Abstract: A reversible handleset spindle actuator and related method and kit. The spindle actuator is configured to be installed in a handleset. A first thumb-operated lever receiver is positioned to be engaged by a thumb-operated lever connected to the exterior escutcheon of the handleset when the actuator is installed in the handleset configured for a right-handed position. A second thumb-operated lever receiver is positioned to be engaged by the thumb-operated lever when the actuator is installed in the handleset configured for a left-handed position. A spindle is provided for operating a latch mechanism and a rack and pinion mechanism is provided for rotating the spindle, from an initial position, in a first direction when the first thumb-operated lever receiver is moved longitudinally towards the spindle and rotating the spindle in a second direction when the second thumb-operated lever receiver is moved longitudinally towards the spindle.

Abstract: A door handle mounting system is comprised of a face plate having a handle mounting hole therein to receive a shank portion of a handle therethrough. A circumferential abutment is associated with the handle for abutment about the mounting hole on an outer face of the face plate when the shank portion is disposed thereinto. A retainer ring, formed of flexible non-metallic material having a memory, is adapted to engage with the shank portion adjacent a rear face of the face plate. The retainer ring has an integrally formed locking portion for locking engagement with the shank portion, and an integrally formed tensioning portion for flexible abutment with the rear face of the face plate to apply a pulling force on the shank portion while retaining the handle operationally secured to the face plate. A coupling sleeve is also securable to the shank portion and engageable by the retainer ring.

Abstract: A door handle mounting system is comprised of a face plate having a handle mounting hole therein to receive a shank portion of a handle therethrough. A circumferential abutment is associated with the handle for abutment about the mounting hole on an outer face of the face plate when the shank portion is disposed thereinto. A retainer ring, formed of flexible non-metallic material having a memory, is adapted to engage with the shank portion adjacent a rear face of the face plate. The retainer ring has an integrally formed locking portion for locking engagement with the shank portion, and an integrally formed tensioning portion for flexible abutment with the rear face of the face plate to apply a pulling force on the shank portion while retaining the handle operationally secured to the face plate. A coupling sleeve is also securable to the shank portion and engageable by the retainer ring.

Abstract: A multipoint locking mechanism for locking a window sash in a closed position in a window frame. The locking mechanism is of the type having a slider portion translating longitudinally in a window frame in response to an actuation of a handle to engage at least two engagement members of the slider portion with corresponding keeper portions in the window sash for locking the window sash to the window frame. At least one of the at least two engagement members is a cam wedge having at least one ramped portion and a rest portion. The cam wedge is positioned on the slider portion such that the at least one ramped portion abuts the corresponding keeper portion during a translation of the slider portion, and is guided by the corresponding keeper portion to abut the rest portion thereagainst to prevent a displacement of the window sash toward an open position thereof.

Abstract: A multipoint locking mechanism for locking a window sash in a closed position in a window frame. The locking mechanism is of the type having a slider portion translating longitudinally in a window frame in response to an actuation of a handle to engage at least two engagement members of the slider portion with corresponding keeper portions in the window sash for locking the window sash to the window frame. At least one of the at least two engagement members is a cam wedge having at least one ramped portion and a rest portion. The cam wedge is positioned on the slider portion such that the at least one ramped portion abuts the corresponding keeper portion during a translation of the slider portion, and is guided by the corresponding keeper portion to abut the rest portion thereagainst to prevent a displacement of the window sash toward an open position thereof.

Abstract: A balancing spring system for facilitating the opening and the closing of a window sash assembly slidably mounted in channels of opposed window jambs comprises a connector strip. The connector strip has a front surface and a rear surface. The connector strip also has slots extending from the front surface to the rear surface. The connector strip has a connecting head section at a bottom thereof, adapted for connection to the window sash assembly. Curled ribbon springs are adapted to be mounted idle and free to rotate in each of the channels of the window jambs. The curled ribbon springs each have a free end comprising an enlarged head portion at a tip thereof, for connecting the curled ribbon springs to the slots of the connector strip, whereby the curled ribbon springs apply an upward force to the window sash assembly.

Abstract: A balancing spring system for facilitating the opening and the closing of a window sash assembly slidably mounted in channels of opposed window jambs comprises a connector strip. The connector strip has a front surface and a rear surface. The connector strip also has slots extending from the front surface to the rear surface. The connector strip has a connecting head section at a bottom thereof, adapted for connection to the window sash assembly. Curled ribbon springs are adapted to be mounted idle and free to rotate in each of the channels of the window jambs. The curled ribbon springs each have a free end comprising an enlarged head portion at a tip thereof, for connecting the curled ribbon springs to the slots of the connector strip, whereby the curled ribbon springs apply an upward force to the window sash assembly.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively operating and locking a pivotal window. The window is pivotally attached to a window frame so as to pivot between open and closed configurations. The mechanism includes an actuating rod slidably mounted to the window frame. A guiding arm is pivotally mounted to the window frame. An actuating arm is pivotally attached to the actuating rod. The distal end of the actuating arm is attached to the window by attachment component allowing for angular compensation. The distal end of the guiding arm is pivotally attached to the actuating arm intermediate the longitudinal ends of the latter. A pin and slot arrangement allows for selective pivotal or locking action between the guiding and actuating arms depending on their relative pivotal relationship.

Abstract: A sash pivot assembly, for supporting a window sash in sliding and pivotal displacement within a window frame, is comprised of a housing having a pivot rotor rotatively mounted therein. The pivot rotor has a slot comprising a spring clip defined by a U-shaped spring comprising lateral side arms having inwardly embossed portions, for snap-locking and snap-releasing engagement with a sash pivot.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively operating and locking a pivotal window. The window is pivotally attached to a window frame so as to pivot between open and closed configurations. The mechanism includes an actuating rod slidably mounted to the window frame. A guiding arm is pivotally mounted to the window frame. An actuating arm is pivotally attached to the actuating rod. The distal end of the actuating arm is attached to the window by attachment component allowing for angular compensation. The distal end of the guiding arm is pivotally attached to the actuating arm intermediate the longitudinal ends of the latter. A pin and slot arrangement allows for selective pivotal or locking action between the guiding and actuating arms depending on their relative pivotal relationship.

Abstract: An in-line window structure for a transport vehicle is comprised of a rectangular frame in which a fixed pane is immovably secured. A displaceable pane is positionable adjacent the fixed pane in a common plane therewith. A lock interconnects sash members of the fixed and displaceable panes when positioned in a common plane. Guide tracks are provided by an elongated straight track section extending behind the fixed pane, and commuting track sections for guided displacement of the displaceable pane from the common plane to the straight track section and behind the fixed pane and substantially in alignment therewith whereby to create an opening in the rectangular frame to one side of the fixed pane. The lock is incorporated in a handle which, when squeezed, automatically retracts a latch bolt.

Abstract: A method of making an enclosed, hollow insulating spacer for spacing apart panes of a multiple pane unit. The method includes steps of forming metal into first and second leg members for a spacer, preheating the first and second leg members of the spacer near the melting point of one of a synthetic resin material and a composite synthetic resin material, feeding the preheated first and second leg members of the spacer into a crosshead extruder together with one of the resin materials to embed by crosshead extrusion only a portion of each of the first and second leg members into the material, to affix the embedded portion of each of the leg members to the material and to form from the material a first bridge member that extends between the leg members and spans across one end of each of the leg members, and providing a second bridge member that connects the opposite ends of the leg members.

Abstract: A frame made of moldable material is described for retaining a closure member, such as a window, in a door or wall opening. The frame is formed by interconnecting a peripheral main frame member, an outer peripheral casing connecting molding and inner peripheral sash connecting molding. The main frame member has an outer sash section, a side jamb section and an inner casing section. The outer casing connecting molding is adapted to be snappingly secured to the main frame member to clampingly retain the main frame member to a frame forming the opening. The inner sash connecting molding is adapted to be snappingly secured to the main frame member and has a bridge wall section to abut against a peripheral section of the closure member to retain it captive between the outer sash section and the inner sash connecting molding.

Abstract: A shimming device for installation and level adjustment of a frame in an opening of a wall structure is described. The device comprises a housing securable in a space defined between the opening of the wall structure and an outer surface of the frame. A leaf spring is secured in the housing and a bolt fastener causes the spring to extend out of the housing and retract therein. The spring, when in its extended condition from the housing, engages a surface adjacent the space. The frame is held in securement and is level-adjusted in the opening by opposed shimming devices secured in opposed spaces defined between the opening and the frame. It is pointed out that no screws are inserted through the frame for its securement in the opening. The device may also be comprised of a leaf spring which is actuable by a strapping element which is securable to the surrounding structure.

Abstract: An insulating spacer for creating a thermally insulating bridge between spaced apart panes of a multiple pane window unit. The spacer defines an insulated space between the panes and includes a top bridge member, first and second leg members for supporting the top bridge member, a bottom bridge member and a channel portion. The top bridge member provides the sole contact with the inner and outer panes of the window unit. The top bridge member is made of a synthetic resin or composite material and can include openings. A portion of the first and second leg members adheres onto a lower surface of the top bridge member, and each member extends from that lower surface such that it is adapted to remain free from contact with the spaced apart outer panes. The first and second leg members can be bent into a zig-zag configuration. The bottom bridge member cooperates with each of the first and second leg members.

Abstract: A corner assembly, for holding a screen frame, is provided in which the corner assembly has a pair of arms disposed to be connected to frame side members, preferably by being telescopically received therein, for installation inside a fixed frame at the periphery of a window. Each corner assembly includes a slide member carried in a slideway, which slide member carries a retaining protrusion extending therefrom, and with the slide member having a manually engageable, movable button, movable longitudinally, to move the slide member and its protruding button between two positions, one position of which is an extended position for the retaining protrusion, and another position of which is a retracted position therefor. In the extended position of the retaining protrusion, the protrusion is adapted to engage within a recess of a fixed frame member of a window.

Abstract: A molding connector is described for interconnecting molding ends together to form a frame. The molding connector comprises a male and a female connector formed respectively in a beveled molding end of two moldings to be interconnected. The male connector has a connecting rib formed in the molded end provided with a securing head having an angulated guide edge. The female connector has a rib engaging slot disposed in the beveled molding end with the slot having an enlarged securing cavity for receiving the securing head of the connecting rib in guiding engagement. The connecting rib is positionable into the slot with the head received in the securing cavity, and the angulated edge as well as the securing cavity permitting the beveled ends of the two moldings to be progressively aligned with one another, as the rib is pushed into the slot. The rib and cavity provide a clamping force to interconnect the beveled ends in facial abutting relationship.

Abstract: Corner members and frame members forming an assembly is provided, for holding a screen or the like, in which the corner members have arms disposed to be connected to frame members, preferably by being telescopically received therein, for facilitating retaining the frame assembly, which is a removable assembly, inside a fixed frame of a window. Upper corner members of a moveable frame have a U-shaped attachment means formed by an upwardly projecting flange and tab forming U-shaped channels. The top of the frame having the U-shaped attachment means is inserted at an angle into a downwardly projecting lip means on a fixed frame such that the U-shaped attachment means loosely embraces the lip means. The moveable frame is rotated until the U-shaped attachment means fully embraces the lip means, the moveable frame is flush with fixed frame, and the moveable frame is locked into position against the fixed frame with retaining mechanisms on the remaining two corners of the moveable frame.

Abstract: A corner assembly and frame comprising such assembly is provided, for holding a screen or the like, in which the corner assembly has a pair of arms disposed to be connected to frame side members, preferably by being telescopically received therein, with a frame generally having such corner assemblies at corners thereof, for facilitating retaining the frame assembly, which is a removable assembly, inside a fixed frame at the periphery of a window. Each corner assembly includes a slide member carried in a slideway, which slide member carries a retaining protrusion extending therefrom, and with the slide member having a manually engageable button, movable button, movable longitudinally, to move the slide member and its protruding button between two positions, one position of which is an extended position for the retaining protrusion, and another position of which is a retracted position therefor.

Abstract: An insulating spacer creates a thermally insulating bridge between inner and outer panes of, for example, a multiple pane window unit. The spacer defines an insulated space between the panes and includes a top bridge member, first and second leg members, a bottom bridge member and a channel portion. The top bridge member contacts the inner and outer panes of the window unit. The top bridge member is made of a synthetic resin or composite material and can include openings. The first and second leg members are embedded into the top bridge member. The first and second leg members can be bent into a zig-zag configuration. The bottom bridge member is substantially parallel to the top bridge member. The channel portion is defined by the configuration of the top bridge member, the first and second leg members and the bottom bridge member. In one embodiment, the bottom bridge member is roll-formed from the same piece of material as the first and second leg members.