Abstract: A sliding window panel assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a stationary window panel having an opening formed therein, at least one guide rail coupled to the stationary window panel below the opening and above a bottom edge of the stationary window panel, a shoe slidably received within the guide rail and configured to slidably move within the guide rail, a movable window panel mounted onto the shoe such that the movable window panel slidably moves with the shoe. The movable window panel can slidably move with respect to the stationary panel along a movable panel path. The lead screw drive unit engages the shoe and is adapted to move the shoe and the movable panel along the movable panel path within the guide rail.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flange attached to a window panel with an opening. The flange prevents an object from contacting the bottom edge of the opening as the object is passed through the opening. Moreover, the cargo rests on the flange rather than the bottom edge to prevent the cargo from damaging the window panel.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly (10) includes a fixed panel (12) defining an opening (14), a pair of guide rails (16,18) disposed on opposite sides of the opening, and a sliding panel (26) supported by the guide rails for movement between a closed position over the opening and an open position. Cooperating surface features (46,48) on at least one guide rail and the sliding panel engage one another when the sliding panel is moved to the closed position, to laterally displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel and thereby compress a seal (44) disposed therebetween. Additional surface features (54) on the guide rail similarly engage the sliding panel's surface features to displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel when the sliding panel is in a partially-open position, to thereby at least partially compress the seal and create a frictional drag on the sliding panel resisting further movement.

Abstract: A sliding panel assembly is provided, including a stationary panel, a movable panel, a guide rail slidably receiving the movable panel, and an integrated end cap. The integrated end cap includes an end body, which includes an end stop, a drain, and a locator. The end stop defines an end point of the path of the movable panel. The drain diverts moisture away from the sliding panel assembly. The locator properly positions the sliding panel assembly with respect to a mounting surface during the mounting process. The mounting surface may include a notch, allowing the locator and the mounting surface to mate.

Abstract: A window assembly for a motor vehicle includes an opening defined by a pair of spaced apart stationary windows. Above and below the opening are a pair of opposing horizontal guide rails within which a moveable window slides allowing the opening to be selectively covered or uncovered. Attached to the moveable window is a vent screen, the other end of which is attached to a retraction device mounted adjacent to the opening. When the moveable window is opened, the vent screen uncoils from the retraction device, covering the opening. When the window is closed, the retraction device automatically spools and stores the screen.

Abstract: A panel assembly for a motor vehicle provides the ability to securely control the size of an opening defined by the panel assembly. The panel assembly thus provides a theft deterrent by making it more difficult to get through a partially open window. The panel assembly comprises a fixed panel defining an opening, and a moveable panel for selectively covering the opening. A handle is attached to the moveable panel and includes a cam that is moveably mounted to the handle and extends through a slot defined in the handle. The cam is biased against the rail and is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window assembly having a fixed window with an opening, a slidable panel that slides relative to the fixed window to cover or expose the opening in the fixed window, and a covering to protect the lower edge of the window opening.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly includes a movable or “sliding” panel that is supported for sliding movement along a first direction by a guide rail disposed above an opening defined in a stationary or “fixed” panel. The guide rail includes an engagement portion that overhangs an upper portion of one face of the sliding panel. The overhanging engagement portion of the guide rail limits the relative movement of the upper portion of the sliding panel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while further limiting a pivoting motion of the lower portion of the sliding panel in the second direction. A latch is operative to urge the lower portion of the sliding panel towards the fixed panel, whereupon the sliding panel pivots proximate to the guide rail into a closed position while also compressing a seal disposed between the sliding panel and the fixed panel.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly includes a movable or “sliding” panel that is supported for sliding movement along a first direction by a guide rail disposed above an opening defined in a stationary or “fixed” panel. The guide rail includes an engagement portion that overhangs an upper portion of one face of the sliding panel. The overhanging engagement portion of the guide rail limits the relative movement of the upper portion of the sliding panel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while further limiting a pivoting motion of the lower portion of the sliding panel in the second direction. A latch is operative to urge the lower portion of the sliding panel towards the fixed panel, whereupon the sliding panel pivots proximate to the guide rail into a closed position while also compressing a seal disposed between the sliding panel and the fixed panel.

Abstract: A sliding panel assembly is provided, including a stationary panel, a movable panel, a guide rail slidably receiving the movable panel, and an integrated end cap. The integrated end cap includes an end body, which includes an end stop, a drain, and a locator. The end stop defines an end point of the path of the movable panel. The drain diverts moisture away from the sliding panel assembly. The locator properly positions the sliding panel assembly with respect to a mounting surface during the mounting process. The mounting surface may include a notch, allowing the locator and the mounting surface to mate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flange attached to a window panel with an opening. The flange prevents an object from contacting the bottom edge of the opening as the object is passed through the opening. Moreover, the cargo rests on the flange rather than the bottom edge to prevent the cargo from damaging the window panel.

Abstract: A panel assembly for a motor vehicle provides the ability to securely control the size of an opening defined by the panel assembly. The panel assembly thus provides a theft deterrent by making it more difficult to get through a partially open window. The panel assembly comprises a fixed panel defining an opening, and a moveable panel for selectively covering the opening. A handle is attached to the moveable panel and includes a cam that is moveably mounted to the handle and extends through a slot defined in the handle. The cam is biased against the rail and is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly (10) includes a fixed panel (12) defining an opening (14), a pair of guide rails (16,18) disposed on opposite sides of the opening, and a sliding panel (26) supported by the guide rails for movement between a closed position over the opening and an open position. Cooperating surface features (46,48) on at least one guide rail and the sliding panel engage one another when the sliding panel is moved to the closed position, to laterally displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel and thereby compress a seal (44) disposed therebetween. Additional surface features (54) on the guide rail similarly engage the sliding panel's surface features to displace the sliding panel toward the fixed panel when the sliding panel is in a partially-open position, to thereby at least partially compress the seal and create a frictional drag on the sliding panel resisting further movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window assembly having a fixed window with an opening, a slidable panel that slides relative to the fixed window to cover or expose the opening in the fixed window, and a covering to protect the lower edge of the window opening.

Abstract: A window assembly for a motor vehicle comprising: