Slider for a frameless window in a vehicle

Abstract

Adjustable sliding arrangement (10) for a frameless window (28) of a vehicle door, comprising: a sliding body (16), wherein the sliding body has a hook section (40), the hook section (40) comprising a first section (42) and a second section (44), wherein the first section (42) extends from the sliding body (16) and the second section (44) extends from the first section (42) and the second section terminates at a distal end (46); and an insulator (18), wherein the insulator (18) has a first side wall (22) spaced apart from a second side wall (24), wherein the first side wall (22) is connected to the second side wall (24) via a film hinge (30), wherein the film hinge (30) is supported by the first section (42) and the second section (44) restricts movement of the first side wall (22) when the insulator (18) is attached to the slide body (16).

Description

BACKGROUNDExample embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the art of vehicle windows and, more particularly, to frameless window systems.Frameless window systems are set for glass sealing in the Y-direction.Therefore, it is desirable to provide a slider assembly that can be adjusted when a window is installed in the slider assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONAn adjustable slider assembly for a frameless window of a vehicle door is disclosed, comprising: a slider body, the slider body having a hook portion, the hook portion comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from the slider body and the second portion extending from the first portion and the second portion terminating at a distal end; and an insulator, the insulator having a first side wall spaced from a second side wall, the first side wall being connected to the second side wall via a living hinge, the living hinge being supported by the first portion, and the second portion restricting movement of the first side wall when the insulator is attached to the slider body.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the second portion is located within a region surrounded by a peripheral wall when the insulator is attached to the slider body, the region being disposed on the first side wall.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, further including a clamping plate secured to the first side wall.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the slider body is formed of metal and the insulator is formed of plastic.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the insulator define a cavity in which a portion of the window is received when the window is secured to the adjustable slider assembly.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the second side wall includes a securing tab configured to be received in an opening of the slider body.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the securing tab has an elongate portion that is attached to the second side wall via a connecting portion such that the elongate portion is spaced from the second side wall, and the opening is "T" shaped and has a horizontal and a vertical portion, and the elongate portion is configured to pass through the horizontal portion but not through the vertical portion.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, further including a clamping plate secured to the first side wall, the first side wall having at least one hook that retains a first portion of the clamping plate, and a second portion of the clamping plate being retained by a portion of a tongue member of the first side wall.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one hook has an angled surface such that an interference fit is established between the clamping plate and the first sidewall.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the slider body has two pairs of features protruding from a surface of the slider body proximate the vertical portion of the opening, and the two pairs of features are each separated from one another to define a channel, each pair of features of the two pairs of features comprising an upper feature and a lower feature, the upper feature having a surface facing the channel, the surface providing a stop to limit movement of the elongated portion toward the horizontal portion of the opening.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to each of the foregoing embodiments, the lower feature includes an inclined surface proximate the channel to aid movement of the elongated portion into the channel.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, a surface of the lower feature makes frictional contact with the elongate portion of the locking tongue.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, a slider is disposed in the slider body of the adjustable slider assembly that is configured to slidingly engage a rail of a window regulator.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the portion includes at least two features projecting from a surface of the first side wall, the at least two features providing a surface that frictionally contacts the second portion of the hook member.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the first side wall includes a feature that protrudes from a surface of the first side wall, the feature providing a surface that makes frictional contact with the second portion of the hook member.In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the insulator further comprises an inclined guide member providing a surface for guiding a portion of the window into the cavity, the inclined guide member having an edge that engages an edge of an opening in the portion of the window such that the insulator moves together with the window upon adjustment of the window.Also disclosed is a door module comprising: a window regulator mounted to the door module, the window regulator comprising at least one guide rail mounted to the door module; and an adjustable slider assembly mounted to the at least one guide rail, the adjustable slider assembly comprising: a slider body, the slider body having a hook portion, the hook portion comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from the slider body, the second portion extending from the first portion, and the second portion terminating at a distal end; and an insulator, the insulator having a first sidewall spaced from a second sidewall, the first sidewall being connected to the second sidewall via a living hinge, the living hinge being supported by the first portion, and the second portion restricting movement of the first sidewall when the insulator is secured to the slider body.Further disclosed is a slider assembly for a frameless window of a vehicle door, comprising: a slider body, the slider body having a hook portion, the hook portion comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from the slider body and the second portion extending from the first portion and the second portion terminating at a distal end; and an insulator, the insulator having a first side wall spaced from a second side wall, the first side wall being connected to the second side wall via a living hinge, the living hinge being supported by the first portion, and the second portion restricting movement of the first side wall when the insulator is attached to the slider body.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered the same: FIG. 1 is a partial view of a vehicle including a window regulator with an adjustable slider assembly according to the present disclosure; FIG. 1A is a partial perspective view of a vehicle door and window with an adjustable slider assembly according to the present disclosure; FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first side of the adjustable slider assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a second side of the adjustable slider assembly shown in FIG. 2A ; FIG. 2C is an end view of the adjustable slider assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adjustable slider assembly according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a first side of an isolator of the adjustable slider assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a second side of the insulator shown in FIG. 4A ; FIG. 4C is an end view of the insulator shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B ; FIG. 4D is a side view of the first side of the insulator shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B ; FIG. 4E is a side view of the second side of the insulator shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B ; FIG. 4F is a side perspective view of the insulator shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B ; FIG. 4G shows a portion of the glass of a window that is received in the insulator shown in at least FIGS. 4A-4F; FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a slider body of the adjustable slider assembly according to the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the slider body with a slider inserted therein; FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the slider illustrated in FIG. 6 ; FIG. 7B is a side view of the slider illustrated in FIG. 6 ; and FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the slider taken along lines 7C- 7C in FIG. 7B ; FIGS. 8-14 show parts of the slider body and the insulator assembled; and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a slider assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the present application.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONA detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method is provided herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the figures.The present disclosure relates to an adjustable slider assembly for use with either a front door assembly or a rear door assembly of a vehicle. The adjustable slider assembly includes: a slider body having a slider configured to slide along a rail; an insulator; and a clamping plate.Referring now to the figures, and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 1A, an adjustable slider assembly 10 for use with a window regulator 12 of a vehicle door module 14 is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a partial side view of a vehicle 1 including at least one door 2 having a window 14 configured to be raised and lowered by the window regulator 12 disposed in door panels (e.g., exterior and interior) of the door 2. Although only a single door 2 and window 28 are shown with a window regulator 12, it is contemplated that the adjustable slider assembly 10 of the present disclosure may be used in a vehicle having multiple doors and associated windows. Therefore, one or more other windows of the vehicle 1 may also be actuated by a window regulator 12 with an adjustable slider assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the adjustable slider assembly 10 is configured to raise and lower a window in a frameless vehicle door.Referring now to at least Figures 2A-14, the adjustable slide assembly 10 and its components and features are illustrated.FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first side of the adjustable slider assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a second side of the adjustable slider assembly 10, the second side being opposite the first side. FIG. 2C is an end view of the adjustable slide assembly 10.FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adjustable slider assembly 10 according to the present disclosure. The adjustable slider assembly 10 includes at least three separate components, a slider body 16, an insulator 18, and a clamping plate 20. The clamping plate 20 is also formed of metal, which may be different from or the same as the material used for the slider body 16.The insulator 18 includes a pair of opposing side walls 22 and 24 configured to define a cavity 26 into which a portion of a window 28 is received when secured to the adjustable slide assembly 10. The pair of opposing side walls 22 and 24 may be referred to as a first side wall 22 and a second side wall 24. The first side wall 22 is attached to the second side wall 24 by a film hinge 30. As used herein, the living hinge 30 refers to a portion of the insulator 18 that connects the first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24 together such that the first side wall 22 can rotate with respect to the second side wall 24.An upper portion 32 of the first side wall 22 is spaced apart from an upper portion 34 of the second side wall 24. Thus, the upper portion 32 of the first side wall 22 is not connected to the upper portion 34 of the second side wall 24, while the lower portions of the first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24 are connected to each other via the film hinge 30. Due to this configuration and film hinge 30, the upper portion 32 of the first side wall 22 may move in the direction of arrows 36 and 38 relative to the upper portion 34 of the second side wall 24. While this may be advantageous for adjusting the window 28 when attached to the slider body 16, excessive movement in the direction of arrow 36 may be undesirable, particularly when the adjustable slider assembly 10 has not been attached to the window 28, as movement of the upper portion 32 of the first sidewall 22 in the direction of arrow 36 may not be restricted, and this prevents shipping problems when the slider assembly 10 is sent to a first outfitter installing the window 28 to the adjustable slider assembly 10.To prevent or limit the movement of the upper portion 32 of the first side wall 22 in the direction of the arrow 36, the slider body 16 has a hook portion 40. In one embodiment, the hook portion 40 may be integrally formed with the slider body 16 to form a single unitary component, alternatively, the hook portion 40 may be separately attached to the slider body 16.As shown at least in FIGS. 2A, 2C, 3, 5B, 8, and 10, the hook portion 40 includes a first portion 42 extending from the slider body 16 in a generally horizontal or first direction and a second portion 44 extending from the first portion in a generally vertical or second direction. While horizontal and vertical directions are mentioned for the sections 42 and 44, it will be understood that the first section 42 and the second section 44 need not be horizontal and vertical with respect to the slider body 16 as long as the desired functions are achieved. The second portion 44 terminates at a distal end 46, which second portion is received in a region 45 defined by a circumferential wall 47, the region 45 being slightly larger than the second portion 44 to allow adjustment of the insulator 18 in the X and Z directions. The second portion 44 contacts the first side wall and limits movement of the first side wall 22 in the direction of arrow 36 when the insulator 18 is attached to the slider body 16. Also shown is a tongue member 48 projecting from the first side wall 22. The tongue member 48 cooperates with the clamping plate 20 to secure the clamping plate 20 to the insulator 18.Moreover, the first portion 42 of the hook portion 40 contacts the film hinge 30 to provide support in the Z direction. The Z direction is shown at least in FIG. 5.Referring now to at least FIGS. 2B-11, the second side wall 24 includes a securing tab 50. In one embodiment, the retention tab 50 is integrally formed with the second side wall 24 to be a single, unitary component, or alternatively, the retention tab 50 may be separately secured to the second side wall 24. The securing tongue 50 has an elongated portion 52 that is attached to the second side wall via a connecting portion 54 such that the elongated portion is spaced from the second side wall 24. The elongated portion 52 is configured to be received in a "T" shaped opening 56 of the slider body 16 when the insulator 18 is secured to the slider body 16. The "T" shaped opening 56 of the slider body 16 has a horizontal portion 58 and a vertical portion 60. The horizontal portion 58 allows the elongated portion 52 to be inserted therethrough and thereafter the connecting portion 54 slides within the vertical portion 60 so that the elongated portion 52 is disposed in a position where it can no longer pass through the T-shaped opening 56 because the elongated portion 52 is larger than the vertical portion 60 and is no longer aligned with the horizontal portion 58. In other words, the elongated portion 52 is configured to pass through the horizontal portion 58, but not through the vertical portion 60. Thus, the securing tab 50 and the T-shaped opening 56 allow for rapid and easy securing of the second side wall 24 to the slider body 16.At the same time, the hook portion 40 of the slider body 16 also helps to secure the insulator 18 to the slider body 16. For example, when the insulator 18 is secured to the slider body by the securing tab 50, the first portion 42 of the hook portion 40 contacts the living hinge 30 of the insulator 18 and the second portion 44 of the hook portion 40 contacts the first side wall to prevent undesired movement of the first side wall 22.To secure the clamping plate 20 to the first side wall 22, the first side wall includes a pair of hooks 70 that retain a first or upper portion of the clamping plate 20 while a second or lower portion of the clamping plate 20 is retained by a hook portion 72 of the tongue member 48. The pair of hooks 70 may have an angled surface 74 to establish an interference fit between the clamping plate 20 and the first side wall 22. The angled surface 74 allows the upper portion of the clamping plate 20 to slide past the hook 70 and thereafter be retained therein. Although a pair of hooks 70 is illustrated, a single hook or multiple hooks 70 may be used.The slider body 16, the first side wall 22, the second side wall 24, and the clamping plate 20 each have an opening 80, 82, 84, and 86, respectively, which are aligned with one another and with an opening (not shown) of the window 28 such that a clamping screw or bolt can secure the window 28 to the slider assembly 10 at the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). In a non-limiting embodiment, and as shown at least in FIGS. 13 and 14, the aperture 86 of the clamping plate 20 may be threaded to engage the thread of a clamping screw or bolt 77. In other words, the set screw or bolt 77 has a head portion 79 that is larger than the aperture 80 and / or has a thread that engages the threaded aperture 86 to secure the window 28 to the adjustable slide assembly 10 after it / s has passed the apertures 80 and 82, an aperture in the window 28, the aperture 84, and then threaded into the aperture 86.Referring now at least to FIG. 4F, the second sidewall 24 includes a plurality of raised features 25 that support the glass of the window 28 when secured to the adjustable slide assembly 10 to prevent glass breakage. The first side wall 22 of the insulator 18 further includes an inclined guide member 27 that provides a surface for guiding a portion of the glass of the window 28 into the cavity 26 in the direction of arrow 23. When a portion 101 of the glass (see at least FIG. 4G ) of the window 28 is inserted into the cavity 26, the inclined guide member 27 is received in an opening 102 in the portion 101 of the glass of the window 28 received in the cavity 26, and an edge 103 of the inclined guide member 27 engages a wheel of the opening 102 such that the insulator 18 moves together with the glass of the window 28 when the glass of the window 28 is adjusted (e.g., in the X and Z directions). Additionally, and on an opposite side of the first sidewall 22, a plurality of raised features 29 are provided. The raised features 29 support the clamping plate 20 to prevent glass breakage when the window 28 is secured to the adjustable slider assembly 10. Moreover, the first side wall 22 further includes a pair of side walls 31 that prevent lateral movement of the clamping plate 20 when secured to the first side wall 22.As shown at least in FIGS. 1A, 6, 7A, 7B, and 7C, a slider 100 is attached to the slider body 16 of the adjustable slider assembly 10. The slider 100 is configured to slidingly engage a rail 17 of the window regulator 12. The slider 100 is fitted into a slider groove 102 of the slider body 16. In a non-limiting embodiment, the slider groove 102 of the slider body 16 is formed of metal while the slider is formed of plastic. The slider 100 contacts the rail 17 at four contact points 104, 106, 108, and 110 in two areas 112 and 114. See, for example, FIG. 7B and the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7C. In Fig. 1, the window regulator 12 is a dual window regulator having a pair of guide rails 17 and a pair of adjustable slider assemblies 10.In one non-limiting embodiment, a window regulator 12 for a front door assembly uses the adjustable slider assembly 10 only for the rear portion of the window 28, while a separate non-adjustable slider assembly 10 is used for the front portion of the window 28, each slidably mounted on a respective one of the guide rails 17. In another non-limiting embodiment, the window regulator 12 for the front door assembly uses an adjustable slider assembly 10 for both the rear portion of the window 28 and the front portion of the window 28, each slidably attached to a respective one of the guide rails 17. In a yet further non-limiting embodiment, the window regulator 12 employed with a rear door assembly uses an adjustable slider assembly 10 for both the front portion of the window 28 and the rear portion of the window 28, each slidably attached to a respective one of the guide rails 17. Still further, and in another alternative embodiment, the window regulator for a rear door assembly may use an adjustable slider assembly 10 for only the rear portion of the window 28 and a separate non-adjustable slider 10 for the front portion of the window 28, each slidably mounted to a respective one of the guide rails 17. In yet another alternative, and in either the front door assembly or the rear door assembly, the adjustable slider assembly 10 may be used for the front portion of the window 28, and a non-adjustable slider may be used for the rear portion of the window, each of which is slidably mounted to a respective one of the guide rails 17.In an alternative embodiment, the guide rail 17 is a hollow tube or structure made of a metal such as aluminum, steel, metal alloys, or the hollow tube is formed of a plastic material or a plastic composite material. Still further, and in a non-limiting embodiment, the slider body portion 16 of the adjustable slider assembly 10, or a portion thereof, or the slider 100 is configured to fully surround / surround a perimeter of the guide rail 17. Thus, the part of the slider body portion 16 of the adjustable slider assembly 10 surrounding the guide rail 17 has a plurality of contact points with the guide rail 17 to prevent rotation of the adjustable slider assembly 10 as it slides up and down on the guide rail 17.Referring now at least to Figs. 8-14, portions of the slider body 16 and insulator 18 that are assembled are illustrated. According to the present disclosure, adjustment of the insulator 18 is provided depending on the slider body 16 in the X and Z directions. As shown, the connecting portion 54 of the retention tab 50 is smaller than the vertical portion 60 of the opening 56 in the X direction. In addition, the width of the second portion 44 is less than the width of the receiving area 45 between the peripheral wall 47 in the direction "X" so that lateral movement of the insulator 18 relative to the slider body 16 is possible until the connecting portion 54 contacts the edge of the vertical portion 60 of the opening 56 and / or a side of the second portion 44 contacts the peripheral wall 47 when the insulator 18 is attached to the slider body 16.In one non-limiting embodiment, this allowable movement for adjustment in the X direction is 2.5 mm in each direction. Of course, a movement of more or less than 2.5 mm is considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.Also illustrated is that adjustment of the insulator 18 with respect to the slider body 16 is provided in the Z direction. As shown, the connecting portion 54 of the retention tab 50 may move in the Z direction before the connecting portion 54 contacts the bottom of the vertical portion 60 of the opening 56 in the Z direction or where the elongated portion 52 contacts a surface 59 as discussed below. Additionally, the film hinge 30 may move downward until it contacts the horizontal portion or first portion 42 of the hook member 40. Thus, movement in the direction "Z" is possible to adjust the position of the insulator 18 with respect to the slider body 16. In one non-limiting embodiment, this allowable movement for adjustment in the Z direction is 4.5 mm in each direction. Of course, a movement of more or less than 4.5 mm is considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.Still further, the portion 45 includes at least two features 49 protruding from a surface of the first side wall 22 that is within the circumferential wall 47. The at least two features 49 provide a surface that contacts the second portion 44 of the hook member 40. In addition, the at least two features 49 extend to the junction with the film hinge 30, which prevents the insulator 18 from sliding beyond the hook member 40 in the Y direction. Although at least two features 49 are illustrated, it is understood that 1 or more than 2 features 49 may be provided. These surfaces of the features 49 provide frictional contact with the portions of the slider body 16 (e.g., the second portion 44 of the hook member 50) such that, while the slider body 16 can move with respect to the insulator 18 within a limited range, frictional engagement of the contact surfaces of the features 49 and the second portion 44 of the hook member 50 helps maintain the position of the insulator 18 with respect to the slider body 16 until a force is applied that overcomes the frictional forces between the contact surfaces of the features 49 and the second portion 44 of the hook member 50 to displace the position of the insulator 18 with respect to the slider body 16.Moreover, the slider body 16 has two pairs of features 51 protruding from a surface of the slider body 16 in the vicinity of the vertical portion 60 of the opening 56. These two pairs of features 51 are each separated from one another to define channels 53 into which the elongate portion 52 is received to prevent it from moving upwardly and into the horizontal portion 58 of the opening 56 once the elongate portion 52 has passed the horizontal portion 58. Each pair of features 51 includes an upper feature 55 and a lower feature 57. the upper feature 55 has a surface 59 facing the channel 53. The surface 59 provides a stop to limit upward movement of the elongated portion 52 in the Z direction toward the horizontal portion 58 of the opening 56. In this manner, inadvertent disengagement of the insulator 18 from the slider body 16 is prevented once the elongated portion 52 of the securing tab 50 has passed through the horizontal portion 58 of the opening 56. The lower feature 57 may also include an inclined surface 61 proximate the channel 53 to aid in movement of the elongated portion 52 into the channel 53. Additionally, surfaces of the lower features 57 will make frictional contact with the elongated portion 52 of the retention tab 50 such that while the slider body 16 may move with respect to the insulator 18 within a limited range, frictional engagement of the contact surfaces of the lower features 57 and the elongated portion 52 of the retention tab 50 will help maintain the position of the insulator 18 with respect to the slider body 16 until a force is applied that overcomes the frictional forces between the contact surfaces of the lower features 57 and the elongated portion 52 of the retention tab 50 to displace the position of the insulator 18 with respect to the slider body 16.As discussed above, it is also understood that movement of the insulator in the X and Z directions with respect to the slider body 16 may be due to movement of the window 28 when the inclined guide member 27 is received in the opening 102 and an edge 103 of the inclined guide member 27 engages an edge of the opening 102 such that upon adjustment of the lens of the window 28 (e.g., in the X and Z directions), the insulator 18 moves with the lens of the window 28.Referring now to Figure 15, an alternative embodiment of the present application is illustrated. However, a slider assembly 120 is provided here in which the insulator 18 does not need to be adjusted in the X and Z directions once it is attached to the slider body 16. Therefore, the slider assembly 120 does not have the securing tab 50 extending from the second side wall 24, and there is no opening 56 in the slider body 16. Thus, the slider assembly 120 illustrated in Figure 15 includes all of the aforementioned features of the adjustable slider assembly 10, except those required for adjustments of the insulator 18 in the X and Z directions with respect to the slider body 16. In other words, there is no need for the securing tab 50 extending from the second side wall 24, and there is no opening 56 in the slider body 16. In addition, although this embodiment further includes the hook portion 40 having the first portion 42 and the second portion 44, there is no need to allow the insulator 18 to be movable in the X and Z directions with respect to the slider body 16. Additionally, and in yet another alternative embodiment, the slider assembly 120 may include a securing tab or device extending from the second side wall 24 and configured to attach the second side wall 24 to the slider body 16 in a non-adjustable manner (e.g., in the X and Z directions).The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with a measurement of the determined quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing of the application. For example, "about" may comprise a range of ± 8% or 5%, or 2% of a particular value.The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the / s" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprises," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one / more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure be intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

An adjustable slider assembly (10) for a frameless window (28) of a vehicle door, comprising: a slider body (16), the slider body having a hook portion (40), the hook portion (40) comprising a first portion (42) and a second portion (44), the first portion (42) extending from the slider body (16) and the second portion (44) extending from the first portion (42) and the second portion terminating at a distal end (46); and an insulator (18), the insulator (18) having a first side wall (22) spaced from a second side wall (24), the first side wall (22) being connected to the second side wall (24) via a film hinge (30), the film hinge (30) being supported by the first portion (42), and the second portion (44) restricting movement of the first side wall (22) when the insulator (18) is attached to the slider body (16).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the second portion (44) is located within a region (45) surrounded by a peripheral wall (47) when the insulator (18) is attached to the slider body (16), the region (45) being disposed on the first side wall (22).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 1, further comprising a clamping plate (20) secured to the first side wall (22).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the slider body (16) is formed of metal and the insulator (18) is formed of plastic.The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall (22) and the second sidewall (24) of the insulator (18) define a cavity (26) in which a portion (101) of the window (28) is received when the window (28) is secured to the adjustable slider assembly (10).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the second side wall (24) includes a securing tab (50) configured to be received in an opening (56) of the slider body (16).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the securing tab (50) includes an elongated portion (52) secured to the second side wall (24) via a connecting portion (54) such that the elongated portion (52) is spaced from the second side wall (24), and the aperture (56) is T-shaped and includes a horizontal portion (58) and a vertical portion (60), and the elongated portion (52) is configured to pass through the horizontal portion (58) but not through the vertical portion (60).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 2, further comprising a clamping plate (20) secured to the first side wall (22), the first side wall (22) comprising at least one hook (70) that retains a first portion of the clamping plate (20), and a second portion of the clamping plate (20) being retained by a portion (72) of a tongue member (48) of the first side wall (22).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 8, wherein the at least one hook (70) has an angled surface (74) such that an interference fit is established between the clamping plate (20) and the first sidewall (22).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein the slider body (16) has two pairs of features (51) protruding from a surface of the slider body (16) proximate the vertical portion (60) of the opening (56), and the two pairs of features (51) are each separated from one another to define a channel (53), each pair of features (51) of the two pairs of features comprising an upper feature (55) and a lower feature (57), the upper feature (55) having a surface (59) facing the channel (53), the surface (59) providing a stop to limit movement of the elongated portion (52) towards the horizontal portion (58) of the opening (56).The adjustable slide assembly (10) of claim 10, wherein the lower feature (57) includes an inclined surface (61) proximate the channel (53) to aid movement of the elongated portion (52) into the channel (53).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 10, wherein a surface of the lower feature (57) frictionally contacts the elongated portion (52) of the securing tab (50).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein a slider (102) located within the slider body (16) of the adjustable slider assembly (10) is configured to slidingly engage a rail (17) of a window regulator (12).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 2, wherein the region (45) includes at least two features (49) protruding from a surface of the first side wall (22), the at least two features (49) providing a surface that frictionally contacts the second portion (44) of the hook member (50).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the first side wall (22) includes a feature (49) protruding from a surface of the first side wall (22), the feature (49) providing a surface that frictionally contacts the second portion (44) of the hook member (50).The adjustable slider assembly (10) of claim 5, wherein the insulator (18) further comprises an inclined guide member (27) providing a surface for guiding a portion of the window (28) into the cavity (26), the inclined guide member (27) having an edge (103) that engages an edge of an opening (102) in the portion of the window such that the insulator (18) moves together with the window (28) upon adjustment of the window (28).A door module (14) comprising: a window regulator (12) secured to the door module (14), the window regulator comprising at least one guide rail (17) secured to the door module (14); and an adjustable slider assembly (10) secured to the at least one guide rail (17), the adjustable slider assembly (10) comprising: a slider body (16), the slider body having a hook portion (40), the hook portion (40) comprising a first portion (42) and a second portion (44), the first portion (42) extending from the slider body (16) and the second portion (44) extending from the first portion (42) and the second portion terminating at a distal end (46); and an insulator (18), the insulator (18) having a first side wall (22) spaced from a second side wall (24), the first side wall (22) being connected to the second side wall (24) via a film hinge (30), the film hinge (30) being supported by the first portion (42), and the second portion (44) restricting movement of the first side wall (22) when the insulator (18) is attached to the slider body (16).A slider assembly (10) for a frameless window (28) of a vehicle door, comprising: a slider body (16), the slider body having a hook portion (40), the hook portion (40) comprising a first portion (42) and a second portion (44), the first portion (42) extending from the slider body (16) and the second portion (44) extending from the first portion (42) and the second portion terminating at a distal end (46); and an insulator (18), the insulator (18) having a first side wall (22) spaced from a second side wall (24), the first side wall (22) being connected to the second side wall (24) via a film hinge (30), the film hinge (30) being supported by the first portion (42), and the second portion (44) restricting movement of the first side wall (22) when the insulator (18) is attached to the slider body (16).

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