US3729870A

US3729870A - Method and assembly of universal jamb and trim molding

Info

Publication number: US3729870A
Application number: US00047686A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Kvalheim; I Kvalheim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-06-19
Filing date: 1970-06-19
Publication date: 1973-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 1990-05-01

Abstract

A multiple use molding assembly, primarily designed as a door jamb or window frame molding, including a central elongate member forming the jamb, and a pair of elongate stock pieces, forming jamb trim, all joined by a decorative laminate so that the trim may be folded about the jamb to accommodate the surface on which the assembly is mounted. The central member may be split, joined by pins, and have a door stop over the split. Rigid clips or flexible straps may join the jamb pieces together. The straps have tension means to anchor the straps firmly. When used as a door jamb assembly, the trim pieces are folded so that the jamb assembly may be inserted into a doorway opening; the trim pieces are then unfolded and nailed or secured into place. The method of making the molding includes rabbeting a shallow groove in a stiff sheet surface, along a folding line, rabbeting a deep groove in the reverse side of the sheet along the same line, applying an adhesively fixed laminate over the shallow groove, and rerabbeting the deep groove to the shallow groove so that the sheet may be folded.

Description

United States Patent [191 Kvalheim et a1.

[54] METHOD AND ASSEMBLY OF UNIVERSAL JAMB AND TRIM MOLDING [76] Inventors: Andrew M. Kvalheim; Irwin S. Kvalheim, both of PO. Drawer A, Petaluma, Calif. 94952 [22] Filed: June 19, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 47,686

[52] US. Cl. ..49/504, 52/204, 52/21 1,

52/631, 52/658- [51] Int. Cl. ..E06b 1/04 [58,] Field of Search ..49/504; 52/204, 21 1,

52/213, 631, 656, 657, 658; 160/381; 287/l89.36 H, 20.92 C

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 606,792 8/1948 Great Britain ..49/504 [4 1 May 1,1973

Primary Examiner-J. Karl Bell Attorney-Keith Misegades and George R. Douglas, Jr.

[5 7] ABSTRACT A multiple use molding assembly, primarily designed as a door jamb or window frame molding, including a central elongate member forming the jamb, and a pair of elongate stock pieces, forming jamb trim, all joined by a decorative laminate so that the trim may be folded about the jamb to accommodate the surface on which the assembly is mounted. The central member may be split, joined by pins, and have a door stop over the split. Rigid clips or flexible straps may join the jamb pieces together. The straps have tension means to anchor the straps firmly. When used as a door jamb assembly, the trim pieces are folded so that the jamb assembly may be inserted into a doorway opening; the trim pieces are then unfolded and nailed or secured into place. The method of making the molding includes rabbeting a shallow groove in a stiff sheet surface, along a folding line, rabbeting a deep groove in the reverse side of the sheet along the same line, applying an adhesively fixed laminate over the shallow groove, and re-rabbeting the deep groove to the shallow groove so that the sheet may be folded.

16 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures G) G E E5 FIG 2 Patented May 1, 1973 3,729,870

.5 Sheets-Sheet 1 b z Q9 36 IO FIG.4

FlG.l

IRWIN S. KVALHEiM W m #PW' mvsn'rbs, I

ANDREW M. IKVALHEIM,

Pafented May 1, 1973 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 /H. N Y b INVENTORS ANDREW M. KV ALHEIM IRWIN S. KVALHEIM Patented May 1, 1973 .5 Sheets-Sheet 4 mvanwns ANDREW M. KVALHEIM IRWIN s. KVALHEIM #P y BY f ll/l ATTORNEYS Patented May l, 1973 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 24

INVENTORS ANDREW M.. KVALHEIM IRWIN s. KVALHEIM ATTORNEYS METHOD AND ASSEMBLY OF UNIVERSAL JAMB AND TRIM MOLDING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention solves a heretofore continuing problem in the building and construction industry by providing a multi-use molding assembly easily adapted to a variety of uses, such as a door jamb assembly or window frame molding, to name but two. The invention is finished with a pleasing, wood-grain-appean'ng surface laminate, which serves the purposes of being aesthetically pleasing while allowing multiple folding of the material to conform to the surface to which it is applied. Once installed, further finishing is not required.

Due to the increasing and even prohibitive cost of wood of decorative quality, an inexpensive substrate, such as plywood, covered with an elastic laminate such as vinyl has become quite popular as a substitute for expensive wood finishing. As a general proposition, such material is not novel per se. U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,340,665, issued to John O. -Kohl, and 3,277,624 issued to Richard R. Cornell show a window frame and a decorative ceiling beams made of such material, respectively.

Problems arise when the material is formed so as to be bent about a predetermined line so the material may accommodate the surface to be covered or aesthetic purpose to be served, as in the Cornell patent above mentioned. U. S. Pat. Nos. 2,168,234, issued to Rudolf F. Onsrud; 2,505,789, issued to Glenn I-l. Norquist; 3,322,171 and 3,456,701, issued to Richard R. Cornell; and 3,420,142, issued to Leo R. Gale, et 3.1., each attack the problem in varying ways. However, none of these solves the problem of avoiding tearing or wrinltling of the laminate upon folding of the material. The process of the instant invention proposes double rabbeting of a groove in the material along a predetermined bending line so that the laminate is not ruptured.

The instant invention also encompasses distinct uses forthe material formed by the novel process, specifically, as a door jamb assembly and as window frame molding. As a door jamb assembly, the invention comprises a central member, forming the strike and hinge jambs, and the doorway header, and side stock pieces forming jamb trim members, and attached to the central member by the laminate only, so that the trim may be folded into an installed position. U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,222,833 issued to Harold L. Woodrum; and 3,440,783, issued to Milton L. Hughes both illustrate problems encountered in attempting to install jamb assemblies having rigid trim members. On the other hand, the instant invention may be installed as one piece, in a one step operation, with trim members on one side folded out of the way so that the jamb assembly may be inserted in the doorway opening.

A pair of corner clips may be used to join head and side jambs of a door jamb assembly, or window frame molding to form a rigid single structure. The clip is similar to clip 55 (FIGS. l6, 17) in U. S. Pat. No. 2,742,l 17, issued to John A. Tolman, save that the Tolman clip is usedas an adjustable connector for opposite halves of a metal jamb assembly. As a substitute, a novel flexible strap and tension assembly may be used to join head and side jambs together, which assembly is not shown in the prior art.

The door jamb assembly may be secured in the doorway opening by blind shims. Such shims are shown in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,350,123, issued to Robert C. Loving,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention claimed is a multi-use molding assembly having a central member and two side trim members, flexibly attached thereto as by a decorative surfaced laminate, so the molding may accommodate the surface upon which it is mounted. The central and trim members have bevelled, abutting edges to prevent tearing of the laminate by the substrate. The assembly may be used as a door jamb or window frame molding structure, and include rigid or flexible means interconnecting jamb sections. Shims are provided for installation. The novel process of manufacture of the invention includes forming the central and side members from a single stock piece, rabbeting a pair of grooves on opposite sides of the stock piece to demarcate the two side members from the central member, laminating an elastic covering thereon, and re-rabbeting one of the pairs of grooves on one side of the stock piece to form the central and two side members. The method of in stalling a door jamb formed from the novel molding assembly includes folding one set of trim members, inserting the door jamb into the doorway opening, and refolding of the trim members and final installation of the door jamb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further and more complete objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following specification and drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 3 are cross-sectional views of the invention showing progressive stages of manufacture;

FIG. 2 is an elevational schematic view illustrating the process of forming the invention;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are illustrative sectional views of the invention used as a door jamb, window frame trim, and half of a split jamb piece;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the invention used as a door jamb;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, perspective view showing a flexible strap used to join the head and side jamb shown in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9 and 11 are views similar to FIG. 8, illustrating other embodiments of the flexible strap;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along lines Ill-10 of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are each fractional sectional views taken along lines 12-l2, 13 -13, and 14-44 of FIG. 7, respectively;

FIGS. 15, l6, l7 and 18 are further fractional sectional views illustrating installation of the invention as a foor jamb; 7

FIGS. 19 and 20 are partial perspective views showing the invention used as a window frame molding;

FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 are fragmentary views showing yet another embodiment of the invention used as a door jamb;

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 13, but showing the invention as a split door jamb; and

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view illustrating a rigid corner clip used to join a head and side jamb together.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings by reference character, and in particular FIGS. 1 through 6 inclusive, a base or substrate 10 is indicated in FIG. 1, ready for application of an elastic laminate by the process schematically shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 illustrates the finished product, comprising an elongate central member 12,

side stock pieces

14 and 16, and laminate l8. Substrate 10 is shown formed from plywood, but particle board or other suitable material may be used instead. At any rate, substrate 10 is first generally machined to approximate final dimensions by cutting elongate angle grooves and 22 on each side of substrate l0, and rabbeting a pair of V-grooves 24 and 26, immediately above

grooves

20 and 22. In the finished product, these grooves will constitute bending points for the

side stock pieces

14 and 16, with respect to the elongate central member. The cross-sectional configuration of V-grooves 24 and 26 may be a straight 90 cut, or the upper edges of the cut may be chamfered or rounded. The point is that grooves 24 and 26 should be rabbeted so that undue stretching or tearing of laminate 18 will not occur by reason of bending

pieces

14 and 16 with respect to central member 12, to accommodate the molding to the surface to which it will be applied.

In FIG. 2, the laminating process includes application of an endless piece of elastic laminate 18 over a transfer roll 28 to application rolls 30, adhesive or other bonding material having been applied beneath laminate 18. If desired, substrate 10 may be fireproofed or metal clad prior to application of the laminate 18. Once laminate 18 is applied, a pair of cutters, one of which is shown at 32, are employed to

re-rabbet angle grooves

20 and 22 to a depth immediately beneath V grooves 24 and 26 (FIG. 3). This novel three step process of rabbeting, applying an elastic laminate, and rerabbeting the substrate has two primary and distinct advantages over the prior art. First, substrate 10, being only partially rabbeted initially, remains in a uniplanar condition for lamination, so that lamination can occur in a single step, upon a flat, prepared surface. Secondly, grooves 24 and 26 present a bending point for the finished molding which will not allow the substrate material to tear the laminate. Additionally, the presence of grooves 24 and 26 assure that the final rerabbeting of

angle grooves

20 and 22 will not tear laminate 18, since re-rabbeting need only reach a point immediately beneath the depth of V-grooves 24 and 26 in order to segment the substrate 10 into three

distinct pieces

12, 14 and 16, rather than immediately beneath the surface of laminate 18, as shown in the prior art discussed above.

FIGS. 4 through 6 indicate three basic configurations for the invention, for use as a door jamb (FIG. 4) with a door stop 34 applied thereto, as window frame molding (FIG. 5), and as trim molding (FIG. 6) or one-half ofa door jamb; this will be further amplified below with reference to FIG. 24. It will be noted in FIG. 5 that one stock piece 16 is rotated 180 from the attitude shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 6, the molding is as shown in FIG. 4, without the door stop, and sawed longitudinally in half. Of course, the material forming

stock pieces

14 and 16 and central member 12 need not be of the dimensions shown. For example, thinner material such as 3 inch plywood might be used (not shown). At any rate, it is clear that the molding possesses sufficient versatility to be conformed to an infinite variety of attitudes to serve the purposes of a door jamb assembly, window frame molding, and general trim, corner, and opening moldmg.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 through 14, and 21 through 24, application of the invention as a door jamb assembly will be discussed. In FIG. 7, the complete door jamb assembly comprises a header 36, a hinge jamb 38, and a strike jamb 40. With respect to FIG. 4, central member 12 forms the main jamb piece for header 36 and

jambs

38 and 40 while

side stock pieces

14 and 16 form side trim pieces for the main jamb piece. Door stop 34 is nailed or otherwise suitably attached to header 36 and

jambs

38, 40 approximately medially thereof. Hinge jamb 38 includes three routed out

areas

42, 42, 42 which serve as the usual mounting points for the door hinges (not shown) and strike jamb 40 includes routed area 44, for the usual strike plate (not shown) and a second, deep routed area 46 for reception of the usual lock latch (not shown). F ragmentary sectional FIGS. 12 and 14 illustrate one hinge area 42, and strike plate area 44 with lock latch area 46 in elevation, respectively. FIG. 13 is quite similar to FIG. 4, in showing a cross-section of the strike jamb. FIG. 24 illustrates a slightly different arrangement of the door jamb assembly, in cross-section similar to FIG. 13. In this instance, trim

pieces

14 and 16 remain the same, but the central member forming the main jamb is longitudinally split into two

halves

48 and 50. A plurality .of blind pins 52 are inserted in the facing

side walls

54 and 56 of jamb halves 48 and 50, as the entire jamb assembly is installed into a doorway opening. In other words, each

half

48, 50 is installed from opposite sides of the doorway (not shown) whereafter pins 52 are inserted to lock the assembly in place, followed by installation of the usual door stop 34 thereover. In this case, the jamb assembly is constructed of two halves of the item as it appears in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8 through 11 inclusive best indicate the novel flexible strap means used to secure the three parts of the jamb assembly, or header 36, hinge jarnb 38, and strike jamb 40, into a single unitary assembly for mounting in a doorway opening. First, the molding assembly forming the header and side jambs is miter cut on a 45 angle, with side trim l4 and 16 in the attitude shown in FIG. 8, to the finished dimension required. The bases of hinge jamb 38 and strike jamb 40 are cut on a angle (FIG. 7). The adjoining ends of header 36 and hinge jamb 38, and header 36 and strike jamb 40 each have a lateral slot 58 formed therethrough for reception of a flexible strap 60, threaded therethrough as illustrated in FIG. 8. The free distal ends of strap 60 are secured in place by suitable means such as screws 62. Preferably, strap 60 is constructed of nylon or similar material which will form a strong webbing. A wedge 64 is inserted under strap 60, once installed, to

tighten the strap so that members are firmly secured together.

FIGS. 9,- and 11 indicate another embodiment of anchoring the strap 60. Strap has one digital end anchored as described above with respect to FIG. 8. The other distal end is provided with a central hole 66 and a pair of slots 68, 68, for reception of a screw 70 and stamped

prongs

72, 72 of a pivot plate 74, respectively. Pivot plate 74 is mounted within a recess 76 (FIG. 10) and pivoted downwardly as shown after

hooks

72, 72 are engaged with slots 68, 68, whereupon screw 70 is threaded into place to lock the header and side jamb into a firm, tight assembly. The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is analogous to that illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10, save that pivot plate 74 is replaced by a hinge 78.

In each case, slots 58 should be placed near the adjoining edges of the header with the side jarnbs so that the lower ends of jambs 38 and 40 (FIG. 7) may be flexed inwardly with respect to the doorway opening as the jamb assembly is installed into place.

FIGS. 21 through 23 illustrate yet another embodiment of the molding used to form a door jamb assembly. In this case, the molding is undercut or rabbeted with a plurality of grooves 80 (FIG. 22) so that a number of longitudinal folding lines for the molding are formed. Again, an elastic laminate '18 extends across the entire exposed surface of the molding. The three

outside segments

82, 84 and 86 of each side of the molding

form trim members

14 and 16, two immediately

interior sections

88 and 90 form the central member or jamb 12, and the three

outer strips

92, 92 and'94 are folded to form the door stop 34. A base strip 96 is inserted behind door stop 34, between

sections

88 and 90, as a filler. A shim strip 97 with nails 98 is used to secure the jamb assembly together, and to stud 100 of the doorway opening. After this, the

pieces

82, 84 and 86 may be folded into position (FIG. 21) and secured by blind clips 102, mounted through ears 104 of shim strip 97, to

pieces

82, 82. Glue or other suitable adhe-, sive may be applied within grooves 80 as the jamb assembly is installed.

The unique method of installation of the earlier embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 15

through 18. FIG. 15 shows installation, in cross-section, of the jamb in a standard doorway which includes a stud 106 and wall surfaces 108 and 110. The portion of the jamb shown includes central member 12 and side or trim

pieces

14 and 16. Trim member 14 is folded inwardly towards the center of the doorway opening, as shown in dot and dash lines, so that the jamb assembly may be slipped into the doorway, whereupon shims (not shown) may be inserted between stud 106 and central member 12 to finally position the jamb. Thereafter, trim member 16 is nailed into wall 108, and trim member 14 is folded to the position shown in solid lines and nailed into place; nails 112 are illustrated in dash lines. Preferably, adhesive or glue will be applied along the junction of central member 12 with

trim members

14 and 16 to assure a permanent installation.

In FIG. 16, a similar assembly method is shown, save that a metal strip shim 114 is employed, which is screwed or otherwise suitably attached to central member 12 at 116. In turn, shim 114 is nailed to walls 108 and at 112. Finally, blind clips 118 are used to secure

trim members

14 and 16 inplace; thus the appearance of the laminate 18 is enhanced, in that the surface is not penetrated by nails.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate the novel jamb installation process from another point of view, or vertically above the doorway, where horizontal header stud 120 is shown with

walls

108 and 110 and vertical stud 122. The jamb assembly is inserted as explained with respect to FIG. 16, FIG. 18 illustrating a portion of header jamb 36 and vertical jamb 34.

The novel molding assembly may also be used as window frame trim as illustrated fragmentarily in FIGS. 19 and 20. Parts forming a standard window include exterior wall 124, interior wall 126, stud 128, framing 130, window 132 and window sill 134. The molding is arranged as shown in FIG. 5, with trim member 14 and central member 12 forming an inside corner (FIG. 19) and trim member 16 and central member 12 forming an outside corner (FIGS. 19 and 20). Of course, the substrate

material forming members

12, 14 and 16 need not be so thick as depicted; thinner material may be employed. In FIG. 20, only an outside corner is needed, so trim member 14 is dispensed with. As shown in FIG. 25, the units forming the window frame trim may be held together by a novel corner clip 136, inserted into

saw slots

138, 138 formed in

central members

12, 12. The outer distal edges. 140, of clip 136 are crimped angularly inwardly, and

slots

138, 138 are formed parallel therewith in order to form a secure joint between

members

12, 12. If desired, this corner clip assembly may be used with the door jamb assembly to hold

units

34, 36 and 38 together (FIG. 7).

We claim:

1. A molding assembly of indeterminate length for carpentry construction trim use, comprising:

a. a central, elongate member including:

1. means defining a first surface;

2. means defining a second surface; and

3. means defining a pair of side faces joining said first and second surfaces; the junction of said side faces withsaid first surface forming a pair of approximately parallel side edges; b. a pair of elongate side stock pieces each including: 1. means defining first and second stock piece surfaces;

.2. means defining an outer side face; and

3. means defining an inner side face; the junction of said stock piece first surface and said inner face forming a stock piece edge, arranged to lie approximately coincident with one of said central member side edges; and

c. flexible means for joining the first surfaces of said stock pieces to the first surfaces of said central member;

d. two depressed areas in said central member first surface and one each depressed area in each of said side piece first surfaces, said areas being formed in said surfaces along the parallel lines where said surfaces are joined by said flexible means;

whereby axes of rotation are provided for the stock pieces about the central member along lines defined by the junctions of said flexible members, central member side edges, and stock piece edges, so as to accommodate said molding assembly to a surface upon which it is installed and whereby the external face of the flexible means presents a slightly rounded face at the joint; said molding assembly comprising a door jamb assembly, including:

a. a generally horizontally disposed header;

b. a generally vertically arranged hinge jamb; and

c. a generally vertically arranged strike jamb; said central elongate member forming said header, hinge and strike jambs, and said pair of elongate stock pieces forming external trim members for said header, hinge and strike jambs; said door jamb assembly including means for joining said header, door jamb and strike jamb into a single article of manufacture; said means for joining said header, door jamb and strike jamb comprising a pair of flexible straps, one joining the header with the door jamb, the other jining the header with the strike jamb; and each of said flexible straps including means for anchoring said strap to the header and adjacent jamb, comprising:

a. means defining a slot in the header, near an end thereof, at generally a right angle to the length thereof;

b. means defining a slot in the jamb, near an end thereof adjacent the header, approximately parallel to said header slot; and

c. means firmly securing the free distal ends of said strap to the jamb and the header, respectively;

said strap being threaded through said slots, said strap distal ends being secured on the rear, unexposed surfaces of said jamb and header, respectively.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible means comprise an elastic laminate, substantially covering the exposed portions of said central member and stock pieces when the molding assembly is in an installed position.

3. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said elastic laminate includes a wood grained surface in external appearance.

4. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said central member side edges and said stock piece edges are bevelled at said axes of rotation so as to form a pair of grooves, generally V-shaped in cross-section, the apex of the V-groove being disposed away from said elastic laminate to prevent fracture of said laminate as said stock pieces are rotated.

5. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein the central member forming said header, hinge and strike jambs comprises two elongate base strips including means for joining said base strips together.

6. The invention as recited in claim 5 wherein said means for joining said base strips together comprise:

a. a door stop, over the junction of said base strips;

and

b. pin means, located behind the door stop, insertable into said base strips at the junction thereof.

7. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for joining said header, door jamb and strike jamb comprise a pair of comer clips, one joining the header with the door jamb, the other joining the header with the strike jamb, and each including:

a. a relatively stiff (sheet metal) member having a pair of flanges disposed at approximately 90, one to the other, the outer free edge of each flange being turned down at an acute angle with respect to the flange; and

b. means defining a pair of slots, one in the header and one in the jamb, for receiving said acute angle flange edges.

8. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said means firmly securing the free distal ends of said strap comprise:

a. a plurality of screws, threaded through said distal ends to said jamb and header, respectively; and

b. a wedge, insertable under the strap between a slot and a strap distal end, for tensioning the strap to provide a rigid interconnection of the header with a jamb.

9. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said means firmly securing the free distal ends of the strap include a strap end tension anchor, comprising:

a. plate means having hook means to engage one strap distal end;

b. means for pivotally mounting the plate means to stretch the flexible strap taut; and

c. threaded means for firmly mounting the plate means after the strap is stretched taut.

10. The invention as recited in claim 9 wherein said plate means comprise a leaf hinge, one leaf having said hooks formed thereon for engaging said one strap end.

11. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said stock pieces forming said external trim members comprise multiple elongate trim strips, and said central elongate member comprises a plurality of elongate base strips, said flexible means comprising an elastic laminate, substantially covering the exposed portions of said door jamb assembly in an installed position, said base and trim strips being of a number and arranged so that said molding assembly may be folded to form said external trim members, said header, hinge and strike jambs, and a door stop, medially of said header, hinge and strike jambs.

12. The invention as recited in claim 11 wherein said door jamb assembly further comprises shim means for mounting the door jamb assembly in a wall opening.

13. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said molding assembly comprises a window frame molding trim for at least the two vertical sides and horizontal head of a window frame, said central member forming a window frame head and two side jambs, said elongate stock pieces forming trim members disposed at generally right angles to the head and side jambs, respectively.

14. The invention as recited in claim 13 wherein said window frame molding trim includes means for joining said head and side jambs into a single unit, comprising a pair of comer clips, one joining the head jamb and one of said two side jambs, the other joining the head jamb with the other of said two side jambs, each said corner clip comprising:

a. a relatively stiff, sheet metal member having a pair of flanges disposed at approximately one to the other, the outer free edge of each flange being turned downwardly at an acute angle with respect to the flange; and

b. means defining a pair of slots, one in the head jamb and one in a side jamb, for receiving said acute angle flange edges.

15. The invention as recited in claim 13 wherein said window frame molding trim includes means for joining said head and side jambs into a single unit, comprising a pair of flexible straps, each strap having a pair of free distal ends, one strap joining the head jamb and one side jamb, the other strap joining the head jamb and the other side jamb, said straps being secured to the head and side jambs at their said free distal ends.

16. The invention as recited in claim 15 wherein said means for joining said head and side jambs further comprise tension means for stretching each strap so as to rigidly secure each side jamb to the head jamb.

Claims

1. A molding assembly of indeterminate length for carpentry construction trim use, comprising: a. a central, elongate member including: 1. means defining a first surface; 2. means defining a second surface; and 3. means defining a pair of side faces joining said first and second surfaces; the junction of said side faces with said first surface forming a pair of approximately parallel side edges; b. a pair of elongate side stock pieces each including: 1. means defining first and second stock piece surfaces; 2. means defining an outer side face; and 3. means defining an inner side face; the junction of said stock piece first surface and said inner face forming a stock piece edge, arranged to lie approximately coincident with one of said central member side edges; and c. flexible means for joining the first surfaces of said stock pieces to the first surfaces of said central member; d. two depressed areas in said central member first surface and one each depressed area in each of said side piece first surfaces, said areas being formed in said surfaces along the parallel lines where said surfaces are joined by said flexible means; whereby axes of rotation are provided for the stock pieces about the central member along lines defined by the junctions of said flexible members, central member side edges, and stock piece edges, so as to accommodate said molding assembly to a surface upon which it is installed and whereby the external face of the flexible means presents a slightly rounded face at the joint; said molding assembly comprising a door jamb assembly, including: a. a generally horizontally disposed header; b. a generally vertically arranged hinge jamb; and c. a generally vertically arranged strike jamb; said central elongate member forming said header, hinge and strike jambs, and said pair of elongate stock pieces forming external trim members for said header, hinge and strike jambs; said door jamb assembly including means for joining said header, door jamb and strike jamb into a single article of manufacture; said means for joining said header, door jamb and strike jamb comprising a pair of flexible straps, one joining the header with the door jamb, the other jining the header with the strike jamb; and each of said flexible straps including means for anchoring said strap to the header and adjacent jamb, comprising: a. means defining a slot in the header, near an end thereof, at generally a right angle to the length thereof; b. means defining a slot in the jamb, near an end thereof adjacent the header, approximately parallel to said header slot; and c. means firmly securing the free distal ends of said strap to the jamb and the header, respectively; said strap being threaded through said slots, said strap distal ends being secured on the rear, unexposed surfaces of said jamb and header, respectively.

2. means defining a second surface; and

2. means defining an outer side face; and

3. means defining an inner side face; the junction of said stock piece first surface and said inner face forming a stock piece edge, arranged to lie approximately coincident with one of said central member side edges; and c. flexible means for joining the first surfaces of said stock pieces to the first surfaces of said central member; d. two depressed areas in said central member first surface and one each depressed area in each of said side piece first surfaces, said areas being formed in said surfaces along the parallel lines where said surfaces are joined by said flexible means; whereby axes of rotation are provided for the stock pieces about the central member along lines defined by the junctions of said flexible members, central member side edges, and stock piece edges, so as to accommodate said molding assembly to a surface upon which it is installed and whereby the external face of the flexible means presents a slightly rounded face at the joint; said molding assembly comprising a door jamb assembly, including: a. a generally horizontally disposed header; b. a generally vertically arranged hinge jamb; and c. a generally vertically arranged strike jamb; said central elongate member forming said header, hinge and strike jambs, and said pair of elongate stock pieces forming external trim members for said header, hinge and strike jambs; said door jamb assembly including means for joining said header, door jamb and strike jamb into a single article of manufacture; said means for joining said header, door jamb and strike jamb comprising a pair of flexible straps, one joining the header with the door jamb, the other jining the header with the strike jamb; and each of said flexible straps including means for anchoring said strap to the header and adjacent jamb, comprising: a. means defining a slot in the header, near an end thereof, at generally a right angle to the length thereof; b. means defining a slot in the jamb, near an end thereof adjacent the header, approximately parallel to said header slot; and c. means firmly securing the free distal ends of said strap to the jamb and the header, respectively; said strap being threaded through said slots, said strap distal ends being secured on the rear, unexposed surfaces of said jamb and header, respectively.

3. means defining a pair of side faces joining said first and second surfaces; the junction of said side faces with said first surface forming a pair of approximately parallel side edges; b. a pair of elongate side stock pieces each including:

6. The invention as recited in claim 5 wherein said means for joining said base strips together comprise: a. a door stop, over the junction of said base strips; and b. pin means, located behind the door stop, insertable into said base strips at the junction thereof.

7. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for joining said header, door jamb and strike jamb comprise a pair of corner clips, one joining the header with the door jamb, the other joining the header with the strike jamb, and each including: a. a relatively stiff (sheet metal) member having a pair of flanges disposed at approximately 90*, one to the other, the outer free edge of each flange being turned down at an acute angle with respect to the flange; and b. means defining a pair of slots, one in the header and one in the jamb, for receiving said acute angle flange edges.

8. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said means firmly securing the free distal ends of said strap comprise: a. a plurality of screws, threaded through said distal ends to said jamb and header, respectively; and b. a wedge, insertable under the strap between a slot and a strap distal end, for tensioning the strap to provide a rigid interconnection of the header with a jamb.

9. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said means firmly securing the free distal ends of the strap include a strap end tension anchor, comprising: a. plate means having hook means to engage one strap distal end; b. means for pivotally mounting the plate means to stretch the flexible strap taut; and c. threaded means for firmly mounting the plate means after the strap is stretched taut.

14. The invention as recited in claim 13 wherein said window frame molding trim includes means for joining said head and side jambs into a single unit, comprising a pair of corner clips, one joining the head jamb and one of said two side jambs, the other joining the head jamb with the other of said two side jambs, each said corner clip comprising: a. a relatively stiff, sheet metal member having a pair of flanges disposed at approximately 90*, one to the other, the outer free edge of each flange being turned downwardly at an acute angle with respect to the flange; and b. means defining a pair of slots, one in the head jamb and one in a side jamb, for receiving said acute angle flange edges.