Abstract: A flush-mounted articulated window assembly for use in a vehicle, the window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening such that, when closed, it is generally flush with the exterior surface of the vehicle. The window assembly includes a transparent sheet with at least one window-mounting member bonded by two separate adhesives to an inner surface of the sheet. The mounting member includes projections which space the mounting member from the inner sheet surface, and/or perforations which allow air and moisture to reach the space provided between the mounting member and the inner sheet surface. A first adhesive temporarily fixtures the mounting member to the sheet. A second adhesive permanently bonds the mounting member to the inner sheet surface. The bond created is sufficiently strong such that application of a load sufficient to cause a failure results in a failure other than in the adhesion of the adhesive to the mounting member and the panel.

Abstract: A window assembly for use in a vehicle comprises a glass panel having inner and outer sides. A latch element having a latch attachment portion and at least one hinge element having a hinge attachment portion are joined via a substantially cured adhesive at the inner side of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of the latch element and the hinge element on the outer side of the glass panel. The substantially cured adhesive is selected from the group consisting of a moisture-activated adhesive, a thermally-activated adhesive, a chemically-activated adhesive, an aerobically-cured adhesive, an anaerobically-cured adhesive, and a radiation-cured adhesive. The window assembly is adapted for mounting on the vehicle such that when fitted within a generally vertical window opening of the vehicle, the glass panel will be generally vertically mounted, and the window assembly preferably comprises one of a side window, rear window, and lift gate window of the vehicle.