Muntin Clip

Abstract

A muntin clip is adapted to be connected to a muntin bar end and a spacer frame. The muntin clip includes a base member adapted for connection to the spacer frame and a bar support adapted for connection to the muntin bar end. The base member has a first segment, a second segment, and a mount structure. The bar support extends from the base member and has a first segment extending from the first segment of the base member and a second segment extending from the second segment of the base member. A flexible hinge member connects the first segment of the bar support to the second segment of the bar support, allowing the muntin clip assembly to move between an unfolded position and a folded position. A tension mechanism exerts outward force on the first and second segments of the base member when the muntin clip assembly is in the folded position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/757,116, filed Jan. 6, 2006, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to muntin grids for sash window assemblies and more specifically to a muntin clip for positioning the grid within a sash window.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Double hung window assemblies typically include a pair of sash windows slidably mounted within a master frame. In the past, sash windows were provided with a grid of muntin bars, typically made of wood, that separated and held multiple panes of glass within a sash. Each pane would be mounted within the sash in the same plane. Now, double or multiple pane windows are provided, otherwise known as insulated or thermo-pane window assemblies. These insulated window assemblies include a pair of glass panes mounted in parallel relation to one another within a sash frame and separated by a small distance. The panes are typically separated by a spacer frame located about a periphery of the panes. Of course, insulated or thermo pane windows are not limited to single or double hung window arrangements. Rather, they have a wide range of applications that are well known in the art. For instance, double pane windows may be incorporated in doors, picture windows, etc.

Grids formed by interconnected muntin bars are often installed between these glass panes of a double pane or insulated sash window. Typically, these grids are comprised of multiple muntin bars arranged in a grid pattern and interconnected at interior intersecting points by muntin joiners. The grid is then placed between the panes of glass. The periphery of the grid is then mounted to the sash frame, or more typically, to a spacer frame separating the panes, by a series of muntin clips. It is understood that the grid can take a variety of different forms.

Typically, the muntin bars are of a tubular or hollow construction and a portion of the clip is received by an end of a muntin bar located at a periphery of the grid. Typically, the hollow muntin bar receives an extension or bar support of the clip that is designed to fit tightly within the hollow muntin bar to effect an interference fit, thereby attaching the muntin clip to the muntin bar end. (See FIG. 3) The clip in turn is attached or connected in some way to the spacer frame. An example of a prior art muntin clip is shown in cross section in FIG. 3. The prior art muntin clip 1 includes a bar support 2, in the form of a tree, tightly fitting within and received by a muntin bar 3.

Muntin grids, including the bars, joiners and clips of which they are comprised, come in numerous shapes and sizes. One drawback resulting from this fact is that muntin clip manufactures must design and produce a separate clip to match each potential size/shape of muntin bar available on the market and to also match with a variety of sizes of spacer frames. A conservative estimate is that there are currently at least 500 muntin clip designs available on the market to accommodate the multitude of sizes and shapes that can be found in the available muntin bars. This costs clip manufacturers, and window manufacturers or assemblers to incur costs associated with maintaining and otherwise dealing with large and varied inventories of muntin clips.

FIGS. 4-5 show a spacer frame. The spacer frame typically has a lateral wall having a length C, a pair of vertical walls having a height B, and a pair of shoulders, each having a length X. The shoulders are separated by a distance A. As one might expect, various window designs may and do require variously sized spacer frames. Typically, a manufacturer will adjust the length of the lateral wall C to accommodate window designs having differing widths between their multiple panes of glass. However, for each different value of C (length of lateral or bottom wall), the height B of the vertical wall and the length of the shoulder X remain as constants. Therefore, as the length C of the lateral wall varies between the various required spacer frame designs, the distance A between the shoulders also varies. This distance plays a role in determining what muntin clip may be used with a particular spacer frame.

Accordingly it can be seen that there are at least two factors dictating what type or design of muntin clip may be used in a particular window assembly. First is the configuration of the muntin bar to be used. The second factor is the configuration of the spacer frame. The multitude of variations available in both muntin bars and spacer frames results in the present existence of at least 500 different muntin clip designs currently being available. This in turn causes clip manufacturers and window assemblers to be burdened with large clip inventories. In addition, certain muntin clip designs require complex molds in the manufacturing process.

The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior muntin clips of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a muntin clip having an overall flexible support structure that allows the clip to be connected to a plurality of muntin bars and spacer frames having a variety of sizes. The muntin clip includes a base member adapted for connection to the spacer frame and a bar support adapted for connection to the muntin bar end.

According to one aspect of the invention, the base member has a first segment, a second segment, and a mount structure.

According to another aspect of the invention, the bar support extends from the base member and has a first segment extending from the first segment of the base member and a second segment extending from the second segment of the base member.

According to another aspect of the invention, the bar support contains flexible bow members that are deformable to allow for connection to a variety of different muntin bars.

According to another aspect of the invention, a flexible hinge member connects the first segment of the bar support to the second segment of the bar support, allowing the muntin clip assembly to move between an unfolded position and a folded position.

According to another aspect of the invention, a tension mechanism exerts outward force on the first and second segments of the base member when the muntin clip assembly is in the folded position, allowing for enhanced connection to a spacer frame and also for connection to a variety of different spacer frames.

According to another aspect of the invention, the tension mechanism includes a resilient spring member and an abutment member located on the base member.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window assembly including a muntin grid;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross sectional view of the window assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a prior art muntin clip;

FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of a spacer frame according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the spacer frame of FIG. 4 taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a muntin bar end according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a muntin clip according to the present invention in an unfolded position;

FIG. 8 is a reverse perspective view of the unfolded muntin clip of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the unfolded muntin clip of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the unfolded muntin clip of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the unfolded muntin clip of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the muntin clip of FIG. 7 in a folded position;

FIG. 13 is a reverse perspective view of the folded muntin clip of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the folded muntin clip of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the folded muntin clip of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the folded muntin clip of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly of the folded muntin clip of FIG. 12 and a muntin bar end (shown partially) and a spacer frame (shown partially) according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

FIG.1 shows a sash window 12 comprised of a top sash rail 16, a base sash rail 18 and a pair of vertical stiles 20. Although not shown, the sash window 12 may be mounted, slidingly or otherwise, within a master frame, such as, in a single or double hung window arrangement as is well known in the art. It is also understood that other hardware can be incorporated into the sash window 12 as is known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 2, each sash window 12 also includes a first pane of glass 24 and a second pane of glass 26 mounted in parallel relationship to one another within an interior of the sash window 12. The first and second panes 24, 26 are spaced by a spacer assembly 28 located at a periphery of the panes 24, 26. The spacer assembly 28 comprises a spacer frame 30 and a seal or sealant 32. The spacer frame 30 is generally tubular with a rectangular or square cross section as seen in FIG. 2. The spacer frame 30 extends about the entire periphery of the first and second panes 24, 26. A seal or sealant 32 is applied to an outer region of the spacer frame 30. When pressed between the first and second panes 24, 26, the spacer frame 30 forms an air tight seal between the two panes 24, 26.

A muntin grid 34 (FIG. 1) is positioned between the first and second panes of glass 24, 26. The muntin grid 34 is comprised of a plurality of interconnecting muntin bars 36. Each muntin bar 36 has a generally tubular and hollow construction. Various means of inter-connecting the muntin bars 36 are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The connecting means are not further described herein and any means of connecting or joining the muntin bars 36 to one another may be utilized. As can be seen from the figures, the muntin bars 36 are so interconnected to form a grid 34 which is positioned between the first and second panes of glass 24, 26. Extending towards and located at a periphery of the grid 34 are a plurality of muntin bar ends 38. It is understood that the grid 34 can take a variety of forms.

FIGS. 4-5 depict the spacer frame 30. FIG. 4 shows only a portion of the length of the spacer frame 30. It can be seen that the spacer frame is generally U-shaped and includes a lateral wall 56 and a pair of vertical walls 58 extending in the same direction from the lateral wall 56. Each vertical wall 58 includes an inwardly extending shoulder 60 located near an end of its respective vertical wall 58 distal from the lateral wall 56. The shoulders 60 are separated by a distance A, defining an elongated opening 57 in the top of the spacer frame 30. The vertical walls 58 each have a height B. The lateral wall 56 has a length C and the shoulders 60 each have a length X. Spaced along a length of an inner edge of the shoulders 60 are a plurality of notches 62 (FIG. 4) adapted to receive the mount structure 110 of the clip 100, to be explained. It can be seen that each notch 62 on one shoulder 60 is generally opposed from a corresponding notch 62 on the other shoulder 60. The opposed notches 62 form a pair of notches 64. It can also be seen that two notch pairs 64 are usually located in proximity to one another. It is understood that the two notch pairs 64 are but one preferred embodiment.

A typical muntin bar end 38 is shown in FIG. 6, and includes opposed side walls 37 spaced by a distance W and opposed lateral walls 39 spaced by a distance T. Each muntin bar end 38 is normally hollow and rectangular (although other shapes are possible), and has an interior cavity 40 with interior walls 37a and interior walls 39a formed by opposed side walls 37 and opposed lateral walls 39 respectively. The muntin bar 36 may have a solid peripheral structure or formed from a flat segment of material and folded into a tubular structure. In such configuration, the muntin bar 36 has an open seam extending along a length of the bar 36.

A muntin clip 100 mounts each muntin bar end 38 to the sash window 12, to be explained. One preferred embodiment of the muntin clip 100 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7-17. Each muntin clip 100 includes a base or base member 102 and a bar support 106. The base 102 is adapted to mount the clip 100 to the spacer frame 30, and the bar support 106 is adapted to connect the clip 100 to the muntin bar end 38. As explained in greater detail below, the base 102 and bar support 106 each have flexible latching or support structure that enhances the connectability of the muntin clip 100 to the spacer frame 30 and the muntin bar end 38. The muntin clip 100 is formed of a first segment 100a and a second segment 100b, joined in the middle by a foldable member, or flexible hinge member 108. The muntin clip 100 can be moved between an unfolded position or unfolded configuration, illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, and a folded position or folded configuration, illustrated in FIGS. 12-17, by flexing of the hinge member 108. The folding of the muntin clip 100 is illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 7 wherein the foldable member is folded. As described below, the muntin clip 100 is preferably manufactured in the unfolded position, but is moved to the folded position during use.

The bar support 106 is adapted to be inserted in the interior cavity 40 of the hollow muntin bar end 38 to support the muntin bar 36 within the muntin grid 34. Preferably, the bar support 106 fits relatively tightly within the muntin bar end 38. The preferred embodiment of the bar support 106 is shown in FIGS. 7-17, and includes a first segment 106a and a second segment 106b connected by the flexible hinge member 108. The first segment 106a and the second segment 106b are preferably substantially identical mirror images of each other. When the muntin clip 100 is moved to the folded position, the bar support segments 106a, 106b fold together to form the bar support 106. Each segment 106a,106b of the bar support 106 has a means for connecting to a variety of different muntin bar ends 38, preferably including two resilient bow members 116. The bow members 116 are connected proximate the hinge member 108 and curve or angle outwardly and back inwardly, being connected to the base 102 in close proximity to each other. The bow members 116 are preferably flexible and deflectable or deformable, yet still resilient. The flexible bow members 116 can flex or deflect inwardly and outwardly to accommodate muntin bar ends 38 of different sizes. In alternate embodiments, the bow members 116 may take a different shape. In still other embodiments, the bar support 106 may take a different form, and may have a different means for connecting to a variety of different muntin bar ends 38. For example, in one embodiment, each bar support segment 106a,106b has a trunk with a plurality of flexible fingers extending outwardly from the sides. Additionally, the bar support 106 preferably has two beveled surfaces 118 (FIGS. 11 and 12) proximate the hinge member 108 to facilitate insertion of the bar support 106 into the muntin bar end 38.

The base 102 is adapted to be connected to the spacer frame 30 to connect the muntin bar 36 to the spacer frame 30. The preferred embodiment of the base 102 is shown in FIGS. 7-17, and includes a first base segment 102a connected to the first bar support segment 106a and a second base segment 102b connected to the second bar support segment 106b. Like the bar support 106, when the muntin clip 100 is moved to the folded position, the base segments 102a, 102b fold together to form the base 102 in cooperative fashion. Additionally, the first base segment 102a and the second base segment 102b are preferably substantially identical mirror images of each other, except for the components of the tension mechanism 120, described below. The base 102 preferably has a platform 104 and a means for connecting the base 102 to a variety of different spacer frames 30, which is preferably a flexible mount structure 110 attached to the platform 104. The flexible mount structure 110 is adapted to engage the spacer frame 30 to connect the muntin clip 100 to the spacer frame 30, as described below. The flexible mount structure 110 preferably includes four latch bodies or members 112, two on each base segment 102a, 102b, each having a flexible latch finger 111 thereon. The latch bodies 112 preferably are attached at the bottom of the platform 104 and extend downwardly, curving or angling back toward the platform 104. This shape facilitates insertion of the base 102 into the spacer frame 30, and allows the latch bodies 112 to be received in the notches 62 of the spacer frame 30. When the base 102 is inserted into the spacer frame 30, the latch bodies 112 are received in the notches 62 of the spacer frame 30 and engage the shoulders 60 of the spacer frame 30. In other embodiments, the mount structure 110 may be configured differently, and may latch onto the spacer frame 30 by a different method, or may latch onto different locations of the spacer frame 30. For example, the latch bodies 112 could cooperate with a shoulder portion 67 (FIG. 4) of the spacer frame 30 that is positioned between the notches 62. The latch body 112 may also include a tab that engages an underside of the shoulder portion 67. As another example, the flexible mount structure 110 may contain flexible latching members that curve or angle upward and outward, forming a U-shape or a V-shape when viewed from the side. Accordingly, it is understood that the base 102 can utilize a variety of different latching structures.

The base 102 also includes a tension mechanism 120, which is preferably a resilient spring member 122 located on the first base segment 102a and an abutment member 124 located on the second base segment 102b. The spring member 122 is preferably a curved member or curved finger depending from the bottom of the platform 104 of the first base segment 102a, and then curving back upward. The spring member 122 preferably has two prongs 126 at the tip to create greater flexibility. The abutment member 124 is preferably a flat wall projecting from the bottom of the platform 104 of the second base segment 102b. The flat surface of the abutment member 124 provides a surface for contact with the spring member 122. The tension mechanism 120 preferably exerts an outward force F on the two base segments 102a,102b, tending to cause the base segments 102a,102b to separate, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15. When the clip 100 is moved to the folded position, the spring member 122 will contact the abutment member 124 and flex or deflect inwardly. When the spring member 122 is deflected, the resilience of the spring member 122 causes it to exert the outward force F on the abutment member 124. This enhances the connection to the spacer frame 30 as the muntin clip 100 may experience an inward bias when inserted into the spacer frame 30. Also, the base 102 can engage spacer frames 30 having different widths, because the base 102 will automatically “expand” to engage the shoulders 60 of a wider spacer frame 30, and can “contract” to be forced into a narrower spacer frame 30. In other embodiments, the spring member 122 may be a different type of resilient and/or flexible member, and the abutment member 122 may be configured differently. In still further embodiments, the entire tension mechanism 120 may be configured differently, e.g., by including two spring members and no abutment member. Connection structure between the segments may also be provided that still allows movement of the segments.

The flexible hinge member 108 connects the clip segments 100a,100b and is preferably a thin strip or strap of material connected to each of the bar support segments 106a,106b. The hinge member 108 is preferably flexible and deformable, yet still resilient, allowing the muntin clip 100 to move between the unfolded and folded positions. The flexible hinge member 108 preferably folds at a central portion of the strap. The hinge member 108 is biased toward the unfolded position, and the resilience of the hinge member 108 causes the hinge member 108 to exert a continuous unfolding force on the clip segments 100a, 100b when the clip 100 is being folded or when the clip 100 is in the folded position. The unfolding force of the hinge member 108 combines with the outward force F exerted by the tension mechanism 120 to push the base segments 102a,102b apart, allowing the base 102 to connect to a variety of different spacer frames, as described above. It is understood that the flexible member 108 can be dimensioned or configured in varying fashions to affect the overall configuration of the muntin clip 100 when in the folded position. For example, the member 108 could be enlarged to provide for a wider dimensioned muntin clip for a particular spacer frame 30. The member 108 could also be configured to fold in multiple locations. Finally, it is understood that in one preferred embodiment, the flexible hinge member 108 is positioned at a distal end of the bar support segments 106a,106b. In other configurations, the member 108 can be positioned at other locations of the muntin clip 108. For example, the member 108 could be positioned at other locations of the bar support segments and could also be positioned on the base segments 102a,102b.

The clip 100 has two segments 100a,100b, as described above. The first segment 100a includes the first base segment 102a and the first bar support segment 106a. The first bar support segment 106a extends from the first base segment 102a. Likewise, the second segment 100b includes the second base segment 102b and the second bar support segment 106b. The second bar support segment 106b extends from the second base segment 102b. Terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used herein for purposes of reference only. It is understood that such designations can be interchanged.

As discussed, the clip 100 is formed in the elongated, generally flat configuration as shown in FIG. 7. The clip 100 is moved to the folded position before use. The clip 100 is folded along the hinge member 108 to bring the two segments 100a, 100b together, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7. In the folded position, the two bar support segments 106a,106b come together in confronting relation to form the bar support 106, and the two base segments 102a,102b come together in confronting relation to form the base 102. It is understood that a small gap or space is maintained between the two bar support segments 106a,106b and the two base segments 102a, 102b. FIG. 17 illustrates the connection of the folded clip 100 to the muntin bar end 38 and the spacer frame 30. The bar support 106 of the folded muntin clip 100 is pushed into the cavity 40 in the muntin bar end 38 and provides an interference fit with the interior walls of the muntin bar end 38. The bow members 116 flex inwardly, if necessary, to accommodate for a muntin bar end 38 having a narrower width. The base 102 of the folded muntin clip 100 is then pushed into the spacer frame 30 so that the latch bodies 112 are received in the notches 62 and engage the shoulders 60 of the spacer frame. As described above, the tension mechanism 120 allows the base 102 to expand and contract to fit spacer frames 30 of different sizes. It is understood that the clip 100 can experience an inward bias when inserted into the spacer frame 30 and also experience an outward bias from the tension mechanism 120.

As discussed, the muntin clip 100 is typically formed in an injection-molded process. The clip 100 is formed in the generally flat position as shown in FIG. 7. By molding in this configuration, a conventional open/close tool is used. Thus, a simpler mold configuration can be used and sliding mold parts are unnecessary. It is understood that the mold can include cooperating mold parts formed to correspond to the structure of the muntin clip 100 as shown in FIG. 7. It is further understood that the mold parts can each include a channel that will cooperatively form the flexible hinge member 108. Thus, the channel will typically be a generally straight groove-like portion cut into each mold part. Molten plastic is then injected into the mold wherein the muntin clip as shown in FIG. 7 is formed. Once the injection is complete and the clip is formed, the mold parts can be easily separate and the clip 100 can be ejected from the mold.

Thus, it is understood that simple methods are employed with the muntin clip 100. First, the muntin clip 100 is formed in an injection molded process using a more simple mold configuration than many other prior art configurations. Once formed, the muntin clip 100 remains in the generally flat configuration. For connection in a window assembly, the muntin clip 100 is folded along the flexible member 108. The bar support segments are inserted into a muntin bar end and the base segments are inserted into the spacer frame. The structural configurations of the muntin clip 100 as described above allow the clip to be utilized in muntin bars and spacer frames of varying sizes. As previously discussed, the bar support 106 and the base 102 can have different structures to allow for these flexible connections. It is understood that the bar support 106 and base 102 could have structural configurations such as those shown in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/186,387 and 11/298,304, which Applications are incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof. These structures could be slightly modified and incorporated with the flexible member 108 as discussed above to provide a muntin clip having an unfolded position and a folded position.

The flexible components of the bar support of the muntin clip described above permit a single clip to be connected to any of a variety of different muntin bars having a variety of different dimensions and configurations. Similarly, the flexible mount structure and tension mechanism of the base permits a single clip to be connected to any of a variety of different spacer frames having a variety of different dimensions and configurations, and having openings of a variety of different widths. Thus, with the muntin clip as described above, the necessary number of differently-sized muntin clips can be drastically reduced. This reduces inventory costs, additional tooling costs, and other costs associated with having to manufacture and store a large number of differently sized muntin clips. In addition, the number of spacer frame assemblies can be reduced. Further, the clip can be manufactured in the unfolded position, which reduces the complexity of the mold. The mold can be a more simple, straight open/close tool. Accordingly, the need for sliding motion of mold parts is eliminated. These features extend the life of the tool through increased strength and less unexpected or incidental damage to the tool. In addition, because of the reduced complexity, the cycle time associated with forming the muntin clip is reduced.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims

1. A muntin clip adapted to be connected to a muntin bar end and a spacer frame, the muntin clip comprising:

a base member having a first base segment and a second base segment, the first base segment having a first mount structure adapted to be connected to the spacer frame and the second base segment having a second mount structure adapted to be connected to the spacer frame;

a bar support having a first bar support segment extending from the first base segment and a second bar support extending from the second base segment, the first bar support segment and the second bar support segment adapted to be connected to the muntin bar end; and

a flexible hinge member connecting the first bar support segment to the second bar support segment, wherein when the flexible hinge member is not folded, the muntin clip is in an unfolded position and when the flexible hinge member is folded, the muntin clip is in a folded position wherein the first base segment is in confronting relation to the second base segment and the first bar support segment is in confronting relation to the second bar support segment.

2. The muntin clip of claim 1 wherein the flexible hinge member is a resilient strap.

3. The muntin clip of claim 2 wherein the flexible hinge member folds at a central portion of the strap.

4. The muntin clip of claim 1 wherein the first mount structure is a first pair of flexible fingers adapted to connect to the spacer frame, and the second mount structure is second pair of flexible fingers adapted to connect to the spacer frame.

5. The muntin clip of claim 1 further comprising a tension mechanism operably connected to the first base member and the second base member and providing an outwardly biasing force to the base members.

6. The muntin clip of claim 1 wherein the first base member has a spring member and the second base member has an abutment surface, wherein the spring member engages the abutment surface when the muntin clip is in the folded position.

7. The muntin clip of claim 1 wherein the first bar support segment has a bow member adapted to resiliently deflect when adapted to be connected to the muntin bar end.

8. The muntin clip of claim 1 wherein the second bar support segment has a bow member adapted to resiliently deflect when adapted to be connected to the muntin bar end.

9. The muntin clip of claim 1 wherein when the muntin clip is in the folded position, a space is maintained between the first bar support segment and the second bar support segment.

10. The muntin clip of claim 1 wherein when the muntin clip is in the folded position, a space is maintained between the first bar support segment and the second bar support segment.

11. A muntin clip adapted to be connected to a muntin bar end and a spacer frame, the muntin clip comprising:

a base member adapted to be connected to the spacer frame;

a bar support; and

a foldable member operably connected one of the base member and the bar support wherein the muntin clip has an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration when the foldable member is folded.

12. A muntin clip adapted to be connected to a muntin bar end and a spacer frame, the muntin clip comprising:

a base member adapted to be connected to the spacer frame, the base member having a first segment and a second segment spaced from the first segment;

a bar support extending from the base member and adapted to be connected to the muntin bar end; and

a mechanism operably connected to the base member wherein the mechanism provides an outwardly biasing force to the first segment and the second segment.

13. The muntin clip of claim 12 wherein the mechanism has a resilient finger connected to the first segment and an abutment member connected to the second segment wherein the finger engages the abutment member.

14. A muntin clip adapted to be connected to a muntin bar end and a spacer frame, the muntin clip comprising:

a base member having a mount structure adapted to be connected to the spacer frame, the base member having a first base segment and a second base segment;

a bar support extending from the base member and adapted for connection to the muntin bar end, the bar support having a first bar support segment extending from the first base segment of the base member and a second segment extending from the second segment of the base member;

a flexible hinge member connecting the first bar segment to the second bar segment, allowing the muntin clip to move between an unfolded position and a folded position; and

a tension mechanism operably connected between the first base segment and the second base segment and exerting an outward force on the first base segment and the second base segment when the muntin clip is in the folded position.

15. A muntin clip adapted to be connected to a muntin bar end and a spacer frame, the muntin clip comprising:

a base member having a first base segment and a second base segment, the first base segment having a pair of flexible fingers adapted to connect to the spacer frame, and the second base segment having a pair of flexible fingers adapted to connect to the spacer frame, first base member having a spring member and the second base member having an abutment surface;

a bar support having a first bar support segment extending from the first base segment and a second bar support extending from the second base segment, the first bar support segment and the second bar support segment adapted to be connected to the muntin bar end; and

a flexible hinge member connecting the first bar support segment to the second bar support segment, wherein when the flexible hinge member is not folded, the muntin clip is in an unfolded position and when the flexible hinge member is folded, the muntin clip is in a folded position wherein the first base segment is in confronting relation to the second base segment and the first bar support segment is in confronting relation to the second bar support segment and wherein the spring member engages the abutment surface wherein an outward biasing force is exerted on the base segments.