Abstract: A panel/window assembly for vehicles adapted to be raised and lowered by a window regulator mechanism. The assembly includes at least one regulator mechanism attachment member molded directly on one peripheral edge of a preferably transparent sheet from a resinous material, preferably reaction injection molded polyurethane. The attachment member may include either a generally C-shaped channel having an elongated slot opening to one side or an elongated opening extending entirely through the attachment member. The opening or channel in each attachment member is adapted to receive a roller or slide mechanism coupled to the regulator mechanism. Preferably, the slide is coupled to the regulator arm by a cap received over the end of the arm and includes a pivot joint allowing movement about multiple axes. The panel/window assembly allows installation on existing or new regulator assemblies and requires less time and fewer tools to install than conventional window assemblies.

Abstract: A rotatable fastener for attaching trim strips to vehicle window assemblies and other vehicular trim supports includes a pair of trim engaging flanges at one end of a central shaft and a retaining head at the other end. The flanges are beveled to engage the edges of a trim strip slot upon one-quarter turn rotation after insertion through an aperture in the window assembly or trim support. The retaining head includes recesses for engaging projections on the window assembly or trim support after rotation to resist removal. The flanges are preferably offset and the aperture shaped to receive the offset flanges and central shaft to resist fastener movement in the aperture and slot. Alternately, the fastener may include a planar head while the flanges may each include a flexible portion and slot for reducing the width of the flanges upon insertion.

Abstract: A method for molding a gasket or casing around a peripheral portion of sheet material with portions of a separate part embedded within the gasket and other portions extending out of the gasket is disclosed. Preferably, the method is used to form vehicular window assemblies and includes inserting a separate part in a pocket or recess in one of two cooperating mold sections prior to closing the mold, closing the mold such that a portion of the separate part is urged tightly against a part of the recess by the sheet material in the mold, and filling the mold cavity to embed part of the separate part in the gasket while another portion extends out of the cavity.

Abstract: A vehicular window assembly such as a front windshield in the preferred embodiment includes a window panel and a casing molded on a first portion of the peripheral edge of the window panel. A trim strip covers and finishes portions of the periphery of the assembly. The trim strip extends continuously without interruption from the window panel edge to a mounting rib on the casing through a transition area. The trim continues along the casing and is spaced from the window panel edge. When installed, the casing and trim strip fill the space between the window panel and vehicle body to reduce wind noise when the vehicle is moving and improve weather sealing around the window.

Abstract: A molded panel assembly such as that for a vehicle window and various embodiments of fasteners for mounting on the molded panel assembly and securing the panel assembly to a support such as a vehicle body are disclosed. The panel assembly is of the type including a panel with a peripheral edge and a casing of molded material, such as a resinous plastic, molded around at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the panel. Each of the fasteners includes a base, resilient means on the base for engaging a rigid member, such as the window panel itself, to urge the base into sealing contact with a mold portion during molding of the casing of the assembly and for retaining the fastener in the molded portion or casing of the assembly. Attachment means are also provided on the base for securing the fastener and panel assembly to a support.