Abstract: The present application describes and claims an item of hardware suitable for bonding to a substrate such as a vehicle glazing. The item of hardware of the invention helps to ensure that the adhesive applied is effectively contained and utilized for its intended purpose. A preferred type of adhesive is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A encapsulated window assembly may be fixed or movable upon installation into an opening in a vehicle body, particularly a vehicle roof. In order to keep air, water and/or dirt from entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle, an integral seal is molded onto a dielectric substrate material. The seal, upon installation of the assembly into the vehicle body opening, effectively closes the gap between the edge of the window assembly and the sheet metal surrounding the body opening, without the need for a post-applied seal, for example, a preformed bulb seal.

Abstract: The present application describes and claims an item of hardware suitable for bonding to a substrate such as a vehicle glazing. The item of hardware of the invention helps to ensure that the adhesive applied is effectively contained and utilized for its intended purpose. A preferred type of adhesive is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A encapsulated window assembly may be fixed or movable upon installation into an opening in a vehicle body, particularly a vehicle roof. In order to keep air, water and/or dirt from entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle, an integral seal is molded onto a dielectric substrate material. The seal, upon installation of the assembly into the vehicle body opening, effectively closes the gap between the edge of the window assembly and the sheet metal surrounding the body opening, without the need for a post-applied seal, for example, a preformed bulb seal.

Abstract: A vacuum ring is coupled to a vacuum source and utilized to de-air a laminated, electrically heated glass assembly having a cut-out portion adjacent the peripheral marginal edge of the laminae while the assembly is positioned within a pressurized and heated autoclave unit. The vacuum ring has a channel for receiving the edge of the glass assembly and the walls of the channel each have a single longitudinally extending groove approximately intermediate the edges of the wall. At least one of the walls is provided with a lip like extension disposed to cover the cut-out portion of the one of the laminae. The grooves interconnect with a vacuum source. The channel generally conforms to the outer edge of the glass assembly with or without applied vacuum or pressure, and the provision of grooved walls tends to enhance the sealing of the ring to the glass.

Abstract: A vacuum ring is coupled to a vacuum source and utilized to de-air a laminated glass assembly while it is positioned within a pressurized and heated autoclave unit. The vacuum ring has a channel for receiving the edge of the glass assembly and is fabricated to minimize the extrusion of the laminating material during the autoclave operation. The walls of the channel each have a single longitudinally extending groove approximately centered between the edges of the wall, and the floor of the channel includes a single longitudinally extending groove positioned to be adjacent the edge of a laceration shield layer of the glass assembly. All three grooves interconnect with the vacuum source. The channel generally conforms to the outer edge of the glass assembly with or without applied vacuum or pressure, and the provision of grooved walls greatly enhances the sealing of the ring to the glass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique vacuum ring construction which can be utilized to de-air a laminated glass assembly while it is positioned within a pressurized and heated autoclave unit. The vacuum ring is constructed to minimize the amount of plastic material which can flow outwardly of the marginal edges of the glass sheet during the heating and pressurizing operation of the autoclave. The ring is provided with a channel formed therein for receiving the peripheral edge of the laminated assembly. In accordance with the present invention, at least a first length of the channel defines an inner surface having a cross-sectional configuration which generally conforms to the cross-sectional configuration defined by the outer edge surface of the laminated assembly when the ring is mounted on the laminated assembly and coupled to a vacuum source.