Larson Manufacturing Company of South Dakota, Inc.

Larson Manufacturing Company

Keith M Kibbel

Kelly D Nordgaard

Todd N Stratmoen

John M Parkhurst

Mark E Abdella

James L Ralph

Rashid Bharucha

Gary L Spoelstra

Michael D Gonnerman

José Carlos Figueiredo Da Cunha

Duane Pecinovsky

A method of assembling a z-bar extension member to a z-bar that negates the need for trimming the z-bar. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.

Z-bar extension member and assembly

An apparatus and method of assembling and using a z-bar extension member for a door installation that negates the need for trimming the assembly. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.

The present invention is a system and method for an easy installation storm door for installation in a home. The door system may include a door panel that is mounted onto two vertical z-bar frames such that the door system can be installed in a left hinge or right hinge format. The z-bar frames are precut at the factory to be shorter than a standard doorframe so that they do not have to be cut during installation. Also included in the system are top and bottom expanders that fit onto a top and bottom side of the door panel so as to selectively adjust the vertical height of the door panel. The top and bottom expanders further insure a reasonable air and moisture barrier between the interior and exterior of the home. The door system further includes a lock assembly that is pre-installed such that it can be utilized whether the door system is installed in a left hinge or right hinge format. The lock system may include a lockbody that includes duplicate hardware such that the door panel can be situated in the doorframe in a right hinge or left hinge format without having to adjust the position or orientation of the lockbody.

Installation method for a storm door

Extender for a Z-bar assembly on a door frame

A reversible door (), having a defined top, includes two notches () on opposite sides of the door. A template is provided to fit into one of the notches (or) and installer drilled holes are formed through the door proximate one of the notches (or). Then, a mortised handle assembly () is positioned through the holes formed in the notch. A hinge assembly is secured to the opposite side of the door from the handle assembly. A snap cover () is positioned in the notch that does not have the handle assembly (). Therefore, the door () is reversible without having to be flipped end for end and provides for a reversible door having mortised hardware.

Reversible door having mortise hardware

Growing community of inventors

Burnsville, MN, United States of America

Keith M Kibbel