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

[0007]An advantageous aspect of at least certain exemplary embodiments of the window assemblies disclosed here is their strength during the post-molded handling and customer operations, such as installation and support of the assemblies. Also, an advantageously flush and uniform appearance can be achieved. In certain exemplary embodiments, the elongate reinforcement member(s) are at least partly embedded in the substantially full circumference molded frame member and extend laterally above or below the window opening behind a “show surface,” i.e., a surface portion of the molded frame member which forms the aforesaid exterior surface of the assembly. Advantageously, such exterior surface of the assembly is flush with adjacent (non-recessed) surface of the window aperture. The reinforcement members in such embodiments provide not only structural reinforcement, but also help to eliminate and / or minimize the effects of sink marks and witness lines that would otherwise occur in such exterior surface.

[0008]In general, well-designed embodiments of the window assemblies disclosed here provide a desirable flush and smooth look from the exterior. Certain exemplary embodiments also provide additional advantageous features, including, e.g., a two-sided seal lip (a ‘D’-shaped or ‘v’-shaped lip, etc.) extending radially at the perimeter of the window assembly. The peripheral lip seal can provide a continuous seal surface without steps or offsets. Such lip seal provides, in at least certain embodiments, the following added benefits:

[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 of the pane. The exterior surface of the frame member preferably is flush with the adjacent surface of the fixed pane along this interface. Any variation in the dimension of the glass pane is compensated for by the frame member simply being molded to the raw edge. Thus, a gap-less, flush result is achieved irrespective of tolerance variations in the glass. It is a significant advantage of at least certain embodiments of the window assemblies disclosed here, that the 2-side molded plastic frame provides for this improved tolerance—compared to raw-edge-of glass designs—for inevitable variance in the precise dimensions of stationary glass panes. The 2-sided molded plastic frame also provides for an improved appearance between the stationary glass and the molded plastic frame in the slide glass area. Current products on the market have gaps or margins between the stationary glass edge and the appearance portion of the upper and lower frame areas. These gaps are required for assembled products due to component tolerances. This invention reduces or eliminates these gaps via the 2-sided molding feature, which provides for a gap-less appearance and, in at least certain embodiments, a flush appearance.

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 surface of the stationery pane and, in addition, against (at least a portion of) the peripheral edge surface of the pane. The exterior surface of the frame member preferably is flush with the adjacent surface of the fixed pane along this interface. Any variation in the dimension of the glass pane is compensated for by the frame member simply being molded to the raw edge. Thus, a gap-less, flush result is achieved irrespective of tolerance variations in the glass. It is a significant advantage of at least certain embodiments of the window assemblies disclosed here, that the 2-side molded plastic frame provides for this improved tolerance—compared to raw-edge-of glass designs—for inevitable variance in the precise dimensions of stationary glass panes. The 2-sided molded plastic frame also provides for an improved appearance between the stationary glass and the molded plastic frame in the slide glass area. Current products on the market have gaps or margins between the stationary glass edge and the appearance portion of the upper and lower frame areas. These gaps are required for assembled products due to component tolerances. This invention reduces or eliminates these gaps via the 2-sided molding feature, which provides for a gap-less appearance and, in at least certain embodiments, a flush appearance.

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