Patent Application
20090038229
This invention relates generally to a motor operated vehicle window construction and, in particular, to a modular drop-glass window suitable for use in a motor vehicle.
Motor vehicle window assemblies typically have one or more slidable panes, that is, panes which can slide from a closed position to a full open position, and which may be either manually operated or operated by an electric motor. Such window assemblies are used, for example, as rear slider windows for pickup truck cabs to increase airflow into the motor vehicle. Typically such rear slider windows have a circumferential (that is, outer peripheral) frame in which the slidable pane is mounted along with one or more stationary panes. The frame may be structural or semi-structural in that it integrates the slidable pane and one or more stationary panes as a self-contained preassembled module suitable for shipping and handling prior to installation into a motor vehicle.
Sliding window assemblies are increasingly popular, particularly when used for backlights in pickup trucks. A power window assembly for a vehicle having a slidable pane is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,769 to Cripe et al. Cripe et al is a robust design for a pull-pull power sliding window assembly having left and right stationary panes and a horizontally sliding center pane sliding between upper and lower run channels. A drive motor, drive drum and drive cable pull the slidable pane back and forth in a manner similar to conventional cable drum window regulators. Cable directional blocks route drive cable from below the frame to a lower horizontal peripheral edge of the slidable pane. Such a design advantageously routes the cables so as to avoid excessive drag associated with pulling the slidable pane up against the upper run channel or down against the lower run channel
It would be desirable to provide a drop-glass window suitable for use in a motor vehicle that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain embodiments.
The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to provide modular drop-glass window suitable for use in a motor vehicle. In accordance with a first aspect, a modular drop-glass window assembly includes a vertically slidable pane having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A first stationary pane has a peripheral edge including an inboard vertical edge proximate to the exterior surface of the vertically slidable pane and an exterior surface. A second stationary pane has a peripheral edge including an inboard vertical edge proximate to the exterior surface of the vertically slidable pane and an exterior surface. Framing holds the first and second stationary panes in a spaced relationship and at least partially defines a window opening therebetween. The framing includes at least first and second vertical frame portions of polymeric material defining first and second run channels, respectively, for receiving first and second vertical edges, respectively, of the slidable pane for guiding vertical movement of the slidable pane between a closed position in the window opening and an open position. No portion of the first vertical frame portion extends exteriorly beyond a plane of the exterior surface of the first stationary pane, and no portion of the second vertical frame portion extends exteriorly beyond a plane of the exterior surface of the second stationary pane.
In accordance with another aspect, a motor vehicle modular drop-glass window assembly includes a vertically slidable pane having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A first stationary pane has a peripheral edge including an inboard vertical edge and an exterior surface. Framing of polymeric material at least partly mounts the first stationary pane and the vertically slidable pane and at least partially defines a window opening adjacent to the inboard vertical edge of the first stationary pane. The framing includes at least first and second vertical frame portions of polymeric material defining first and second run channels, respectively, with each run channel being open toward the other run channel for receiving first and second vertical edges, respectively, of the slidable pane for guiding vertical movement of the slidable pane between a closed position in the window opening and an open position. The first vertical frame portion has an exterior surface adjacent to and flush with the exterior surface of the first stationary pane at the inboard vertical edge of the first stationary pane. A periphery extension of polymeric material is molded along at least a portion of the peripheral edge other than at the first vertical frame portion. An elongate lower horizontal portion extends horizontally below the window opening at least from the first vertical frame portion to the second vertical frame portion, with the vertically slidable pane being vertically slidable from the open position to the closed position inwardly of the elongate horizontal portion of the framing. An elongate upper horizontal header extends at least between the first and second vertical frame portions. Drive means moves the slidable pane between the open position and the closed position. No portion of the first vertical frame portion extends exteriorly beyond a plane of the exterior surface of the first vertical frame portion, and no portion of the first periphery extension extends exteriorly beyond a plane of the exterior surface of the first periphery extension. The first and second run channels are positioned interiorly of and laterally behind the first vertical frame portion, and the lateral dimension of the exterior surface of each of the first and second vertical frame portions is approximately 2-3 mm at its widest point.
In accordance with a further aspect, a motor vehicle modular drop-glass window assembly includes a vertically slidable pane having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A first stationary pane has a peripheral edge including an inboard vertical edge and an exterior surface. A second stationary pane has a peripheral edge including an inboard vertical edge and an exterior surface. Framing of polymeric material at least partly mounts the first and second stationary panes and the vertically slidable pane and at least partially defines a window opening adjacent to the inboard vertical edges of the first and second stationary panes. The framing includes at least first and second vertical frame portions of polymeric material defining first and second run channels, respectively, with each run channel being open toward the other run channel for receiving first and second vertical edges, respectively, of the slidable pane for guiding vertical movement of the slidable pane between a closed position in the window opening and an open position. The first vertical frame portion has an exterior surface adjacent to and flush with the exterior surface of the first stationary pane at the inboard vertical edge of the first stationary pane. The second vertical frame portion has an exterior surface adjacent to and flush with the exterior surface of the second stationary pane at the inboard vertical edge of the second stationary pane. A periphery extension of polymeric material is molded along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of each of the first and second stationary panes other than at the first and second vertical frame portions. An elongate lower horizontal portion extends horizontally below the window opening at least from the first vertical frame portion to the second vertical frame portion. The vertically slidable pane is vertically slidable from the open position to the closed position inwardly of the elongate horizontal portion of the framing. An elongate upper horizontal header extends at least between the first and second vertical frame portions. Drive means moves the slidable pane between the open position and the closed position. No portion of the first vertical frame portion extends exteriorly beyond a plane of the exterior surface of the first vertical frame portion. No portion of the second vertical frame portion extends exteriorly beyond a plane of the exterior surface of the second vertical frame portion. No portion of the first periphery extension extends exteriorly beyond a plane of the exterior surface of the first periphery extension. The first and second run channels are positioned interiorly of and laterally behind the first and second stationary panes. The lateral dimension of the exterior surface of each of the first and second vertical frame portions is approximately 2-3 mm at its widest point.
Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a modular drop-glass window suitable for use in a motor vehicle. In particular, certain embodiments provide a raw edge-of-glass appearance around the stationary panes of the window assembly and provide a minimal vertical frame portion appearance. Such an assembly provides a flush transition with the stationary panes, roof, pillar, and belt surfaces.
These and additional features and advantages disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain embodiments.
The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale, should be understood to provide a representation of particular embodiments of the invention, and are merely conceptual in nature and illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the modular drop-glass window depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Modular drop-glass windows as disclosed herein would have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the modular drop-glass window disclosed here. The following detailed discussion of various alternative and preferred features and embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention with reference to a drop-glass sliding window module for use closing an opening in the back of a motor vehicle, such as a pickup truck or a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Other embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.
Referring now to the drawings,
The term “inboard” is used here (i.e., in this description of the disclosed window assemblies and in the appended claims) to describe a lateral position or location, e.g., the location of the vertical edge of one of stationary panes 12, 14, which is proximate to stationary pane 16. As viewed in
The terms top, up (or upward, etc.) and down (or downward, etc.) refer generally to the directions of travel of slidable pane 16 toward the closed position or the open position, respectively. Thus, in the window assembly embodiment as shown in
It should be understood that reference here to a plane, e.g., the plane of travel of slidable pane 16, is intended to broadly cover true planes, i.e., simple flat surfaces or imaginary spaces, as well as curvo-planar surfaces and shapes (e.g., similar to the surface of a typical motor vehicle's roof or fender) and multi-planar surfaces and shapes where the multiple planes are fairly viewed as all being parts of a larger, generally planar or curvo-planar surface or shape. In certain exemplary embodiments, for example, each of stationary panes 12, 14 may be curved, perhaps having a surface which is a complex curve, but which nevertheless is fairly seen to be generally planar (in this instance generally curvo-planar). Similarly, each of the pair of laterally spaced, curvo-planar stationary panes 12, 14 flanking slidable pane 16 in
The terms interior and exterior or inside and outside are used here to refer generally to the front and back of the window assembly. Thus, the exterior side or surface of the window assembly embodiment shown in
Drive mechanism 17 includes a motor 20, a cable-drum assembly 22, and pulleys 24 (or sliders) for routing the cable to a glider 26 which slides up and down over a rail 28. Glider 26 slides up and down over rail 28 in response to tension from the cable-drum assembly produced by actuation of motor 20, and glider 26 is attached to a slidable pane attachment bracket 30, which is in turn attached to slidable pane 16. It is to be appreciated that any known drive mechanism could be used to drive slidable pane 16.
Framing 31 for window assembly 10 includes first and second vertical frame portions, such as left and right division bars 32, 34, which are positioned on either side of slidable pane 16, in between slidable pane 16 and each of stationary panes 12, 14. Division bars 32, 34 are formed of a polymeric material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), or a reaction injection molded polyurethane (RIM). Each division bar 32, 34 defines a corresponding run channel 36, 38 which receives a corresponding vertical edge of slidable pane 16, seen in
Framing 31 includes a header 52 and a beltline support 54. The header 52 is attached to both division bars 32, 34 at top ends thereof, and beltline support 54 is attached to both division bars 32, 34 at bottom ends thereof. Header 52 is shown in cross section in
For ease of assembly, preferably the stationary panes 12 and 14, and the skeletal framework are inserted into a mold, and the frame is then injected or “shot” around these components, adhesively bonding to the division bars, 32 and 34, the header 52, the beltline support 54 and the stationary panes 12 and 14. Header 52 and beltline support 54 can be formed of, for example, PVC or RIM. Mounting studs may be used to secure elements of frame 31 together in certain embodiments.
Header 52 is, an elongate member with a generally C-shaped cross section at least partially encapsulated by top member 48, as shown in
For ease of installation of the module into a motor vehicle body opening, a guidance clip 76 may be affixed to the bottom segment of the frame 44. The clip 76 serves as a temporary locator to guide the module into its installation position by snugly fitting over the outer panel 64, permitting attachment and alignment.
The header seal 66, shown in
As seen in
In certain embodiments, the lateral dimension of exterior surface 106 of left division bar 32, that is, its dimension between inboard vertical edge 102 of first stationary pane 12 and the inboard vertical edge of left division bar 32 is at least 2-3 mm at its narrowest point.
In certain embodiments, first run channel 36 and rabbet 104 are formed at least in part in the same unitary body of polymeric material, which in the illustrated embodiment is left division bar 32. Similarly, in certain embodiments, second run channel 38 and rabbet 112 are formed at least in part in the same unitary body of polymeric material, which in the illustrated embodiment is right division bar 34. First run channel 36 and second run channel 38 are positioned interiorly of and laterally behind first and second stationary panes 12, 14, respectively.
Second stationary pane 14 has an exterior surface 108 and a peripheral edge including an inboard vertical edge 110. A rabbet 112 is formed at an exterior surface 114 of right division bar 34 such that exterior surface 108 of second stationary pane 14 is adjacent and flush with exterior surface 114 of right division bar 34. In certain embodiments, no portion of right division bar 34 extends exteriorly beyond a plane of exterior surface 114 of right division bar 34.
In certain embodiments, the lateral dimension of exterior surface 114 of right division bar 34, that is, its dimension between inboard vertical edge 110 of second stationary pane 14 and the inboard vertical edge of right division bar 34 is approximately 2-3 mm at its narrowest point.
In certain embodiments, as seen in
Periphery extensions may be positioned along the peripheral edges of stationary panes 12, 14 at locations other than at left and right division bars 32, 34. In certain embodiments, as seen in
A rabbet 120 is formed in each end of first elongate appliqué 116 and second elongate appliqué 118, along its exterior surface 122 proximate its outboard vertical edge 124 (illustrated in
The exterior surfaces of first and second appliqués 116, 118, being substantially flush with the exterior surfaces 100, 108 of first and second stationary panes 12, 14, respectively, are also substantially flush with the exterior surfaces 106, 114 of left and right division bars 32, 34.
In certain embodiments, top segment 48 and bottom segment 50 are formed of a polymeric material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), or a reaction injection molded polyurethane (RIM). Other suitable materials for top segment 48 and bottom segment 50 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
In certain embodiments, first and second appliqués 116, 118 are formed of a thermoplastic acrylic polycarbonate, forming a high gloss decorative finish for window assembly 10. Other suitable materials for first and second appliqués 116, 118 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
In certain embodiments, as illustrated in
An alternative embodiment is seen in
In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and description of various embodiments, those skilled in this area of technology will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims.
