Adjustable metal frame

Abstract

The present invention comprises a metal frame system wherein each frame member has one or more integral adjusters configured for selective extension from the frame member in a direction that is perpendicular to the length of the member. Each adjuster comprises a support bar or member having a threaded central passage aligned with a bolt hole through the frame member. The adjuster also comprises a pair of concentric tubes including a hollow outer tube and a fully threaded inner tube. The outer tube is positioned between the bar and the front edge and is spot welded to the bar. The inner tube is welded to a large washer providing a bearing surface and positioned behind the bar and is threaded through the central threaded bar passage. By rotating the inner threaded tube, the large washer is selectively positioned behind the bar a distance which may be adjusted.

1 . An adjustment apparatus for a metal frame member, the frame member having at least one bolt hole for attachment of the frame member to an adjacent wall edge; the apparatus comprising: 
 an adjustment tube having a threaded radial surface and terminating in a bearing surface;    a support member affixed to said frame member and having a threaded aperture receiving said threaded radial surface of said adjustment tube, said aperture being aligned with said bolt hole; and    a tool having an elongated portion for extending through said bolt hole and engaging said adjustment tube for rotation of said threaded radial surface to move said bearing surface selectively relative to said frame member.    
   
   
       2 . The adjustment apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein said bearing surface comprises a flat washer affixed to an end of said adjustment tube.  
   
   
       3 . The adjustment apparatus recited in  claim 1  further comprising a second tube concentrically located outside said adjustment tube and affixed to said support member and to said frame member.  
   
   
       4 . The adjustment apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein said adjustment tube comprises at least one slot for receiving said tool and said tool has at least one tip for insertion into said slot for rotation fo said adjustment tube.  
   
   
       5 . The adjustment apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein said support member is welded to said frame member.  
   
   
       6 . An adjustable metal frame member having an adjustment apparatus in alignment with a bolt hole for attachment of the frame member to an adjacent wall; the apparatus comprising: 
 a spacer device accessible through said bolt hole, said device having a bearing surface extending from an end of a threaded tube, the position of said bearing surface relative to said frame member being determined by rotating said threaded tube through said bolt hole; and    a tool insertable through said bolt hole and configured for rotatably engaging said threaded tube.    
   
   
       7 . The adjustable metal frame member recited in  claim 6  further comprising a support member affixed to said frame member and having a threaded aperture receiving said threaded tube for supporting said tube in adjustable relation, said aperture being aligned with said bolt hole.  
   
   
       8 . The adjustable metal frame member recited in  claim 6  wherein said bearing surface comprises a flat washer affixed to said threaded tube.  
   
   
       9 . The adjustable metal frame member recited in  claim 7  further comprising a second tube concentrically located outside said threaded tube and affixed to said support member.  
   
   
       10 . The adjustable metal frame member recited in  claim 6  wherein said threaded tube comprises at least one slot for receiving said tool and said tool has at least one tip for insertion into said slot for rotation of said threaded tube.