Abstract:
A device is provided to improve the installation of a window frame within a window opening comprising a clip, a track, a base plate, and an elevator attachment. The device of the invention and the method of utilizing the device improve the efficiency and effectiveness of current installation methods by providing rapid installation of a frame that is centered and true and additionally vertically adjustable via an elevator attachment.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present inventive concept provides a window frame clip for assisting the installation of windows in a building, and a method for installing the window frame clip into a track. The clip and track reduce the amount of skilled labor required to correctly install window framing and for window glass installation. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present inventive concept relates to a device and method to install windows in the wall of a building. For large windows, the frame is typically prefabricated at another location and erected and attached to the structure onsite. The metal forming the frames can be extruded in mass quantities, creating numerous frame pieces at one time, reducing the manufacturing costs. Installation is performed at the job site where a sill is installed in the interior of the rough window opening and then the frame pieces are installed to meet the sill and the rough window opening. After the frame is attached to the building in the rough opening, the glass is inserted and sealed in place. 
         [0003]    The existing method of window installation requires extensive skilled labor to install prefabricated frame pieces into existing window openings. Typically, a new building will have rough openings that are constructed to receive a window installation. These rough openings are made of building materials and have some deviation as to the dimensions. When replacement windows are installed, the window, sill, frame and glass are removed and replaced. In typical commercial buildings, in each window opening, a sub sill is installed at the bottom of the rough opening. Shims are used to level the sub sill and compensate for any unevenness in the rough opening bottom. The window frame is installed in the rough opening, and again, shims are used to compensate for any unevenness in the top of the rough window opening. The window frame must be vertically aligned to be positioned directly above the sub sill. Extensive time and labor is required to ensure that the window frame is true and square prior to installation of the window glass. After installing the frame in the rough opening and ensuring that it is true and square, the glass is installed into the frame. The glass is typically retained within the frame with the use of a waterproof gasket through friction fit. The frame must be level and plumb to the building or the glass cannot be inserted properly. 
         [0004]    Typical installation process includes a frame that is placed on the sub sill and then wedged into position with shims so it does not fall out of the opening. In the installation of multiple adjacent windows, any adjacent window frames are installed next to the previous frame until all the frames are in position and locked together with fasteners. Then the window frames can be plumbed left to right and in and out of the building&#39;s rough opening. The connection between the frame and the building is typically conducted with standard fasteners such as screws. After the frame is in place in the correct position it can be fastened to the building with the proper fastener for the building material. If hard building materials are used such as concrete or steel, drilling through the top of the window frame is required. The material of the building structure can complicate the installation process. Hard structural materials require a large amount of force to penetrate with a fastener such as a screw or nail. This forceful penetration causes problems including causing the frame to move out of alignment. Further, use of a drill can cause debris from the window frame or building material to be created that then falls into the window glass pocket that will need to be cleaned out before glass is installed, prolonging the installation. In addition to the cleanup of the debris from the window frame, the forceful attachment of the window frame to the building can cause the frame pieces to shift as they are merely held in by shims and friction fit prior to the attachment. Thus, care and attention is required and owing to the size of the frame pieces that must be attached and the hardness of the material it is being attached to, attaching the window frame to the building requires extensive onsite effort. To ensure the track is installed correctly and that precision placement of the frame can occur, significant skilled labor is required during the installation. 
         [0005]    Typical installation tolerances are plus or minus one quarter of an inch. The use of shims is common to adjust the vertical position of the window frame, relative to the sub sill. A laser or other leveling instruments are used to indicate true vertical from the sub sill and ensure that the window frame is plumb and centered in the rough opening. Variations in the rough opening are typically addressed by the use of additional shims. It is the transition from shims to permanent attachment of the window frame to the building structure that is time consuming and unreliable. This is a contribution to the cost of the installation. 
         [0006]    The use of ad hoc adjustments requires additional skill and time, and can provide a less aesthetically pleasing finished window if not accomplished within fine tolerances. If leveling is not achieved, the window as visible from the exterior and interior of the building will not appear aesthetically pleasing and may not match the other windows of the building. Additionally, the position of the window too far into the building or too far out of the building window opening will not appear plumb and the surface of the window will not appear to be true vertical. Variations in the dimensions of the window installation may lead to water leakage and associated water damage. 
         [0007]    Several attempts have been made to simplify the frame attachment and window installation process, but none have been successful in reducing the amount of time and skill necessary for the job to be completed properly. Specifically, the Kirk, et al. patent application (2007/0,144,106) discloses the use of a window frame clip that provides tabs to properly align a window frame. However, this clip piece does not allow the user to adjust the level of the frame in relation to the building. It merely provides a quick attachment of the window to the sill—at whatever height the sill occupies. It is not adjustable nor does it provide a height adjustment. It does not provide a centering function to ensure that the window is plumb relative to the sill. The use of the Kirk device does not increase the available tolerance on a track installation. The Kirk device does not reduce the requirement of skilled workers to install the window frame properly. 
         [0008]    What is needed is an apparatus and a method for using such an apparatus that simplifies the installation of windows into a building and reduces the time and labor required to level and plumb a window installation. The apparatus should be simple to operate and attach the frame in the correct position for a glass panel to be inserted. The apparatus should reduce the amount of skilled labor needed to install a window properly. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is an aspect of the present inventive concept to provide for an improvement in window installation. 
         [0010]    The above aspect can be obtained by a device for attaching a window frame to a window opening, comprising a window frame having an opening, a clip having a threaded opening, the clip positioned adjacent to the window frame; and an elevator attachment positioned through the window frame opening that threadedly engages the threaded opening, wherein the elevator attachment is configured to adjust a distance between the clip and the window frame by turning the elevator attachment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Further features and advantages of the present device, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present device, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a clip, according to an embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a clip, frame, and elevator attachment according to an embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a base plate, according to an embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an angled clip, according to an embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a guide post, according to an embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a guide post, according to an embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of an assembly, according to an embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded view of an assembly, inverted from  FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of an assembly, according to an embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a frame and track, according to an embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a side view of an angled clip positioned within a track attached to a structure, according to an embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the angled track and building, according to an embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a threaded insert, according to an embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a window frame comprising a thermal break and an offset base plate, according to an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. 
         [0027]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. It is known to install a window frame in a rough window opening in a building or other structure. The window frame is constructed to receive a window pane of glass or other transparent or translucent material. The inventive concept relates to an improved device and method of adjustably attaching a window frame to a track using a clip. One existing method is to use a drill and a screw to attach the frame to the building. Existing window installations are primarily made of extruded aluminum. Modern high rise buildings have exteriors that are mostly glass panels. In some construction, the exterior of the building is a sequence of windows. Extruded aluminum can be fabricated in sections with each section preferably being sized to fit the window opening. Window dimensions can range from several inches to in height and width to ten feet or more in height and width. Window size is limited by the material strength and expected stresses including wind force. Indoor window panels are subject to less force than outdoor panels or exterior windows. Tracks made of aluminum are light and easy to work with. The inventive concept can be practiced with any common construction material including metals and plastics. Reference will be made to aluminum as it is the most common window installation material; however, the inventive concept is not limited to aluminum and will function with parts made of any other structural material including other metals or plastics. Each track is individually attached to the building and is required to be leveled and attached to the hard building material. Common fasteners are used including nails and screws. Percussive nail guns or pneumatic attachment methods can also be employed. The inventive concept contemplates that a window frame will be pre drilled to receive an adjustable attachment device or elevator attachment for connection to a clip. In another embodiment a window frame top is pre drilled with three holes, a left opening, a central opening, and a right opening. It is contemplated that the same process can be employed on both the left and right sides of a window frame to effect installation. For clarity and brevity in this description, one side of the window frame installation will be discussed. 
         [0028]    Because gravity will push a window frame towards the bottom of a window opening, it is advantageous to deal with the extra space between the window frame and the window opening that exists at the top of the window. Therefore, it is assumed that the window frame will sit at rest at the bottom of the window opening and will be secured using the space at the top. This invention could be practiced up, down, left, or right, but for practical purposes, the most efficient approach is to place a window frame on a window sill and then address the spacing that is at the top of the window opening. The window frame is preferably attached to a base plate and a clip. The inventive concept can be practiced without a base plate, but a base plate adds stability to the inventive concept. The central opening in the frame allows access to the elevator attachment device. In one embodiment, the elevator attachment is a screw. The base plate left and base plate right openings are used to attach the base plate to the window frame using at least one mounting attachment. In one embodiment of the inventive concept the mounting attachment is a screw. In an embodiment, the mounting attachment further engages a guide post that traverses an opening in the clip and is friction fitted to the base plate. 
         [0029]    The present inventive concept provides a method and device for installing windows in a building or structure.  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the clip  1 . The clip  1  is configured in a U shape having a convenient length preferably between one and 12 inches and most preferably four inches. The clip is composed of rear wall  4 , bottom wall  3  and front wall  5 . Disposed approximately centrally in the bottom wall  3  is a threaded opening  2 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  presents an exploded view of a clip, frame, and elevator attachment according to an embodiment. The attachment of a window frame  20  to the clip  1  is accomplished by means of the elevator attachment  10 . A window frame  20  having a smooth opening  28  can be joined to the clip  1  by means of the elevator attachment  10 . The smooth opening  28  does not engage the threads of the elevator attachment  10  allowing the elevator attachment to travel within smooth opening  28 . The elevator attachment top  15  has an enlarged head possessing a diameter greater than the diameter of smooth opening  28 . This geometry prevents the elevator attachment  10  from passing completely through the smooth opening  28 . In order to attach the frame  20  to the clip  1 , the elevator attachment  10  is passed through the smooth opening  28  and engages the threaded opening  2 . In this way, the elevator attachment  10  dictates the maximum distance between the window frame  20  and the clip  1 . Using a conventional threaded attachment for the elevator attachment  10  such as a Phillips head machine screw, turning the elevator attachment  10  clockwise and holding the frame  20  steady will cause the elevator attachment  10  to travel into threaded opening  2  and draw the clip  1  towards the frame  20 . In a method of using the inventive concept, distal end  13  of the elevator attachment  10  is passed through smooth opening  28  of window frame  20  and threadedly engaged in threaded opening  2 . The elevator attachment  10  is turned clockwise to draw the clip  1  closer to window frame  20 . During installation of frame  20  into a track not shown, elevator attachment  10  can be turned counterclockwise to extend clip  1  away from frame  20 . In this way clip  1  will engage the track (not shown) or other typical window installation components. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  dictates the maximum distance between the clip  1  and the frame  20 , but does not determine a minimum distance. The minimum distance is not fixed because the elevator attachment  10  can slide through smooth opening  28 . The maximum separation is fixed because  15  is larger in diameter than  28 . Installation of this clip  1  into a track (not shown) will center the frame  20  in the window opening and ensure that the window assembly stays centered. Further adjustment of elevator attachment  10  will set the vertical position of the frame  20  relative to the track (not shown). 
         [0031]    It is a further aspect of this inventive concept to provide a device that determines a fixed separation between the clip  1  and the frame  20 .  FIG. 3  presents an embodiment of the inventive concept further comprising a base plate  40 . The base plate  40  is preferably rectangular in shape and having a convenient length of ½″ to 12″ and complimentary to the length of the clip and a width preferably less than the width of the window frame. In a preferred embodiment the base plate is four inches in length. Centrally disposed in the base plate  40  is opening  42  that is smooth and not threaded. The size of the opening  42  corresponds to the size of opening  28  in  FIG. 2  and is suited to receive elevator attachment  10 . Base plate bottom  44  includes a bevel  43  about opening  42 . The bevel side of the opening has a maximum diameter equivalent to the diameter of elevator attachment top  15  so that  15  can be fully recessed within the bevel  43  of base plate  40 . In one embodiment opening  42  is 0.28″ in diameter while bevel  43  ranges from 0.28″ to 0.375″. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  presents a side view of an angled clip. Angled clip  210  is formed with a bottom wall  203 , rear wall  204 , and front wall  205 . Rear centering angle  206  is disposed at the top of rear wall  204  and angled inward. Front centering angle  207  is disposed at the top of front wall  205  and also angled inward. In a preferred embodiment front centering angle  207  is 45 degrees, and rear centering angle  206  is 45 degrees. Any acute angle will provide the benefit of aiding the clip  210  in entering the interior of a track. In a preferred embodiment, clip bottom wall is 2 7/16 inches wide, the clip is 4 inches in length, front wall  205  and rear wall  204  can be any convenient height, but preferably ¼ to 6 inches high and most preferably ½ inch high. Both centering angles preferably protrude ⅛ of an inch from corresponding walls. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  presents perspective views of guide post  50 . The guide post head  55  is wider than the guide post body  56  and has an interior threaded opening  58 . Guide post  50  can be created by machining out the bottom of a smooth bolt and creating the threaded opening  58 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  presents an improved guide post  60 . Guide post  60  has a smooth circular head  65  attached to a guide post body  66 . The end opposite the head  65  is machined to create an interior threaded opening  68  within distal end  69 . Distal end  69  is embossed to create a series of exterior grooves to prevent rotation of guide post  60  when compression fit into a base plate not shown. In a preferred embodiment guide post body  66  is approximately ¼ inch in diameter. 
         [0035]      FIG. 7  presents an exploded view of an embodiment of the inventive concept utilizing base plate  40  to determine a fixed separation between window frame  20  and clip  1 . Elevator attachment  10  is passed through smooth opening  42  of base plate  40  and elevator attachment top  15  is recessed within beveled opening  43  (not shown). A corresponding hole is created in window frame  20  to create access hole  22 . The base plate  40  containing elevator attachment  10  is then joined or married to the window frame  20  by adhesive attachment or welded attachment so that beveled opening  43  is situated above access hole  22  and the elevator attachment top  15  is accessible through access hole  22 . “Married” within this disclosure is intended to mean joined or attached in a manner that will not separate. In this embodiment, elevator attachment  10  does not pass through window frame  20  or access hole  22 , but is accessible through  22 . The opening  22  disposed in the window frame  20  is aligned with the top  15  of the threaded elevator attachment  10 . Opening  22  is smaller in diameter than the enlarged head of the elevator attachment top  15  to prevent passage of the elevator attachment top  15  though the opening  22 . Turning elevator attachment  10  engaged with the threaded opening  2  in clip  1  operates to increase or decrease the distance between base plate  40  and clip  1 . Since base plate  40  and frame  20  are married, this also increases or decreases the distance between the frame  20  and the clip  1 . In this way the clip  1  can be used to engage the track  190  and dictate the position of the window frame  20  relative to track  190 , namely centering the frame  20  within the track  190  to fix the position of the window frame  20  in and out of the window rough opening. Assuming elevator attachment  10  is conventionally threaded; turning elevator attachment  10  counterclockwise will withdraw the elevator attachment top  15  relative to the threaded opening  2 . The effect is to raise the clip  1  into the interior of the track  190 . The clip  1  is sized to friction fit within the track. This attachment is very fast and can be accomplished with a screw gun or other power tool. The geometry of the inventive concept dictates that once the clip  1  is seated within the track  190 , it will be plumb in and out of the plane of the window opening and necessarily centered within the track  190 . Fine adjustment of the elevator attachment  10  can provide additional fine adjustment of the frame height or the position of frame  20  relative to track  190 . By turning the elevator attachment  10 , the distance between the clip  1  and the frame  20  can be increased or decreased. This fine adjustment can compensate for small changes in the position of the track  190  relative to true level. Small deviations from level can be accommodated with a turn of elevator attachment  10 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 7A  presents and inverted view of the elements of  FIG. 7 . From the underside of the elements, bevel  43  can be seen in base plate  40 . Elevator attachment top  15  is sized corresponding to bevel  43  so that it is seated flush within base plate  40 . 
         [0037]    It is a further aspect of the inventive concept to provide a clip  1  that does not spin relative to the frame  20  when the elevator attachment  10  is turned. 
         [0038]    It is advantageous to provide additional features to ensure the optimal positioning, adjustment, and function of the inventive concept. The addition of guide posts and mounting attachments provide added stability and resistance to twisting of the clip.  FIG. 8  presents a base plate  80  and angled clip  90  for use with a guide post. In one particular embodiment, the base plate is ¾ of an inch wide, 3/16 of an inch thick and 4 inches long. In a preferred embodiment, the central smooth opening  82  is approximately 0.280 inches in diameter and base plate left opening  81  and base plate right opening  83  are both approximately 0.22 inches in diameter. In a preferred embodiment, a first guide post  61  is slidably engaged with angled clip  90  by passing through clip left opening  91  and fixed to the base plate  80  by compression fit into base plate left opening  81 . Clip left opening  91  can be approximately 0.280 inches to accommodate a guide post  61  with a body width of 0.25 inches. Embossed distal end  69  prevents rotation after compression fit. A second guide post  63  is slidably engaged with the angled clip  90  by passing through clip right opening  93  and fixed to the base plate  80  by compression fit into base plate right opening  83 . Elevator attachment  10  is passed through central smooth opening  82 , preferably ⅜ inches wide, to engage central threaded opening  92 . In this embodiment central threaded opening  92  is created by press fitting a threaded insert  99  into an opening centrally disposed in clip bottom wall  96 . The threaded insert preferably has ⅜″ of interior threaded connection and a knurled exterior to increase friction fit as well as a rim about the base. Other methods of creating central threaded opening  92  are available and within the scope of the invention. A threaded insert provides more stability than merely machining threads into an opening in the base plate, but machining threads, and other methods would function within the scope of the invention. Clip front wall  94  and clip rear wall  95  are spaced to fit within a track, preferably two inches to six inches apart. Elevator attachment  10  is inserted in central opening  82  and seated flush. Central smooth opening  82  is surrounded by a bevel not shown to enable elevator attachment  10  to be seated flush. The distal end  13  of elevator attachment  10  is threadedly engaged with central threaded opening  92 . In a preferred method of installation, the elevator attachment  10  is turned clockwise to draw the clip  90  towards the base plate  80 . The clip  90  and base plate  80  are then attached to the frame  20 . Frame  20  is prepared with three holes corresponding to the openings in the base plate  80  and the clip  90 . The distance between frame left opening  21  and frame central opening  22  must be equivalent to the distance between base plate left opening  81  and central smooth opening  82  which in turn must be equivalent to the distance between clip left opening  91  and central threaded opening  92  to ensure that the inventive concept functions properly. Similarly, the distance between frame central opening  22  and frame right opening  23  should be equivalent to the distance between central smooth opening  82  and base plate right opening  83  which in turn should be equivalent to the distance between central threaded opening  92  and clip right opening  93  in order for the inventive concept to function properly. It should be noted that the inventive concept functions with one guide post, but the use of two guide posts confers added stability and ease of use. Mounting attachments  101  and  103  are passed through openings  21  and  23  respectively and threadedly attached to the interior threaded openings of guide posts  61  and  63  respectively thereby fixing the rotational alignment of clip  90  and base plate  80  relative to window frame  20 . Mounting attachment  101  and mounting attachment  103  ensure that base plate  80  is affixed to frame  20  and does not separate, effectively marrying base plate  80  to frame  20  by threaded fasteners. Accessing elevator attachment  10  through frame central opening  22  and adjusting elevator attachment  10  by turning will increase or decrease the spacing between base plate  80  and clip  90 . Frame central opening need not be centrally disposed and the location of each opening is listed and named for clarity but does not limit the invention. Openings left, right, and central could be switched and the invention would still function in the same manner. Angled track  200  is contemplated as being installed in a rough window opening. The window frame  20  is centrally installed within angled track by positioning the window frame  20  under angled track  200  and adjusting the elevator attachment  10  to increase the distance between the clip  90  and the base plate  80 . Increasing this separation between base plate  80  and clip  90  effects an extension of the clip  90  upwards and away from the frame  20  so that it engages angled track  200  in friction fit. A manner of utilizing the inventive concept is displayed in  FIG. 8 . Angled track  200  is installed in a window opening by attachment to building structure  250  with at least one fastener  252 . Threaded insert  99  is press fit into clip central opening to create threaded opening  92 . A base plate  80  (which is illustrated as being rectangular, although other shapes can be used) is formed of a structural material, preferably aluminum. Base plate  80  features three openings  81 ,  82 ,  83  spaced apart with distances corresponding to openings  91 ,  92 ,  93  in the angled clip  90 . A guide post  61  is passed though clip left opening  91  and compression fit into the base plate  80  left opening  81 . Similarly, guide post  63  is passed though clip right opening  93  and compression fit into the base plate right opening  83 . These guide posts  61 ,  63  prevent the clip  90  from rotating relative to base plate  80 . Further, the tops of the guide posts  61 ,  63  fix the maximum separation distance between the angled clip  90  and the base plate  80 . Elevator attachment  10  is passed through central opening  82  (which can be beveled) to engage central threaded opening  92 . Mounting attachment  101  (illustrated as a screw) is passed through frame left opening  21  to engage the threaded opening of guide post  61 . Mounting attachment  103  (shown as a screw) is passed through frame right opening  23  to engage the threaded opening of guide post  63 . When the mounting screws are tightened, base plate  80  is married to window frame  20 . Angled clip  90  can now be adjusted relative to the frame  20  by turning elevator attachment  10  which can be accessed though access hole  22 . Preferably, elevator attachment  10  is turned clockwise to bring the clip  90  close to the window frame  20 . These proceeding assembly steps can be performed prior to installation of the window sub sill not shown and angled track  200  for convenience or attached at the time of installation. After angled track  200  has been attached to building structure  250 , window frame  20  is then installed to angled track  200  by way of clip  90  by positioning the frame  20  below and central to angled track  200  and using the elevator attachment  10  to increase the distance between clip  90  and frame  20 . Where elevator attachment  10  is a conventionally threaded screw, this is accomplished by turning the screw counterclockwise. Increasing the separation between clip  90  and frame  20  effectively pushes angled clip  90  into the interior of angled track  200 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive concept installed in a window opening. The elements previously presented in  FIG. 8  are shown here as installed and fit together. Frame  20  is attached to base plate  80  and angled clip  90  is centered by guide post  61  to the interior of angled track  200 . Building structure  250  is shown above the elements of the inventive concept. Fastener  252  connects track  20  to building structure  250 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 10  presents a side view of an embodiment of an angled clip  210  and an angled track  200 . Angled clip  210  is shown with bottom wall  203 , rear wall  204 , and front wall  205 . Rear centering angle  206  is positioned within track rear wall  244 . Front centering angle  207  is positioned within track front wall  245 . Each of the centering angles on the angled clip  203  helps the clip to be positioned in the interior of the track  200  when it is raised vertically to encounter the track  200 . Track raised section  235  runs centrally through track  200  and provides additional thickness and strength to receive various fasteners  252 . Fastener  252  is shown attaching track  200  to building structure  250 . Fastener  252  is shown as a screw, but can also be a nail, anchor, bolt, or other known fastener applied with torque, impact, or other method to attach angled track  200  to building structure  250 . Track raised section  235  is of a width sufficient to avoid obstructing rear centering angle  206  or front centering angle  207 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 11  shows the angled track and building, according to an embodiment. Angled track  200  is attached to building structure  250  by fastener  252 , shown here as a screw. Frame  20  is attached to base plate  80 . Guide posts  61  and  63  retain and orient angled clip  90 . Frame  20  is held while elevator attachment  10  is turned clockwise to engage threaded opening  92  and draw angled clip  90  toward the frame  20 . This provides more space for installation. It is conventional that this space will be above the window frame vertically, but this invention can be practiced in any direction. The connected elements clip  90 , base plate  80 , and frame  20  are then positioned under angled track  200  and elevator attachment  10  is turned counterclockwise to position the angled clip  90  within angled track  200 . Turning elevator attachment  10  in this manner expands the clip  90  away from frame  20  and tightens the parts for a secure installation. Elevator attachment  10  is recessed and does not interfere with the installation of a glass window not shown. This installation process has a minimal increase in material cost, but provides a large decrease in the cost of labor for installation. 
         [0042]      FIG. 12  shows two perspective views of a threaded insert. Threaded insert  99  has a knarled exterior  107  and a threaded interior  108 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of the inventive concept to accommodate a thermal break. Because aluminum is a conductor, it is advantageous to prevent the conduction of heat or cold through the window frame. The inclusion of a thermal break  29  made of an insulating material such as rubber will reduce the thermal conductivity of the window frame. Thermal break  29  makes it necessary to alter the geometry of the inventive concept. Offset base plate  180  is attached to window frame  20  with guide post  61  and guide post  63  and mounting attachments not shown. Elevator attachment  10  and distal end  13  are shown protruding through threaded insert  99 . The combination of elevator attachment  10 , guide post  61 , and guide post  63  dictate the geometry and the travel of clip  90  relative to frame  20  and the offset embodiment of the inventive concept operate in the same manner as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 14  shows the context of the inventive concept. Window frame  20  is shown within a window opening of building  250 . 
         [0045]    Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.