer means 14 to check and impose the parallelism between the two uprights 2 (and therefore between the two supports B of the frame F).

In order to impose the parallelism between the two uprights 2, the operator detects the linear distance between the uprights 2 themselves and places the adjustable rod 15 of the spacer means 14 between them.

Otherwise, the operator makes the adjustable rod slide 15 parallel to the X direction to check that between the two uprights 2 there is always the same linear distance.

Furthermore, to verify the presence of roughness on the ground, the operator activates the detection means 16 which, by means of the light beam, identify and highlight any roughness protruding from the ground. If such asperities are of such an extent as to affect good opening and/or closing, the operator activates the lifting means 21 to at least partially lift at least one upright 2 to allow the leaf to overcome the aforementioned asperity.

Advantageously, once the door has been mounted on the frame F, the operator can use the verification means 27 to verify the correct closure of the door itself. From what has been said it is clear that the apparatus for installing a window or door according to the invention, in all the embodiments described and represented here, is somewhat more advantageous than the traditional ones, since:

- allows to install a window frame in a simple way, - allows to install a window frame quickly and economically,

- obviates the need for highly experienced and/or trained operators,

- it can be easily applied to many types of doors and windows, for example doors and windows with hinged doors,

- it is quick and easy to assemble and assemble, - allows you to check multiple aspects of the installation of the frame quickly and easily,

- turns out to be compact and with a reduced number of components,

- it can also be used to lay the frame F on the apparatus 1 while the latter is still on the ground, to then raise both integral to each other and fix them to the wall W;

- the operator only has to follow the instructions deriving from the detections of the apparatus.

The present invention has been illustrated and described in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variations may be made, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present patent for industrial invention.