Molded plastic automotive window panel and method of installation

Abstract

A molded plastic window panel and method for locating and guiding the window panel to a final position in a window opening in an automotive vehicle body structure, with locator guide features molded integrally in a window panel perimeter portion projecting toward corresponding complementary locator guide features on the body structures. The perimeter portion may be molded as an outer piece separate from a main transparent section with the locator guide features integral therewith, the outer piece bonded to the main section to form a unitary panel. The outer piece may be molded from an opaque plastic to provide a masking black out border and an adhesive joint used to permanently mount the window panel in the body structure window opening. The locator guide features may comprise resiliently deflectable elements such as fingers or tabs on one part engaging complementary features on the other part to urge the window panel into a properly located position on the body structure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.