Abstract: A window regulator comprises a rail defining a central channel which receives an elongate flexible plastic tape having a plurality of slots, the width of the tape being sized to fit within the central channel, a drive mechanism for moving the tape, either electric or manual, and a universal housing connecting the rail and the drive mechanism. The universal housing can be used with either manual or electric window regulator designs. The universal housing has a central cavity which can receive an insert bracket for a manual drive drum when the drive mechanism includes a hand crank. The central cavity is sized to receive a larger, electric drive drum when the drive mechanism includes an electric motor. Either drive drum has teeth sized to engage the slots of the tape so that the drive mechanism can impart motion to the tape to raise and lower a windowpane. When the insert bracket is used, the tape is routed in the universal housing from a first slot, around the manual drive drum to a second slot.

Abstract: A cable-drum window regulator for controlling the motion of a windowpane, such as a window in a door, has an improved glider assembly. The glider assembly is attached to the windowpane, and comprises a glider slidably secured by snap fit to an elongate guide rail, and a glider plate which snap fits to the glider. The glider assembly travels along the guide rail from a full-up to a full-down position. The glider preferably has a cushioning unitary downstop to absorb the loading of the glider assembly at the full-down position. The glider has at least a pair of rail tabs which snap fit to longitudinally extending receiving flanges of the rail; preferably at least one of the rail tabs has a beveled surface for ease in assembly. The glider has at least one flexible finger with a digit which snaps into a corresponding receiving opening in the glider plate. In those embodiments with more than one flexible finger, one finger is preferably longer than the other.

Abstract: A window regulator employs a drive cable to regulate opening and closing of a window in a vehicle. The drive cable is attached to a glider which is attached to the window, and extends around a loop which includes first and second guide elements and a drive drum. Rotation of the drive drum causes movement of the cable which in turn causes movement of the window. One of the guide elements is coupled to a torsion spring which causes the guide element to be forced outward to increase the circumference of the loop traveled by the cable and thereby to maintain tension on the cable. The guide element may take the form of a rotatable pulley.

Abstract: A motor vehicle glazing unit has generally U-shaped frame channels open toward each other in substantially fixed position. A transparent glazing pane is moveably mounted in the frame channels, having at least one non-frangible pane member, such that the deformation of the glazing pane provides good energy absorption. Edge flanges extend along the peripheral edge of the glazing pane, extending laterally beyond the peripheral edge to a distal portion. Typically, a pair of edge flanges extends vertically along opposite vertical edges of a vertically moveable glazing pane. The distal portion of the edge flange is received in the corresponding frame channel. Edge flange retainers are provided in substantially fixed position relative the frame channels. The edge flange retainers each have a structural member oriented along the corresponding frame channel to capture the distal portion of the edge flange in the frame channel during deformation of the glazing pane.

Abstract: A door assembly for installation in a vehicle wall opening which includes a frame and a door hingedly mounted in the frame. The frame is divided into first and second sections. Each section has a flange which abuts the vehicle wall when the sections are connected to mount the door in the vehicle wall opening. Each frame section flange carries a seal which makes sealing contact with the vehicle wall, and the door carries a continuous, peripheral seal which makes sealing contact with the frame when the door is in a closed position to prevent moisture from entering the vehicle.