Window installation clip

Abstract

As installation clip for use in supporting a window, such as a mulled window, during installation in a building wall opening, and reinforcing the window after installation against the pressures of wind or the like. The installation clip is of unitary construction with a generally flat base portion, and a set of counterextending, raised tab portions projecting upwardly and outwardly from one side of the base portion. The height and width of the raised tab portions are selected to conform substantially to the dimensions of a recess in the bottom frame member of the window with which the clip is to be used. The installation clip is mounted to the sill structure of the building wall opening, with its tab portions facing into the center of the opening, and the window is inserted into the opening onto the mounted clip. The raised tab portions of the clip engage in the recess in the window bottom frame, and hold the window in place while it is permanently secured in the opening by conventional means. After the window is permanently secured, the installation clip reinforces the window against applied pressures and loads, particularly at the areas of the mullions of the window. The clip is such that it is completely hidden from view after the window is permanently installed.

1 . A installation clip for use in installing a window in a building wall opening having a sill structure, the window having a frame bottom that defines a recess of predetermined shape and dimensions, said installation clip being of unitary construction and comprising: 
 a base portion having a first major surface, a second, opposite major surface, a first side edge and a second, opposite side edge;    a first raised tab portion extending outwardly from said first major surface of said base portion toward said first side edge thereof;    a second raised tab portion extending outwardly from said first major surface of said base portion toward said second side edge thereof;    said first and second tab portions having a shape and dimensions that conform substantially to those of the recess in the frame bottom of the window;    whereby said second major surface of said base portion may be mounted to the sill member of the building wall opening and said raised tab portions of said mounted installation clip may engage in the recess in the frame bottom of the window to support the window in the opening.    
   
   
       2 . The installation clip of  claim 1  wherein said base portion and said first and second tab portions are fabricated from a single piece of rigid material having a generally flat, generally rectangular shape.  
   
   
       3 . The installation clip of  claim 2  wherein which said first and second tab portions are struck from said single piece of rigid material and bent upwardly to heights above said base portion determined by the predetermined dimensions of the recess in the bottom frame of the window.  
   
   
       4 . The installation clip of  claim 3  wherein said rigid material comprises galvanized steel.  
   
   
       5 . The installation clip of  claim 1  wherein which said base portion has a plurality of openings formed therein for mounting to the sill member.  
   
   
       6 . The installation clip of  claim 1  wherein said first tab portion comprises a plurality of discrete first tab portions laterally spaced from one another.  
   
   
       7 . The installation clip of  claim 6  wherein the building wall has an interior and an exterior, and wherein the first side edge of said base portion is adapted to be mounted toward the interior of the building wall.  
   
   
       8 . The installation clip of  claim 1  wherein the window is a mulled window having a centrally disposed mullion, and wherein said installation clip base portion is adapted to be mounted on the sill member below the mullion of the window.  
   
   
       9 . The installation clip of  claim 1  wherein the frame bottom of the window has a predetermined width and wherein said base portion and said raised tab portions have a width such that, when said base portion is mounted to the sill member, said installation clip is substantially concealed from view by the window frame bottom.  
   
   
       10 . The installation clip of  claim 1  wherein the frame bottom of the window has a predetermined width and wherein said raised tab portions have a width such that said raised tab portions flex downwardly as the window frame bottom is mounted on the installation clip and then return at least partially to an unflexed position when fully engaged in the recess of the window frame bottom.  
   
   
       11 . The installation clip of  claim 10  wherein said raised tab portions have a width such that they grip the window frame bottom when fully engaged in the recess of the window frame bottom.