1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a window surround for a motor vehicle door. More particularly, the invention relates to a window surround including a stamped cap.
2. Description of Related Art
A rear door of a motor vehicle often includes both retractable and fixed window panes disposed within a window opening. The fixed window pane is typically smaller that the retractable window pane and is separated therefrom by a rigid division post. Typically, the rear door also includes a header trim for receiving the retractable window pane as the retractable window pane moves between its open and closed positions.
The individual installation of each of the above-mentioned components to the rear door at an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a labor-intensive, and therefore, costly operation. For this reason, window modules have been developed for rear doors in order to reduce the assembly costs previously incurred at the OEM. Generally, such window modules involve pre-assembling each of the individual components at a location remote from the OEM and then delivering the pre-assembled window module to the OEM for installation along the rear door of the motor vehicle. As a result, installation at the OEM is a cost-effective, one-step process.
According to one aspect of the invention, a window surround assembly is provided for a motor vehicle door frame defining a window opening. The window surround assembly includes a fixed windowpane adapted to be disposed within a portion of the window opening. An upper reveal extends along a top edge of the fixed windowpane and is adapted to be mounted to a portion of the motor vehicle door frame. An outer belt extends along a bottom edge of the fixed windowpane and is adapted to be mounted to a portion of the motor vehicle door frame. A window encapsulation is molded to an outer periphery of the fixed windowpane to secure the upper reveal and the outer belt thereto. A cap is fixedly secured to and extends along the upper reveal and the outer belt to provide the window surround assembly with a seamless, joint-free appearance.
The invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Referring to
The window surround assembly 10 for the rear door of the motor vehicle includes the upper reveal 12, the outer belt 14, a fixed window pane 30, and a division post 32. A window encapsulation 34 is molded to the outer periphery of the fixed window pane 30 to secure the upper reveal 12, the outer belt 14, and the division post 32 thereto. It is appreciated that the window encapsulation 34 may also be utilized for a front door that includes a fixed windowpane. Thus, the window surround assembly 10 for each of the front and rear doors is a modular assembly that can be pre-assembled away from the motor vehicle and then shipped as a single piece for installation to the corresponding motor vehicle door frame.
Referring to
The upper reveal 12 includes a reveal surface 46 that is typically visible along the motor vehicle exterior. The reveal surface 46 extends between an upper end 48 and an opposing lower end 50. A cap 52 is fixedly secured to the upper reveal 12 and covers the reveal surface 46. The cap 52 includes locking ends 54 that are fixed into place against the upper reveal 12. In one embodiment, the locking ends 54 extend inwardly and fit around the respective upper 48 and lower 50 ends of the reveal surface 46. One of the locking ends 54 may be shaped to be received within the retention slot 45 to further secure the cap 52 in place. The cap 52 is an elongated one-piece stamped member that covers the reveal surface 46 from the upper end 48 to the lower end 50. The cap 52 may be formed from any of numerous materials including, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, and a molded material having a high gloss black with film.
Referring to
The cap 52 extends as a single piece along the entire length of the upper reveal 12 and the outer belt 14. The cap 52 thus is a visible surface extending along the window opening of the front or rear door. Because the cap 52 is a one-piece stamped member, the cap 52 provides a seamless, joint-free appearance along the entire length of the upper reveal 12 and outer belt 14 when fixedly secured thereto. The window surround assembly 10 is thus free from any visible joints or surface interruptions that would otherwise take away from the appearance of the window surround assembly 10. And since the cap 52 may be formed from any of numerous materials, the particular look of the cap 52 may be chosen to complement the overall appearance of the motor vehicle. Further, the cap 52 is easy to attach to the upper reveal 12 and outer belt 14.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/CA08/00549 | 3/26/2008 | WO | 00 | 9/22/2009 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60920350 | Mar 2007 | US |