Abstract: A multi-pane flush closing window assembly for a vehicle that has a body enclosing a passenger compartment is secured in an opening in the vehicle body by a clamp ring fastened to the interior wall of the vehicle body. The improved window assembly includes at least one fixed sub-assembly and at least one sliding sub-assembly supported by a frame. The fixed sub-assembly has a sash, and removable fasteners extend through the peripheral edge of the sash into the interior side of the frame so that the fixed sub-assembly can be independently disassembled from the interior of the vehicle without removing the frame or the clamp ring. The sliding sub-assembly is removably secured to the frame by an improved multi-piece guide track and slide pin assembly that allows removal of the sliding sub-assembly without removing the frame. The slide pins are removably secured to opposite sides of the sliding sub-assembly.

Abstract: A multi-pane flush closing window assembly for a vehicle includes any one of a combination of fixed sub-assemblies and/or sliding sub-assemblies supported by a frame. The sub-assemblies may be conveniently assembled and disassembled from the frame without removing the frame or window securing structure from the vehicle. Man hours, tooling, and costs associated with flush window assembly and repairs are reduced as a result. The fixed sub-assembly has a sash, and removable fasteners extend through the peripheral edge of the sash into the interior side of the frame. The sliding sub-assembly is removably secured to the frame by an improved multi-piece guide track and slide pin assembly. The slide pins are removably secured to opposite sides of the sliding sub-assembly. A lock nut or coil spring provides a means for adjusting the slide pin so that the sliding sub-assembly assumes an optimal flush fit with the frame and the fixed sub-assembly.

Abstract: Installation structure for installing and removing a sacrificial glazing panel. There is disclosed a removable retaining member for the sacrificial glazing panel that laterally pressures a primary glazing panel to seal and hold the primary glazing panel and holds the sacrificial glazing panel without lateral pressure. A unitary, dual-durometer retaining member is disclosed which is optimized for holding the primary glazing and the sacrificial glazing panel in different manners by having materials of two different hardnesses. Additionally, a retaining member is disclosed that has flocking material to reduce rattling of the sacrificial glazing panel.

Abstract: A transom window assembly is provided that comprises a windowpane and an openable transom pane, the windowpane and the transom pane being adjacent to each other. A transom hinge hingedly connecting the windowpane and the transom pane to each other comprises a first hinge portion attached to the interior surface of the transom pane along a lower edge, preferably directly attached, and a second hinge portion attached to the interior surface of the windowpane along the transom opening edge. The transom window is capable of being swung between a closed position and an open position. Certain embodiments of the window assemblies have a flush appearance. Also provided are vehicles comprising a vehicle window assembly in accordance with those just described.

Abstract: An awning-type insulated glazing assembly includes an insulated glazing having a first glazing pane and a second glazing pane mounted parallel to and spaced from the first glazing pane. The first glazing pane has a marginal portion extending beyond the second glazing pane in at least a first direction in a plane of the first glazing pane. A mounting hinge defines a hinge axis and is secured to the insulated glazing for hingedly mounting the insulated glazing for awning-type movement about the hinge axis. A window regulator is secured to the insulated glazing for controlling the awning-type movement of the insulated glazing about the hinge axis.

Abstract: An awning-type insulated glazing assembly includes an insulated glazing having a first glazing pane and a second glazing pane mounted parallel to and spaced from the first glazing pane. The first glazing pane has a marginal portion extending beyond the second glazing pane in at least a first direction in a plane of the first glazing pane. A mounting hinge defines a hinge axis and is secured to the insulated glazing for hingedly mounting the insulated glazing for awning-type movement about the hinge axis. A window regulator is secured to the insulated glazing for controlling the awning-type movement of the insulated glazing about the hinge axis.

Abstract: An installation structure and method for installing and removing a sacrificial glazing panel in a frame having a perimeter channel in which a deeper channel section is formed in the frame receiving an edge of the glazing panel to allow forcible shifting of the glazing panel so that an opposite edge clears the lip of an opposite channel section during installation and removal. A positioner element such as bowed leaf spring may be installed to reposition the glazing panel after the glazing panel is released so that the opposite edge is located to be retained by the lip after release.

Abstract: A window assembly includes an annealed laminated glazing having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral surface. The glazing has a first pane of annealed glass, a second pane of annealed glass, and a layer of laminating film sandwiched between the first and second panes. A frame member includes a base portion bonded to an inner surface of the glazing, and an edge portion extending along the peripheral surface of the glazing.

Abstract: A door check for holding a door in an open position is disclosed, which is particularly useful for thin doors. The door check comprises a check body attached to the door and having an opening. The door check pivots with the door about a first axis. A main link is slidable through the door check opening as the door pivots. A second link is pivotably attached to the main link, and pivotably about a second axis with respect to a rigid member. As the check body pivots about the first axis, the second link pivots about the second axis and the main link translates through the opening in the check body. The main link may have an irregular surface so that a large force may be required to move the door back from the open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A heated sliding window assembly comprising a fixed portion comprising a circumferential frame and a fixed pane attached to the circumferential frame, with the fixed pane having an electrically conductive heating grid. A sliding pane is slidable within the circumferential frame between an open position and a closed position, and the sliding pane has an electrically conductive heating grid. A first conductive element is mounted on the fixed portion and a second conductive element is mounted on the sliding pane. The first and second conductive elements are routed through a latch assembly, and are electrically connected together when the sliding pane is in the closed position. To connect the heating grid of the sliding pane to the heating grid of a second fixed pane, third and fourth conductive elements are employed, either routed through the same latch assembly as the above mentioned first and second conductive elements or mounted at an end of the sliding pane remote from the latch assembly.

Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly in a motor vehicle has two glazing panes, typically a sliding subassembly incorporating two vertically mounted transparent panes, which are slidably mounted in a circumferential frame slightly to the interior of, substantially parallel to and between two fixed panes. The sliding panes are mounted for sliding laterally back and forth between their open and closed positions. A motor and drive drum apparatus for powered operation of the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body at a location remote from the frame. First and second cable fasteners are mounted to first and second sliding panes, respectively, and first and second cable guides are provided to guide a drive cable. The drive cable extends from the drive drum to the second cable fastener through the first cable guide, from the second cable fastener to the first cable fastener through the second cable guide, and from the first cable fastener to the drive drum through the first cable guide.

Abstract: A motor vehicle window construction has a pull-pull closed loop cable drive system for opening and closing a glazing pane slidably mounted in a frame. A motor and drive drum apparatus for powered operation of the window construction is mounted to the vehicle body at a location remote from the frame. The cable system includes drive cable wrapped around the drive drum. A first drive cable segment extends laterally from the glazing pane or from a slidably mounted subassembly incorporating the glazing pane, toward one side of the frame member. A second drive cable segment extends from the glazing pane or subassembly toward the opposite side of the frame. The glazing pane and drive cable together form a closed loop from the drive drum. Rotating of the drive drum in a first rotational direction by actuation of the drive motor pulls the slidably mounted transparent pane toward its open position. Rotating the drive drum in the opposite rotational direction pulls the glazing pane toward its closed position.

Abstract: A latch for slidable window panels of a vehicle. The latch includes a rotatable handle carried by one window panel and a cam part carried by the other window panel. The handle engages the cam part as the handle is rotated to draw the slidable window panels together. The handle defines a narrowing channel which engages the cam part as the window handle is rotated from an open position to a locked position. The narrowing channel, formed by a thickening outer side wall of the handle, draws the cam and its connected window toward the handle. Detents are provided to impart a positive snap feel to the handle when rotated into either its opened or closed positions.