Movable Closure And Its Support Transferable As Unit Patents (Class 49/380)
  • Patent number: 11686135
    Abstract: A pre-hung door and casing retention device and a method of latching and unlatching a pre-hung door and casing. The door includes a tubular body configured to be receivable in a door lock cylinder opening and a door latch opening. A male portion has an extending post with a plurality of teeth extending from at least one side of said post, the male portion receivable in a latch bolt opening and the door latch opening. An elongated engagement portion has a first end fastened in the tubular body, an opposed second end extending from the tubular portion and a protrusion engaging teeth on the male portion when inserted into the tubular portion and wherein the protrusion is disengaged from the teeth when a withdrawal force is exerted on the engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: B. Jack Smith
  • Patent number: 11047165
    Abstract: Disclosed is a threshold assembly that is durable and resistant to damage from mechanical stress and ultraviolet light exposure, thermally insulating, aesthetically pleasing, and adjustable to accommodate varying door heights and entryway dimensions and that can also be manufactured in a cost effective manner. The threshold includes base portion having a front face that accommodates an extender, a top surface, a channel, a nose wall, and an optional sizing notch that allows the threshold to be cut to varying entryway widths. The threshold further includes a deck cover secured about the base portion and a cap disposed within the base channel. An adjustment screw is disposed within the cap and used to vary the height of the threshold assembly to create an appropriate fit to an associated door. The deck cover or other components can be made of a durable coextruded material with impact or other modifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Jerry L. Monts De Oca
  • Patent number: 10697228
    Abstract: A doorsill for forming the bottom of an entryway. The doorsill has a substrate to be disposed above a subfloor and a lifter provided on the substrate capable of extending from a bottom of the substrate. The lifter is adjustable to change the orientation or position of the bottom relative to the subfloor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Endura Products, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas C. Swank, Tomasz Jaskiewicz, Bruce E. Procton, George Heid, Brent Van Camp, Michael K. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10641032
    Abstract: A protective device and method for protection of a door frame member and/or door assembly. The protective device may include a body portion and an adjoining flange portion. The body portion may include a free side and a corner side running parallel to each other and may form an L-shaped device. The flange may include guide slot openings for placement of a fastener through the openings. The body portion may have a substantially planar top and a curved bottom with reduced portions forming attachment areas for securing the protective device removably to a door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Endura Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Kendall, Tomasz Jaskiewicz
  • Patent number: 10604988
    Abstract: Adaptable fenestration frame members, fenestration units using the frame members, and methods of adapting the fenestration frame members. The adaptable fenestration frame members provide a construction that is adaptable for use in both pocket and non-pocket installations by including an adaptation channel forming an outside corner along one edge of the fenestration frame member. Removal of the outside corner converts that portion of the frame member from an outside corner to an inside corner, thus adapting the frame member for use in a pocket installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ANDERSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Craig Johnson, Todd Bruchu
  • Patent number: 10266037
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes a movable window panel that is movable at a fixed window panel between closed and opened positions. A lower end region of the movable window panel moves along a channel portion of a lower rail and an end stop is disposed at an end of the channel portion. The end stop includes a rigid base portion attached at the lower rail and a resilient elastomeric stop portion attached at the base portion and configured to engage an end portion of the movable window panel when the movable window panel is moved to its fully opened or fully closed position. The base portion and the stop portion are separately formed in separate forming processes. When the base portion of the end stop is attached at the lower rail, the stop portion is fixedly attached at the base portion and is not removable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hulst, Peggy L. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 10239397
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes at least one fixed window panel and a movable window panel. A perimeter seal is disposed at a surface of the fixed window panel and includes a continuous sealing element that circumscribes an opening of the fixed window panel and that is configured to substantially seal against a surface of the movable window panel about a periphery of the movable window panel when the movable window panel is closed. The perimeter seal includes a sealing tab at a corner region of the perimeter seal where an upper sealing portion engages a first elongated side sealing portion. The sealing tab is joined with an elongated sealing lip of the upper sealing portion or the first elongated side sealing portion. The sealing tab extends from the elongated sealing lip toward the surface of the at least one fixed window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Darin J. Snider, David K. Johnson, Linh H. Pham
  • Patent number: 10072455
    Abstract: A temporary door latch device for a pre-hung door and casing. The door has a door lock cylinder opening and a door latch opening and the casing has a latch bolt opening. The device includes a female portion having a pair of opposed and spaced apart resilient fingers, each of said fingers having a plurality of inwardly extending teeth thereon. The female portion is receivable in the door lock cylinder opening and the door latch opening. The male portion has a pair of opposed and spaced apart fingers, each of the fingers having a plurality of teeth thereon. The male portion is receivable in the latch bolt opening and the door latch opening. The teeth on the female portion engage the teeth on the male portion in one orientation and are disengaged in another orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: B. Jack Smith
  • Patent number: 9797177
    Abstract: A window assembly may include a pane movable between open and closed positions, a cam having a cam surface, and a cam follower coupled to the movable pane for movement relative to the cam surface and engageable with the cam surface when the movable pane is near or in the closed position. The cam surface may be inclined toward a seal to direct the movable pane into the seal when the movable pane moves into the closed position. The cam surface may include a linear portion that extends along at least a majority of the path of travel of the movable pane. The cam follower may remain engaged with the cam surface throughout a desired portion of the path of travel of the movable pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Durata Operating, LLC
    Inventor: Ronnie G. Gipson
  • Patent number: 9538900
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to a cycle of operation and a door assembly selectively moveable to close an access opening to the treating chamber, the door assembly having an interior door panel, an exterior door panel, a window assembly and a window assembly support frame provided on the interior door panel to support the window assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin T. Kutto, Frederick A. Millett, Anthony B. Welsh
  • Patent number: 9502188
    Abstract: One or more apparatuses are provided for forming a seal between a circuit breaker and an enclosure. An adjustable door assembly includes an inner floating frame assembly positioned according to a floating configuration between a first external flange and a second external flange that connect to an enclosure door of an enclosure housing a circuit breaker. The inner floating frame assembly includes an inner floating frame and an inner floating box frame. An adjustable coupling is used to apply a force, between the inner floating frame and the inner floating frame box, to the inner floating box frame towards a front side of the circuit breaker to form a seal between the front side of the circuit breaker and the enclosure door. The seal may provide a barrier for mitigating arc flash, hazardous gases, material, and/or explosive force from escaping from a backside of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventor: Liam Devine
  • Patent number: 9482016
    Abstract: Embodiments include a door stabilization device. The door stabilization device can include a clip component, a first fastener portion, and a second fastener portion. The clip component can be configured to fit onto an edge of a door using a compression fit between the first side portion and the second side portion. The first fastener portion is configured to extend through a clip aperture defined by the clip component and at least partially into a latchbolt aperture defined by the door. The second fastener portion configured to mate with the first fastener portion and configured to fit at least partially within the latchbolt aperture and a door knob bore defined by the door. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis John Kelley
  • Patent number: 9463684
    Abstract: A sliding window assembly is used with a vehicle. The sliding window assembly includes at least one fixed panel having first and second edges, with the fixed panel also having an arcuate configuration between the first and second edges. The sliding window assembly includes at least one rail coupled to the fixed panel and having first and second rail ends. The rail extends along an axis between the first and second rail ends. The rail defines a rail channel having a substantially linear configuration along the axis. The sliding window assembly includes a sliding panel at least partially disposed within the rail channel and movable along the rail and the axis relative to the fixed panel between open and closed positions. The first edge of the fixed panel is spaced from the second edge of the fixed panel along the axis that the rail extends along.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 9371677
    Abstract: A counterbalance system that is set into the guide track of a tilt-in window. A brake shoe housing is provided that has a first arm element. The brake shoe housing is connected to a coil spring within the guide track of the tilt-in window. At least one post is set into the first arm element. Each post has a free end that extends away from the first arm element. One post passes through a hole in the coil spring and forms part of the mechanical interconnection between the brake shoe housing and the coil spring. A cam is disposed within the brake shoe housing. When turned, the cam moves the first arm element, therein causing each post to be biased against the guide track. The contact between each post and the guide track inhibits movement of the brake shoe housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: John Evans' Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Kunz
  • Patent number: 9242533
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail, at least one fixed window panel that is fixed relative to the frame portion, and a movable window panel that is movable along the upper and lower rails. The movable window panel is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The movable window panel may include a panel portion and a carrier element integrally formed with the panel portion, with the carrier portion slidably received in the lower rail and movable along the lower rail as the movable window panel is moved between its closed and opened positions. The window assembly may include conductive heater grids that are electrically powered without use of jumper wires that electrically connect between heater grids of the fixed window panel at opposite sides of the movable window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Darin J. Snider, Michael J. Hulst
  • Patent number: 9033378
    Abstract: A high security adjustable keyless locking contrivance for preventing the forced opening of a hinged door of unoccupied homes or buildings. An engaging apparatus that incorporates a first armor structural plate combined with a first structural cylinder having a pair of first slots and a connecting bolt shaft, which first structural cylinder inserts into a conventional door knob bore hole with the bolt shaft passing through the existing door latch assembly in concert. A second armor structural plate combined with a second structural cylinder that matingly connects to said first structural cylinder from the opposite side of the hinged door, allowing the penetration of the connecting bolt shaft through the second armor structural plate bolt hole which will conjoin the two devices with a security fastener, thus sandwiching and securing the hinged door and door jamb between the two armor structural plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Heath O'Brien Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8938914
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame portion having upper and lower rails, at least one fixed window panel fixed relative to the frame portion, and a movable window panel that is movable along the rails between a closed position and an opened position. The lower rail may comprise a unitarily formed rail having (i) a channel portion that extends at least partially along the fixed window panel and an opening and (ii) a cable guide formed at each end region of the channel portion. A carrier is at a lower portion of the movable window panel and is configured to move along the channel portion of the lower rail. The cable guides are configured to engage or receive a respective sheath of a cable assembly of a cable drive system, with a cable of the cable assembly being attached at the respective end of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hulst, Troy F. Tooker, Darin J. Snider
  • Patent number: 8919043
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing off an opening formed in a structure, comprising an essentially flat fixed part in which an aperture is defined, and at least one sliding panel which an aperture is defined, and at least one sliding panel which is guided along two rails mounted on one face of said fixed panel, between at least a closed position that closes off said aperture and an open position which uncovers said aperture. At least one of said rails at each of its ends bears a closure end piece to which a first end of a flexible or semi rigid first element is secured, the second end of which element is intended to be secured to said structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Comfort Systems France SAS-ACS France
    Inventors: Michel Jincheleau, Regis Leboeuf
  • Patent number: 8915018
    Abstract: A vehicular slider window assembly (10) includes upper and lower rails (22, 24), at least one fixed window panel (16, 18) and a movable window panel (20). The lower rail comprises a channel (26) and a guide element (28) received in and secured to the channel. The guide element extends at least partially along the fixed window panel and the opening and the channel extends at least partially along the fixed window panel and beyond an end of the guide element and receives a carrier (30) of the movable window therein during loading of the movable window. The movable window is received in the channel at a first depth during the loading process and is raised to a second depth to generally align the carrier with the guide portion (28a) of the guide element for insertion of the carrier into the guide portion for movement along the guide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Darin J. Snider
  • Patent number: 8904720
    Abstract: A mullion cover linkage assembly includes a first wing including a first wing span extending from a first wing frame end to a first wing pivot end. The first wing frame end is configured for coupling with a first window frame. The linkage further includes a second wing having a second wing span extending from a second wing frame end to a second wing pivot end. The first and second wings are movably coupled with one another as a linkage. Optionally, a pivot clip is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot flanges at first and second pivot joints each including respective pivot flanges of the first and second wings received in one of the first and second clip sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company
    Inventors: Bradley D. Woodward, Chris Ratzlaff
  • Patent number: 8881458
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail, at least one fixed window panel that is fixed relative to the frame portion, and a movable window panel that is movable along the upper and lower rails. The movable window panel is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The movable window panel may include a panel portion and a carrier element integrally formed with the panel portion, with the carrier portion slidably received in the lower rail and movable along the lower rail as the movable window panel is moved between its closed and opened positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin J. Snider, Michael J. Hulst
  • Patent number: 8844203
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 8839565
    Abstract: A vehicle door sash having a uniform cross-sectional shape is provided, including an enclosed section on a vehicle inner side, and an outer extending wall which extends from the enclosed section toward the vehicle outer side, the enclosed section provided with inner and outer walls, with respect to a vehicle width direction, a body-side wall, and a window-opening-side wall that is adjacent to a window glass of the vehicle door. A weather strip is abutted against the body-side of the outer extending wall, and a glass runner is abutted against the window side of the outer extending wall. The body-side wall of the enclosed section is straight in cross section. A thickness of at least one of the inner and outer walls of the enclosed section is greater than a thickness of each of the body-side wall and the window-opening-side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Shiroki Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Okada, Jun Makita, Kenji Shimizu, Atsuo Noda, Go Yamane, Kazuyoshi Yokota
  • Patent number: 8813425
    Abstract: A powered sliding drive assembly is provided with a sliding panel having a frame member on its periphery and guide pins that are on the bottom of the sliding panel. The pins may have a washer and/or a collar disposed on them. The washers provide quiet movement of the sliding pane. The sliding panel defines a plane. The assembly further has two or more cables, each of which is separately attached on one end to opposite sides of the frame member, pins, washers, and/or collars, where each of these ends of the cables is in the plane of the sliding panel. Each cable is attached on another end to opposite sides of a drive unit. The pins of the sliding panel are positioned in tracks, whereby the sliding panel can be located in a flush-flush position with a fixed panel and a vehicle body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventors: Charles E. Ash, Jr., Shane C. Seiple
  • Patent number: 8733545
    Abstract: An improved packaging clip, packaging system, and method are disclosed for securing windows and doors and holding them square during shipment and installation. In one embodiment for a window unit, a packaging clip comprises a projection that fits into a jamb track channel in a window frame and a base that contacts and rests against the check rail of a window sash. The packaging clip may be fastened to each jamb of the window frame by a screw. A coupling member is pulled taught between the two packaging clips and fasteners are installed to attach the clips to the jambs and to secure the end portions of the coupling member to the clips. This holds the window frame intact and square during shipment and installation and, since the coupling member does not wrap around the outsides of the window frame, it does not interfere with installation of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Anderson Corporation
    Inventors: David Weiss, Christopher Buege
  • Patent number: 8707624
    Abstract: A heated sliding window assembly for a vehicle that includes at least one fixed window. A rail is attached to the at least one fixed window. The fixed window may include an electrical contact. A sliding window is moveable along the rail and is moveable between open and closed positions. The sliding window includes a heater grid and an electrical contact. A drive mechanism is attached to the sliding window for moving the sliding window between the open and closed positions. An electrical circuit is included for carrying current to the heater grid. A switch is disposed within the electrical circuit that cuts off current to the heater grid when the sliding window is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Dura Operating LLC
    Inventors: Ron G. Gipson, Charles Flynn, Brian D. Howe, Ken Keck
  • Patent number: 8595981
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 8525686
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that efficiently stop and latch a door are presented. A first bracket component is attached to a door frame and has an overhang portion, comprising a holder component, that extends into the doorway to act as a door stop. A second bracket component, comprising an extended portion, is desirably adjusted in position in relation to the holder component and attached to the door such that the extended portion has a desired amount of overlap on the holder component, wherein the amount of overlap corresponds to an amount of latching force in accordance with the force profile associated with the extended portion based at least in part on shape of the extended portion. An operation device is attached to the first bracket component and/or second bracket component and the door latching holds the door in the desired position to facilitate operations of the operation component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael N. Burdenko
  • Patent number: 8510993
    Abstract: In an aspect, the invention is directed to a backlite assembly for a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The backlite assembly incorporates a motor assembly and a motor driven belt engaged with a guide rail that can be mounted to a structural support that is bonded to the fixed windows of the backlite assembly. A motor driven belt is used to actuate a movable window between closed and open positions. The lower support can also integrate the rail directly therein. The lower support can additionally integrate a housing for the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Mellary, Douglas G. Broadhead, Traian Miu
  • Patent number: 8495841
    Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame configured to mount to a transit vehicle, a fixed window panel affixed to a portion of the frame, and a movable window assembly having a movable window panel circumscribed by a movable frame. The movable frame has opposite end members and a pair of opposite slide rail members. The slide rail members are slidably received in respective channels along opposite portions of the frame. Each of the slide rail members includes a co-extruded slide rail having a semi-rigid or rigid rail portion, a flexible window seal co-extruded with the rail portion for sealing against the movable window panel, and a flexible sliding seal co-extruded with the rail portion for slidably engaging the opposite portions of the frame when the movable window assembly is assembled to the frame and is moved between its opened and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary DeGroff
  • Publication number: 20130186004
    Abstract: A temporary window has at least two sheets of thin plastic resin correspondingly comprising a center surrounded by at least one perimeter edge. The centers of the sheets are bonded to one another while the perimeters are not. Each of the perimeter edges of the sheets has an inner surface with an adhesive coating substantially thereon. The perimeters are arranged in relation to one another so that the adhesive inner sides create a v-shaped ravine adapted to adhere to a structure contiguous with an opening. The temporary window is especially suited to temporarily cover a window opening when the window glass is broken or otherwise non-functional. Uses include temporary windows for land vehicles, such as cars and trucks, marine craft, such as boats and the like, as well as windows in a residential or business establishment. The temporary window optionally includes a gap for fresh air in a vehicle's passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Adelaide Sabb
  • Patent number: 8474186
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for a motor vehicle includes a peripheral frame, at least one fixed panel located within the frame and adjacent an opening and a slider panel located within the frame and movable between a closed position wherein the slider panel covers the opening and an open position wherein the slider panel does not entirely close the opening. A drive assembly is operably connected to the slider panel to selectively move the slider panel between the closed and open positions. The drive assembly includes a rack secured to the slider panel, an electric motor secured to a fixed position on the slider window assembly, and a gear operably connected to the motor and operably engaging the rack so that operation of the motor in opposite directions moves the slider panel in opposite directions between the closed and open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Dura Operating, LLC
    Inventors: William T. Dufour, Robert J. Cicala
  • Patent number: 8429865
    Abstract: A window assembly for a wall opening can have a center bar removably engaged to a window assembly frame; the center bar having at least one deep channel to receive an edge of at least a first window pane within a portion of a channel depth on a first side and having at least a second channel on a second side of the center bar to receive an edge of a second window pane; and the center bar lowerable over the first window pane edge when disconnected to the frame to a depth within the deep channel to allow the second window pane to be disengaged from the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Webasto SE
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Patent number: 8402695
    Abstract: A rear slider window assembly includes a frame portion, at least one fixed window panel and at least one movable window panel that is movable along the frame portion. The movable window panel is movable between a closed position and an opened position and has a first electrical element (such as a heater element) established thereat. The first electrical element is electrically connected to a power source of the vehicle irrespective of whether the movable window panel is in the opened or closed position. The first electrical element may be electrically connected to the power source of the vehicle via a flexible connector that is connected at one end to the first electrical element and at another end to an electrical connector at the fixed window panel, such as at an electrical element of the fixed window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic C. Smith, Troy F. Tooker, Darin J. Snider
  • Patent number: 8388043
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Publication number: 20120317885
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device which includes: a base body (30) suitable for sealing an opening (8), movable between an open position and a closed position; a thrust element (34) having first (36) and second (38) ends, and a tight configuration and a slack configuration, the first end (36) of the thrust element being connected to the base body (30). The sealing device also includes a linking element (42) connected to the base body (30) and connected to the second end (38) of the thrust element. The sealing device includes a bearing member (50). The linking element (42) allows the thrust element to change from the tight configuration the slack configuration and vice-versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN PAM
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Royer, Vincent Rotharmel
  • Patent number: 8322075
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 8316583
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 8272168
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 8250812
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for a motor vehicle includes a fixed panel formed of a single pane encircling an opening formed therein, a slider panel movable along a horizontal axis between closed and open positions, an injection-molded plastic slider frame adhesively bonded to the fixed panel, and at least one seal member forming a seal between the slider frame and the slider panel. The slider frame includes a sealing frame extending entirely about the opening, an upper run located above the opening and receiving the slider panel, and a lower run located below the opening and receiving the slider panel. There is preferably a substantially continuous adhesive bond between the slider frame and the fixed panel that entirely encircles the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Emile Hebert, Robert John Cicala, Kenneth E. Keck, II
  • Patent number: 8245448
    Abstract: A door plug for securing a pre-hung door in a fixed, closed position relative to a door jamb assembly during shipping, delivery, and/or installation is provided. The door plug includes a bolt member and a fastener. The bolt member can include a collar and a shaft extending from the collar. The shaft can include a bore along a longitudinal axis and a first engaging portion distributed along the bore. The fastener can include a head and a shank extending from the flange. The shank can extend into the bore of the bolt member for sufficient engagement between the first and second engaging portions. The fastener and the bolt member are adapted to permit the fastener to be slidably inserted into the bore of the bolt member in a longitudinal direction without screwing, and adapted to inhibit the fastener from being pulled from the bore in an opposite longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Rubber Development Inc.
    Inventors: Cinda J Crane, Gregg Weinberg
  • Patent number: 8240087
    Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a sliding panel and a rail. The rail defines a channel for receiving the sliding panel. The sliding panel is movable between a closed position and an open position along the rail. An encapsulation at least partially encapsulates the sliding panel. The encapsulation includes a silicone-based polymer that has a minimal coefficient of friction. The encapsulation provides operational advantages to the sliding window assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: Brian Kinross
  • Publication number: 20120167470
    Abstract: A pre-hung door comprises a doorframe and a door. The doorframe comprises a hinged jamb, an unhinged jamb, a sill, and a lintel. A doorstop is disposed lengthwise along one or more of the jambs. A single piece of decorative film is wrapped over both the jamb and the doorstop such that the decorative film conforms to the shape of the jamb and the doorstop. As a result, it can appear to a person that the doorstop and the jamb form a single integral piece. The door includes a particle board slab. A width of the particle board slab is approximately equal to a width of the door. The height of the particle board slab is approximately equal to a height of the door. The door does not include stiles or rails. One or more hinges attach the particle board slab to one of the jambs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew Burgess
  • Patent number: 8151519
    Abstract: A power sliding back window assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly can include a window casing with a first window pane and a second window pane fixedly attached thereto. Also included can be a generally U-shaped guide rail that has a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. A third window pane having a portion or edge fixedly attached to a glass carrier can also be included. A first cap can be attached to and located at least partially within the first end of the generally U-shaped guide rail and a second cap can be attached to and located at least partially within the second end of the generally U-shaped guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Michael Bello, Jamie Beth Pawloski
  • Patent number: 8127498
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 8124010
    Abstract: A reusable container for the sterile transfer of pharmaceutical recipients, in particular of syringe bodies. The container comprises an outer case and a sterilizable interior, wherein the interior is microbially isolated from the environment of the container. The interior has at least one holder for accommodating at least one nest for storing a plurality of pharmaceutical recipients. The nest can be removably accommodated in the holder. The container further has at least one container door for removing or introducing the nest into the interior and at least one lock for coupling the container to a sterile space. The lock is configured in such a way that, after coupling to the sterile space, it is possible to open the container door without substantially suspending sterility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: F. Hoffman-La Roche AG
    Inventors: Rolf-Dieter Gabel, Martin Knierim
  • Patent number: 7980027
    Abstract: An assembled component for a motor vehicle includes a lower flitch (6), an upper flitch (7), and an intercalation (8) disposed between the lower flitch (6) and the upper flitch (7). The lower flitch (6) and the upper flitch (7) are directly connected at joining points (15, 41) wherein the upper flitch defines at least one guide groove configured to support a window for relative movement within the at least one groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dura Automotive Plettenberg Entwicklungs-und Vertriebs GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Kraus, Holger Rau, Ralf Gerndorf
  • Patent number: 7963070
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a window assembly for a vehicle. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. An elongated upper rail includes first and second upper rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top pin attached to the slidable panel. An elongated lower rail includes first and second lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. The upper and lower rails are connected to the fixed panel. The first upper rail channel and the first lower rail channel are provided at a first depth and the second upper rail channel and the second lower rail channel are provided at a second depth. The slidable panel is substantially flush with the fixed panel when closed, but is slightly inwardly and laterally movable when being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Duane O. Recker
  • Patent number: 7934342
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas, Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: RE45355
    Abstract: A door hanger (140) is disclosed for use in installation of a door assembly (100). The door hanger (140) includes a jamb arm (142) with a triangular shaped edge (144), and proximate shorter edges (145) formed inwardly from the triangular shaped edge (144) and perpendicular to each other. A pair of opposing faces (143) are formed by the triangular shaped edge (144) and the proximate edges (145), and a central hole (146) is located substantially in the center of the opposing faces (143). An alignment flange (150) is perpendicular to the jamb arm (142) and includes a distal arcuate edge (152). The arcuate edge (152) has a configuration substantially conforming to the legs of a triangle. Formed inwardly from the distal arcuate edge (152) are a pair of opposing sides (154), with sets of alignment notches (156) formed on the opposing sides (154).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Nathan K. Root, Dennis Gill, Michael Gill