Patent Publication Number: US-11643866-B1

Title: Retention clip assemblies, retention systems and methods

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/131,372 entitled RETENTION CLIP ASSEMBLIES, RETENTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS filed on Dec. 29, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Retention clip assemblies, retention systems, and methods of using the same are described herein. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Glass lites are commonly retained in window and door sash frames using glazing points on the exterior of the fenestration units or glass stops on the interior of the fenestration units. Variations in dimensions of the various components, along with the desire for sealing the fenestration units to limit or prevent the passage of water and/or air through the fenestration units presents a variety of challenges that are not fully met using current techniques of retaining glass lites in frame openings. 
     SUMMARY 
     Retention clip assemblies, retention systems, and methods of using the same are described herein. The retention clip assemblies, retention systems and methods described herein may be used to retain glass lites and, potentially, other panels, in frame openings provided in fenestration unit frames. 
     The retention clip assemblies used in the retention systems and methods described herein provide a variety of advantages over known techniques of retaining glass lites in frame openings. For example, as the weight of glass lites in fenestration units increases due to, e.g., increasing size of the glass lites to provide larger viewable openings and/or triple pane glass lites to improve energy efficiency, the need for increasing security in glass lite retention in those fenestration units has also increased. That increased security may be useful both during transportation of fenestration units to their ultimate location as well as in use to, for example, resist forces such as wind loads, etc. after installation of the fenestration units in a building or other structure. 
     In addition, glass retention in fenestration units can also be challenging because glass lites can vary in thickness, either intentionally (e.g., when selecting between a double pane or triple pane glass lite, when selecting between glass lites having varying glass thickness and/or varying dead space between panes, etc.) or as a result of manufacturing tolerances. The retention clip assemblies and retention systems described herein are particularly useful in adapting to variations in glass lite thickness, as well as providing for increased and consistent retention forces applied to the glass lites to retain them in fenestration unit frames. 
     Furthermore, in some instances, the retention clip assemblies and retention systems described herein may eliminate the need for flowable materials such as silicone or other similar materials to create seals and/or assist in retaining a glass lite in a fenestration unit frame. Those flowable materials may be difficult and costly to apply and, in some instances, may fail prematurely as a result of movement of a fenestration unit either during manufacturing, during transit, or during installation. 
     In one aspect, one or more embodiments of a glass lite retention system as described herein includes: a glass lite positioned in a frame opening, wherein each edge of the glass lite faces a frame member defining a portion of the frame opening; and a plurality of retention clip assemblies positioned around a perimeter of the glass lite. Each retention clip assembly comprises: a base member comprising a frame surface facing a frame member defining a portion of the frame opening, and a compression surface facing a major surface of the glass lite, wherein the compression surface is angled relative to the length of the frame member such that a first end of the compression surface is closer to the major surface of the glass lite than a second end of the compression surface; a spring member extending from the base member to a location between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member, the spring member being retained between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member; interlocking features on the frame surface of the base member and the frame member, wherein the interlocking features prevent movement of the base member in a direction transverse to a length of the frame member when the spring member is located between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member; and a wedge located between the compression surface and the major surface of the glass lite, wherein the wedge comprises a leading end and a trailing end, wherein a thickness of the wedge measured in a direction normal to the major surface of the glass lite increases when moving from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and wherein translation of the leading end of the wedge towards the first end of the compression surface in a compression direction aligned with the edge of the glass lite forces the wedge into contact with the major surface of the glass lite. 
     In one or more embodiments of a glass lite retention system as described herein, the interlocking features comprise a channel in the frame member and a raised fin extending from the frame surface of the base member, wherein the channel is configured to receive the fin when the spring member is located between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member. 
     In one or more embodiments of a glass lite retention system as described herein, the interlocking features comprise a channel on the frame surface of the base member and a ridge extending from the frame member towards the frame opening, wherein the channel is configured to receive the ridge in an interlocking relationship. In one or more embodiments, the frame surface of the base member comprises a plurality of channels arranged to change the position of the base member with respect to the glass lite when the ridge on the frame member is located in different channels of the plurality of channels. 
     In one or more embodiments of a glass lite retention system as described herein, the spring member is at least partially compressed between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member. 
     In one or more embodiments of a glass lite retention system as described herein, the wedge comprises a front surface and a back surface, wherein the front surface faces the major surface of the glass lite and the back surface faces the compression surface of the base member, wherein the thickness of the wedge is measured between the front surface and the back surface. In one or more embodiments, the back surface comprises a first plurality of ridges extending transverse to a wedge axis extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the wedge, and wherein the compression surface comprises a second plurality of ridges extending transverse to the wedge axis, wherein the first plurality of ridges and the second plurality of ridges interact to resist movement of the wedge in a direction towards the second end of the compression surface after the first plurality of ridges on the wedge engage the second plurality of ridges on the compression surface. 
     In one or more embodiments of a glass lite retention system as described herein, the compression surface comprises a bottom edge and a top edge, wherein the bottom edge is located between the top edge and the frame member, wherein the bottom edge extends between the first end and the second end of the compression surface and the top edge extends between the first end and the second end of the compression surface, and wherein the top edge is located closer to the major surface of the glass lite than the bottom edge such that the compression surface is angled relative to the major surface of the glass lite. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the wedge decreases when moving from the bottom edge to the top edge of the compression surface. In one or more embodiments, the wedge comprises a front surface and a back surface, wherein the front surface faces the major surface of the glass lite and the back surface faces the compression surface of the base member, wherein the thickness of the wedge is measured between the front surface and the back surface, and wherein the thickness of the wedge decreases when moving from the bottom edge to the top edge of the compression surface. 
     In one or more embodiments of a glass lite retention system as described herein, the glass lite retention system comprises a glass stop member comprising a glazing edge configured to abut the major surface of the glass lite above the wedge, and wherein the glass stop covers the base member located between the glass stop member and the frame member. In one or more embodiments, the base member comprises a glass stop channel and the glass stop member comprises a retention fin configured to interact with the glass stop channel to retain the glass stop member on the base member when the glazing edge of the glass stop member abuts the major surface of the glass lite above the wedge. In one or more embodiments, the base member comprises a glass stop member retainer and the glass stop member comprises a channel configured to receive the glass stop member retainer such that the glass stop member is retained on the base member when the glazing edge of the glass stop member abuts the major surface of the glass lite above the wedge. 
     In a second aspect, one or more embodiments of a method of retaining a glass lite in a frame opening of a frame as described herein includes locating a plurality of retention clip assemblies along a perimeter of a glass lite located in a frame opening of a frame. Locating each retention clip assembly of the plurality of retention clip assemblies comprises: locating a spring member of the retention clip assembly between an edge of the glass lite and a frame member forming a part of the frame, the spring member being retained between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member, wherein, when the spring member is located between the edge of the glass lite and a frame member, a frame surface of a base member of the retention clip assembly faces the frame member adjacent the spring member and a compression surface of the base member faces a major surface of the glass lite, wherein the compression surface is angled relative to the length of the frame member such that a first end of the compression surface is closer to the major surface of the glass lite than a second end of the compression surface. The method further comprises preventing movement of the base member of each retention clip assembly of the plurality of retention clip assemblies in a direction normal to the major surface of the glass lite when the spring member of each retention clip assembly is located between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member by aligning interlocking features on the frame surface of the base member and the frame member; and providing a retention force on the major surface of the glass lite to retain the glass lite in the frame opening using each retention clip assembly of the plurality of retention clip assemblies by, for each retention clip assembly of the plurality of retention clip assemblies, advancing a wedge between the compression surface and the major surface of the glass lite in a direction parallel to the major surface of the glass lite and aligned with the edge of the glass lite retaining the spring member, wherein the wedge is forced into contact with major surface of the glass lite to provide the retention force. 
     In one or more embodiments of the methods of retaining a glass lite in a frame opening of a frame as described herein, the wedge of each retention clip assembly of the plurality of retention clip assemblies comprises a leading end and a trailing end, wherein a thickness of the wedge measured in a direction normal to the major surface of the glass lite increases when moving from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and wherein advancing the wedge comprises advancing the leading end of the wedge towards the first end of the compression surface to force the wedge into contact with the major surface of the glass lite. 
     In one or more embodiments of the methods of retaining a glass lite in a frame opening of a frame as described herein, the interlocking features comprise a channel in the frame member and a raised fin extending from the frame surface of the base member, wherein aligning the interlocking features comprises locating the fin in the channel. 
     In one or more embodiments of the methods of retaining a glass lite in a frame opening of a frame as described herein, the interlocking features comprise a channel on the frame surface of the base member and a ridge extending from the frame member towards the frame opening, wherein aligning the interlocking features comprises locating the ridge in the channel. In one or more embodiments, the frame surface of the base member comprises a plurality of channels arranged to change the position of the base member with respect to the glass lite when the ridge on the frame member is located in different channels of the plurality of channels. 
     In one or more embodiments of the methods of retaining a glass lite in a frame opening of a frame as described herein, the spring member is at least partially compressed between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member. 
     In one or more embodiments of the methods of retaining a glass lite in a frame opening of a frame as described herein, the method comprises retaining the wedge in position relative to the compression surface after advancing the wedge between the compression surface and the major surface of the glass lite. In one or more embodiments, retaining the wedge in position comprises aligning interlocking ridges on each of the wedge and the compression surface. 
     In a third aspect, one or more embodiments of a glazing system as described herein includes: a glass lite positioned in a frame opening, wherein each edge of the glass lite faces a frame member defining a portion of the frame opening; and a plurality of retention clip assemblies positioned around a perimeter of the glass lite. Each retention clip assembly comprises: a base member comprising a frame surface facing a frame member defining a portion of the frame opening, and a compression surface facing a major surface of the glass lite, wherein the compression surface is angled relative to the length of the frame member such that a first end of the compression surface is closer to the major surface of the glass lite than a second end of the compression surface; a spring member extending from the base member to a location between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member, the spring member being retained between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member; means for preventing movement of the base member in a direction transverse to a length of the frame member when the spring member is located between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member; and a wedge located between the compression surface and the major surface of the glass lite, wherein the wedge comprises a leading end and a trailing end, wherein a thickness of the wedge measured in a direction normal to the major surface of the glass lite increases when moving from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and wherein translation of the leading end of the wedge towards the first end of the compression surface in a compression direction aligned with the edge of the glass lite forces the wedge into contact with the major surface of the glass lite. 
     In one or more embodiments of the glazing systems described herein, the means for preventing movement of the base member in a direction transverse to the length of the frame member comprises interlocking features on the frame surface of the base member and the frame member. In one or more embodiments, the interlocking features comprise a channel on the frame surface of the base member and a ridge extending from the frame member towards the frame opening, wherein the channel is configured to receive the ridge in an interlocking relationship. In one or more embodiments, the interlocking features comprise a channel in the frame member and a raised fin extending from the frame surface of the base member, wherein the channel is configured to receive the fin when the spring member is located between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member. 
     In one or more embodiments of the glazing systems described herein, the means for preventing movement of the base member in a direction transverse to the length of the frame member comprises a mechanical fastener extending through the frame surface of the base member and into the frame member. 
     In one or more embodiments of the glazing systems described herein, the means for preventing movement of the base member in a direction transverse to the length of the frame member comprises adhesive located between the frame surface of the base member and the frame member. 
     Where used herein, positional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc. are used for reference relative to each other when the retention clip assemblies and retention systems described herein are installed in a fenestration unit. These terms should not be construed narrowly and may, in actual use, be reversed. For example, a first component described as being above a second component may, in actual use, be located below the second component. 
     Where used herein, the terms “exterior” and “interior” are used only in a relative sense, for example, an exterior surface and an interior surface may be used to describe surfaces located on opposite sides of a fenestration unit. In actual use, and exterior surface could be found within the interior of a building or other structure where the surface would conventionally be defined as an interior surface, while an interior surface could be found outside of a building or other structure where the surface would conventionally be defined as an exterior surface. 
     As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a” or “the” component may include one or more of the components and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Further, the term “and/or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements. 
     It is noted that the term “comprises” and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the accompanying description. 
     Moreover, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably herein. 
     The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the retention clips, retention clip systems, and methods of using the same as described herein. Rather, a more complete understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following Description of Illustrative Embodiments and claims in view of the accompanying figures of the drawing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       Each of the figures described herein include axes corresponding to a three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system to facilitate an understanding of the illustrative embodiments of the invention depicted in the figures and described herein. 
         FIG.  1    is a plan view of one illustrative embodiment of a fenestration unit frame including a glass lite retained by a plurality of retention clip assemblies as described herein. 
         FIG.  2    is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one illustrative embodiment of a retention clip assembly retaining the glass lite of  FIG.  1    in the frame of  FIG.  1    after positioning of a glass stop on the frame member over the retention clip assembly (the glass stop not being depicted in  FIG.  1   ), the cross-sectional view being taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a plan view of the retention clip assembly of  FIG.  2    removed from the fenestration unit frame opening of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a plan view of the base member and spring member of the retention clip assembly of  FIG.  3    after removal of the wedge seen in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the base member and spring member of the retention clip assembly of  FIGS.  2 - 4   , with the wedge removed from contact with the base member of the retention clip assembly. 
         FIG.  6    is a plan view of the wedge of the retention clip assembly depicted in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic diagram depicting one illustrative embodiment of a plurality of ridges used to secure a wedge in position on a base member of a retention clip assembly as described herein. 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic diagram depicting one set of the plurality of ridges depicted in  FIG.  7   , the view being taken along the Y axis. 
         FIG.  9    is an enlarged partial view of a portion of the retention clip assembly of  FIG.  2    depicting one illustrative embodiment of interlocking features on the base member and the frame member as described herein. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic diagram depicting the ridge on the frame surface as viewed along the Z axis. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic diagram depicting a pair of channels on the frame surface of a base member of one illustrative embodiment of a retention clip assembly as described herein. 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of a retention clip assembly retaining a glass lite in a frame opening. 
         FIG.  13    is a plan view of the frame surface of the base member of the retention clip assembly of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of a retention clip assembly retaining a glass lite in a frame opening. 
         FIG.  15    depicts the base member and spring member of the retention clip assembly of  FIG.  14    removed from contact with a portion of the frame member as depicted in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of a retention clip assembly retaining a glass lite in a frame opening. 
         FIG.  17    is a plan view of the base member and spring member of the retention clip assembly of  FIG.  16    taken along the Z axis. 
         FIG.  18    is a side view of the base member and spring member of the retention clip assembly of  FIG.  16    taken along the X axis. 
         FIG.  19    is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of a retention clip assembly retaining a glass lite in a frame opening, with the glass stop removed from its position over the base member of the retention clip assembly. 
         FIG.  20    is a schematic diagram of another illustrative embodiment of a glass stop removed from a frame member on which a set of retention clip assemblies are positioned to retain a glass lite in position as described herein. 
         FIG.  21    is a schematic diagram of the components depicted in  FIG.  20    after the glass stop is positioned over the retention clip assemblies and against the glass lite as described herein. 
         FIG.  22    is a plan view of another illustrative embodiment of a fenestration unit frame including a glass lite retained by a plurality of retention clip assemblies as described herein after positioning of glass stops over the retention clip assemblies on the frame members defining the frame opening in which the glass lite is located. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     One illustrative embodiment of a glass lite retention system  100  is depicted in  FIG.  1   . The glass lite retention system includes a glass lite  104  located within a frame opening defined by frame members  102  surrounding the frame opening and the glass lite  104  located therein. The glass lite  104  includes a major surface  105  located in the XZ plane, with the major surface  105  being defined by edges  106  of glass lite  104 . Each of frame members  102  includes a frame member surface  103  facing the edges  106  of the glass lite  104 . 
     The glass lite  104  is positioned within the frame opening defined by frame members  102  using spacer blocks  107  located about the perimeter of the glass lite  104  as defined by the edges  106  of the glass lite  104 . Typically, spacer blocks  107  will both fix the position of the glass lite  104  in the frame opening defined by the frame member surfaces  103  of the frame members  102  and, where needed, also support the glass lite  104  in the frame depending on the orientation of the system  100 . 
     In addition to spacer blocks  107 , retention clip assemblies  10  are also positioned about the perimeter of the glass lite  104 , with the retention clip assemblies being spaced apart around the glass lite  104  to retain the glass lite in the frame defined by frame members  102 . The depicted number and/or arrangement of spacer blocks  107  and/or retention clip assemblies  10  is illustrative in nature only and, depending on the size of the frame and glass lite, the weight of the glass lite, and any expected forces to be applied to the glass lite, the number of spacer blocks  107  and/or retention clip assemblies  10  may be increased or decreased. 
     A cross-sectional view of the illustrative embodiment of one of the retention clip assemblies  10  seen in  FIG.  1    is depicted in  FIG.  2    which is taken along section line  2 - 2  in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  2    does include a glass stop member  40  that is not depicted in  FIG.  1    to allow for viewing of the spacer blocks  107  and retention clip assemblies  10  positioned around the perimeter of the glass lite  104 . 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of frame member  102  includes a frame member surface  103  facing the edge  106  of the glass lite  104 . Glass lite  104  also includes a major surface  105  against which the retention clip assembly  10  acts to retain the glass lite  104  in the frame opening as described herein. In particular, the retention clip assembly  10  (which is described in more detail below) acts on the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104  to force the glass lite  104  against seal  101  located opposite the glass stop member  40 . In other words, the retention clip assembly  10  provides a force along the Y axis in the direction of the seal  101  to retain glass lite  104  in position in the frame opening. 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of the retention clip assembly  10  includes, with reference to  FIGS.  3 - 11    depicting various features of the retention clip assembly  10 , a base member  12  and a spring member  14 . When positioned in the frame opening on frame member  102 , the spring member  14  of the retention clip assembly  10  is located between the edge  106  of glass lite  104  and the frame member surface  103  to retain the retention clip assembly  10  in position. The depicted embodiment of spring member  14  includes a pair of arms  15 , although any suitable form for spring member that provides for retention of the spring member  14  between the edge  106  of the glass lite  104  and the frame member surface  103  of frame member  102  would be acceptable. In one or more embodiments, the spring member may be at least partially compressed between the edge  106  of the glass lite  104  and the frame member surface  103 . That compression may, for example, provide friction to assist in retaining the retention clip assembly  10  in place during assembly of the glass lite  104  in the frame opening. 
     Although the base member  12  and spring member  14  of the retention clip assembly  10  are depicted as one-piece, unitary items, it should be understood that they could be manufactured separately and attached to each other as needed to perform their respective functions. 
     The retention clip assembly  10  also includes a base member  12  that includes a frame surface  20  which faces the frame member surface  103  of frame member  102  when the retention clip assembly  10  is properly located as seen in, e.g.,  FIG.  2   . The base member  12  also includes a compression surface  16  facing the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104 . As depicted in, e.g.,  FIGS.  3 - 4   , the compression surface  16  is angled relative to the length of the frame member  102  (where the length of the frame member extends along the X axis). As a result, the angled compression surface  16  includes a first end  16 - 1  that is closer to the major surface  105  of glass lite  104  than a second end  16 - 2  of the compression surface  16 . 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  10  also includes interlocking features on the frame surface  20  of the base member  12  and the frame member surface  103  of the frame member  102 . The interlocking features are provided to prevent movement of the base member  12  (and, therefore, the retention clip assembly  10  as a whole) in a direction transverse to a length of the frame member  102  when the spring member  14  is located between the edge  106  of the glass lite  104  and the frame member surface  103  of the frame member  102 . As noted herein, the length of the frame member  102  is, in the views depicted in  FIGS.  2 - 5    along the X axis. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2 ,  5 , and  9 - 11   , the depicted illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  10  includes interlocking features in the form of one or more channels  22  on the frame surface  20  of the base member  12  and a ridge  108  extending upwards from the frame member  102  towards the frame opening in which glass lite  104  is located. The channels  22  are each configured to receive the ridge  108  in an interlocking relationship which, with reference to  FIG.  9   , restricts or prevents movement of the base member  12  of the retention clip assembly  10  from moving in the Y direction away from the glass lite  104 . Providing two or more channels  22  on the frame surface  20  of the base member  12  of the retention clip assembly  10  allows for changing positions of the base member  12  with respect to the glass lite  104  to assist with proper operation of the retention clip assembly  10  as described herein. 
     With the spring member  14  and base member  12  of the retention clip assembly  10  positioned as seen in, e.g.,  FIG.  2   , the wedge  30  of the retention clip assembly  10  can be moved into position to provide the retention forces on the glass lite  104  as described herein. The wedge  30  is seen in position between the compression surface  16  of the base member  12  and the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104  in  FIG.  2   . With reference to  FIG.  3   , the wedge  30  is depicted in position against the compression surface  16  in the absence of the glass lite  104 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  6   , where the wedge  30  is depicted alone, the wedge  30  includes a leading end  32  and a trailing end  34 . The wedge  30  includes a thickness measured in a direction normal to the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104 . In terms of the Cartesian coordinate system provided in the FIGS., the thickness of the wedge is measured along the Y axis while the leading end  32  and the trailing end  34  of the wedge  30  are positioned along the X axis. The thickness of the wedge  30  increases when moving from the leading edge  32  to the trailing edge  34 . As a result, translation or sliding of the leading end  32  of the wedge  30  towards the first end  16 - 1  of the compression surface  16  in a compression direction aligned with the edge  106  of the glass lite  104  forces the wedge  30  into contact with the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104  along a direction transverse to the compression direction, i.e., along the Y axis in the depicted illustrative embodiment. 
     In the illustrative embodiment of wedge  30 , a back surface  36  faces the compression surface  16  of the base member  12  of the retention clip assembly while a front surface  38  faces the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104 . The thickness of the wedge  30  is, therefore, measured between the front surface  38  and the back surface  36  which are spaced apart from each other along the Y axis. 
     The orientation or angle of the compression surface  16  on the base member  12  of the retention clip assembly  10  is selected along with the angle formed by the back surface  36  and the front surface  38  of the wedge  30  such that the front surface  38  of the wedge  30  is oriented generally parallel to the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104  to distribute the force applied on the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104  over substantially the entire front surface  38  of the wedge  30  as the wedge  30  is advanced in the compression direction (i.e., the X axis) as described herein. 
     While movement of the wedge  30  along the compression direction as described herein provides a force on the major surface  105  of the glass lite  1042  retained the glass lite  104  in the frame opening, the wedge  30  may, in one or more embodiments, include features configured to retain the wedge  30  in a selected position relative to the compression surface  16  of the base member  12  of the retention clip assembly  10  so that the force generated by movement of the wedge  30  along the compression direction is maintained. In the depicted illustrative embodiment, the back surface  36  of the wedge  30  may include ridges that extend in a direction transverse to a wedge axis defined between the leading edge  32  and the trailing edge  34  of the wedge  30 . In other words, in the view of wedge  30  as seen in  FIG.  6   , the ridges would extend into the page or along the Z axis on back surface  36 . 
     The compression surface  16  on the base member  12  retention clip assembly  10  may include complementary set of ridges that also extend along the Z axis, with the ridges on the back surface  36  and compression surface  16  interacting to resist movement of the wedge  30  in a direction towards the second end  16 - 2  of the compression surface  16  after the ridges on the back surface  36  of the wedge  30  engage the ridges on the compression surface  16 . 
     Complementary sets of ridges  116  and  136  are depicted in each of  FIGS.  7 - 8    with  FIG.  7    providing a view along the Z axis and  FIG.  8    depicting the opposing sets of ridges  116  and  136  also depicted in  FIG.  8   . The opposing sets of ridges  116  at  136  nested within each other at discrete locations as the wedge on which they are located moves in the compression direction as described herein. 
     Although complementary sets of ridges may be used to prevent the wedge of a retention clip assembly as described herein from backing out (i.e., moving in a direction opposite the compression direction) or releasing any force applied to a glass lite by the wedge, many other structures and/or materials could be used in place of complementary ridges on compression surface  16  on the base member  12  and the back surface  36  on the wedge  30 . In one alternative embodiment, complementary sets of ridges could be provided on the bottom surface of the wedge  30  (i.e., the surface of the wedge  30  facing the frame member surface  103  of frame member  102 ) and the surface of the base member  14  facing the bottom of the wedge. Other alternative structures and/or materials may include, but are not limited to, adhesives, high friction surfaces, mechanical fasteners driven into the wedge and/or behind the wedge when the wedge is in the desired position relative to the compression surface, thermal and/or chemical welding of the wedge in position on the base member (using, e.g., a hot knife penetrating into the wedge and base member, ultrasonic welding, etc. for thermal welding). 
     Although the front surface  38  of the wedge  30  of the illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  10  is parallel with the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104 , the back surface  36  of the wedge  30  of one or more embodiments of a retention clip assembly  10  as described herein may be angled relative to the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104 . This feature can be seen in, for example,  FIGS.  2 ,  5  and  9    where the back surface  36  of the wedge  30  is not aligned with the Z axis and the compression surface  16  of the retention clip assembly  10  is also not aligned with the Z axis. That canting or angling of the back surface  36  and compression surface  16  may assist in preventing unwanted movement of the wedge  30  along the Z axis as the wedge  30  is advanced in the compression direction. 
     In one or more embodiments, the compression surface  16  may be described as having a top edge  16 - 3  and a bottom edge  16 - 4  (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  5  and  9   ). The bottom edge  16 - 4  of the compression surface may be described as being located between the top edge  16 - 3  of the compression surface  16  and the frame member  102  when the retention clip assembly  10  is in its proper position. In one or more embodiments, the top edge  16 - 3  of the compression surface  16  is located closer to the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104  than the bottom edge  16 - 4  of the compression surface such that the compression surface is angled or canted relative to the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104 . 
     To match the canted or angled compression surface  16 , the back surface  36  of the wedge  30  may also be canted or angled such that the thickness of the wedge  30  may be described as decreasing when moving from the bottom edge  16 - 4  of the compression surface  16  to the top edge  16 - 3  of the compression surface  16  when the wedge  30  is in position relative to the compression surface  16 . Because the back surface  36  of the wedge  30  follows or matches the angle of the compression surface  16 , the thickness of the wedge  30  measured between the front surface  38  and the back surface  36  (i.e., along the Y axis) may be described as decreasing when moving from the bottom edge  16 - 4  to the top edge  16 - 3  of the compression surface  16  (i.e., generally along the Z axis). 
     Another feature that may form a part of one or more embodiments of the glass lite retention systems described herein is a glass stop member  40  that, in one or more embodiments, is configured to about the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104  above the wedge  30  of the retention clip assembly  10  as seen in  FIG.  2   . Although depicted only above a single retention clip assembly  10 , the glass stop member  40  may preferably extend along the entire length of the frame member  102  so that the glass stop member  40  is positioned above and conceals each of the retention clip assemblies  10  located along frame member  102 . 
     In the depicted illustrative embodiment, glass stop member  40  includes a glazing edge  44  which abuts the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104 . In one or more embodiments, the glazing edge  44  may be in the form of a gasket that is configured to form a seal against the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104  to limit or prevent the passage of water, air, etc. past the seal. 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of glass stop member  40  also includes a retention fin  42  configured to interact with a glass stop channel  19  provided on the base member  12  of the retention clip assembly  10 . Interaction of the retention fin  42  with the glass stop channel  19  may, in one or more embodiments, force the glazing edge  44  into contact with the major surface  105  of the glass lite  104  to assist in formation of the seal between glazing edge  44  and major surface  105  of the glass lite  104 . 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of glass stop member  40  also interacts with a feature  17  on the frame member  102  to further assist in retention of the glass stop member  40  in position over the retention clip assemblies  10 . 
     A cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of a retention clip assembly  210  that may be used to retain a glass lite  204  on a frame member  202  is depicted in  FIG.  12   . In many respects the retention clip assembly  210  and frame member  202  are similar to those depicted in  FIG.  2   . For example, frame member  202  includes a frame member surface  203  facing the edge  206  of the glass lite  204 . Frame member  202  also carries a gasket  201  on one side of the glass lite  204  with the retention clip assembly acting on the opposite side, i.e., major surface  205 , of glass lite  204 . 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  210  includes a wedge  230  that interacts with the base member  212  of the retention clip assembly  210  in the same manner as described above in connection with retention clip assembly  10 . In the depicted embodiment, the base member  212  includes a compression surface  216  against which a back surface  236  of wedge  230  acts to provide a compression force using wedge  230  on the major surface  205  of glass lite  204 . 
     A spring member  214  is attached to the base member  212  of the retention clip assembly  210  as discussed above in connection with retention clip assembly  10 . When positioned in the frame opening on frame member  202 , the spring member  214  of the retention clip assembly  210  is located between the edge  206  of the glass lite  204  and the frame member surface  203  of frame  202 . In one or more embodiments, the spring member  214  may be at least partially compressed between the edge  206  of the glass lite  204  and the frame member surface  203  to, for example, provide friction to assist in retaining the retention clip assembly  210  in place during assembly of the glass lite  204  in the frame opening defined by frame member  202 . 
     The illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  210  also includes a frame surface  220  on base member  212 , with the frame surface  220  facing the frame member surface  203  of the frame member  202  when the retention clip assembly  210  is properly located relative to the frame member  202  and the glass lite  204  as seen in, e.g.,  FIG.  12   . 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  210  also includes interlocking features on the frame surface  220  of the base member  212  and the frame member surface  203  of the frame member  202 . The interlocking features are provided to prevent movement of the base member  212  (and, therefore, the retention clip assembly  210  as a whole) in a direction transverse to a length of the frame member  102  (i.e., along the Y axis where the frame member extends along the X axis) when the spring member  214  is located between the edge  206  of the glass lite  204  and the frame member surface  203  of the frame member  202 . 
     In  FIG.  12   , the depicted illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  210  includes interlocking features in the form of a channel  208  in the frame member  202  with the channel  208  extending away from the frame member surface  203  and the retention clip assembly  210  (i.e., along the Z axis) and a raised fin  222  extending away from the frame surface  220  of the base member  212  of the retention clip assembly  210 . The raised fin  222  is seen in a plan view of the frame surface  220  of the retention clip assembly  210  in  FIG.  13   . Although depicted as a single unitary fin  222 , one or more alternative embodiments of retention clip assembly  210  may include a series of posts or other projections configured to fit within channel  208  in frame member  202 . 
     The fin  222  extends into channel  208  to restrict or prevent movement of the base member  212  of the retention clip assembly  210  from moving in the Y direction away from the glass lite  204 . Although not depicted, alternative embodiments of frame member  202  may include two or more channels to allow for adjustment of the position of the retention clip assembly  210  along the Y axis. In yet another alternative, two or more fins  222  may extend downward from the frame surface  220  of base member  212  of retention clip assembly  210  to provide adjustment along the Y axis by removing fins that are not needed to interact with the frame member  202  prevent movement along the Y axis. 
     Other differences in the glass lite retention system depicted in  FIG.  12    from that depicted in  FIG.  2    include the use of wood or other composite materials to form glass stop member  240  which also includes a glazing edge  244  configured to act against major surface  205  of glass lite  204  to provide a seal at that location as described herein. 
     A cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of a retention clip assembly  310  that may be used to retain a glass lite  304  on a frame member  302  is depicted in  FIG.  14   . In many respects, the retention clip assembly  310  and frame member  302  are similar to those depicted in  FIGS.  2  and  12   . For example, frame member  302  includes a frame member surface  303  facing the edge  306  of the glass lite  304 . Frame member  302  also carries a gasket  301  on one side of the glass lite  304  with the retention clip assembly acting on the opposite side, i.e., major surface  305 , of glass lite  304 . 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  310  also includes a wedge  330  that interacts with the base member  312  of the retention clip assembly  310  in the same manner as described above in connection with retention clip assemblies  10  and  210 . In the depicted embodiment, the base member  312  includes a compression surface  316  against which a back surface  336  of wedge  330  acts to provide a compression force using wedge  330  on the major surface  305  of glass lite  304 . 
     A spring member  314  is attached to the base member  312  of the retention clip assembly  310 . When positioned in the frame opening on frame member  302 , the spring member  314  of the retention clip assembly  310  is located between the edge  306  of the glass lite  304  and the frame member surface  303  of frame  302 . In one or more embodiments, the spring member  314  may be compressed between the edge  306  of the glass lite  304  and the frame member surface  203  to provide friction to assist in retaining the retention clip assembly  310  in place during assembly of the glass lite  304  in the frame opening defined by frame member  302 . 
     The illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  310  also includes a frame surface  320  on base member  312 , with the frame surface  320  facing the frame member surface  303  of the frame member  302  when the retention clip assembly  310  is properly located relative to the frame member  302  and the glass lite  304  as seen in  FIG.  14   . 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  310  also includes interlocking features on the frame surface  320  of the base member  312  and the frame member surface  303  of the frame member  302 . The interlocking features are provided to limit or prevent movement of the base member  312  (and, therefore, the retention clip assembly  310  as a whole) in a direction transverse to a length of the frame member  302  (i.e., along the Y axis where the frame member extends along the X axis) when the spring member  314  is located between the edge  306  of the glass lite  304  and the frame member surface  303  of the frame member  302 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  14 - 15   , the illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  310  includes interlocking features in the form of teeth, ridges, or other structural features protruding from interlocking features  322  on the frame surface  320  of retention clip assembly  310  as well as similar interlocking features  308  protruding from the frame member surface  303 , with the interlocking features  322  on the frame surface  320  cooperating with interlocking features  308  on the frame member surface  303  to limit or prevent movement of the base member  312  as described herein. 
     The interlocking features used to prevent movement of the base member of a retention clip assembly away from the major surface of a glass lite may be more broadly described as a means for preventing movement of the base member in a direction transverse to a length of the frame member when the spring member is located between the edge of the glass lite and the frame member, wherein the means for preventing movement may include interlocking features such as the channels and ridges, fins and channels, and teeth/ridges, or other structural features protruding from the frame surface of a base member and the frame member surface. In addition, the means for preventing movement may, in one or more embodiments, also include mechanical fasteners used to fix the position of the base member relative to the frame member, and adhesives provided on one or both of the frame member surface of a base member and the frame member surface against which the base member sits (where the adhesive may be in the form of a layer of adhesive, and adhesive tape, etc.). Moreover, the means for preventing movement may include one or more of the features described herein, e.g., the interlocking features such as structural features protruding from one or both of the frame surface and the frame member surface in combination with one or more adhesives, etc. 
     A cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of a retention clip assembly  410  that may be used to retain a glass lite  404  on a frame member  402  is depicted in  FIGS.  16 - 18   . In many respects, the retention clip assembly  410  and the frame member  402  are similar to those depicted in  FIG.  2   . For example, frame member  402  includes a frame member surface  403  facing the edge  406  of the glass lite  404 . Frame member  402  also carries a gasket  401  on one side of the glass lite  404 , with the retention clip assembly  410  acting on the opposite side, i.e., major surface  405 , of glass lite  404 . 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  410  includes a wedge  430  that interacts with the base member  412  of the retention clip assembly  410  in the same manner as described above in connection with other embodiments of retention clip assemblies described herein. A spring member  414  is also attached to the base member  412  of the retention clip assembly  410 . When positioned in the frame opening on frame member  402 , the spring member  414  of the retention clip assembly  410  is located between the edge  406  of the glass lite  404  and the frame member surface  403  of frame  402 . 
     In place of interlocking features used to prevent movement of the base member  412  (and, therefore, the retention clip assembly  410  as a whole) in a direction transverse to a length of the frame member  402  (i.e., along the Y axis where the frame member extends along the X axis), the depicted illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  410  includes a mechanical fastener  424  extending through a bore  425  in the base member  412  of the retention clip assembly  410 , with the mechanical fastener  424  extending into the frame member  402  as seen in, e.g.,  FIG.  16   . Although the depicted embodiment of mechanical fastener  424  has the appearance of a nail or pin, any suitable mechanical fastener could be used such as, but not limited to, nails, pins, rivets, staples, threaded fasteners, etc. Further, although a bore  425  may be provided in the retention clip assembly to allow for passage of the mechanical fastener, one or more embodiments of mechanical fasteners may be driven through the base member  412  in the absence of a predefined bore  425 . 
     A cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of a retention clip assembly  510  that may be used to retain a glass lite  504  on a frame member  502  is depicted in  FIG.  19   . In many respects, the retention clip assembly  510  and the frame member  502  are similar to those depicted in, e.g.,  FIG.  12   . For example, frame member  502  includes a frame member surface  503  facing the edge  506  of the glass lite  504 . Frame member  502  also carries a gasket  501  on one side of the glass lite  504 , with the retention clip assembly  510  acting on the opposite side, i.e., major surface  505 , of glass lite  504 . 
     The depicted illustrative embodiment of retention clip assembly  510  includes a wedge  530  that interacts with the base member  512  of the retention clip assembly  510  in the same manner as described above in connection with other embodiments of retention clip assemblies described herein. A spring member  514  is also attached to the base member  512  of the retention clip assembly  510 . When positioned in the frame opening on frame member  502 , the spring member  514  of the retention clip assembly  510  is located between the edge  506  of the glass lite  504  and the frame member surface  503  of frame  502 . 
     The illustrative embodiment of the glass lite retention system depicted in  FIG.  19    includes a glass stop member  540  similar in many respects to glass stop member  240  depicted in  FIG.  12   . For example, glass stop member  540  includes a glazing edge  544  configured to act against major surface  505  of glass lite  504  as discussed herein. 
     One difference, however, is that glass stop member  540  includes a channel  546  that is configured to receive a glass stop member retainer  545  on retaining clip assembly  510 . In particular, the channel  546  is configured to receive the glass stop member retainer  545  such that the glass stop member  540  is retained on the base member of the retention clip assembly  510  when the glazing edge  544  of the glass stop member  540  abuts the major surface  505  of the glass lite  504  above the wedge  530  of the retention clip assembly  510 . The channel in glass stop member  540  and retainer on base member  512  of retention clip assembly  510  represent only one example of a variety of structures that could be used to retain the glass stop member  540  in position over the retention clip assembly  510 . 
       FIGS.  20  and  21    illustrate the positioning of a glass stop member  640  over a set of retention clip assemblies  610  located on a frame member surface  603  of a frame member  602  defining a portion of a frame opening in which glass lite  604  is located. The frame member surface  603  includes an interlocking feature  608  (e.g., a ridge, channel, etc.) extending along its length, with the interlocking feature  608  interacting with interlocking features on the retention clip assemblies  610  to prevent movement of the retention clip assembly  610  away from the glass lite  604  along the Y axis as described herein. Retention clip assemblies  610  act on the major surface  605  of the glass lite  604  to force the glass lite  604  against a gasket  601  located opposite from the retaining clip assemblies  610  as described herein in connection with various other illustrative embodiments. Glass stop member  640  includes a glazing edge  644  configured to act on the major surface  605  of the glass lite  604  when the glass stop member  640  is positioned over the frame member surface  603  and retention clip assembly  610  as depicted in  FIG.  21   , with the glass stop member  640  being depicted separately from the frame member  602  in  FIG.  20   . 
       FIG.  22    depicts a fenestration unit frame formed by frame members  602  and defining a frame opening in which a glass lite  604  is located with a major surface  605  facing the viewer in  FIG.  22   . Also depicted in  FIG.  22    are glass stop members  640  positioned along each of the frame members  602  such that the retention clip assemblies holding the glass lite  604  in position in the frame opening are covered by the glass stop members  640  to provide a finished appearance as well as protection of the retention clip assemblies. 
     The various components used in the retention clip assemblies, i.e., the base member, spring member, wedge, etc. may be constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials including polymers, metals, composites, wood, ceramic, etc. The particular materials used need only perform the functions of the various components as described herein and suitable choices for the materials will be known to those of skill in the art. 
     The complete disclosure of the patents, patent documents, and publications identified herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated. To the extent there is a conflict or discrepancy between this document and the disclosure in any such incorporated document, this document will control. 
     Illustrative embodiments of retention clip assemblies, retention clip systems, and methods of using the same are discussed herein with some possible variations described. These and other variations and modifications in the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, and it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the claims provided below and equivalents thereof. It should also be understood that this invention also may be suitably practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed as necessary herein.