Patent ID: 7757365
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: E06B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for securing a frame assembly, comprising: providing a frame assembly comprising: first and second frame halves, each including an inner frame portion, an outer frame portion, an axially projecting attachment rib axially aligned with the attachment rib of the other frame half and terminating axially in a free edge remote from said inner and outer frame portions, and a plurality of spaced locking ribs, each said locking rib extending longitudinally along a portion of the attachment rib of the first frame half, substantially in parallel to said free edge of said attachment rib and remote from said inner and outer frame portions thereof; forming a clip structure separately from said frame halves by stamping and forming a metal plate so that said clip has first and second axially open U-shaped receptacles for axially receiving respectively said attachment rib of said first frame half and said attachment rib of said second frame half; securing said clip structure to the second frame half so that it projects axially from the attachment rib of the second frame half; and securing said frame halves together in axially opposed, facing relation with said clip, wherein said clip engages one of said locking ribs of the first frame half when said attachment rib of said first frame half is received in said first receptacle of said clip, wherein said clip includes at least one locking tab for lockingly engaging said locking rib, and wherein each of said U-shaped receptacles comprises first and second legs, said first leg comprising a frame of material surrounding an opening and said second leg being laterally offset by a base segment from and disposed in opposed facing relation to said opening, and wherein said at least one locking tab projects from said second leg towards said opening in said first leg.