Abstract: An aluminum window frame construction which includes: an outer frame having a header, a sill and first and second jambs. At least one sash frame assembly is mounted in the outer frame, including a top portion, a bottom portion and first and second side portions. The frame is formed with radiused corners to enhance strength and such that a sight-line of about 2¾ inches is created at a top of the window frame construction when the top portion of the sash frame assembly is positioned in abutment with the header. A sight-line of about 3⅜ inches is created at a bottom of the window frame construction when the bottom portion of the sash frame assembly is positioned in abutment with the sill, and a sight-line of about 2⅜ inches to about 2¾ inches is created on at least one side of the window frame construction when one of the first and second side portions of the sash frame assembly is positioned in abutment with one of the first and second jambs.

Abstract: A unitary window insert and method of insertion into a wall structure for forming a finished surround for a window unit. The unitary insert comprises a frame portion sized and shaped to accept a window unit, from which planer finishing wall portions extend to a casing flange which surrounds the interior edge of the insert. Preferably the finishing walls are flared inward creating a pyramidal frustum having an opening larger at the interior surface of the wall than at the exterior surface. The insert extends through the wall structure from an exterior surface and to an interior surface. In the case of poured concrete walls, the insert is provided with a spacer or panel to support the frame portion during construction.

Abstract: A muntin connector includes male and female connecting members each having a length, a thickness, and a width greater than the thickness. The connecting members are configured to be assembled together in a direction transverse to the length and width directions so that the connecting members cannot be disassembled by pulling apart in the length direction.

Abstract: An integral metal spacer for insulated glass units and method of fabricating the spacer. The spacer defines a substantially closed cross-section contour having a bottom surface, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of generally abutting inner surfaces. A gap may be defined between the adjacent inner surfaces. The three interior corners are defined by fully mitered sidewalls. A pair of bridges are provided to integrally interconnect the inner surfaces of adjacent spacer segments. The method of fabricating includes taking a roll of flat metal stock and completely punching all corner and other structures therein while the stock is planar; severing the punched stock into individual spacer members; roll-forming the individual members into a finished linear spacer piece; applying desiccant during roll-forming; applying sealant; thereafter folding the elongate member into a square spacer thereby locking the desiccant therein.

Abstract: A storm-resistant window includes a mechanism for preventing the blowout of a movable sash when wind pressure pulls the sash outwardly. In a single hung window having a slidable lower sash, the mechanism consists of a first rib projecting downwardly from the bottom rail of the lower sash and a second rib projecting upwardly from the top of the sill member of the window frame. In a closed position of the window, the first rib lies inwardly adjacent the second rib such that, if wind pressure pulls the movable sash outwardly, the first rib will contact the second rib, preventing the bottom rail of the movable sash from moving outwardly. In an alternate embodiment, one of the ribs may be replaced with a channel, so that the remaining rib is received in the channel in the closed position of the window.

Abstract: A fenestration product includes a door assembly having a door shiftable into and out of a closed position, at least one generally flat door jamb presenting an inner face that faces inwardly toward the door when the door is in the closed position and a generally oppositely facing outer face, and door hardware positioned along the inner face of the door jamb and configured to associate the door with the door jamb. The product further includes a substantially flat reinforcement plate secured flatly against the outer face of the door jamb. Moreover, the door hardware has at least a portion thereof that is securely fastened to the reinforcement plate so that movement of the hardware relative to the door jamb and reinforcement plate is prevented. A method of reinforcing a fenestration product in this manner is also disclosed.