Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle including a first fixed panel and a second fixed panel spaced a distance from the first fixed panel to define an aperture therebetween. A sliding panel is movable relative to the fixed panels between a closed position and an open position. The sliding panel includes a top end and a bottom end spaced from the top end. A track is coupled to the fixed panels with a central section of the track spanning the aperture. The track defines a channel for receiving the top or bottom end of the sliding panel. The central section of the track defines a notch having a width substantially equal to or greater than the distance between the fixed panels for revealing either the top end or the bottom end of the sliding panel within the channel of the track between the first and second fixed panels.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle comprises a first fixed panel and a second fixed panel spaced from the first fixed panel. A sliding panel is movable relative to the fixed panels. A rail is coupled to the fixed panels. The rail has a channel portion for receiving the sliding panel and an attachment portion extending from the channel portion. The attachment portion has an interior surface. The sliding window assembly further comprises an elongated member that couples the rail to the fixed panels. The elongated member partially encapsulates the rail with a portion of the interior surface of the attachment portion free of the elongated member to present an exposed bonding surface. The exposed bonding surface allows the rail to be bonded to the flange of the vehicle for mounting the sliding window assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sliding window assembly for a vehicle. The sliding window assembly comprises a first fixed panel configured for coupling with the vehicle and a second fixed panel configured for coupling with the vehicle. The second fixed panel is spaced from the first fixed panel to define an opening therebetween. A track is connected to the first fixed panel and to the second fixed panel and the track defines a U-shaped channel. The sliding window assembly also comprises a sliding panel disposed within the channel and moveable relative to the first and second fixed panels along the track for covering and uncovering the opening. The sliding window assembly further includes a channel seal having a finger contacting the sliding panel and a base extending from the finger and coupled to the track for sealing the channel from environmental elements.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a fixed panel and a sliding panel moveable relative to the fixed panel between an open position and a closed position. An elongated member is connected to the fixed panel and defines a channel extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. The channel receives the sliding panel for movement of the sliding panel relative to the fixed panel. A rail is disposed in the channel along the longitudinal axis and is spaced along the longitudinal axis from the first end. The elongated member defines a drain hole molded into the elongated member in the channel. The drain hole is defined between the rail and the first end of the channel along the axis for draining water from the channel.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a fixed panel and a sliding panel. A track includes a first side wall connected to the fixed panel and a second side wall spaced from and extending along the first side wall defining a channel therebetween. The channel receives the sliding panel for movement of the sliding panel relative to the fixed panel. A horizontal seal is coupled to the first side wall in the channel for sealing between the first side wall and the sliding panel. A vertical seal is affixed to the fixed panel and intersects the horizontal seal at an intersection in the channel. The vertical seal extends along the wall into the channel beyond the horizontal seal at the intersection for preventing the flow of water from the horizontal seal past the vertical seal and onto an interior side of the fixed panel.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle comprises a first fixed panel and a second fixed panel spaced from the first fixed panel. A sliding panel is movable relative to the fixed panels. A rail is coupled to the fixed panels. The rail has a channel portion for receiving the sliding panel and an attachment portion extending from the channel portion. The attachment portion has an interior surface. The sliding window assembly further comprises an elongated member that couples the rail to the fixed panels. The elongated member partially encapsulates the rail with a portion of the interior surface of the attachment portion free of the elongated member to present an exposed bonding surface. The exposed bonding surface allows the rail to be bonded to the flange of the vehicle for mounting the sliding window assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sliding window assembly for a vehicle including a fixed panel and a first heating grid coupled to the fixed panel. A sliding panel is movably coupled to a track and a second heating grid is coupled to the sliding panel. A conductive rail is coupled to the track and includes a first conductive segment, a second conductive segment spaced from the first conductive segment, and an insulator segment disposed between the first and second conductive segments with the first and second heating grids remaining electrically connected to the first and second conductive segments in both the open and closed positions in a series circuit. In one configuration, a sliding window assembly includes a connector disposed between a heating grid and a conductive rail with the connector comprising a compressible material and having a conductive property to define a conductive connector.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle including a first fixed panel and a second fixed panel spaced a distance from the first fixed panel to define an aperture therebetween. A sliding panel is movable relative to the fixed panels between a closed position and an open position. The sliding panel includes a top end and a bottom end spaced from the top end. A track is coupled to the fixed panels with a central section of the track spanning the aperture. The track defines a channel for receiving the top or bottom end of the sliding panel. The central section of the track defines a notch having a width substantially equal to or greater than the distance between the fixed panels for revealing either the top end or the bottom end of the sliding panel within the channel of the track between the first and second fixed panels.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes panels and heating grids coupled to respective panels for defrosting the panels. The assembly further includes a conductive element in continuous electrical connection to the panels for defrosting the panels.

Abstract: A cable drive system and a sliding window assembly for a vehicle are disclosed. The sliding window assembly includes a track adapted to be coupled to the vehicle. The sliding window assembly further includes a sliding panel coupled to the track and movable relative to the track between an open position and a closed position. A heating grid is coupled to the sliding panel for defrosting the sliding panel. The sliding window assembly also includes a cable coupled to the sliding panel for moving the sliding panel between the open and closed positions. In addition, the sliding window assembly includes a conductive element electrically connected to the heating grid and coupled with the cable such that the conductive element moves concurrently with the cable as the cable moves the sliding panel between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes first and second fixed window panes spaced from each other defining an opening therebetween. A sliding window pane is moveable relative to the first and second fixed window panes for covering and uncovering the opening. First and second tracks are spaced from each other and are connected to the first and second fixed window panes. The first and second tracks are coupled to the sliding window pane for guiding movement of the sliding window pane relative to the first and second fixed window panes. The first track and the second track are rigidly interconnected only by the first and second fixed window panes.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes first and second fixed panels and upper and lower fixed panels with an opening defined between the fixed panels. At least one track member is attached to at least one of the fixed panels. A sliding unit is slidably engagable with the track member and slidable between an open position and a closed position. The sliding unit includes a carrier component having an outer face and a flange portion extending from the outer face. A sliding panel is attached to the flange portion. The sliding panel and the fixed panels form a substantially flush outer surface. A U-shaped seal is disposed on the fixed panels adjacent to and encircling the opening. The seal engages the outer face of the carrier component when the sliding unit is in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sliding window assembly for a vehicle. The sliding window assembly comprises a first fixed panel configured for coupling with the vehicle and a second fixed panel configured for coupling with the vehicle. The second fixed panel is spaced from the first fixed panel to define an opening therebetween. A track is connected to the first fixed panel and to the second fixed panel and the track defines a U-shaped channel. The sliding window assembly also comprises a sliding panel disposed within the channel and moveable relative to the first and second fixed panels along the track for covering and uncovering the opening. The sliding window assembly further includes a channel seal having a finger contacting the sliding panel and a base extending from the finger and coupled to the track for sealing the channel from environmental elements.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a fixed panel and a sliding panel moveable relative to the fixed panel between an open position and a closed position. An elongated member is connected to the fixed panel and defines a channel extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. The channel receives the sliding panel for movement of the sliding panel relative to the fixed panel. A rail is disposed in the channel along the longitudinal axis and is spaced along the longitudinal axis from the first end. The elongated member defines a drain hole molded into the elongated member in the channel. The drain hole is defined between the rail and the first end of the channel along the axis for draining water from the channel.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a fixed panel and a sliding panel. A track includes a first side wall connected to the fixed panel and a second side wall spaced from and extending along the first side wall defining a channel therebetween. The channel receives the sliding panel for movement of the sliding panel relative to the fixed panel. A horizontal seal is coupled to the first side wall in the channel for sealing between the first side wall and the sliding panel. A vertical seal is affixed to the fixed panel and intersects the horizontal seal at an intersection in the channel. The vertical seal extends along the wall into the channel beyond the horizontal seal at the intersection for preventing the flow of water from the horizontal seal past the vertical seal and onto an interior side of the fixed panel.

Abstract: A sliding panel for use in a sliding window assembly has a bottom edge in sliding engagement with the sliding window assembly. The sliding panel includes at least one bracket coupled to the sliding panel. A cable has a first end and a second end spaced from the first end with a body portion disposed therebetween with at least one of the first end, the second end, and the body portion molded within the bracket thereby coupling the cable to the bracket for transferring a force from the cable to the bracket to slide the sliding panel within the sliding window assembly.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes first and second fixed window panes spaced from each other defining an opening therebetween. A sliding window pane is moveable relative to the first and second fixed window panes for covering and uncovering the opening. First and second tracks are spaced from each other and are connected to the first and second fixed window panes. The first and second tracks are coupled to the sliding window pane for guiding movement of the sliding window pane relative to the first and second fixed window panes. The first track and the second track are rigidly interconnected only by the first and second fixed window panes.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes first and second fixed panels and upper and lower fixed panels with an opening defined between the fixed panels. At least one track member is attached to at least one of the fixed panels. A sliding unit is slidably engagable with the track member and slidable between an open position and a closed position. The sliding unit includes a carrier component having an outer face and a flange portion extending from the outer face. A sliding panel is attached to the flange portion. The sliding panel and the fixed panels form a substantially flush outer surface. A U-shaped seal is disposed on the fixed panels adjacent to and encircling the opening. The seal engages the outer face of the carrier component when the sliding unit is in the closed position.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes an upper track member, a lower track member, and a carrier component. The track members each define a first channel having a first depth, a second channel having a second depth, and a third channel having a third depth less than each of the first and second depths. The carrier component includes upper and lower edges. Each edge has a first tab extending to a first length and a second tab extending to a second length. The carrier component slides in the track members to move between an open and a closed position. The first tabs slide in the first channels, the second tabs slide in the second channels, and the edges of the carrier component slide in the third channels. The first lengths correspond to the first depths and the second lengths correspond to the second depths so the tabs appropriately fit in their respective channels.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes an upper track member, a lower track member, and a sliding unit. The track members each define a first channel having a first depth, a second channel having a second depth, and a third channel having a third depth less than the first and second depths. The sliding unit includes upper and lower edges. Each edge has a first tab and a second tab extending from the edge. The sliding unit slides in the track members to move between an open and a closed position. The first tabs slide in the first channels, the second tabs slide in the second channels, and the edges slide in the third channels.