Elevator entrance sill structure and installation method

This invention relates to a cost saving way of solving a difficult problem in the structure and installation and leveling of an elevator sill.This invention provides ease of installing from the hallway without the use of a moving elevator platform. The structure consists of a sill, a cradle for the sill and a pair of end brackets for supporting the cradle.The pair of spaced L-shaped end brackets are provided for attachment to the hall floor. A vertically adjustable sill cradle is supported at its end portions by the brackets and a horizontally and vertically adjustable sill is mounted on the sill cradle.The elevator door sill cradle is adjustable vertically by means of fasteners that are moveable in vertical slots in the end brackets and is horizontally adjustable on the cradle by means of fasteners that are moveable in horizontal slots provided in the cradle.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to building construction and more particularly to an advantageous elevator entrance sill structure and installation method that allows for complete installation from the hallway without the use of a moving elevator platform.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

A number of structures and methods are known and commonly used to install an Elevator Entrance Sill including the following:“Sill Support Pocket”. This method is typically used in a building where the structural method of support is poured concrete. The concrete hall floor slab extends into the shaft and a pocket approximately 2″ to 3″ deep must be created in the top edge of the slab inside the elevator shaft in the opening where the entrance is to be located. Making a pocket is a time consuming and costly procedure. The sill is fastened to this pocket by means of adjustable brackets and eventually the whole entrance is mounted on top of the sill. There are a number of common problems with this cumbersome and inefficient method:a. When the floor is poured, the contractor forgets to build the pocket into the form used to shape the floor slab. The concrete must then be chopped out manually, a time consuming and inaccurate processb. The pocket is formed unevenly or inaccurately because the tolerances for pouring concrete are much larger than those in entrance installation. Installation now takes longer to adjust the entrance components and specially made parts may be requiredc. Because the sill adjustment angles leave a large empty space under the sill, cement must be poured under the sill in order to minimize deflection when a heavy load is run over the sill or from sagging over time due to traffic. If the sill is allowed to bend too much the doors can come out of their tracks and fall off the entrance, leaving an open shaft“Sill Support Angle”. This method is typically used in a building where the structural method of support is steel. Since the floor slab does not extend into the shaft, L-shaped structural steel angles are bolted into the shaft wall a few inches below the floor at each opening. The sill is then mounted on this angle using adjustable brackets. The most significant disadvantage is that this can only be done from a running elevator platform (when the elevator's mechanical and electrical systems are installed and the cab enclosure has been placed in the shaft). This presents the following problems:a. Using the running elevator platform for sill support angle installation prevents other trades from using it. The elevator construction company cannot make any adjustments on the elevator's performance, nor can the platform be used to bring other material up and down within the buildingb. When the platform is being used the elevator company cannot work below it in the shaftc. Trade union regulations require that only a qualified operator can operate the platform, but this operator cannot assist in installing the sill support angles, thereby adding extra cost to the entrance installationd. Because the sill adjustment angles leave a large empty space under the sill, cement must be poured under the sill in order to minimize deflection when a heavy load is run over the sill or from sagging over time due to traffic. If the sill is allowed to bend too much the doors can come out of their tracks and fall off the entrance, leaving an open shaft“Continuous Strut/Beckett System”. This method of erection can be used in any type of building. Sections of struts, U-shaped channels, are spliced together to turn continuously the whole height of the shaft parallel to the elevator rails, one strut on either side of the entrance opening. The struts are bolted to the wall periodically to allow them to hold the entire weight of the entrance assembly. Just below the opening at each floor, a sill mounting channel is installed horizontally and fastened to each strut. The sill is then installed on this channel and adjusted to the correct height. The primary problem with this method is that the struts and the sill mounting channel can only be installed from inside the shaft. As mentioned in the “Sill Support Angle” description, this presents the following problems which increase expense and complexity:a. Using the running elevator platform prevents other trades from using it. The elevator company cannot make any adjustments on the elevator's performance, nor can the platform be used to bring other material up and down within the buildingb. When the platform is being used the elevator company cannot work below it in the shaftc. Trade union regulations require that only a qualified operator can operate the platform, but this operator cannot assist in installing the continuous struts, thereby adding extra cost to the entrance installation

Accordingly there has been a need for a simple, inexpensive structure and method of sill installation that overcomes the above disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the shortcomings of the aforementioned construction of an elevator entrance door sill assembly and installation method have been overcome through a new and improved sill assembly and installation process.

The QuickSill “Elevator Entrance Sill Structure and Installation Method” is an alternative, Elevator Entrance sill support system. While advances in building construction methodology, and hi-tech products have dramatically decreased the time frame associated with erecting today's High-rise structures. Elevator entrance installation has been left behind the time. It is no secret that the elevator contractors cannot keep up with the pace of the building in today's market.

In brief, this advantageous sill structure includes the following:Brackets: One Bracket is provided at each end of the sill, attached to the concrete slab with spiral concrete bolts attaching the system to the floor.Cradle: The Cradle sits in-between the two brackets anchored to the floor. This Cradle bolts directly to the brackets, in slotted holes offering Both horizontal and vertical adjustability. Once properly positioned, Jack Bolts are installed at precise locations within the cradle.Sill: The Sill is bolted to the cradle, in slotted holes further enhancing adjustability. The system is designed to accept all available sill materials, including a stainless steel sill.

This method and structure known by the trademark QUICKSILL has the following advantages:1. It can be used whether a building is built using concrete or steel as the method of structural supporta. The extra cost and imprecision of a sill support pocket in a concrete building is avoidedb. The inconveniences of working from a running platform to mount a sill support angle in a steel building is avoided2. The QUICKSILL assembly is so rigid that no grout is required underneath the sill to keep it from deflecting, whereby the doors could pop out. This saves an entire step in the building process3. The QUICKSILL structure provides a sturdy “bottom” to an entrance assembly that will allow more components to be pre-assembled in the factory. This will speed up field installation and allow elevator construction companies to complete their work earlier4. The complete elevator sill assembly can be installed from the hall for the first time. This provides:a. Faster progress for the installation of the rest of the elevator systemb. Safety benefits as the elevator shaft can be enclosed more quicklyc. Cost savings from not requiring a platform operator to install material from inside the shaft

An elevator entrance consists of many components, a frame, one or more doors, a sill, a header, two struts and miscellaneous mounting brackets which combined can weigh more than 400 pounds. In order to allow the door to slide, the elevator entrance has to be mounted inside the shaft—clear of the wall that divides the shaft from the hallway where people wait for the elevator.

The present invention provides a three piece assembly that supports all the entrance components and is the first item installed in the process of entrance erection. The three assembly pieces, a sill, a pair of end brackets and the support cradle which extends between the brackets, may be shipped assembled from the factory with the adjustment hardware hand-tightened. Standing in the hallway, the installers locate this sill assembly in the center of the entrance opening and then place the assembly on the edge of the elevator shaft so the cradle is suspended between the ends by the brackets inside the shaft. The concrete is drilled, cement anchors are put in the holes, and flat-head screw sleeves are used to fasten the assembly to the hallway floor. Then, if the sill has not been installed in the factory, it is mounted on the cradle. The sill is leveled and positioned properly and the adjustment hardware is machine tightened to lock it in place. The adjustment process includes screws tightened against the side of the slab to minimize rotation and screws tightened underneath the cradle to keep it from slipping. Once all adjustment is complete further entrance installation may proceed.

Elevator entrances must be aligned very carefully to the rails and no part of the entrance is more critical than the sill. The elevator door sill assembly of the present invention provides structures with a variety of slots and hardware to allow the sill to be adjusted in all planes with a very wide range of motion. Extension brackets can also be easily added to expand the range of motion without adverse effect on the structural strength. This elevator sill assembly and installation method incorporates a design feature to facilitate the work of other trades as they relate to the entrance. Slots punched in the edge that sits atop the floor slab allow carpenters to easily fasten drywall track to the floor if the entrance is being installed in a sheetrock wall.

This invention relates to a highly advantageous, novel and cost saving way of solving a difficult and expensive problem in the structure and installation and leveling of an elevator sill. The assembly structure and installation is one of simplicity and ease of installing from the hallway. The structure consists of only three major components, a sill, a cradle for the sill and a pair of brackets for supporting the cradle and sill from the hall floor.

The elevator door sill assembly is installable from a hallway without the use of a moving elevator platform. A pair of spaced generally L-shaped end brackets are provided for attachment to the hall floor of an elevator entrance. A vertically adjustable sill cradle is supported at its end portions by the brackets and a horizontally and vertically adjustable sill is mounted on the sill cradle. Adjustment means are provided on the brackets which allow the cradle to be leveled and to be adjusted so that the cradle level conforms to the hall floor.

The elevator door sill cradle is adjustable vertically by means of fasteners that are moveable in vertical slots in the end brackets. The elevator door sill is horizontally adjustable on the cradle by means of fasteners that are moveable in horizontal slots provided in the cradle. The elevator door sill assembly brackets are L-shaped with a vertical cleat extending therefrom toward the interior of the elevator shaft. The cleats have vertical slots formed therein. The elevator door sill assembly has off set clips that are mounted on the sill and are attached to the lower ends of a pair of elevator door vertical posts. The elevator door sill assembly has the pair of vertical elevator door supports on opposite sides of the pair of vertical elevator door posts which are adjustably attached to the brackets.

The method of installing an elevator door sill assembly without using a moving elevator platform in which the assembly is installed from the hallway and viewed from the hallway has the following steps:a. The hall floor adjacent to the elevator shaft door entrance is prepared by the placement of anchors therein to position and fasten a pair of spaced support brackets,b. Support brackets are fastened to the flat horizontal floor of the hall by the anchors and spaced apart so as to support opposite ends of a sill,c. a vertically adjustable sill cradle is attached at opposite ends to the support brackets,d. a sill is attached to the top side of the cradle,e. the cradle is vertically adjusted relative to the brackets so that the sill is leveled with the hall floor,f. the sill is horizontally moved by means of adjustable fasteners so that the sill is properly placed between the elevator hall and the elevator floor.

The brackets are provided with vertical slots and cradle fasteners are moved up and down vertically to level the carriage and sill. The cradle is provided with horizontal slots for sill fasteners and horizontally adjusting the sill by adjusting the sill fasteners so that the slide is properly aligned between the elevator hall and the elevator floor.

Accordingly the advantages of the Elevator Entrance Sill Structure and Installation Method include:1. Ability to adapt to changing field conditions Attachment to floor offers a more consistent surface than shaft walls, thus eliminating chopping to facilitate proper wall bracket placement.2. Does not require moving platform for installation. Should the elevator be shut down, work can continue on entrance installation while repairs are in progress. Enables multitasking or second shift entrance installation without affecting ongoing car top operations.3. Mounts from hall side as well as shaftway. Versatility is what this system is based on.4. Increased horizontal and vertical adjustability of sill. Easily adjustable both in and out and up and down, via adjustment hardware. No relocating of attachment brackets.5. Groutless from inside the shaft. QuickSill is easily grouted in from the hall side of the entrance. The supplied Grout Stop presses into place, and rests on jack bolts, creating a pocket that is filled by approximately 10 pounds of concrete mix.6. Unaffected by poor shaftway wall construction. Deviations to shaft walls no longer require costly chopping at bracket location points.7. Enables multitasking within single shaft. With proper protection, car frame can be positioned as to facilitate installation of cab or other work concurrently with entrance installation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The elevator door entrance sill assembly of the present invention is attached to the building hall floor4forming the elevator door opening. As illustrated inFIGS. 1,2and3, the sill assembly includes a sill1mounted on a support cradle2. The sill is for a sliding elevator door that rides in a track in the sill. At opposite ends, the cradle2is supported and attached to the building floor by shaped end adjustable support brackets3aand3bwhich provide shoe like support for the cradle2. The adjustable support brackets3aand3bare mounted on the building floor4at either side of the elevator vertical door frames5aand5b. Outer vertical supports5cand5dform the structure for the elevator entrance as shown in FIG.1. The sliding elevator doors6are in open position to provide access from the elevator floor area4ato the building hall floor4.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2,3and4, the sill cradle2is bolted at opposite ends to the brackets3aand3bby means of adjustable cradle fastener bolts8which allow for up and down vertical adjustment of the cradle2and sill1for leveling the sill. The adjustable movement is provided for by the vertical slots8aprovided in the shoulder portion3hof the brackets3aand3b.The sill1is in turn bolted to the top of the cradle with adjustable fastener bolts9. The cradle2is provided with multiple slots10to allow horizontal adjustment of the sill1and the cradle2relative to the building floor4and the elevator floor4a.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5aand5b,the horizontal level of the sill1can be adjusted so that it properly levels with the building hall floor4by means of adjustable bolts8on the brackets3aand3b.As illustrated, the sill1and cradle bolt9can be adjusted to move the sill up or down in the vertical slots10.

In the cross-section ofFIG. 4the sill assembly is illustrated with adjustable bracket3abolted into the concrete floor4with sleeve anchors7. The advantageous structure of the end brackets3aand3bis illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. The brackets3aand3bhave a horizontal portion3cbolted to the hall floor4by anchors7. A vertical portion3dof the L-shaped brackets3extends downward along the inside face of the elevator shaft wall12. The brackets3have a horizontal ledge portion3ewhich extends from the lower edge of the vertical portion3dto provide support for the sill cradle2. An adjustable threaded screw3fis provided for vertical adjustment of the cradle2in cooperation with the adjustable bolts8and complementary slots8aprovided on the brackets3aand3b.An additional bolt3gmay be provided to also give support to the cradle2by attaching the cradle vertical portion2bto the vertical bracket portion3d.These cradle bolts3gare placed after the vertical adjustment of the cradle2has been completed.

The cradle2illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4is also generally L-shaped with vertical portion2band horizontal portion2c.Bolts9connect the sill1to the cradle2through adjustment horizontal slots10in the horizontal portion2cwhich allow the sill to be adjusted horizontally relative to the hall floor4and the elevator floor4a.

As disclosed inFIGS. 6a,6band6c,horizontal extension plates14may be used to extend the sill into the elevator shaft away from the building floor slab4. The elevator plates have holes to receive appropriate bolts to attach the plates14to the brackets3aand3band to opposite ends of the support cradle2. In effect the plates14are extensions of the shoulder portions3hof the brackets3aand3b.

As shown inFIG. 6c,grout15may be placed between the slab4and the cradle2.

METHOD OF INSTALLATION

The advantageous elevator door sill assembly allows for complete erection from the hall side of the entrance. This provides the great advantage that the elevator platform does not need to be used for this method of assembly.

The steps of assembly from the hall area adjacent to the elevator shaft include:

1. Establish the location on the hall floor slab edge to set the location of the support brackets.

2. Place brackets3aand3bat slab edge4at locations established in step 1.

4. Mount the cradle2to brackets3aand3band snug the cradle bolts8.

6. Mount the sill1to the cradle2through the slotted holes10and snug bolts9.

7. Adjust complete assembly horizontally and vertically to predetermined benchmarks and set jack bolts3gto meet slab edge4.

8. Check all dimensions for accuracy and properly tighten all fasteners.

9. Place the group stop12between the slab edge4and the cradle2resting on the jack bolts3f.

The sill is now properly set and ready for frame installation.

This use of two components, a sill1and cradle2with generally L-shaped cross section provide a simple and highly advantageous structure easily supported by end brackets3aand3bso that this assembly can be constructed from the hall adjacent the elevator shaft.