Multi-Pane Window Assembly With Two-Sided Frame

Abstract

A window assembly configured for installation in a recessed window aperture comprises one or more transparent fixed position panes, one or more sliding panes, and a mounting frame. The mounting frame comprises at least a substantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame member and reinforcement integral with the frame member. The mounting frame at least partially defines a window opening. The mounting frame, e.g., the frame member, forms upper and lower slider runways extending laterally above and below the window opening. The sliding pane is slidably positioned in the upper and lower slider runways for sliding movement between open and closed positions. The mounting frame mounts the fixed position pane(s) by adhesive surface bonding to the interior surface of the fixed position pane. The exterior surface of the fixed position pane is free of adhesive. At least a laterally outboard portion of the peripheral edge of the fixed pane is covered by a portion of the frame member which also is flush with the adjacent exterior surface of the fixed position pane. A show-surface portion of the full-circumference, molded plastic frame member forms the entire show surface of the window assembly for at least a laterally extending portion the window assembly above and/or below the window opening. The reinforcement comprises an elongate reinforcing member(s) extending laterally above and/or below the window opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE[0001]This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 839,083, filed Aug. 21, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein.INTRODUCTION[0002]The present invention is directed to multi-pane window assemblies suitable for use, for example, in motor vehicle bodies, and to the manufacture of such window assemblies. In particular, the invention is directed to multi-pane window assemblies presenting a substantially flush appearance in a window opening, supporting both fixed and sliding panes.BACKGROUND [0003]Window assemblies which are pre-assembled prior to installation are widely used in motor vehicle manufacture and other applications. Pre-assembly of the glazing unit for simple insertion into a recessed window opening in a vehicle body during vehicle assembly has been found to yield substantial cost and quality advantages. Such window assemblies intended for use as rear windows for pickup truck cabs, for examp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]2) a more arduous path for noise transmission into the cabin area of a vehicle, thereby providing improved NVH, i.e., improved noise prevention performance; and

[0011]3) masking or hiding of bonding material which might squeeze or migrate into an area otherwise viewable during installation of the window assembly in a recessed window aperture. This provides greater freedom and more packaging space for the bonded material. It can reduce or eliminate rejects for exposed bonding agent, which has been a problem experienced at assembly plants with so-called raw-edge-of-glass designs.

[0012]4) Window assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure may be referred to as two-sided designs. Correspondingly, the substantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame member may be referred to as a two-sided frame member. This refers to a configuration of the frame around some or all of the otherwise raw edge of the fixed or stationary panes, especially the edge at their outboard peripheries. As further described below, the frame member is molded against a peripheral portion of the inside surface of the stationery pane and, in addition, against (at least a portion of) the peripheral edge surface

Problems solved by technology

In the past, windows assemblies have had an undesirably bulky appearance poorly integrated into the exterior surface of the vehicle or other structure.

1) a secondary seal to sheet metal for added water management protection;

2) a more arduous path for noise transmission into the cabin area of a vehicle, thereby providing improved NVH, i.e., improved noise prevention performance; and

3) masking or hiding of bonding material which might squeeze or migrate into an area otherwise viewable during installation of the window assembly in a recessed window aperture. This provides greater freedom and more packaging space for the bonded material. It can reduce or eliminate rejects for exposed bonding agent, which has been a problem experienced at assembly plants with so-called raw-edge-of-glass designs.

4) Window assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure may be referred to as two-sided designs. Correspondingly, the substantially full-circumference, molded plastic frame member may be referred to as a two-sided frame member. This refers to a configuration of the frame around some or all of the otherwise raw edge of the fixed or stationary panes, especially the edge at their outboard peripheries. As further described below, the frame member is molded against a peripheral portion of the inside surfac

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