WO2018157195A1

WO2018157195A1 - An apparatus for alignment of a frame

Info

Publication number: WO2018157195A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050133
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo LIBERTI
Original assignee: Liberti Matteo
Priority date: 2017-03-01
Filing date: 2018-02-19
Publication date: 2018-09-07

Abstract

An apparatus for alignment of a frame, the apparatus comprising: a guide support member having an elongate portion with a first end and a second end, the first end being provided with a first opening and the second end being provided with a second opening; a holding assembly adapted to engage with the elongate portion of the guide support member and having a first receiving bracket and a second receiving bracket; a first sliding arrangement provided in the first opening and adapted to slidably engage with the guide support member, wherein the first sliding arrangement has a first sliding portion and a first contact portion, the first sliding portion being perpendicular to the first contact portion; and a second sliding arrangement provided in the second opening and adapted to slidably engage with the guide support member, wherein the second sliding arrangement has a second sliding portion and a second contact portion, the second sliding portion being perpendicular to the second contact portion.

Description

AN AP PARAT US F OR ALIG NME NT OF A F RAME

F ield of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to frame alignment during an insta llation of the frame to a wall and in pa rticular to an apparatus for alignment of a frame and a method thereof.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use with frames containing pictures/paintings/mirrors etc. a nd will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

B ac kgrou nd of the Invention

[3] F rames are used to support a plurality of accessories such as pictures, maps, paintings, charts a nd mirrors etc. Moreover, most of the frames are adapted to be installed to a wall, at a particular elevation, for ease of viewing. However, ensuring that the frame is properly aligned horizonta lly and/or vertically poses a significant cha llenge.

[4] Conventional methods for aligning the frame involve use of a levelling instrument such as a spirit level, to make markings on the wa ll a nd align the frame with the markings, during installation of the frame. However, the conventional methods suffer from a number of deficiencies. First the making of markings involve an additiona l step during installation. Moreover, markings are required to be made separately for horizontal alignment and vertical alignment. Therefore, a definite amount of skill is required to use the levelling instrument and keep it steady while making the markings. Further, the ma rkings made with a pencil or a pen degrade the aesthetic appea l of the wall.

[5] Therefore there is a need in the art for an appa ratus a nd a method for alignment of frame, during installation of the frame to a wall.

[6] The present invention seeks to provide an appa ratus for alignment of a frame and a method thereof, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art or to at least provide an alternative. [7] It is to be understood that, if a ny prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the a rt, in Australia or any other country.

S ummary of the Invention

[8] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for alignment of a frame, the apparatus comprising a guide support member having a n elongate portion with a first end and a second end, the first end being provided with a first opening and the second end being provided with a second opening, a holding assembly adapted to engage with the elongate portion of the guide support member a nd having a first receiving bracket and a second receiving bracket, a first sliding arrangement provided in the first opening and adapted to slidably engage with the guide support member, wherein the first sliding arrangement has a first sliding portion a nd a first contact portion, the first sliding portion being perpendicular to the first contact portion and a second sliding arrangement provided in the second opening and adapted to slidably engage with the guide support member, wherein the second sliding arrangement has a second sliding portion and a second contact portion, the second sliding portion being perpendicular to the second contact portion. The holding assembly allows a levelling instrument to be held and referenced while horizontal orvertical alignment of the frame.

[9] In one embodiment of the invention, the guide support member is made up of two substantia lly identical halves joined together to form the guide support member.

[10] In one embodiment of the invention, the guide support member further comprises at least one securing mea ns provided at one or more of the first end and the second end and adapted to secure at least one of the first sliding arrangement and the second sliding arrangement during engagement of the first sliding arrangement and the second sliding arrangement with the guide support member. The securing means ensures that during alignment of the frame, the first and the second sliding arrangements are not displaced from their respective positions. This allows a user to pre-set a distance between the first a nd the second contact portion, before beginning the installation of the frame to the wall.

[1 1] In one embodiment of the invention, the holding assembly is located about a midpoint of the elongate portion of the guide support member. Locating the holding assembly at a bout the midpoint allows the levelling instrument to be read with relative ease, without moving sideways and disturbing the apparatus. [12] In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises an engagement assembly located within the guide support member and adapted to engage with at least one of the first sliding arra ngement and the second sliding arrangement. T he engagement assembly ensures that the movement of the first and/or the second sliding arrangements is substantially along the elongate portion of the guide support member. Moreover, the engage assembly may also be able to help reduce any backlash or sliding which is too free, thus eliminating any errors which may so creep up.

[13] In one embodiment of the invention, the engagement assembly further comprises one or more guide tracks, extending along a length of the elongate portion and adapted to engage with the first sliding arrangement and the second sliding arrangement.

[14] In one embodiment of the invention, the engagement assembly further comprises a cog arra ngement.

[15] In one embodiment of the invention, the first receiving bracket and the second receiving bracket are adapted to hold a levelling instrument in between the first receiving bracket and the second receiving bracket. The levelling instrument allows the frame to be aligned horizontally or vertically with a desired accuracy, i.e., accuracy of the levelling instrument.

[16] In one embodiment of the invention, the first receiving bracket is ada pted to engage with the second receiving bracket through engagement of a plurality of guides provided at the first receiving bracket and a plurality of respective holes provided at the second receiving bracket.

[17] In one embodiment of the invention, the holding assembly comprises a fastening means ada pted to fasten the first receiving bracket with the second receiving bracket during engagement of the first receiving bracket with the second receiving bracket. Fastening means ensure that the levelling instrument is not displaced from its position while alignment of the frame, as the apparatus may be subjected to some shaking or rocking in the process.

[18] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first receiving bracket and the second receiving bracket is spring loaded. S pring loading is simple, cost effective a nd functionally effective method of providing the fastening arrangement. [19] In one embodiment of the invention, the first receiving bracket is adapted to slide within a guide element disposed between the first receiving bracket and the second receiving bracket in order to accommodate the levelling instrument.

[20] In one embodiment of the invention, a guide spring is attached to the first receiving bracket, in the guide element, in order to enable the first receiving bracket to tightly hold the levelling instrument.

[21] In one embodiment of the invention, the levelling instrument is any one of a digital device, a digital spirit level a nd a ma nual spirit level. The digital device a llows use of a levelling application which are quite readily available in various application marketplaces.

[22] In one embodiment of the invention, the first sliding arrangement comprises a first primary sliding member and a first secondary sliding member. Further, the first primary sliding member has a first primary sliding arm and a first primary contact arm, the first primary contact arm being perpendicula r to first primary sliding arm. Further, the first seconda ry sliding member has a first secondary sliding arm a nd a first secondary contact a rm, the first secondary contact a rm being perpendicular to the first secondary sliding arm. Further, the first primary sliding arm is adapted to slidably engage with the first secondary sliding arm in order to form the first sliding portion. Also, the first prima ry contact arm and the first secondary contact arm together constitute the first contact portion. Use of the primary and the secondary sliding arrangements, preferably in telescopic arrangements, allow the limits to be set first and then frame to be aligned, within the limits. It also helps in alignment of the subcomponents of the frame. For example, the primary s liding member may be aligned with the width of the frame, while the seconda ry member may be aligned with a block or a segment in the frame.

[23] In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises an engagement assembly located within the guide support member and adapted to engage with at least one of the first sliding arra ngement and the second sliding arrangement. Further, the engagement assembly further comprises a cog arrangement. Also, the first secondary sliding member further comprises a first toothed portion along the first secondary sliding arm, the first toothed portion being adapted to engage with the cog arrangement. The toothed portion helps in maintaining the necessary friction between the seconda ry sliding member a nd the engagement assembly. Also, the toothed portion helps in eliminating backlash errors in alignment or accidental displacement of the secondary sliding member.

[24] In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises an engagement assembly located within the guide support member and adapted to engage with at least one of the first sliding arra ngement and the second sliding arrangement. Further, the first secondary sliding member is connected to a first cross-arm of the engagement assembly through a first spring.

[25] In one embodiment of the invention, the first primary sliding arm further comprises a first limit tab, in order to limit the sliding motion of the first primary sliding arm inside the guide support member.

[26] In one embodiment of the invention, the second sliding arrangement comprises a second primary sliding member and a second secondary sliding member. Further, the second primary sliding member has a second primary sliding arm and a second primary contact a rm, the second primary contact arm being perpendicular to second primary s liding arm. F urther, the second seconda ry sliding member has a second secondary sliding arm a nd a second secondary contact arm, the second secondary contact a rm being perpendicular to the second secondary sliding arm. Further, the second primary sliding arm is adapted to slidably engage with the second secondary s liding arm in order to form the second sliding portion. Also, the second primary contact arm and the second secondary contact arm together constitute the second contact portion.

[27] In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises an engagement assembly located within the guide support member and adapted to engage with at least one of the first sliding arra ngement and the second sliding arrangement. Further, the engagement assembly further comprises a cog arrangement. Also, the second secondary sliding member further comprises a second toothed portion along the second secondary sliding arm, the second toothed portion being adapted to engage with the cog arrangement.

[28] In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises an engagement assembly located within the guide support member and adapted to engage with at least one of the first sliding arra ngement and the second sliding arrangement, wherein the second secondary sliding member is connected to a second cross-arm of the engagement assembly through a second spring. [29] In one embodiment of the invention, the second primary sliding arm further comprises a second limit tab, in order to limit the sliding motion of the second primary sliding a rm inside the guide support member.

[30] In one embodiment of the invention, the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion a re calibrated. The calibrations help in maintaining accurate dista nces between the first and the second contact portions.

[31] In one embodiment of the invention, the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion comprises a first cavity a nd a second cavity, respectively, the first cavity and the second cavity being adapted to receive a calibrated instrument.

[32] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first end and the second end comprise a viewing port adapted to enable reading of the calibrations.

[33] In one embodiment of the invention, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are adapted to support the frame during installation of the frame.

[34] In one embodiment of the invention, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are tapered nea r a first distal end and a second distal end, respectively. Tapering the first a nd the second portions allow the frame to be aligned in a direction perpendicula r to the elongate portion.

[35] In one embodiment of the invention, the holding assembly is removably provided at the elongate portion of the guide support member.

[36] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the pa rts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individua lly set forth.

[37] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

B rief Des c ri ption of the Drawings

[38] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fa ll within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment / preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [39] Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus for alignment of a frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[40] Fig. 2 illustrates a guide support member in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[41] Fig. 3 illustrates a holding assembly in accorda nce with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[42] Fig. 4 illustrates a first contact member and a second contact member in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[43] Fig. 5 illustrates a calibrated instrument in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[44] Fig. 6 illustrates an apparatus for alignment of a frame in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[45] Fig.7 illustrates a n appa ratus for alignment of a frame in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Des c ription of E mbod iments

[46] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[47] An apparatus for alignment of a frame according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 100.

[48] In one embodiment now described the apparatus 100 for alignment of a frame in accorda nce with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in figure 1 , comprises a guide support member 110, a holding assembly 120, a first sliding a rrangement 130a and a second sliding arrangement 130b. The guide support member 1 10, the holding assembly 120, the first sliding arra ngement 130a and the second sliding a rrangement 130b are described in detail below, by means of the figures 2, 3 and 4.

[49] Figure 2 illustrates the guide support member in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The guide support member 110 has an elongate portion 202 with a first end 204a a nd a second end 204b. The holding assembly 120 is adapted to engage with the elongate portion 202. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding assembly 120 is located about a midpoint of the elongate portion 202 of the guide support member 1 10. Locating the holding assembly at a bout the midpoint allows the levelling instrument to be read with relative ease, without moving sideways and disturbing the apparatus. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding assembly 120 is removably provided at the elongate portion 202 of the guide support member 110. Removably providing the holding assembly 120 ensures that the holding assembly 120 may be removed at any time from the elongate portion 202, facilitating easy storage of the apparatus 100. Further, the first end 204a is provided with a first opening 206a. S imilarly the second end 204b is provided with a second opening 206b.

[50] In one embodiment of the invention, a securing means 208 is provided at one or more of the first end 204a and the second end 204b. Further, the securing mea ns 208 is adapted to secure at least one of the first sliding arrangement 130a and the second sliding arra ngement 130b during engagement of the first sliding arra ngement 130a and the second sliding arrangement 130b with the guide support member. In one embodiment of the invention, the securing means 208 is one of, but not limited to, a threaded hole adapted to receive a regular screw or a half turn screw or a cam operated fastening arrangement. The securing means 208 ensures that during alignment of the frame, the first and the second sliding arrangements 130a and 130b, respectively, are not displaced from their respective positions. T his allows a user to pre-set a distance between the first and the second contact portions 404a a nd 404b, respectively, before beginning the installation of the frame to the wall.

[51] Figure 3 illustrates the holding assembly 120 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 3, the holding assembly 120 comprises a first receiving bracket 302 and a second receiving bracket 312. T he first receiving bracket 302 and the second receiving bracket 312 are ada pted to hold a levelling instrument in between the first receiving bracket 302 and the second receiving bracket 312. The levelling instrument allows the frame to be aligned horizontally or vertically with a desired accuracy, i.e., accuracy of the levelling instrument. In one embodiment of the invention, the levelling instrument is a digital device. F urther, the digital device comprises a memory and a processor operably connected with the memory. Further, the memory comprises a computer program code, the computer program code when executed by the processor, instructs the processor to indicate the alignment of the frame to a user. The digital device allows use of a levelling application which are quite readily available in various application marketplaces. In another embodiment the levelling instrument is any one of a digital spirit level and a manual spirit level.

[52] In one embodiment of the invention, the first receiving bracket 302 comprises a plurality of upper securing a rms 304 (for e.g. 304a and 304b). Also the first receiving bracket 302 comprises a plurality of upper receiving spaces 306 (for e.g. 306a and 306b). S imilarly, the second receiving bracket 312 comprises a plurality of lower securing arms 316 (for e.g. 316a and 316b) and a plurality of lower receiving spaces 314 (for e.g. 314a and 314b). The holding assembly 120 is adapted to receive the levelling instrument at the plurality of upper receiving spaces 306 and the plurality of lower receiving spaces 314. Further, the holding assembly 120 is adapted to secure the levelling instrument between the plurality of upper securing arms 304 and the plura lity of lower securing arms 316, when the first receiving bracket 302 engages with the second receiving bracket 312.

[53] In one embodiment of the invention, the first receiving bracket 302 is adapted to engage with the second receiving bracket 312 through engagement of a plurality of guides 308 (for e.g. 308a, 308b and 308c) provided at the first receiving bracket 302 and a plurality of respective holes 310 (for e.g. 310a, 310b and 310c) provided at the second receiving bracket 312. F urther, the holding assembly 120 comprises a fastening means adapted to fasten the first receiving bracket 302 with the second receiving bracket 312 bracket during engagement of the first receiving bracket 302 with the second receiving bracket 312. Fastening means ensure that the levelling instrument is not displaced from its position while alignment of the frame, as the apparatus may be subjected to some shaking or rocking in the process.

[54] In one embodiment of the invention, the fastening means comprises one or more pairs of aligned holes with one aligned hole out of each pair provided at the first receiving bracket 302 and the second receiving bracket 312. In one embodiment the one or more pairs of aligned holes are threaded to receive a screw element. In another embodiment, the fastening means comprises a saw-tooth locking tongue arrangement at the plurality of guides 308 ada pted to engage with a fixed saw-tooth receiving extension provided in the plurality of respective holes 310. In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first receiving bracket 302 and the second receiving bracket 304 is spring loaded. S pring loading is simple, cost effective a nd functionally effective method of providing the fastening means [55] Figure 4 illustrates the first sliding arrangement 130a and the second sliding arrangement 130b in accorda nce with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The first s liding arrangement 130a is provided in the first opening 206a and is adapted to slidably engage with the guide support member 1 10. S imilarly, the second sliding a rrangement 130b is provided in the second opening 206b and is adapted to slidably engage with the guide support member 1 10. The first sliding arrangement 130a has a first s liding portion 402a and a first contact portion 404a. Further, the first contact portion 404a is perpendicular to the first sliding portion 402a. S imilarly, the second sliding arrangement 130b has a second sliding portion 402b and a second contact portion 404b. Further, the second contact portion 404b is perpendicular to the second sliding portion 402b. Further, the first contact portion 404a and the second contact portion 404b are adapted to support the frame during insta llation of the frame. In one embodiment of the invention, the first contact portion 404a and the second contact portion 404b are tapered near a first distal end 408a and a second distal end 408b, respectively, such that the first contact portion 404a and the second contact portion 404b can be aligned with a straight or a near straight edge of the frame. Thus allowing the frame to be hung evenly with no lateral displacement.

[56] In one embodiment of the invention, the first sliding portion 402a and the second sliding portion 402b are calibrated. In another embodiment the first sliding portion 402a and the second sliding portion 402b comprise a first cavity 406a and a second cavity 406b, respectively. F urther, the first cavity 406a a nd the second cavity 406b are ada pted to receive a calibrated instrument. Figure 5 illustrates a calibrated instrument 500 in accorda nce with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 5, the calibrated instrument 500 comprises a plurality of calibrations 510. In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of calibrations 510 are coloured to facilitate ease of reading the calibrations. Further, the calibrated instrument 500 comprises a snap lock arrangement 520 to lock the calibrated instrument in any one of the first cavity 406a and the second cavity 406b. Further, the calibrated instrument comprises a n end tab 530. In one embodiment, the calibrations are indicated in one or more of millimetres, centimetres and in the imperial measurement system of inches. The calibrations help in maintaining accurate distances between the first and the second contact portions, 404a and 404b, respectively. [57] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first end and the second end comprise a viewing port adapted to ena ble reading of the calibrations. In one embodiment of the invention, the viewing port is provided with one or more magnifying lenses to assist a user to read the calibrations. In another embodiment, the guide support member 1 10 is provided with a plura lity of illuminating means, such as Light E mitting Diodes (LE Ds), to assist in reading the calibrations. In one embodiment of the invention, the guide support member 110 is generally rectangular in shape and has a front face, a rear face, a top face and a bottom face. The viewing port therefor may be located at any one or more of the front face or the top face of the guide support member.

[58] Figure 6 illustrates the apparatus 100 for alignment of a frame in accordance with another preferred embodiment 600 of the present invention. As shown in figure 6, the guide support member 100 is made up of two substantia lly identica l halves 610a and 610b joined together to form the guide support member 110. Further, the first receiving bracket 302 is adapted to slide within a guide element 620, disposed between the first receiving bracket 302 and the second receiving bracket 312, in order to accommodate the levelling instrument. In one embodiment of the invention, an engagement assembly 650 is located within the guide support member 110 and is adapted to engage with at least one of the first sliding arrangement 130a and the second sliding arrangement 130b. Further, in one embodiment of the invention, the engagement assembly 650 further comprises one or more guide tracks 6502, extending along a length of the elongate portion 202 a nd adapted to engage with the first sliding arrangement 130a and the second sliding a rrangement 130b. The engagement assembly 650 ensures that the first sliding arrangement 130a and the second sliding arrangement 130b are aligned with the elongate portion 202 of the guide support member 1 10.

[59] It is to be noted here that the first sliding arrangement 130a is not entirely visible in figure 6 and only components of the second sliding arrangement 130b have been depicted in entirety for clarity. However, the structure of the first sliding arrangement 130a is a mirror image of the second sliding arra ngement 130b shown more clearly in figure 6. Therefore like numerals have been used to depict like elements. For example, the components in first sliding arrangement 130a have been numbered with suffix :a ^"and their corresponding mirrored components in the second sliding a rrangement 130b have been numbered with suffix :b~ [60] The first s liding arrangement 130a comprises a first primary sliding member 630a a nd a first secondary sliding member 640a. Further, the first primary sliding member 630a has a first primary sliding arm 6302a and a first primary contact arm 6304a, the first prima ry contact arm 6304a being perpendicular to first primary sliding arm 6302a. F urther, the first secondary sliding member 640a has a first secondary sliding arm 6402a and a first secondary contact arm 6404a, the first secondary contact arm 6404a being perpendicular to the first secondary sliding arm 6402a. The first primary sliding a rm 6302a is ada pted to slidably engage with the first secondary sliding arm 6402a, preferably forming a telescopic a rrangement, in order to form the first sliding portion 402a. Also, the first primary contact a rm 6304a and the first secondary contact arm 6404a together constitute the first contact portion 404a. Use of the primary and the secondary sliding arrangements, preferably in telescopic arrangements, allow the limits to be set first and then frame to be aligned, within the limits. It also helps in alignment of the subcomponents of the frame. For example, the primary sliding member may be aligned with the width of the frame, while the secondary member may be aligned with a block or a segment in the frame.

[61] In one embodiment of the invention, the calibrations are provided at any one of the first primary sliding arm 6302a a nd the first secondary sliding arm 6402a, preferably at respective upper surfaces of the first primary sliding a rm 6302a and the first secondary sliding arm 6402a. Further, in one embodiment of the invention, the first primary sliding arm 6302a further comprises a first tab 6310a located on the upper surface of the first primary sliding arm 6302a at a proximal end, the first tab 6310a extending perpendicularly upward from the upper surface of the first primary sliding arm 6302a. In one embodiment of the invention, the first secondary sliding member 640a further comprises a first toothed portion 6406a along the first secondary sliding arm 6402a. The toothed portion helps in maintaining the necessary friction between the first secondary sliding member 640a and the engagement assembly 650. Also, the toothed portion helps in eliminating backlash errors in alignment or accidental displacement of the first secondary sliding member 640a.

[62] Further, in one embodiment the engagement assembly 650 further includes a cog arrangement 6504, preferably held in place through receiving slots 6506, a nd adapted to engage with the first toothed portion 6406a of the first secondary sliding arm 6402a and wherein the cog a rrangement 6504 is located within the guide support member 110, preferably near midpoint of the guide support member 1 10. In one embodiment of the invention, the first primary sliding arm 6302a further comprises a first limit tab 6308a, preferably at its upper surface, in order to limit the sliding motion of the first prima ry sliding a rm 6302a inside the guide support member 1 10.

[63] The second sliding arrangement 130b comprises a second primary sliding member 630b and a second secondary sliding member 640b. F urther, the second primary sliding member 630b has a second primary sliding arm 6302b and a second primary contact arm 6304b, the second primary contact arm 6304b being perpendicular to second primary s liding arm 6302b. Further, the second secondary sliding member 640b has a second secondary sliding arm 6402b and a second secondary contact arm 6404b, the second secondary contact arm 6404b being perpendicular to the second secondary sliding arm 6402b. The second primary sliding a rm 6302b is adapted to slida bly engage with the second secondary sliding arm 6402b, preferably forming a telescopic arrangement in order to form the second sliding portion 402b. Also, the second primary contact arm 6304b and the second secondary contact arm 6404b together constitute the second contact portion 404b.

[64] In one embodiment of the invention, the calibrations are provided at any one of the second primary s liding a rm 6302b and the second seconda ry sliding arm 6402b, preferably at respective upper surfaces of the second primary sliding arm 6302b a nd the second secondary sliding arm 6402b. Further, in one embodiment of the invention, the second primary sliding arm 6302b further comprises a second tab 6310b located on the upper surface of the second primary sliding arm 6302b at a proximal end, the second tab 6310b extending perpendicularly upward from the upper surface of the second primary sliding arm 6302b. In one embodiment of the invention, the second secondary sliding member 640b further comprises a second toothed portion 6406b along the second secondary sliding arm 6402b. F urther, in one embodiment, the cog arrangement 6504 is adapted to engage with the second toothed portion 6406b of the second seconda ry sliding arm 6402b also. In one embodiment of the invention, the second primary sliding arm 6302b further comprises a second limit tab 6308b, preferably at its upper surface, in order to limit the s liding motion of the second primary sliding arm 6302b inside the guide support member 110.

[65] Figure 7 illustrates the the apparatus 100 for alignment of a frame in accordance with a nother preferred embodiment 700 of the present invention. As shown in figure 7, a guide spring 702 is attached to the first receiving bracket 302, in the guide element 620, in order to enable the first receiving bracket 302 to tightly hold the levelling instrument. F urther, the first secondary sliding member 640a is connected to a first cross-arm 706a of the engagement assembly 650 through a first spring 704a. S imilarly, the second secondary sliding member 640b is connected to a second cross-arm 706b of the engagement assembly 650 through a second spring 704b. In that manner it is envisaged that the first spring 704a is connected at a lower portion of the first secondary sliding arm 6402a and the second spring 704b is connected at a lower portion of the second secondary s liding arm 6402b. In various embodiments, the guide spring 702, the first spring 704a and the second spring 704b are tension springs. Further, in one embodiment, the first cross-arm 706a and the second cross-arm 706b extend between the two substa ntially identical halves 610a and 610b and a re perpendicular to the two substantially identical ha lves 610a a nd 610b of the guide support member 1 10. Further, the first cross-a rm 706a is located proximal to the second end 204b and the second cross-arm 706b is located proximal to the first end 204a. T he guide spring 702 allows the levelling instrument to be held tightly between the first receiving bracket 302 and the second receiving bracket 312. S imilarly, the first spring 704a and the second spring 704b allow the frame to be held tightly between the first secondary sliding member arrangement 640a and the second secondary sliding member 640b.

[66] In one embodiment the first primary sliding member 630a and the second primary sliding member 630b include a click locking mechanism thereby allowing the sliding members to lock in place at predetermined intervals.

[67] In use, the levelling instrument is held between the first receiving bracket 302 and the second receiving bracket 312. In one embodiment of the invention, the levelling instrument is received by the plurality of upper receiving spaces 306 and the plurality of lower receiving spaces 314. Further, the levelling instrument is secured between the plurality of upper securing arms 304 and the plurality of lower securing arms 316, using the fastening means. In one embodiment of the invention, the first receiving bracket 302 engages with the second receiving bracket 312 through the plurality of guides 308 a nd the plurality of respective holes 310. In one embodiment of the invention, the first receiving bracket 312 is held in place using the guide spring 702 within the guide element 620.

[68] Further, the first sliding portion 402a and the second sliding portion 402b are slid in and out of the guide support member 110, in order to match the width or length of the frame. In one embodiment, the first primary sliding member 630a and the second primary sliding member 630b are adjusted first using the first tab 6310a and the second ta b 6310b, respectively. In that manner calibrations may be used to adjust the first primary s liding member 630a and the second primary sliding member 630b. Further, the first secondary sliding member 640a a nd the second secondary sliding member 640b are slid to contact with the first primary sliding member 630a and the second prima ry sliding member 630b, respectively. Also, one or more of the first sliding portion 402a and the second sliding portion 404a are secured using the securing means 208 at the first end 204a and the second end 204b, respectively. In one embodiment of the invention, the calibrations on the first sliding portion 402a and the second sliding portion 402b are read, by the user, from the viewing port for accurate placement of the frame. In another embodiment of the invention, the calibrated instrument 500 is inserted in each of the first cavity 406a and the second cavity 406b. Further, the plura lity of calibrations 510 are read, by the user, from viewing ports for accurate placement of the frame. F urther, the levelling instrument is referenced to ensure that the frame is horizontally and/or vertically aligned.

[69] The apparatus and method for alignment of the frame offers a plurality of advantages. F irst, the apparatus and the method are relatively simple to implement and do not require significant amount of skills from the users side. F urther, any kind of levelling instrument, including a mobile phone having a levelling application may be used for the invention. Further, the frame can be aligned both horizontally and vertically due to the design of the first and second contact members. Also, the user need not make undesirable markings on the wall for installation of the frame.

Interpretation

P rocessor:

[70] In a similar manner, the term ^'processor. may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A computer_, or a computing device_, or a computing machine . or a computing platform. may include one or more processors.

[71] The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment performa ble by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine- readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be ta ken are included. T hus, one example is a typica l processing system that includes one or more processors. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or R OM.

Additional E mbodiments:

[72] Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer-reada ble carrier medium. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause a processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely ha rdware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium.

Implementation:

[73] It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to a ny particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

Means F or Carrying out a Method or F unction

[74] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a processor device, computer system, or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessa ry instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a mea ns for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an a pparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention. C onnected

[75] S imilarly, it is to be noticed that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. ^'Connected . may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physica l or electrical contact or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

E mbodiments:

[76] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment_, or an embodiment_, means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases ^"in one embodiment_, or ^'in an embodiment_, in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suita ble manner, as would be apparent to one of ordina ry skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[77] S imilarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understa nding of one or more of the va rious inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of S pecific E mbodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of S pecific E mbodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[78] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[79] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordina l adjectives irst_j second., ^"third., etc., to describe a common object merely indicate that different insta nces of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either tempora lly, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

S pecific Deta ils

[80] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[81] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equiva lents which operate in a simila r manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[82] As used herein the term a nd/or. mea ns and. or or., or both.

[83] As used herein ^"(s). following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

C omprising a nd Including

[84] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise_, or variations such as comprises . or comprising_, are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[85] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

S cope of Invention

[86] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functiona l blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[87] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[88] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the carpentry, masonry, plumbing, home dflcor and building construction industries.

Claims

C laims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An appa ratus for alignment of a frame, the a ppa ratus comprising:

a guide support member having an elongate portion with a first end and a second end, the first end being provided with a first opening a nd the second end being provided with a second opening;

a holding assembly adapted to engage with the elongate portion of the guide support member and having a first receiving bracket and a second receiving bracket; a first sliding arrangement provided in the first opening and adapted to slidably engage with the guide support member, wherein the first sliding arra ngement has a first sliding portion and a first contact portion, the first sliding portion being perpendicular to the first contact portion; and

a second sliding arrangement provided in the second opening and adapted to slidably engage with the guide support member, wherein the second sliding arrangement has a second sliding portion and a second contact portion, the second sliding portion being perpendicular to the second contact portion.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the guide support member is made up of two substantially identical halves joined together to form the guide support member.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide support member further comprises at least one securing mea ns provided at one or more of the first end and the second end and adapted to secure at least one of the first sliding arrangement and the second sliding arrangement during engagement of the first sliding arrangement a nd the second sliding arra ngement with the guide support member.

4. The a pparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the holding assembly is located about a midpoint of the elongate portion of the guide support member.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an engagement assembly located within the guide support member and adapted to engage with at least one of the first s liding arrangement and the second sliding arrangement.

6. The a pparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the engagement assembly further comprises one or more guide tracks, extending along a length of the elongate portion and adapted to engage with the first sliding arrangement and the second sliding arrangement.

7. The a pparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the engagement assembly further comprises a cog arra ngement.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first receiving bracket and the second receiving bracket are adapted to hold a levelling instrument in between the first receiving bracket and the second receiving bracket.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first receiving bracket is adapted to engage with the second receiving bracket through engagement of a plurality of guides provided at the first receiving bracket and a plurality of respective holes provided at the second receiving bracket.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the holding assembly comprises a fastening means ada pted to fasten the first receiving bracket with the second receiving bracket during engagement of the first receiving bracket with the second receiving bracket.

1 1. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the first receiving bracket a nd the second receiving bracket is spring loaded.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first receiving bracket is adapted to slide within a guide element disposed between the first receiving bracket and the second receiving bracket in order to accommodate the levelling instrument.

13. The a pparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein a guide spring is attached to the first receiving bracket, in the guide element, in order to enable the first receiving bracket to tightly hold the levelling instrument.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the levelling instrument is any one of a digital device, a digital spirit level and a ma nual spirit level.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein: the first s liding arrangement comprises a first primary sliding member and a first secondary sliding member;

the first primary sliding member has a first primary sliding a rm and a first primary contact arm, the first primary contact arm being perpendicular to first primary sliding a rm;

the first seconda ry sliding member has a first seconda ry sliding arm and a first secondary contact a rm, the first secondary contact a rm being perpendicular to the first secondary sliding arm;

the first primary sliding arm is adapted to slidably engage with the first secondary sliding arm in order to form the first sliding portion; a nd

the first primary contact arm and the first secondary contact arm together constitute the first contact portion.

16. The a pparatus as claimed in claim 15, further comprising an engagement assembly located within the guide support member and adapted to engage with at least one of the first s liding arrangement and the second sliding arrangement;

wherein the engagement assembly further comprises a cog a rrangement; and wherein the first secondary s liding member further comprises a first toothed portion along the first secondary sliding arm, the first toothed portion being adapted to engage with the cog arrangement.

17. The a pparatus as claimed in claim 15, further comprising an engagement assembly located within the guide support member and adapted to engage with at least one of the first sliding arra ngement and the second sliding arrangement, wherein the first secondary sliding member is connected to a first cross-arm of the engagement assembly through a first spring.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first primary sliding arm further comprises a first limit tab, in order to limit the sliding motion of the first primary sliding arm inside the guide support member.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:

the second sliding arrangement comprises a second primary sliding member and a second secondary sliding member;

the second primary sliding member has a second primary sliding arm a nd a second prima ry contact a rm, the second prima ry contact arm being perpendicular to second prima ry sliding arm; the second secondary sliding member has a second secondary sliding arm and a second seconda ry contact arm, the second seconda ry contact arm being perpendicular to the second secondary sliding arm;

the second primary sliding arm is adapted to slida bly engage with the second secondary sliding arm in order to form the second sliding portion; and

the second primary contact arm and the second secondary contact arm together constitute the second contact portion.

20. The a pparatus as claimed in claim 19, further comprising an engagement assembly located within the guide support member and adapted to engage with at least one of the first s liding arrangement and the second sliding arrangement;

wherein the engagement assembly further comprises a cog a rrangement; and wherein the second secondary sliding member further comprises a second toothed portion along the second secondary sliding arm, the second toothed portion being adapted to engage with the cog arrangement.

21. The a pparatus as claimed in claim 19, further comprising an engagement assembly located within the guide support member and adapted to engage with at least one of the first s liding arrangement and the second sliding arra ngement, wherein the second secondary sliding member is connected to a second cross-arm of the engagement assembly through a second spring.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second primary sliding arm further comprises a second limit tab, in order to limit the sliding motion of the second primary sliding a rm inside the guide support member.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion are calibrated.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion comprises a first cavity a nd a second cavity, respectively, the first cavity and the second cavity being adapted to receive a calibrated instrument.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end comprise a viewing port adapted to enable reading of the calibrations.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion are adapted to support the frame during installation of the frame.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion are tapered nea r a first distal end and a second distal end, respectively.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the holding assembly is remova bly provided at the guide support member.