Movable Patents (Class 296/146.16)
  • Publication number: 20090250975
    Abstract: The present specification provides a rear window assembly for a vehicle having a window frame, at least one fixed window panel whose perimeter edge defines a portion of an opening, a movable window panel capable of opening or closing the opening and that is allowed to slidably move past the surface of the fixed window panel, a seal member present on the perimeter surface of at least one of the window panels, and a closure track integrally formed in at least one edge of the window frame. The closure track may force the movable window panel and the fixed window panel closer together, thereby, placing the seal member under compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: SHIGEKI ARIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20090188169
    Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle having a body structure with a window enclosure, and a method of installing a window, is disclosed. The window assembly includes a window and a window regulator bracket assembly. The window is slidable into the window enclosure. The window regulator bracket assembly includes a support rod having an upper end mounted to the body structure and a lower end with threads. The window regulator bracket assembly also includes a spring housing slidably received on the lower end of the support rod, a compression spring, a support nut threadably received on the threaded portion in engagement with the spring plate, and a support jaw engaging the bottom edge of the window. The support nut is screwed onto the support rod against the bias of the spring to secure the window in its closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Costigan, David T. Renke
  • Patent number: 7472943
    Abstract: A pane arrangement for closing an opening in the outer shell of the motor vehicle, has a closed position tightly closing the opening, and an open position partially clearing the opening. A flexible pane is connected without hinges to the vehicle to seal the opening. At least a first partial region of the pane is permanently connected to the outer shell of the vehicle, and at least a second partial region of the pane can be bent out of the closed position by deformation of the pane. Similarly, a body element of a motor vehicle with contains a flexible plate which is connected to the vehicle without hinges, at least a first partial region of the plate being permanently connected to the outer vehicle shell, and at least a second partial region of the plate being able to be bent away from the outer vehicle shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventor: Peter Oberhaus
  • Publication number: 20090001755
    Abstract: A sealing strip for side windows on motor vehicles, which is arranged between a retractable, frameless, front side window and a retractable, frameless, rear side window. The sealing strip reaches from the door line as far as a roof frame of the motor vehicle. A movable locking member is fitted to the sealing strip and, in a closed state, engages with a locking counterpart arranged on the roof frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Michael Fuetterer
  • Publication number: 20080303308
    Abstract: A window assembly cooperating with a window frame on a golf car cooperating with a window frame on a golf car can include a first window pane that is selectively coupled to the window frame. A second window pane can be selectively coupled to the window frame and offset from the first window pane. A first pair of retaining members can be arranged on the window frame in an installed position and movable between a retaining position wherein the retaining members retain the first window pane in an upright position and a release position wherein the retaining members are disengaged from the first window pane. Each of the first pair of retaining members are defined by a rigid frame having an integrally molded elastomeric body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Donald S. Hanson, Richard Krall
  • Patent number: 7427096
    Abstract: A window module for a school bus includes a frame, a fixed window panel affixed to a portion of the frame, a perimeter panel secured to another portion of the frame and defining an opening at the other portion of the frame, and a movable window panel. The movable window panel is slidably positioned at the frame such that opposite perimeter edges of the movable window panel are slidably engaged with opposite channel members of the frame. The movable window panel is movable along the channel members and interiorly of the fixed window panel when opened and interiorly of and generally at the perimeter panel when at least partially closed. The exterior surfaces of the fixed window panel and of the perimeter panel form a generally flush surface at an exterior of the school bus when the window assembly is installed at the school bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Darin J. Snider, Michael J. Hulst
  • Patent number: 7410201
    Abstract: An improved lead screw actuator for use in applications including power vehicle windows is provided that significantly reduces the amount of machining that must be performed on the lead screw to enable secure attachment of a gear or pulley. The lead screw has a plurality of threads on its outer annular surface and a first and second axially spaced circumferential groove. A gear or pulley disposed about the lead screw has a female thread formed into an inner annular surface that is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of threads of the lead screw between the first and second grooves. A pair of rings are disposed within the first and second grooves in order to restrict axial movement of the gear or pulley on the lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl Wilson, Scott L. Strong
  • Patent number: 7410203
    Abstract: An automobile door has a glass run corresponding to a glass door. The glass run includes a body portion, which has a bottom wall portion, and a vehicle interior side wall portion and a vehicle exterior side wall portion respectively extending from opposite ends of the bottom wall portion, and also includes a pair of seal lips which performs sealing between the door glass and the glass run. Furthermore, in a cross-sectionally substantially-U-shaped outer peripheral portion of the body portion, sponge rubber layers are provided in a predetermined range in a longitudinal direction of a cross-section of the vehicle interior side surface wall portion and a predetermined zone including a continuously connecting portion between the bottom wall portion and the inner outer side surface wall portion, respectively. An auxiliary lip is provided at a continuously connecting portion between the bottom wall portion and the vehicle interior side wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yatsuda, Yoshio Hashimoto, Masanori Aritake, Satoshi Toki, Yukio Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7410202
    Abstract: A substantially flat control element for controlling a vehicle component has touch-sensitive regions and is configured to generate control signals for moving the vehicle component into respective end positions in response to a first and a third one of the touch-sensitive regions of the control element being touched. A second region of the control element has subregions for allowing a variable adjustment of the vehicle component into intermediate positions between the end positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kai Christen Rose, Arne Stoschek
  • Patent number: 7393042
    Abstract: The sliding feed door for horse trailer is a door panel having lower and upper ends and a window. The feed door has a latching handle to secure the door in open and closed positions. Door hinges are pivotally attached to the upper sides of the feed door. A spring torsion assembly, including a torsion axle, is disposed horizontally along an upper inside trailer wall. Spools having spooled cables are attached to the torsion axle near either end. Free ends of the cables are attached to the feed door hinges. Two guide tracks are spaced apart and vertically disposed within the trailer wall. Two guide wheels are rotatably attached to the feed door hinges and adapted to being vertically slidable in the guide tracks so that spring torsion applied through the cables slides the door into a normally closed position over an opening in the trailer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventors: Andrea D. Alfstad-Seibel, Scott Arnold Seibel
  • Patent number: 7390051
    Abstract: A window assembly cooperating with a window frame on a golf car includes a first window pane selectively coupled to the window frame. A second window pane is selectively coupled to the window frame and offset from the first window pane. An intermediate window pane is arranged between the first and second window panes and is movable between an upright position wherein the first, second and intermediate window panes collectively define a transparent barrier at the window frame and a collapsed position wherein the intermediate window pane is moved to a position alongside the second window pane thereby defining a passage at the window frame between the first and second window panes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Kent H. Bruntz, Donald Hanson
  • Publication number: 20080100093
    Abstract: A flush-flush horizontal vehicle window assembly is provided that includes a sliding panel with guide pins, formed with a load-bearing shoulder, on sliding panel corners, and a frame defining a window opening. The frame is attached to two fixed panels. Upper/lower tracks are attached above/below the window opening. Each track has a leading and a trailing guide path formed through a surface of the respective tracks, where the pins partially project into the guide paths and where load-bearing shoulder surfaces smoothly and reliably slide on the track surfaces. Each leading guide path is ā€œSā€ shaped and each trailing guide path is shaped in a perpendicular manner at one end, which causes the sliding panel to smoothly enter and seal the window opening in a flush manner. An aesthetically pleasing flush-flush slider results when the sliding panel is in the plane of the window opening and further in the plane of the outer vehicle body panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Pilkington North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane C. Seiple, Charles E. Ash, H. Richard Voght
  • Patent number: 7287802
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daryl F. Dankert, Robert Carl Eckstein, Darren M. Grumm, Todd E. Cripe
  • Patent number: 7240954
    Abstract: A close out seal has a base, a weather strip and a trim strip all permanently joined together to provide a single part capable of being readily installed in a rear quarter panel of an automotive vehicle. The weather strip has a sealing lip adapted to contact a rear window of the vehicle. The trim strip has a contoured inner surface portion adapted to seal around an upright end portion of a transverse overhead sport bar. The trim strip provides a cap for the rear quarter panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Larry M Storinsky, Martin Potok, Douglas P Smith, Daniel Bullion, John Griffin, David Baryla, Michael Boes, Jeffrey Tangen, John Grauer, Richard Maciejewski
  • Patent number: 7232181
    Abstract: A bulletproof window, unitary casement for the window and method for replacing and containing a sheet of bulletproof glass within the casement. The casement securely retains the bulletproof glass therewithin via an ā€˜Lā€™-shaped cover plate secured over the bulletproof glass within the casement. The casement further comprises reliefs to accommodate the bolt heads that secure the cover plate to a hinge, such as on a vehicle door. The corners of the casement are relieved to allow use of a bulletproof glass sheet without the need to form a radius at the corners of the bulletproof glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Schmucker
  • Patent number: 7185943
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignees: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC, Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Michael James Lesle, Daryl Wilson, Ioana Mihailescu
  • Patent number: 7175226
    Abstract: A split glass rear side window assembly is separable along a generally horizontal longitudinally extending line into an upper glass member and a lower glass member separated by a seal carried by the lower glass member to receive the upper glass member when raised to cover the corresponding body opening. The upper and lower glass members are connected by side links that are pivotally connected to the lower glass member and slidable along the ends of the upper glass member to permit the upper and lower glass members to be stored in a parallel orientation spaced transversely within the limited storage area above the rear wheel well in the vehicle body. A spring device urges the lower glass member into a pre-selected storage pocket spaced transversely of the path of movement of the upper glass member. A rack and pinion apparatus vertically moves the window members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Queener
  • Patent number: 7156417
    Abstract: An automotive side impact assembly 10 is provided. The automotive side impact assembly 10 includes a door assembly 18 having a door body portion 20 and a window opening portion 22. The door body portion 20 and said window opening portion 22 meet to form a beltline 24. A window assembly 26 is positioned within the window opening portion 22 and extends into the door body portion 20 when in a window closed condition 28. An automotive seat assembly 12 is positioned adjacent said door assembly 18. A side-impact air bag assembly 32 is positioned within the automobile 14 such that the side air-bag 32 is deployed between the door assembly 18 and the automotive seat 12. The side-impact air bag assembly 32 has a deployed condition in which a side air-bag 32 is deployed during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Zheng James Peng
  • Patent number: 7152373
    Abstract: A glass run channel assembly for mounting on the door frame of an automotive vehicle and for accommodating a glass run seal and a glass window comprising a glass run channel upper frame, a glass run guide, and a glass run lower frame frame, each having a bottom wall and two side walls disposed on either side of the bottom wall, forming a U-shape. In operation, the lower frame is slidably engaged within the guide until the lower frame converges with a lower frame stop formed by a side wall of the guide. A tab locator is formed in each of the two side walls of the upper frame to guide the guide as it slidably engages within the upper frame. Upon sliding within the upper frame, a channel upper stop formed in a side wall of the guide converges with one of the tab locators on the upper frame locator, thereby preventing the guide from sliding too far into the upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Belton Hoffman, Davinder Singh
  • Patent number: 7150493
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a cable-operated window regulator for a vehicle to an inner panel of the vehicle, the cable-operated window regulator includes a guide rail for guiding a window glass; a reversible winding unit for raising and lowering the window glass by winding and rewinding at least one cable which is wound on upper and lower guide members provided at upper and lower ends of the guide rail, respectively; upper and lower fixing member which are integrally formed with upper and lower ends of the guide rail, respectively; and a service hole formed on the inner panel. The lower fixing member is fixed to an outer surface of the inner panel near a lower edge of the service hole. The upper fixing member is fixed to an inner surface of the inner panel near an upper edge of the service hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignees: Shiroki Corporation, Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimihiro Kinoshita, Satoshi Takeda, Hideo Morita
  • Patent number: 7100328
    Abstract: An articulating window assembly is adapted for use with a vehicle. The assembly includes a windowpane with an inner surface and a hinge adjacent to the inner surface. The hinge includes a stationary member having a pivot element with cylindrical extensions and a central portion of larger cross-sectional area than the cylindrical extensions. The hinge further includes a mounting element extending at an angle from the pivot element. A polymeric member surrounds at least a portion of the cylindrical extensions so as to permit the hinge member to articulate about the pivot axis. Optionally, the polymeric member defines a cavity adjacent the central portion on the compression side of the stationary member to provide clearance of the polymeric member when the window is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Del Wayne Scheer, Jeff Scott Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7083220
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first panel member, which defines a cabin, and second panel member, which is disposed to face the first panel member from outside of the cabin. The second panel member and the first panel member form a receptacle therebetween. The receptacle contains a window regulator. The first panel member includes a first portion which separates the cabin and the receptacle from each other, and a second portion which separates inside and outside of the cabin from each other. The second panel member covers the first portion of the first panel member from outside of the cabin and is fixed to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7080874
    Abstract: A window assembly for a public transportation vehicle that permits rapid removal and replacement is disclosed. The vehicle has a sidewall with a window opening. One or more frame members are attached within the window opening. The frame members are adapted to comprise one or more apertures. One or more retainers are adhesively attached to the inner surface and towards the outer periphery of a piece of glazing. The retainers have protrusions that can extend through the apertures in the frame members and engage therewith when the piece of glazing is positioned adjacent to the window opening. Removable fasteners can be attached to the protrusions so as to detachably secure the piece of glazing and the retainers to the frame members. This allows easy removal and replacement of the piece of glazing from the window opening of the sidewall of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventors: Jerry Farrar, Dale Carson
  • Patent number: 7076919
    Abstract: An automobile window pane structure includes a window pane, a resin layer injection molded on the front part of an interior surface of the window pane, and a hinge member including a base embedded in the layer. The hinge member further includes a pair of elastically deformable supporting arms extending from the base, and attachment portions provided at distal ends of the respective supporting arms and having therein attachment openings for attachment to a sash or its vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Katakura, Takayuki Koyama, Kiyomi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7063372
    Abstract: The invention relates to an open roof construction for a vehicle, as well as to a vehicle fitted with such an open roof construction, in particular a folding roof. More in particular, the invention relates to special features which make it possible to swing down the folding roof (1) into the boot (5) of the vehicle together with a rear window structure (2) so as to provide a convertible-like vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Martinus Wilhelminus Maria Nabuurs, Paulus Johannes Wilhelminus Munsters, Joseph Petrus Johannes Sanders, Petrus Martinus Josephus Clephas
  • Patent number: 7029055
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gerard Bourque, Paul Joseph Kolokowski, Michael James Lesle, Larry R. Lyke, Thomas William Peyton, Jr., Scott Saxon, Marcus Tanksley, Rick Mark Weinert
  • Patent number: 7024822
    Abstract: Articulating window assemblies are provided comprising, in combination, a windowpane and a hinge having a hinge axis. The hinge comprises a first hinge member that cooperates with a second hinge member and optionally with a hinge pin to form a hinge joint. The first hinge member has at least an encapsulation section with at least a first encapsulant void, optionally two or more encapsulant voids. A continuous body of encapsulant overlays at least a portion of an outward-facing surface of the encapsulation section, at least partially fills the first encapsulant void, overlays at least a portion of an inward-facing surface of the encapsulation section and overlaps either at least a portion of an external peripheral edge of the encapsulation section, a portion of a void edge defining a second encapsulation void, or both from both the outward-facing surface and the inward-facing surface. This provides a mechanical grip of the first hinge member by the encapsulant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Del Wayne Scheer, David Anderson Webb, Ramakrishna Putumbaka, Daniel Edward Laughner, Murray Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 7025405
    Abstract: A substantially flush mounted vehicular window frame assembly and method for producing same are provided, where a slider panel can be moved in either direction across a fixed panel having a window aperture defined therein. Stationary rails, near horizontal edges of the aperture, run in parallel and extend the width of the assembly. The slider panel with locator rails attached to two edges, mates with and moves between the stationary rails. Pillar seals attached to the fixed panel near vertical aperture edges, make sealable contact with the slider panel when it covers the aperture. Slider seals attached to fixed panel edges that form the horizontal edges of the aperture, make sealable contact with the slider panel when it covers the aperture. Flush mounting of the assembly is achieved by placing the window frame assembly and associated panels in substantially an exterior vehicle body frame plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Pilkington North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Gillen
  • Patent number: 7021698
    Abstract: A rear part structure of a vehicle is disclosed which includes a groove formed in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a junction portion of a roof panel and a side frame of the vehicle and in which a hinge is attached for a tailgate to be installed at a rear part of the vehicle. The hinge includes a hinge base member attached into the groove, a gate hinge member attached to the tailgate which is pivotally attached to the hinge base member, and a cover which is fitted in the groove to conceal the hinge base member from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Yamada, Tomofumi Ichinose, Yoshinori Gotoh
  • Patent number: 6976727
    Abstract: A supporting structure of a window glass of a vehicle includes a window runner, which has a junction and an engagement part. The window runner is fixed to the vehicle's cabin side surface of the window glass through the junction, and is engage with a guide rail provided at the vehicle's cabin side through the engagement part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihisa Omori
  • Patent number: 6971706
    Abstract: A side structure of a vehicle in which a rear periphery, formed correspondingly in position to an area where a second window opening area is located, is positioned at the rear side of a second rear periphery formed at the lower side of the first rear periphery. When slide door is fully opened, the longitudinal length between a front periphery and the first rear periphery is larger than the length between the front periphery and the second rear periphery. For a rear periphery of the slide door, when the slide door is fully closed, a lower portion, substantially corresponding in position to the second rear periphery, is located in front of an upper portion, substantially corresponding in position to the first rear periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Motoki Yoshida, Takashi Niseki, Noriaki Fujie
  • Patent number: 6945590
    Abstract: An open air system for an automotive vehicle includes a roof panel, which can be retracted to a stowed position below a storage compartment cover. In another aspect of the present invention, two or more generally rigid roof panels are movable from above a passenger compartment to below a generally horizontal plane. A further aspect of the present invention provides a back window, which can be raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen Doncov, Christopher J. Dilluvio, Donald R. Monroe, Jeffrey J. Murtfeldt
  • Patent number: 6910730
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a cable-operated window regulator for a vehicle to an inner panel of the vehicle, the cable-operated window regulator includes a guide rail for guiding a window glass; a reversible winding unit for raising and lowering the window glass by winding and rewinding at least one cable which is wound on upper and lower guide members provided at upper and lower ends of the guide rail, respectively; upper and lower fixing member which are integrally formed with upper and lower ends of the guide rail, respectively; and a service hole formed on the inner panel. The lower fixing member is fixed to an outer surface of the inner panel near a lower edge of the service hole. The upper fixing member is fixed to an inner surface of the inner panel near an upper edge of the service hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignees: Shiroki Corporation, Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimihiro Kinoshita, Satoshi Takeda, Hideo Morita
  • Patent number: 6902224
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for an automotive vehicle comprises a fixed glass panel adapted to be installed in a window frame defined by a body panel. The fixed glass panel is bonded to the window frame by an adhesive bead and defines an opening. A sliding window opens and closes the opening and includes an edge that is received in a guide rail that is adhesively bonded to the fixed glass panel. The guide rail defines a channel for the edge of the sliding window and also includes an extension that is bonded to the window frame by the adhesive bead. In this manner, the guide rail continues to support the sliding window in the event that the fixed glass panel is unable to provide the primary support function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick M. Weinert, Thomas M. Cleary, Paul J. Kolokowski, Michael J. Lesle
  • Patent number: 6871902
    Abstract: Disclosed is a window assembly for use in mass transit vehicles which allows the quick and easy removal and replacement of transparent sacrificial glazing panels which protect the glazing of the window from vandalism and wear. The window assembly utilizes a sacrificial protective panel and mounting arrangement which allows quick and easy replacement of protective panels on one or both sides of the window assembly, but inhibits removal by non-maintenance personnel such as vandals. The frame of the window assembly incorporates one or more retainers which fit into slots along the interior sides of the window frame and sandwich the glazing between the frame and the retainers. In turn, the retainers are essentially ā€œlockedā€ into position in the frame by an inner protective panel, which significantly inhibits the removal of the retainers from the window assembly when the protective panel is in its desired position against the windowpane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Transit Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Carson, Jerry L. Farrar
  • Patent number: 6869128
    Abstract: A window assembly for a public transportation vehicle that permits rapid removal and replacement is disclosed. The vehicle has a sidewall with a window opening. One or more frame members are attached within the window opening. The frame members are adapted to comprise one or more apertures. One or more retainers are adhesively attached to the inner surface and towards the outer periphery of a piece of glazing. The retainers have protrusions that can extend through the apertures in the frame members and engage therewith when the piece of glazing is positioned adjacent to the window opening. Removable fasteners can be attached to the protrusions so as to detachably secure the piece of glazing and the retainers to the frame members. This allows easy removal and replacement of the piece of glazing from the window opening of the sidewall of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Transit Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Farrar, Dale Carson
  • Patent number: 6869129
    Abstract: A resin bracket comprising a mount portion mounted to a member being mounted and an extending portion extended from the mount portion, wherein a ball joint with a substantially spherical-shaped portion is provided integrally on the extending portion. An opening/shutting mechanism having two resin brackets, wherein each of brackets is mounted members being mounted to be opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignees: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiya Ohba, Hiromichi Mizuno, Ryuji Utsuno
  • Patent number: 6862851
    Abstract: A mounting assembly comprises a mounting member comprising a base having a first surface; a central portion extending from the base and having a second surface spaced from the base; and a shoulder region located between the base and the central portion. The area of the first surface may be different from the area of the second surface. The shoulder region of the mounting member can include a wall extending from at least in close proximity to the second surface of the central portion to the base. In a nonlimiting embodiment of the assembly, the base is cylindrically shaped with a substantially flat first surface, the second surface of the central portion is substantially flat and substantially circular in plan view and further is concentric with the first surface, and the wall extends from the second surface to a location inboard of the periphery of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip H. Burnside, Julia G. Bernas, William R. Siskos, Robert N. Pinchok, Mark K. McLure
  • Publication number: 20040245803
    Abstract: An automobile window pane structure includes a window pane, a resin layer injection molded on the front part of an interior surface of the window pane, and a hinge member including a base embedded in the layer. The hinge member further includes a pair of elastically deformable supporting arms extending from the base, and attachment portions provided at distal ends of the respective supporting arms and having therein attachment openings for attachment to a sash or its vicinity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: NIPPON SHEET GLASS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seiji Katakura, Takayuki Koyama, Kiyomi Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20040245802
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper drive with a wiper arm receptacle (2) for mounting on an articulated window surface (44). This window surface can be locked by means of a locking element (10). The wiper drive (1) includes a cover part (5), on which a wiper motor (14) and a gear (15) allocated to it are accommodated. A receptacle (9; 22, 23) for the locking element (10; 16, 17) is integrated into the cover part (5). A securing element (28), which is arranged between the surfaces (30, 31) of the receptacle (9; 22, 23), is accommodated on the locking element (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Samir Mahfoudh, Roland Bohn, Bernhard Patrix
  • Patent number: 6824197
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a preferred embodiment of a panel retention device is provided. A further aspect of the present invention includes a base portion having a rib extending from less than an entirety of a periphery of a first surface to define an open recess. In another aspect of the present invention, the retention device has a pivot axis defining an elongated center of a torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Steven Michael Benedetti
  • Patent number: 6823632
    Abstract: An apparatus installed in an inner side surface of an entrance door of a driving room for safely preserving a subglass when the subglass, which is detachably installed in a lower portion of a front surface of a driving room of a heavy equipment, is separated based on a working environment. The apparatus includes a lower bracket attached to a lower portion of the door, forming a mounting groove upwardly opened for inserting a lower portion of the subglass therein, and supports the subglass inserted in the mounting groove; an upper bracket installed on the upper portion of the lower bracket of the door supporting an upper portion of the inner surface of the subglass inserted in the lower bracket; and a locking apparatus installed in an upper portion of the door, which detachably supports an upper portion of the outer surface of the subglass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Chun Jin Yun
  • Patent number: 6786535
    Abstract: A vehicle body has a first compartment for carrying passengers or cargo and a second compartment for carrying cargo rearwardly adjacent the first compartment. The body includes a frame defining an opening between the first and second compartments. The opening includes lower and upper portions. A window is mounted to the frame to close the upper portion of the opening. A closure panel is mounted to the frame and includes first and second hinged panel sections each pivotable between an open position permitting access through first and second portions, respectively, of the lower portion of the opening, and a closed position closing the first and second portions, respectively, of the lower portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce M. Grzegorzewski, William Charles Bisnack, Vincent L. Ruma, Richard J. Lange, Andrew J. Novajovsky, Ajay Mahesh Kharod, John J. Mascarello
  • Patent number: 6783170
    Abstract: A system and method for modifying a rear cargo compartment of an automotive vehicle includes a decklid capable of enclosing for storage the vehicle's backlite. With or without to backlite enclosed within the decklid, the decklid may remain attached to the vehicle in its conventional position, may be moved to a stowage location within the vehicle, or may be detached from the automotive vehicle entirely and stowed in an external location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Laurens Van Den Acker, Jonathan Vallis, Dennis Flick
  • Patent number: 6773053
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a window glass of a motor vehicle, with anti-trap protection, in particular on a cabriolet or coupe, with a motor-driven and electronically controlled adjustment mechanism. In a partly open position of the window glass a gap exists between a side edge of the glass and an adjacent glass edge of a further window glass, or of a chassis component, for example, the pillar of a door frame. The gap is closed on closing the window glass by [means of a] movement in the Z- and X-axes. The window glass moves essentially vertically (in the Z-axis), on going from the at least partly opened position to an almost completely closed glass position, while maintaining a vertical gap, between the side edge of the glass and an adjacent sealing edge of a further window glass or a chassis component and, in the last phase of the closing process, an essentially horizontal displacement (in the X-axis) and/or a rotary movement of the window glass occurs about the transverse axis (Y-axis).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugtelle GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Stefan Richter, Markus Ofen
  • Publication number: 20040100121
    Abstract: A window assembly for a motor vehicle comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gerard Bourque, Paul Joseph Kolokowski, Michael James Lesle, Larry R. Lyke, Thomas William Peyton, Scott Saxon, Marcus Tanksley, Rick Mark Weinert
  • Publication number: 20040090084
    Abstract: A weatherseal assembly is provided with a body part (14) and a weatherseal (20). The weatherseal (20) comprises a sealing portion (21) and a fastening portion (22). The sealing portion (21) is provided with a pivotable sealing lip (23) and an abutment lip (24) leading said sealing lip (23) such that when the abutment lip (24) comes into contact with the body part (14) the sealing lip (23) is pivotable from a first position (I) into a second position (II) contacting the body part (14). To achieve a wanted pivoting action and a relatively high contact force of the sealing lip (23) the abutment lip (24) comprises a first leg (25) and a second leg (26) extending at an angle (&agr;) to the first leg (25) in the first position (I). The first leg (25) is connected at one end to the sealing lip (23) and at the other end to the second leg (26). The second leg (26) is deformable by the body part (14) such that the first leg (25) moves the sealing lip (23) from the first position (I) into the second position (II).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Staus, Rolf Brocke
  • Publication number: 20040084931
    Abstract: A supporting structure of a window glass of a vehicle includes a window runner, which has a junction and an engagement part. The window runner is fixed to the vehicle's cabin side surface of the window glass through the junction, and is engage with a guide rail provided at the vehicle's cabin side through the engagement part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihisa Omori
  • Patent number: 6729674
    Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle provides at least one fixed panel or window and a movable panel or window. The window assembly includes a frame which includes a perimeter portion and a dividing portion. The fixed window panel is secured to the dividing portion and a portion of the perimeter portion, while the movable window panel slidably engages the dividing portion. The window assembly includes a resilient seal secured to the frame. The resilient seal is secured to the frame via integral molding of the resilient seal to the frame. The resilient seal may have different cross sectional forms at different portions of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Davis, Loren B. Renkema
  • Patent number: RE40636
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for an automotive vehicle comprises a fixed glass panel adapted to be installed in a window frame defined by a body panel. The fixed glass panel is bonded to the window frame by an adhesive bead and defines an opening. A sliding window opens and closes the opening and includes an edge that is received in a guide rail that is adhesively bonded to the fixed glass panel. The guide rail defines a channel for the edge of the sliding window and also includes an extension that is bonded to the window frame by the adhesive bead. In this manner, the guide rail continues to support the sliding window in the event that the fixed glass panel is unable to provide the primary support function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Rick M. Weinert, Thomas M. Cleary, Paul J. Kolokowski, Michael J. Lesle