US 5,799,444 A · Sliding vehicle window

Abstract

A sliding vehicle window assembly is provided which includes at least one, and preferably a pair, of window panels spaced from each other to define a window opening and interconnected by upper and lower frame members or tracks, bonded to the interior surface of the pair of window panels. The upper and lower frame members are also spaced vertically apart from each other. At least one, and preferably two, arcuate channels are defined in each of the inwardly facing walls of the two frame members--the two channels arranged generally in tandem or end-to-end alignment. The pair of channels in each frame member are configured to receive a window panel, opposite ends of which retain cam or channel followers received by the channels. A latch handle interconnects one end of each cam follower and includes a cam projection also received in the channel and when rotated in one end of the channels, moves the sliding window generally perpendicularly with respect to the window opening when the window is located over the window opening. The sliding window is sealed against the window opening by a seal fixed to the interior surface of the fixed window panels carried in a seal carrier which spans the upper and lower portions of the window opening. The advantages resulting from the various forms of the invention include a sliding vehicle window assembly which is substantially flush with the exterior of the vehicle. There are no components which extend beyond the exterior surface of the fixed panels. Additionally, all of the components may be injection molded from lightweight, rigid materials, resulting in less expense. Moreover, the window assembly design is easy to assemble resulting in less man hours per unit and, as a result, less cost. The window assembly is easily adapted to any one of a number of different gasketing techniques used to retain the vehicle window assembly in the vehicle window opening.

Claims49

Dependent claims

A sliding vehicle window assembly, comprising in combination:

a pair of window panels spaced from each other and defining an opening therebetween;
upper and lower frame members bonded to one side of said pair of window panels to interconnect said pair of window panels in spaced relationship, said upper and lower frame members oriented substantially parallel to each other and spaced opposite from each other, each frame member having an inwardly facing wall containing a pair of channels oriented generally along a common longitudinal axis;
a sliding window panel assembly having opposite edges, each opposite edge configured to slide along said pair of channels;
a seal extending from one of said sliding window panel assembly, said frame members, and pair of window panels;
and
a latching mechanism interconnecting said opposite edges of said sliding window panel assembly, said latching mechanism having a cam defined on at least one end of said latching mechanism and configured to slide within one of said pair of channels, said cam forcing said sliding window panel assembly in and out of sealing engagement with said seal, and a handle interconnecting opposite edges of said sliding window panel assembly and rotating said cam within a terminal end of said channel.

3 more elements

A sliding vehicle window assembly, comprising in combination:

a pair of window panels, each having first and second generally opposing parallel surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge, spaced from each other by a predetermined distance to define an opening;
a molded polymeric frame spanning said opening and attached to said first surface of said pair of window panels proximate said peripheral edge to interconnect and fix said pair of window panels in spaced relationship, said molded polymeric frame including upper and lower frame members, each having an inwardly facing edge containing a pair of channels arranged in tandem generally parallel to said frame members, said molded polymeric frame also including an integrally molded seal carrier interconnecting said upper and lower members and attached to said first surface of said pair of window panels proximate said opening;
a seal attached to said seal carrier and surrounding said opening;
a moving window panel having opposite ends;
an end cap having a top and bottom edge is attached to each of said opposite ends of said moving window panel, each end cap having portions slidingly disposed in one of said channels in said upper and lower members;
and
one of said edges of said end cap is attached along a substantial portion of an edge of said moving window panel;
and at least one follower defined on said other edge of said end cap and configured to follow at least one of said channels in said upper and lower members;
and
said channels having a first portion configured to move said moving window panel assembly generally perpendicular with respect to said seal carrier in and out of sealing engagement with said seal, and a second portion to move said moving window panel assembly generally parallel to said seal carrier away from said opening.

7 more elements

A sliding vehicle window assembly, comprising in combination:

a pair of window panels, each having first and second generally opposing parallel surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge, spaced from each other by a predetermined distance to define an opening;
a molded polymeric frame spanning said opening and attached to said first surface of said pair of window panels proximate said peripheral edge to interconnect and fix said pair of window panels in spaced relationship, said molded polymeric frame including upper and lower frame members, each having an inwardly facing edge containing a pair of channels arranged in tandem generally parallel to said frame members, said molded polymeric frame also including an integrally molded seal carrier interconnecting said upper and lower members and attached to said first surface of said pair of window panels proximate said opening;
a seal attached to said seal carrier and surrounding said opening;
a moving window panel having opposite ends;
an end cap attached to each of said opposite ends of said moving window panel, each end cap having portions slidingly disposed in one of said channels in said upper and lower members;
said channels having a first portion configured to move said moving window panel assembly generally perpendicular with respect to said seal carrier in and out of sealing engagement with said seal, and a second portion to move said moving window panel assembly generally parallel to said seal carrier away from said opening;
and
further including a latch interconnecting each end cap at each end of said moving window panel, said latch having first and second opposite ends, each of said opposite ends received in one of said channels in a respective one of said upper and lower members, said latch providing movement of said moving window panel into and out of sealing engagement with said seal, and generally parallel with respect to said seal.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sliding vehicle window

Life of this patent

Sliding vehicle window

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims49