AU2005203504A1 - A spring clip - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): ARCHITECTURAL PROFILES LIMITED Invention Title: A SPRING CLIP The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: A SPRING CLIP Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a spring clip for use in joinery. The invention has been developed for use in joinery, particularly window and door assemblies. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this field alone.

Background to the Invention A bead secures a panel within an opening in a door or wall frame. The panel may include a plastic, glass or wood panel, but could be provided in other materials.

Normally, a pair of two oppositely disposed and inwardly directed substantially complementary beads are provided to secure the panel into position. The panel is secured within the opening by outer peripheral edges by the engagement of the complementary bead. The beads are adapted to engage with the frame surrounding the opening to secure the panel in the opening. Beads normally include rubber seals which impinge upon respective adjacent faces of the panel.

When respective complementary beads are in position and the panel is mounted within the opening, the complementary beads are drawn together to grip the adjacent frame surrounding the opening. The beads are commonly drawn together by die cast cylindrical cam locks mounted between the complementary beads. A number of cam locks are often mounted between the beads. The cam lock engages internal surfaces of the oppositely disposed beads and beneath the panel such that adjustment of the cam lock is by a tool, for example, a spanner or the like. The beads are drawn together to opposingly impinge on the panel periphery and secure the panel within the opening.

This arrangement has a number of disadvantages. It can be a difficult and a time consuming process to maintain the position of complementary beads in the opening while drawing the beads together. Cam locks can be expensive to manufacture and can be prone to seizure through corrosion and the like, in use. The spanner can be lost if not stored away carefully for future use.

300435348-1 It can also be problematic to use the spanners to draw the beads together. For example, the grip on the spanners can be lost while articulating. In use, the action of the spanner can scratch the panels, particularly when the panel is glass, or can, at worst, break the glass.

Cam locks are normally adjusted by working the spanner between a bead and a face of the panel. To be able to withdraw the spanner after tightening of the cam lock, an unsightly gap must be maintained between the face of the panel and the adjacent bead for removal of the spanner. This gap is normally filled later with a rubber seal or gasket but this is not ideal. The use of the rubber seal breaks the continuity of colour between the bead and the door or wall frame surrounding the opening. This is not aesthetically desirable.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a spring clip including: a body having a head portion at a proximal end engageable with a panel; a pair of oppositely disposed shoulder portions at or adjacent said proximal end and adapted to connect said spring clip with a frame such that said spring clip has a predetermined range of movement relative said frame; and a biasing means for said body adapted to resiliently bias said spring clip towards a predetermined position in said range of movement, yet be movable against said bias within said range.

Preferably, said shoulder portions of said spring clip include two oppositely disposed outwardly directed flanges which provide cuffs at their respective peripheral edges to engage with said frame and allow slidable engagement of said spring clip within said frame.

Preferably, said biasing means extends from the proximal end to define a distal end of the body and includes at least one downwardly projecting spring leg abuttingly engageable with said frame.

300435348-1

I

Preferably, said biasing means of said spring clip includes a downwardly projecting Sspring leg mounted by one end to at least one of said shoulder portions and abuttingly engageable at the other end with said frame.

Preferably, the biasing means includes two spring legs, centrally mounted between the Sshoulder portions, and beneath the head portion and extends outwardly from the proximal end.

Preferably, the biasing means includes two spring legs oppositely disposed.

Preferably, said spring clip is produced from an elongate extrusion.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a window and/or door assembly including: a panel assembly providing a pair of substantially complementary oppositely disposed and inwardly directed beads which grip peripheral edges of a panel and said beads providing an engagement formation about portions of the peripheral edge outer periphery; and a spring clip adapted to engage with said engagement formation at one end and engage with a frame of the window and/or door assembly at another end, thereby securing the panel assembly within the frame.

Preferably, said beads are prefabricated before engagement with said spring clip.

Preferably, said spring clip provides a body including a biasing means at one end adapted to resiliently bias said spring clip outwardly of said frame and towards a predetermined position in a range of movements, and a head portion at the other end engageable with said engagement formation.

Preferably, the biasing means includes two spring legs which are centrally mounted between the shoulder portions and beneath the head portion and extends outwardly from the proximal end.

300435348-1 Preferably, said spring clip includes at least one downwardly projecting spring leg abuttingly engageable with said frame.

Preferably, said frame provides a recess within which the said spring clip is engageable in use.

Preferably, said frame includes two spaced apart substantially parallel sides which define the recess and include inwardly directed ribs adapted to engage with outer portions of said spring clip to restrict outward movement of said spring clip from said frame.

Preferably, the spring clip includes ribs provided as a pair, oppositely disposed and inwardly directed to restrict outward movement of said spring clip from said frame in use.

Preferably, said sides are maintained spaced apart by a transverse web in which said spring leg is abuttingly engageable.

Preferably, said spring leg is abuttingly engageable with an optional adaptor lodged between said sides and resting against said web.

According to a further aspect of this invention, there is provided a window assembly including: a panel providing engaging formations at or adjacent the periphery of said panel; and a spring clip adapted to engage with said engagement formations at one end and engageable with a frame at another end, thereby securing said panel assembly to said frame.

Preferably, the panel is transparent to provide a window within said frame.

Preferably, said spring clip provides a body including a biasing means adapted to resiliently bias said spring clip outwardly of said frame and towards a predetermined position in a range of movements, and a head portion at the other end engageable with said engagement formations.

300435348-1 1 cK O Preferably, said spring clip includes at least one downwardly projecting spring leg abuttingly engageable with said frame.

Preferably, said spring clip is provided as an extrusion extending the length of said frame.

According to a further aspect of this invention, there is provided a spring clip substantially as herein described with reference to the Figure.

According to a further aspect of this invention, there is provided a window and/or door assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.

Description of the Drawinqs The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the Figure in which: Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 illustrates a typical cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a spring clip engaged with a frame and a panel assembly; illustrates a typical cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the spring clip engaged with the frame and panel assembly; illustrates a typical cross-sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of the spring clip engaged with the frame and panel assembly; illustrates a cross-sectional view of the spring clip of Figure 2 which secures between a panel assembly to a frame. The panel assembly is in the form of a block; illustrates a horizontal cross-section of a door frame including a panel supported by a spring clip of the present invention; and Figure 5 300435348-1 Figure 6 illustrates a zoomed-in image of the door frame of Figure 5 including spring clips.

Description of the Drawings Referring to Figure 1, a spring clip 1 includes a body 2. The body 2 has a head portion 3 at a proximal end which is engageable with apanel assembly 4, for example, by abutting the panel assembly 4. The head portion 3 provides an outwardly depending upper surface 7 and a neck region 5, 6 which is adapted to engage with the panel assembly 4 by snap fit means, as illustrated in Figure 1.

It will be appreciated that the particular shape and configurations of the head portion 3 may be varied in a number of ways, provided that the head portion 3 is adapted to engage with the panel assembly 4.

The upper surface 7 provides some advantage in engaging the spring clip 1 with the panel assembly 4. The upper surface 7 creates a narrow gap between itself and the neck region 5, 6 which engages with the panel assembly 4. A certain amount of security from tampering is obtained by the upper surface 7 extending outwardly from the spring clip 1 so that portions of the panel assembly 4 lodge within the neck region 5, 6.

The upper surface 7 and head portion 3 advantageously provides a release mechanism of panel 50 from the panel assembly 4 should the need arise. Many existing beaded entry door frames need to be disassembled in order to remove the beads for re-panelling or re-glazing, for example. The present invention overcomes this difficulty as will be described below.

The panel assembly 4 provides a pair of oppositely disposed, inwardly directed and substantially complementary beads 4a, 4b which sandwich a panel 50 in use in the preferred embodiment. The complementary beads 4a, 4b are separately prefabricated and can be made as extrusions which can be mitred, glued and screwed at the comer junctions to form a simple rectangular (typical) structure, similar to a picture frame.

The beads 4a, 4b are engaged with and substantially surround the panel 50 typically of glass or solid infill at or adjacent its peripheral edges in use. Each respective bead 4a, 300435348-1 4b provides an engagement formation 25a, 25b about portions of its peripheral edges and adapted to snap fit with the neck region 5, 6.

The panel assembly 4 can be easily disengaged for re-panelling purposes as mentioned above. This is done by sliding a thin bladed spatula between the face of the panel and beads 4a, 4b of the panel assembly 4 and depressing the upper surface 7 of the spring clip 1. This disengages the beads 4a, 4b from the spring clips 1 for re-panelling.

Extending outwardly from the head portion 3 of the spring clip is a pair of oppositely disposed shoulder portions 7a, 8 which are located at or adjacent the proximal end of the body 2. The shoulder portions 7a, 8 are defined by a pair of oppositely disposed outwardly directed flanges 9, 10 which provide cuffs 11, 12 at their respective peripheral edges to engage with a frame 13.

The cuffs 11, 12 allow slidable engagement of the spring clip 1 within the frame 13 meaning that the spring clip 1 has a predetermined range of movements relative to the frame 13 delivered by the engagement of the cuffs 11, 12 and with ribs 14 and 15 on frame 13.

At a distal end of the body 2 is a biasing means 16. The biasing means 16 extends from the proximal end to define the distal end of the body 2 which includes a downwardly projecting, outwardly directed and arcuate spring leg 18. The spring leg 18 is mounted at one end to the shoulder portion 8, but could alternatively be mounted to shoulder portion 7a. It is not essential that the spring leg 18 extend from a shoulder portion 7a, 8 or one shoulder portion alone and may, for example, extend from both shoulder portions 7a, 8 as will be described below with reference to Figure 2. A biasing means 16 centrally mounted between the shoulder portions 7a, 8 and extending directly from beneath the head portion 3 is described with reference to Figure 3.

In Figure 1, the spring leg 18 is abuttingly engageable with the frame 13 or an optional adapter lodged within the frame 13 (not shown) to resiliently bias the spring clip 1 towards a predetermined position in the range of movements.

In use, the spring leg 18 is adapted to resiliently bias the panel assembly 4 into an opening defined by the frame 13. The spring clip 1 when engaged with the frame 13 is biased outwardly from the frame 13 but remains connected with the frame 13 with the 300435348-1 shoulders 7a, 8. The spring leg 18 provides the resilient bias on engagement with adjacent portions of the frame 13 with which it impinges.

Although the biasing means 16 is illustrated with reference to a spring leg 18, it will be appreciated that it could, for example, include a helical or other spring engaged at the distal end of the body 2. Alternatively, the biasing means 16 could include two or more spring legs 18 as will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 below.

Alternatively, the biasing means 16 could include an integrally resilient material on which a spring clip 1 including a head portion 3 and shoulders 7, 8 is engaged, for example.

The frame 13 provides a recess 19 formed from two spaced apart substantially parallel sides 20, 21. The sides 20, 21 include inwardly directed oppositely disposed ribs 14, directed into the recess. The ribs 14, 15 engage with the cuffs 11, 12 to connect the spring clip 1 to the frame 13. In effect, ribs 14, 15 restrict outward movement of the spring clips 1.

The sides 20, 21 are spaced apart by a transverse web 23 in which the spring leg 18 is abuttingly engageable. In some cases, on mounting a spring clip 1 to within a frame 13, the spring leg 18 may not abut and/or bias against the web. In such case, the optional adaptor (not shown) may be mounted between the sides 20, 21 against the transverse web 23 and beneath the ribs 14, 15 so that the spring clip 1 abuts the adapter when mounted to the frame 13. It is not essential that the frame 13 form part of a door or window frame 13. For example, the frame 13 could include an elongated rail for a balustrade assembly.

Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the spring clip 1. The spring clip 1 includes a body 2. The body 2 has a head portion 3 at its proximal end which is engageable with the panel assembly 4. Like the embodiment of Figure 1, the head portion 3 provides an outwardly depending upper surface 7 and a neck region 5, 6 which is adapted to engage with the panel assembly 4 by a snap fit means. Of course, the head portion 3 could be of any shape or configuration provided that it is adapted to engage with the panel assembly 4.

As mentioned, there are certain advantages in providing the head portion 3 with an upper surface 7 as described above.

300435348-1 A pair of oppositely disposed shoulders 7a, 8 are located at or adjacent the proximal end of the spring clips 1. The shoulders 7a, 8 are defined by oppositely disposed flanges 9, which provide cuffs 11, 12 at their respective peripheral edges to engage with the frame 13. The cuffs 11, 12 allow slidable engagement of the spring clip 1 within frame 13 so that the spring clip 1 has a range of movements relative to the frame 13.

The biasing means 16 is at a distal end of the body 2. The biasing means 16 includes two oppositely disposed, downwardly directed spring legs 18 which extend from the head portion 3 which are adapted to abut extensions 33, 34 of the frame 13. In Figure 2, the extensions 33, 34 are provided on connection members that are involved in connecting sides 20, 21 of the frame 13 in this embodiment.

Figure 3 illustrates a further embodiment of the spring clip 1. The spring clip 1 provides a body 2. The body 2 has a head portion 3 at a proximal end which is engageable with the panel assembly 4. The head portion 3 provides an outwardly depending split upper surface 7. The upper surface 7 is centrally split for ease of manufacture and still performs the function described with reference to the embodiments in Figures 1 and 2.

A neck region 5, 6 is at or adjacent the head portion 3 and is adapted to permit engagement of the spring with the panel assembly 4 by a snap fit means. Of course, the head portion 3 could be of any shape or configuration provided it is capable of engaging with the panel assembly 4.

A pair of oppositely disposed shoulders 7a, 8 are located at or adjacent the proximal end of the spring clips 1. The shoulders 7a, 8 are defined by oppositely disposed flanges 9, which provide cuffs 11, 12 at their respective peripheral edges to engage with the frame 13. The cuffs 11, 12 allow slidable engagement of the spring clip 1 with frame 13 so that the spring clip 1 has a range of movements relative to the frame 13.

The biasing means 16 extends from beneath the head portion 3 to extend outwardly to define the distal end of the body 2. The spring legs 18 are formed from a single projection which is centrally mounted beneath the head portion 3 between the shoulders 7a, 8. The two oppositely disposed, outwardly directed downwardly projecting spring legs 18 are adapted to abut the frame 13. In Figure 3, the extensions 33, 34 are provided on connection members which are involved in connecting sides 20, 21 of the 300435348-1 frame 13 together. Extensions 33, 34 are abutted by the spring legs 18 in this embodiment.

In one preferred embodiment, the spring clip 1 is provided as an elongate extrusion. In this case, the spring clip 1 resides along substantially the full length of the side of the frame 13. However, in a more preferred form, the spring clip 1 may be provided as a small discrete extrusion section. In this case a single extrusion is cut into sections of required length. The spring clip 1 can also be fabricated as a unit. The spring clip 1 in a preferred embodiment is made from plastic. However, it could also be made from other materials such as metal or alloys such as aluminium or stainless steel.

Figure 4 illustrates a horizontal cross-section from a window or door assembly including a spring clip 1 of Figure 2. The panel of Figure 4 has a uniquely designed engagement formation along peripheral edges.

The spring clips 1 are mounted in vertical members of the frame 13. The spring clips 1 are mounted so that their respective head portions 3 are directed towards each other.

The spring clip 1 is engaged at one end to the frame 13 and engaged by the head portion 3 to the panel 25. The panel 25 is an alternative embodiment of the panel assembly 4. As mentioned, the panel 25 provides engagement formations 25a, 25b at or adjacent the periphery of the panel 25 so as to engage with the spring clips 1 in the same manner as the complementary beads 4a, 4b of Figures 1, 2 and 3.

The panel 25 can be transparent to allow sunlight through a window or door surface and may be clear, opaque, with or without a textured face. The panel 25 can be relatively lighter in weight than a glass panel, thereby ensuring that the panel assembly 4 does not drop in the frame. The panel 25 can also be thermally broken so as to at least match the thermal rating of the frame 13.

The panels 25 also provide a desirable aesthetic appearance. Because the panel does not require beads to retain it, it can also be a cost effective alternative to the beaded 4a, 4b panel assembly 4 as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. A seal 35 may be affixed adjacent the engagement formations 25a, 25b to improve thermal isolation properties of the assembly prevent water penetration as well as help to hold the panels 25 in position.

300435348-1 The panel 25 is secured in the frame 13 by engagement formations 25a, 25b. The head portion 3 abuts the panel 25 by lodging the upper surface 7 between engagement formations 25a, 25b to secure the panel 25 in position.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a horizontal cross-section through a door frame 40. The crosssection bisects the frame 40 of the door and a glass panel 41. The spring clip 1 of the present invention is illustrated supporting the panel 41 to the frame Referring specifically to Figure 6, the spring clip 1 is illustrated in use biased towards the to panels 41. The spring clip 1 is of the constructions shown in Figure 3. The spring clip 1 includes two spring legs 18 which contact a transverse web 23 connecting sides 20, 21.

The spring clips 1 shown are of the type shown in Figure 3.

For use in construction, initially the frame 13 of a door or window is provided having an opening. Preferably such frame 13 has a horizontal cross-section similar to that shown in Figure 1 and/or 2. The spring clip 1 is then inserted or located within the frame 13.

An advantage of the present invention is that spring clips 1 are required only in the vertical members of the frame 13 as shown in Figure 4 to support the panel assembly 4 in the opening. However, the spring clips 1 could be located in the horizontal section of the frame 13 if required in a particular application.

As mentioned, the spring clip 1 can be provided as small singular discrete units or as extruded lengths. If the spring clip 1 is provided as an elongate extrusion, then the spring clip 1 extends along the length of opposite vertical members of the frame 13. This embodiment of the spring clip 1 is useful to secure the panel 25 in position as will be described below. However, this is not essential. Discrete spring clip 1 units can be spaced apart in respective opposite vertical members of the frame 13.

Thus, the spring clips 1 are preferably directed towards each other as shown in Figure 4.

The first bead 4a, preferably in a prefabricated quadrilateral form, is then inserted into the opening and held in place by the spring clips 1 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The first bead 4a abuts the frame 13 as well as engaging within neck portion 6 of the spring clip 1. A panel 50 a glass, plastic or wood panel) is then installed against the first bead 4a so that the bead 4a contacts the panel 50 about peripheral edges of the panel 50. The second bead 4b is then inserted into position from the other side to 300435348-1 contact the panel 50. This locks the panel 50 between the two beads 4a, 4b. Each bead 4a, 4b snap fits to opposite sides of the neck region 5, 6 of the spring clip 1.

The assembly process using a panel 25 which forms the panel assembly 4 as shown in Figure 4 is slightly different from that described above. A spring clip 1 is adapted to allow the panel 25 engagement formation 25a past the depressed head portion 3 by depressing. Once the engagement formation 25a passes the head portion 3, the head portion 3 is biased outwardly to lodge between the engagement formations 25a, The spring clip 1 for use with a panel 25 is preferably provided as an extrusion and is cut to the same height and width as the window opening and is installed full perimeter of the opening. Once the panel 25 has been installed a seal 35 may be applied to the frame 13 and around the full perimeter of each panel 25 as shown in Figure 4.

It will be appreciated that the spring clips 1 support the panel assembly 4 through resilient bias tension between opposite spring clips 1 mounted in opposed vertical members of the frame 13. The panel assembly 4 floats in the frame 13 between the two spring clips 1 located on opposite sides of the frame 13.

As the spring clip 1 may be made by extrusion processing, the cost of construction can be reduced. Partial prefabrication of the panel assembly 4 means that the time and effort in installing, for example, glass panels can be reduced and the panel assembly 4 can be reduced without the need for gasketing to close a gap between the glass and the beads 4a. As the spring clip 1 is resiliently biased, a window and/or door assembly will accommodate panel assemblies 4 of a limited range of dimensions, reducing the need for high levels of cutting accuracy.

As mentioned above, the invention also provides a door or window assembly. The window assembly includes the spring clip 1, and preferably two spring clips 1 and a panel assembly 4. The panel assembly 4 includes the pair of oppositely disposed inwardly directed substantially complementary beads 4a, 4b which grip the panel about its periphery edges. Alternatively, the panel assembly 4 may include a panel as described above. The panel assembly 4 which may include beads 4a, 4b or a panel includes engagement formations 25a, 25b about their outer periphery to allow engagement of the panel assembly 4 to the spring clip 1.

300435348-1 SWhere, in the foregoing description, reference has been made to components having Sknown equivalents, then such equivalents are incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

t 5 Although the invention has been described by way of example with reference to a preferred embodiment, modifications and variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

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Claims (10)

1. A spring clip including: a body having a head portion at a proximal end engageable with a panel; a pair of oppositely disposed shoulder portions at or adjacent said proximal end and adapted to connect said spring clip with a frame such that said spring clip has a predetermined range of movement relative said frame; and a biasing means for said body adapted to resiliently bias said spring clip towards a predetermined position in said range of movement, yet be movable against said bias within said range.

2. A spring clip according to claim 1, wherein said shoulder portions of said spring clip include two oppositely disposed outwardly directed flanges which provide cuffs at their respective peripheral edges to engage with said frame and allow slidable engagement of said spring clip within said frame.

3. A spring clip according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said biasing means extends from the proximal end to define a distal end of the body and includes at least one downwardly projecting spring leg abuttingly engageable with said frame.

4. A spring clip according to claim 3, wherein a downwardly projecting spring leg is mounted by one end to at least one of said shoulder portions and is abuttingly engageable at the other end with said frame.

A spring clip according to claim 3 including two spring legs centrally mounted between the shoulders and beneath the head portion and extending outwardly from the proximal end.

6. The spring clip according to claim 3, wherein the biasing means includes two spring legs oppositely disposed.

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7. The spring clip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spring clip is produced from an elongate extrusion.

8. A window and/or door assembly including: a panel assembly providing a pair of substantially complementary oppositely disposed and inwardly directed beads which grip peripheral edges of a panel and said beads providing an engagement formation about portions of the peripheral edges; a spring clip adapted to engage with said engagement formation at one end and engage with a frame of the window and/or door assembly at another end, thereby securing the panel assembly within the frame.

9. A window and/or door assembly according to claim 8, wherein said beads are prefabricated before engagement with said spring clip. A spring clip according to claim 9, wherein said spring clip provides a body including a biasing means at one end adapted to resiliently bias said spring clip outwardly of said frame and towards a predetermined position in a range of movements, and a head portion at the other end engageable with said engagement formation. 11. A spring clip according to claim 10, wherein the biasing means includes two spring legs centrally mounted between the shoulders and beneath the head portion and extending outwardly from the proximal end. 12. A spring clip according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said spring clip includes at least one downwardly projecting spring leg abuttingly engageable with said frame. 13. A spring clip according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein said frame provides a recess within which the said spring clip is engageable in use. 14. A spring clip according to claim 13, wherein the frame includes two spaced apart substantially parallel sides which include respective ribs, which are adapted to 300435348-1 engage with outer portions of said spring clip to restrict outward movement of said spring clip from said frame. The spring clip according to claim 14, wherein said ribs are provided as a pair, oppositely disposed and inwardly directed to restrict outward movement of said spring clip from said frame in use. 16. The spring clip according to claim 14, wherein said sides are maintained spaced apart by a transverse web in which said spring leg is abuttingly engageable. 17. The spring clip according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein said spring leg is abuttingly engageable with an optional adaptor lodged between said sides and resting against said web. 18. A window assembly including: a panel providing engaging formations at or adjacent the periphery of said panel; a spring clip adapted to engage with said engagement formations at one end and engageable with a frame at another end, thereby securing said panel assembly to said frame. 19. A window assembly according to claim 18, wherein the panel is transparent to provide a window within said frame. A window assembly according to claim 18, wherein said spring clip provides a body including a biasing means adapted to resiliently bias said spring clip outwardly of said frame and towards a predetermined position in a range of movements, and a head portion at the other end engageable with said engagement formations. 21. A window assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein said spring clip includes at least one downwardly projecting spring leg abuttingly engageable with said frame. 300435348-1 18 22. A window assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein said spring Sclip is provided as an extrusion extending the length of said frame. 23. A spring clip substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures. 24. A window and/or door assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures. C

10 Dated this 5th day of August 2005 ARCHITECTURAL PROFILES LIMITED By its Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK 300435348-1