I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
A panel mounting assembly operable to mount a panel in an opening defined by at least two frame members. More particularly, a panel mounting assembly operable to mount a ballistic resistant panel in the opening between lower and upper frame members of a vehicle window frame of a vehicle door of a vehicle.
II. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a vehicle door exterior of a vehicle including an embodiment of a panel mounting assembly and a panel mounted in the opening of the vehicle window frame of the vehicle door.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a vehicle door interior of a vehicle having an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly and a panel mounted in the opening of the vehicle window frame of the vehicle door.
FIG. 3A is cross section 3A-3A as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly and a panel mounted in the opening of the vehicle window frame of a vehicle door.
FIG. 3B is an enlargement of the top portion of cross section 3A-3A.
FIG. 3C is an enlargement of the bottom portion of cross section 3A-3A.
FIG. 3D is an enlargement of the top portion of cross section 3A-3A illustrating an alternate embodiment of the perimeter upper edge of the panel.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly and panel.
FIG. 5 is an interior perspective view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly and panel.
FIG. 6 is an exterior elevation view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly and panel.
FIG. 7 is an interior elevation view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly and panel.
FIG. 8 is rear end view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly and panel.
FIG. 9 is a frontend view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly and panel.
FIG. 10 is top view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly and panel.
FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly and panel.
FIG. 12 is a panel inner surface perspective view of an embodiment of a panel.
FIG. 13 is a panel outer surface elevation view of an embodiment of a panel.
FIG. 14 is a panel inner surface elevation view of an embodiment of a panel.
FIG. 15 is a panel rear end view of an embodiment of a panel.
FIG. 16 is a panel frontend view of an embodiment of a panel.
FIG. 17 is a panel top view of an embodiment of a panel.
FIG. 18 is a panel bottom view of an embodiment of a panel.
FIG. 19 is an interior perspective view of an embodiment of a panel mounting assembly.
FIG. 20 is an exterior elevation view of an embodiment of a panel mounting assembly.
FIG. 21 is an interior elevation view of an embodiment of a panel mounting assembly.
FIG. 22 is rear end view of an embodiment of a panel mounting assembly.
FIG. 23 is a frontend view of an embodiment of a panel mounting assembly.
FIG. 24 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a panel mounting assembly.
FIG. 25 is a top view of an embodiment of panel mounting assembly.
FIG. 26 is a cross section 26-26 as shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 27 is cross section 27-27 as shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 28 is cross section 28-28 as shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 29 is a top view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly with the handles pivoted to an unlocked condition.
FIG. 30 is a top view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly with the handles rotated to lower the cam surfaces to disengage the perimeter upper edge from the upper frame member.
FIG. 31 is a rear end view of an embodiment of the panel mounting assembly with the handles pivot to an unlocked condition and rotated to lower the cam surfaces to disengage the perimeter upper edge from the upper frame member.
FIG. 32 is cross section 28-28 as shown in FIG. 30.
III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Generally referring to FIGS. 1 through 32, embodiments relate to a panel mounting assembly (1) operable to mount a panel (2) in an opening (3) defined by at least two frame members (4). More particularly, a panel mounting assembly (1) operable to mount a panel (2) in an opening (3) between lower and upper frame members (5)(6) of a vehicle window frame (7) of a vehicle door (8) of a vehicle (9). And more particularly, a panel mounting assembly (1) operable to mount a ballistic resistant panel (10) in the opening (3) between lower and upper frame members (5)(6) of a vehicle window frame (7) of a vehicle door (8) of a vehicle (9).
Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 through 3, generally frame members (4) can be any structural member disposed or joined to define an opening (3) in a structure, and in the particular example of a vehicle window frame (7) of a vehicle door (8) at least a lower frame member (5) opposite an upper frame member (6) which define an window opening height (11) and can, but need not necessarily, further include a front frame member (12) opposite a rear frame member (13) defining a window opening width (14). Typically, the lower frame member (5) includes a window slot (15) through which a window (16) travels to adjacently abut a window seal (17A) mounted to a door seal flange (17B), or can mateably engage an upper receiving channel (17C) of or disposed in the upper frame member (6). The upper frame member (6), depending upon the vehicle (9), can afford a door seal flange (17B) or an upper interior edge (18) extending along the upper frame member (6) proximate or adjacent the interior side of the upper frame member (6). As to particular vehicle window frames (7), the window seal (17A) may be mounted over the door seal flange (17B). The use of the terms “front” and “rear” are relative to the front and rear of a vehicle (9). The terms “upper” and “lower” are relative to the top and bottom of a vehicle (9). The lower frame member (5) can afford a lower receiving channel (19) adjacent the interior side of the window slot (15).
Now referring primarily to FIGS. 4 to 18 embodiments include a panel (2) comprised of a material whether optically opaque, translucent, or transparent having a panel inner surface (20) opposite a panel outer surface (21) joined at a perimeter edge (22). As to particular embodiments, the panel inner surface (20) and the panel outer surface (21) of the panel (2) can, but need not necessarily, be substantially planar or disposed as planar parallel panel inner and outer surfaces (20)(21); however, this is not intended to preclude embodiments in which one or both of the panel inner surface (20) or the panel outer surface (21) comprise non-planar surfaces and as one example the panel inner or outer surfaces (20)(21) can, but need not necessarily, be arcuate surfaces.
More particularly, the panel (2) can be a ballistic resistant panel (10) comprised of a ballistic glazing resistant to being penetrated when struck by a projectile. An example of a ballistic glazing suitable for use as a ballistic resistant panel (10) can be an optically transparent polycarbonate laminate that meets UL 752 Level 3 rating for 0.44 Magnum ballistic attack, HP White TP 0500 Level IV, and ASTM F 1233 Class 5. However, this example is not intended to preclude embodiments which do not include ballistic resistant panels (10) and depending upon the application, the panel (2) can be formed, molded or fabricated from a ballistic resistant or a ballistic non-resistant material to provide a panel thickness between the panel inner and outer surfaces (20)(21) and joined by a perimeter edge (22) defining dimensional relations of the panel (2) suitable for a numerous and wide variety of applications.
Now referring primarily to FIGS. 12 through 18, the perimeter edge (22) of the panel (2) can include a perimeter upper edge (23) opposite a perimeter lower edge (24). The perimeter upper edge (23) can be configured to mateably engage a configuration of the upper frame member (6) and the lower perimeter edge (24) can be configured to mateably engage a panel mounting assembly (1) affixable to the lower frame member (5). In particular embodiments, a groove (25) can be disposed between the panel inner surface (20) and the panel outer surface (21) along the length of the perimeter upper edge (23) to divide the perimeter upper edge (23) into an inner furcate edge (26) and an outer furcate edge (27). The groove (25) can receive the door seal flange (17B), the window seal (17A) mounted over the door seal flange (17B), or the upper interior edge (18) of the upper frame member (6) disposing the outer furcate edge (27) adjacent the outer surface of the door seal flange (17B), the outer surface of the widow seal (17A) mounted over door seal flange (17B), or the outer surface of upper interior edge (18) depending on the particular configuration of the upper frame member (6). The inner furcate edge (26) can be disposed adjacent the inner surface of the door seal flange (17B), the inner surface of the widow seal (17A) mounted over door seal flange (17B), or the inner surface of upper interior edge (18) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 3A, 3B, or 3D). In particular embodiments, the groove (25) can be disposed in the perimeter upper edge (23) to afford an outer furcate edge (27) of lesser furcate width (28) as compared to a greater furcate width (29) of the inner furcate edge (26). More particularly, the outer furcate edge (27) can be reduced to lesser furcate width (28) to allow normal operation of the window (16) to close adjacent the outer furcate edge (27) or mateably engage the upper receiving channel (17 C) adjacent the outer furcate edge (27) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 3A, 3B or 3D).
Now referring primarily to FIGS. 15 through 17, in particular embodiments, the groove (25) can be disposed only along the length of the perimeter upper edge (23) and not extend along a perimeter rear edge (30), a perimeter front edge (31) or perimeter lower edge (24). This confers a substantial advantage in that only the perimeter upper edge (23) of the panel (2) need be fabricated to mateably engage with the upper frame member (6) of a vehicle window frame (7) of a vehicle door (8). The perimeter rear edge (30) or the perimeter front edge (31) need not be correspondingly fabricated to matingly engage the rear frame member (13) or the front frame member (12). As shown in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, neither the perimeter rear edge (30) nor the perimeter front edge (31) correspondingly engages the rear frame member (13) or the front frame member (12) of the vehicle window frame (7). Therefore, one configuration of panel (2) be mounted into a wider variety of different configurations of vehicle window frames (7) and at lesser production cost. This example of mateable engagement between the perimeter upper edge (23) of the panel (2) and the upper frame member (6) of vehicle window frame (7) is not intended to preclude other configurations of the perimeter upper edge (23) of the panel (2), and as an additional illustrative example, the upper perimeter edge (23) can further include a rib (32) outwardly protruding along the length of the perimeter upper edge (23). The rib (32) can be located on the perimeter upper edge (23) to be disposed in the upper receiving channel (17) in the upper frame member (6) adjacent the window (16)(as shown in the example of FIG. 3D).
Now referring primarily to FIGS. 4 and 19 through 32, embodiments include a panel mounting assembly (1) including: a panel mount (33) having a lower mount face (34) affixable to the lower frame member (5) of a vehicle window frame (7) and at least one cam surface (35) engagable with the perimeter lower edge (24) of the panel (2). The lower mount face (34) can be affixed to the lower frame member (5) by one or more of compression forces generated by engagement of the perimeter upper edge (23) with the upper frame member (6), mechanical fasteners such as: bolts, pins or screws; adhesives; bonding films or tapes; or flanges. Particular embodiments can, but need not necessarily, include a flange (36) outwardly projecting from the lower mount face (34). The flange (36) can removably inserted into a lower receiving channel (19) of the lower frame member (5) of the vehicle window frame (7) and further retained by the compression forces generated by engagement of the perimeter upper edge (23) with the upper frame member (6), thereby avoiding any other manner of affixation of the panel mount (33) to the lower frame member (5) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 3A and 3C). The flange (36) can continuously extend, or a plurality of flanges (36) can extend in spaced apart relation along the entire length or a part of the length of the lower mount face (34) between panel mount first and second ends (37)(38).
The lower mount face (34) affixed to the lower frame member (5) disposes the at least one cam surface (35) between the lower frame member (5) and the upper frame member (6) of the vehicle window frame (7). The perimeter lower edge (24) of the panel (2) can engage the at least one cam surface (35) which can be rotated to move the perimeter upper edge (23) of the panel (2) (or ballistic resistant panel (10)) into mated engagement with the upper frame member (6) of the vehicle window frame (7). Particular embodiments can, but need not necessarily, include a pair of cam surfaces (35)(39) each engagable with the perimeter lower edge (24) of the panel (2). The pair of cam surfaces (35)(39) can be interdependently rotatable or discretely rotatable to move the perimeter upper edge (23) of the panel (2) to engage the upper frame member (6) of the vehicle window frame (7).
Again, referring primarily to FIGS. 4 and 19-32, the panel mount (33) can further include an upper mount face (40) opposite the lower mount face (34). The upper mount face (40) can further include a pair of legs (41)(42) defining a longitudinally extending channel (43) which receives the perimeter lower edge (24) of the panel (2) to engage the at least one cam surface (35) or pair of cam surfaces (35)(39) rotatably disposed between the pair of legs (41)(42). As to particular embodiments, the panel (2) can, but need not necessarily include, a recessed margin (44) disposed in the panel inner surface (20) or the panel outer surface (21) (or both) along the perimeter lower edge (24) which matingly receives one (or both) of the pair of legs (41)(42).
Again, referring primarily to FIGS. 4 and 19 through 32, a shaft (45) can be rotatably supported by the pair of legs (41)(42) and the cam surface (35) can be coupled to the shaft (45). As to those embodiments including a pair of cam surfaces (35)(39) (or more than two cam surfaces), a pair of shafts (45)(46) or a plurality of shafts can be rotatably supported by the pair of legs (41)(42) with one of the pair of cam surfaces (35)(39) correspondingly coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of shafts (45)(46).
Again, referring primarily to FIGS. 4 and 19 through 32, a handle (47), can but need not necessarily, be coupled to the shaft (45) or the pair shafts (45)(46). Each handle (47) can correspondingly move about a shaft rotation axis (48) of each shaft (45)(46) to correspondingly rotate each shaft (45)(46) and to corresponding rotate each of the cam surfaces (35)(39) to move the perimeter upper edge (23) of the panel (2) to engage an upper frame member (6) of the vehicle window frame (7).
Again, referring primarily to FIGS. 4 and 19 through 32, a locking member (49) can, but need not necessarily, be disposed on one or on each one of the shaft(s) (45)(46) between the pair of legs (41)(42) and a corresponding one or each one of the handle(s) (47). The locking member (49) can be rotatingly responsive to the shaft (45) to align a locking element (50) outwardly projecting from the locking member (49) with a locking aperture (51) disposed in the pair of legs (41)(42). The locking aperture (51) insertingly receives the locking element (50) to reduce or prevent rotation of the corresponding cam surface (35). In particular embodiments, the locking member (49) further includes a locking member aperture element (52). The shaft (45) extends through the locking member aperture element (52). The locking member aperture element (52) can be keyed to the external surface of the shaft (45)(46) necessitating rotation of the locking member (49) upon rotation of the shaft (45) (as shown in the example of FIG. 4, the shafts (45)(46) each have a rectangular external surface keyed to the rectangular locking member aperture element (52)); however, this example is not intended to preclude embodiments in which the locking member aperture element (52) has a configuration which allows rotation about the shaft (45)(46).
Again, referring primarily to FIGS. 4 and 19 through 32, a springing element (53), can but need not necessarily, be disposed between the pair of legs (41)(42) and the locking member (49). While the springing element (53) shown in the example of FIGS. 4 and 19 through 32 comprises a compression spring; this is not intended to preclude embodiments of the springing element (53) such as spring clips, disc springs, spring washers or elastomeric or viscoelastic elements which can be deformed and regain the original shape upon removal of a load.
Again, referring primarily to FIGS. 4 through 19 through 32, in particular embodiments, the handle(s) (47) can, but need not necessarily, further include a pivot end (54) pivotally coupled to the shaft (45)(46) to allow the handle (47) to rotate about a pivot axis (55) generally orthogonal to the shaft rotation axis (48). The pivot end (54) can further include a pivot end cam surface (56) engaging the locking member (49). The handle (47) can be rotated about the shaft rotation axis (48) to align the locking element (50) with said locking aperture (51) disposed in the pair of legs (41)(42). The handle (47) can then be rotated about the pivot axis (55) between an unlocked condition (57) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 29 through 32) in which the springing element (53) maintains the locking element (50) outside of the locking aperture (51) and a locked condition (58) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 19 through 28) in which the pivot end cam surface (56) forcible urges the locking element (50) into the locking aperture (51).
Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 through 11, a method of mounting a panel (2) in an opening (3) defined by a least two frame members (4) can comprise one or more of: obtaining a panel mounting assembly (1) a panel mount (33) having a lower mount face (34) affixable to lower frame member (5) and at least one cam surface (35) engagable with a perimeter lower edge (24) of a panel (2), affixing the lower mount face (34) to a lower frame member (5), engaging the perimeter lower edge (24) of the panel (2) with the at least one cam surface (35), rotating the at least cam surface (35) to move the perimeter upper edge (23) of the panel (2) to mateably engage the upper frame member (6). Application of this method allows a wide and numerous variety of panels (2), as above described, to be mounted into an opening (3) which as to particular embodiments can the opening (3) defined by a vehicle window frame (7) of a vehicle (9). The method can further include inserting a flange (36) outwardly projecting from the lower mount face (34) into a lower receiving channel (19) of the lower frame member (5) of a vehicle window frame (7). The method can further include inserting the perimeter lower edge (24) of the panel (2) into a longitudinally extending channel (43) defined by a pair of legs (41)(42) extending from an upper mount face (40) disposed opposite the lower mount face (34) of the panel mount (33). The method can further include moving a handle (47) coupled to a shaft (46) rotatingly supported by the pair of legs (41)(42), the shaft (46) coupled to the cam surface (35) to correspondingly rotate the cam surface (35) to move the perimeter upper edge (23) of the panel (2) to engage an upper frame member (6) of a vehicle window frame (7). The method can further include rotating a locking member (49) disposed on the shaft (46) between the pair of legs (41)(42) and the handle (47) to align a locking element (50) outwardly projecting from the locking member (49) with a locking aperture (51) disposed in said pair of legs (41)(42), the locking aperture insertingly receiving the locking element (50) to prevent or reduce rotation of the cam surface (35). The method can further include pivoting the handle (47) between an unlocked condition (57) in which a springing element disposed between the pair of legs (41)(42) and the locking member (49) maintains the locking element (50) outside of said locking aperture (51) and a locked condition (58) in which the pivot end cam surface (56) coupled to the pivot end (54) forcible urges the locking element into the locking aperture (51).
As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a panel mounting assembly (1) and a panel (2) and methods for making and using the panel assembly (1) and the panel (2) for mounting the panel (2) in an opening (3) including the best mode.
As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.
It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “cam” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “camming”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “camming”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “cam” and even a “means for camming.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.
All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.
Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the panel mounting assembly and panels herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.
The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.
The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.
Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.
Patent Application
20180202772
