Window Support Means Patents (Class 296/201)
  • Patent number: 6070930
    Abstract: A flange having a first flange close to a roof panel and a second flange close to a roof rail which are mutually overlapped with each other is disposed in a peripheral edge of an opening portion of a vehicle body. A peripheral edge of a window shield panel is bonded on the flange. A spacer inserting port open in both ends is provided between the first flange and the second flange. A first spacer has an inserting portion and a first engaging portion. The inserting portion is inserted into the spacer inserting port from one of the openings, whereby the first spacer is fixed to the flange and the first engaging portion projects over an outer surface of the flange. The second spacer is fixed to a peripheral edge of the window shield panel. The second spacer has a second engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion. When the first and second engaging portions are mutually engaged with each other, the window shield panel is positioned with respect to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Masaaki Takagi, Tomoyoshi Ohnuki
  • Patent number: 6068719
    Abstract: Bonded vehicular glass assemblies utilizing two-component urethane adhesives to attach dynamic load-bearing attachment members to glass substrates to form a joint suitable for use on a vehicle, and related methods of forming are described herein. In addition, methods of attaching components to glass by use of these adhesives are disclosed. The two-component urethane adhesives utilized in this invention have been found to provide surprisingly strong bonds between glass and other materials which meet or exceed OEM requirements, and be particularly well suited for use in vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Lewno
  • Patent number: 6065800
    Abstract: An aerodynamic windshield to door frame interface on a mobile ground vehicle, such as a medium or heavy duty highway truck. More specifically, the interface including the windshield and front door frame, sometimes referred to as the "A" pillar, contains a third order mathematical ellipse when viewed from the top of the vehicle. The inclusion of the third order ellipse in the "A" pillar and in some cases the outer edge of the windshield moves the rear point of tangency further back along the vehicle cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp
    Inventor: M. Eugene Olson
  • Patent number: 6062630
    Abstract: A window system including a plurality of side assemblies, each side assembly having first and second flexible material frame members that are coupled together along a seam. First and second magnetic material strips are coupled to an interior wall of the first and second flexible material frame members, respectively, so that the first and second magnetic strips attract each other. A plurality of corner closure assemblies are adapted for joining a first adjacent side assembly and a second adjacent side assembly of the plurality of side assemblies and each corner closure assembly has first and second flexible material corner members that are coupled together along a seam. First and second magnetic material pieces are coupled to an interior wall of the first flexible material corner member and to an opposite interior wall of the second flexible material corner member, so that the first and second magnet pieces attract each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Laron Lee Taylor
  • Patent number: 6036256
    Abstract: A window assembly for a motor vehicle includes a window frame adapted to removably mount to a lower door assembly. The window assembly further includes a mounting arrangement for removably attaching the window frame to the lower door assembly such that substantially vertical translation of the window frame is required to remove the window frame. The window assembly further includes a stop surface which is carried by the motor vehicle. The stop surface is adapted to oppose vertical translation of the window frame when the lower door assembly is in the closed position. In one form, the stop surface is defined by a removable door frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignees: Chrysler Corporation, Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Hilliard, Louis D. DeLellis, William A. Grabowski, Leonard Bores, Robert D. Worley, Mark A. Hickey
  • Patent number: 6022065
    Abstract: A vehicle window has a window pane with a front side and a rear side. A frame is fixedly attached to the rear side of the window pane. The frame includes securing elements. A holder fastens the window pane in a mounting opening of a vehicle. The holder has counter securing elements cooperating with the securing elements of the frame. The holder has a central opening for accommodating the window pane. The counter securing elements point away from the central opening. The holder has a member shielding the counter securing elements from the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignees: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG, MC Micro Compact Car
    Inventors: Walter Stopp, Gerhard Esser, Christian Rappl, Erwin Butsch
  • Patent number: 6000746
    Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a window panel on a window frame of a vehicle body including a fastener provided on the rear surface of the window panel, the fastener having a groove engageable with a flange of the window frame and having a removed section formed between opposed end surfaces thereof, and a spacer provided on the flange of the window frame and positioned to correspond to the removed section of the fastener, the spacer having opposed end surfaces which may engage the end surfaces of the fastener. The end surfaces of the spacer and the end surfaces of the fastener are preferably shaped such that the end surfaces of the spacer engage the end surfaces of the fastener to prevent the spacer from dropping out of the removed section of the fastener when the window panel is mounted on the window frame by engaging the groove of the fastener with the flange of the window frame, with the spacer received in the removed section of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tosikazu Ito
  • Patent number: 5988730
    Abstract: A window pane mounting arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a molded-on edge part which has an adhesive application surface for the application of an adhesive to connect the edge part to a fastening flange in a window opening of the motor vehicle, the connection between the edge part and the fastening flange being releasable by a pushing or pulling force applied to the window pane. In order to reduce the consumption of adhesive, to shorten waiting times until the adhesive has hardened, and to prevent soiling of adjacent components, the adhesive application surface is formed on an adhesive application profile which is releasably connected to the edge part and can be released from the edge part by exerting the pushing or pulling force on the window pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Volswagen AG
    Inventor: Werner Bekaert
  • Patent number: 5979974
    Abstract: A watertight and airtight seal is useful for use between two structures having relative movement therebetween. The seal apparatus includes a first adhesive bead (38) disposed on a first structural member (12) and a second adhesive bead (44) disposed on a second structural member (22). An elastomeric member (30) includes a first flange (34) portion bonded to the first adhesive bead and a second flange portion (36) bonded to the second adhesive bead (44). The elastomeric member also includes a flexible portion disposed between the first and second flange portions, this flexible portion being operative to freely flex during relative motion between the first and second structural members. This flexibility substantially reduces stress otherwise imparted on the first and second adhesive beads during such movements in the absence of the flexible portion, thereby improving the durability of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J Saltsman, Mark Freeland, Michael James Lynch, Colin Jeffrey Young
  • Patent number: 5961174
    Abstract: An auto window molding attached to extend from a peripheral edge of the window into a gap in which it has a U-shaped configuration serving as a flow passage to drain off rain and melting snow. The free end or leg of the U-shape is provided with a first encountered concave shape and a next encountered convex shape which keeps the flow passage open when the molding is bent around the small radius corners of the window, due to abutment at the change in curvature of the leg with the U-shape that is on the window peripheral edge, which abutment limits the inward movement of the leg as could result in the closing of the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Gold
  • Patent number: 5956833
    Abstract: A cam for locating and holding a windshield in an automobile during installation and cure includes a body having a bore in the bottom providing a journal for guiding rotation of the body in an arc around the bore. A lever arm projects from one side of the body. A nose projects from the opposite side of the body. A cam surface on the nose includes a ramped portion sloped outwardly and downwardly, having a planar section and an arcuate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Davis, Frank B. Webb, Mark O. Minty, Al Szczeblewski
  • Patent number: 5941596
    Abstract: A vehicle body support frame structure includes pillar portions supporting an upper decking portion of the structure and mounting associated glazing panels. The pillar portions are constructed from a light-transmissive structural material that provide the needed support to the upper decking portion and glazing panels while allowing light to be transmitted through the pillar portions so as not to obstruct the view of an operator of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Brian See
  • Patent number: 5935356
    Abstract: In the processes for the production and installation of a pane of glass with a frame, in particular on a vehicle part, the frame is produced as a plastics molding in the form of a closed ring. In these processes, a first bearing surface for the pane of glass and an adhesive bonding surface for the application of an adhesive are formed integrally on one side of the frame, and a second bearing surface for placing against the vehicle part is formed integrally on one of the other sides of the frame. In addition, either a retaining element running around along the frame or a number of anchoring elements or a second adhesive bonding surface for the application of a second adhesive are formed integrally on one of the other side of the frame. The frame may first of all be connected permanently to the pane of glass using an adhesive and then connected removably or permanently to the vehicle part together with the pane of glass by means of the retaining element or the anchoring elements or the second adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Richard Fritz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl Soldner
  • Patent number: 5915780
    Abstract: An encapsulated plastic glazing window module for a motor vehicle has a glazing assembly formed from a transparent plastic glazing substrate and a frit film positioned on at least a portion of the glazing substrate, an encapsulation frame encapsulating the glazing assembly and attachment means such as mounting studs and/or adhesives for securing the glazing assembly to the motor vehicle. In certain preferred embodiments the transparent plastic substrate is a polycarbonate, and the frit film is a semi-rigid sheet having a transparent polycarbonate carrier web with a non-transparent ink or dye. In certain embodiments the frit film is positioned on an interior side of the plastic substrate and the non-transparent portion covers the attachment means from exterior view. An abrasion resistant coating or hardcoat such as an organically modified ceramic is preferably to each surface of the glazing assembly, preferably by dip coating. The encapsulation material is preferably a PVC or similar thermoplastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Kobrehel, Virginia C. Vanark
  • Patent number: 5906697
    Abstract: An adhesive for a vehicular glass is disclosed which comprises urethane as a base material added with 2% to 8% by weight of a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin may be a polyester-based resin. The adhesive is heated to a temperature of 60.degree. C.-80.degree. C. and then applied to a peripheral edge of a windshield. The windshield is sucked by a suction cup and pressed against a window frame of a vehicle body. Thereafter, the adhesive is cooled by blowing air having a temperature on the order of 20.degree. C. thereat. The adhesive is forcibly cooled down to 50.degree. C. or lower in a short time, thereby exhibiting temporary retention property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hasegawa, Katsuhiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 5893600
    Abstract: A generally rectangular reglazable vehicle window comprising a window panel of two spaced frames with an edge seal around the periphery of the panel; an egress frame in which the window panel is mounted; and a backframe defining the opening in a vehicle wall, the egress frame being hinged along an upper side on the upper side of the backframe to swing outwardly when released by an egress handle. The window panel is mounted in the egress frame between a fixed abutment rim blocking inward movement of the panel, and a removable abutment rim that is formed integrally with a retainer ring extending around the egress frame between the panel and the backframe. The ring is wedge-shaped in cross-sections for ease of insertion and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Hehr International, Inc.
    Inventor: Armand McManus
  • Patent number: 5857730
    Abstract: A low visibility interior armor construction for a door of an automotive icle is removably installed in the vehicle without structural change to the vehicle. The construction has a door panel armor component facing an inboard side of the door and a compressible pad between the inboard side of the door and the armor component. The armor component has hooks by which it hangs on the door. The armor component is tightened to the door by tensionable straps connected between the door and the armor component. The construction also has a plate of window armor alongside the door's window frame and a transparent frame forms a channel about a periphery of the plate. The frame is comprised of continuous polygonal bands forming side walls of the channel. Beds of the channel are recessed between the polygonal bands such that the transparent frame defines a continuous surface facing outboard of the vehicle. A transparent flange connects the door armor component to the transparent frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: United Stated of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John G. Korpi, Paul A. Petrovich, John J. Schmitz, Jack G. Rodgers, Kyle J. Nebel
  • Patent number: 5853895
    Abstract: Bonded vehicular glass assemblies utilizing two-component urethane adhesives to attach dynamic load-bearing attachment members to glass substrates to form a joint suitable for use on a vehicle, and related methods of forming are described herein. In addition, methods of attaching components to glass by use of these adhesives are disclosed. The two-component urethane adhesives utilized in this invention have been found to provide surprisingly strong bonds between glass and other materials which meet or exceed OEM requirements, and be particularly well suited for use in vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Lewno
  • Patent number: 5851045
    Abstract: A window frame attachment structure uses a projection affixed to a window fitting into a cut-out in the window frame for guiding installation of the window. A pair of ribs spaced above either side of the projection permit an installer to view the fitting of the projection into the cut-out. After installation, an interior trim is pulled over the positioning member to rest on the ribs, thereby hiding the positioning member. The edge of the trim is thickened to form a lip which rests on the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kazushige Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 5833297
    Abstract: A windshield molding for vehicles and the production method thereof consisting of common sections 2A and 2C which are molded using a more rigid material P1 to provide the rigidity required to maintain the position and shape of the molding during and after installation, and of bending sections 2B being installed in bent shapes which are molded by use of a more flexible material to provide the required flexibility for bending molding 2 easily, thus providing satisfactory bending ease and transportation ease while maintaining sufficient rigidity as required for stable installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihiko Yada, Tosikazu Ito
  • Patent number: 5815997
    Abstract: An automobile glazing pane, ready for installation, is pre-equipped with a mounting frame of an elastomer. The mounting frame is disposed only on the side of the glass pane facing towards the fixing flange of the window frame, without engaging around the edge of the glass pane and is bonded to the glass pane. It possesses a mounting groove for the clamped fixing of the pre-equipped glass pane to the fixing flange of the window pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Saint Gobain Vitrage International
    Inventors: Gerd Cornils, Rolf Kotte, Heinz Kunert
  • Patent number: 5799449
    Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly for in a motor vehicle body is provided with a sliding pane subassembly which has a snap-fit with a frame subassembly. The frame subassembly preferably comprises a pair of fixed panes, an upper and lower applique, and an injection molded cover member integrating the fixed panes and the appliques. The sliding pane subassembly preferably comprises a generally horizontal run channel member and at least one glazing pane optionally having a run channel guide affixed to a peripheral edge of the pane. The pane is slidably received in a run channel formed by the run channel member. The horizontal run channel member has a snap-fit attachment preferably to one of the appliques. The appliques can have a flexible flange or the like extending inboard from the injection molded cover member, forming a step ridge or like configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Lyons, Jeff R. Wittbrodt
  • Patent number: 5788318
    Abstract: A vehicle window seated in a vehicle opening bounded by a vertically oriented wall of a flange having additional respective inboard and outboard walls, the former extending beneath the vehicle window and the latter lying in the plane of the external surface of the vehicle window. Hook and loop connectors with a urethane deposit at their interface are adhesively secured in an interposed position to the vehicle window and to the inboard wall so that an unattached inboard length portion extending beyond the inboard wall is movable in an ascending direction. Before the urethane cures into a hardened condition, the vehicle window is raised, as need be, to position the external surface of the vehicle window in the same plane as the outboard wall to thereby contribute to a desired appearance in the installed vehicle window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Peter Gold
  • Patent number: 5772277
    Abstract: A front portion of a vehicle body structure including a front pillar having a front pillar inner upper member, a front pillar inner lower member, a cowl connection bracket, a front pillar stiffener and a front pillar outer upper member. A front side windshield is mounted to a triangular windshield support frame which is integrally formed to the front pillar inner upper member. The front pillar inner upper member is reinforced by the windshield support frame. As a result, the rigidity of the front pillar is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Honda, Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5770674
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a gasket around a substrate from a novel polyurethane/urea composition via the RIM process. Window gaskets may be produced by this method. These novel polyurethane/urea compositions comprise the reaction product of a (cyclo)aliphatic polyisocyanate having a viscosity of less than about 25,000 mPa.multidot.s at 25.degree. C. and a NCO functionality of 2.0 to 4.0 with an isocyanate-reactive component comprising b1) a relatively high molecular weight organic compound containing hydroxyl groups, amine groups, or mixtures thereof; and b2) a low molecular weight chain extender selected from the group consisting of diols, primary amines, secondary amines, aminoalcohols, and mixtures thereof; in the presence of a catalyst. The isocyanate and isocyanate-reactive components are selected such that the crosslinking density of the resultant polyurethane/urea composition is at least 0.3 moles/kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Cageao, A. Donald Meltzer, Brian R. Suddaby
  • Patent number: 5752351
    Abstract: In an automotive window construction in which a window glass around which a molding is disposed is mounted at a window opening by means of an adhesive, a protrusion for positioning the window by locking the tip end of the molding disposed to the window glass is formed at least at a front peripheral edge of the window opening. Also, a protrusion formed at a peripheral edge of the window opening is formed at least at either of an upper peripheral edge or a lower peripheral edge of the window opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Nozoe
  • Patent number: 5746859
    Abstract: A stationary rectangular-shaped auto window without any weather seal applied to its peripheral edge resulting in a window-enhancing gap in encircling relation about the window and, having as a substitute for the weather seal, a rectangular deposit of urethane inwardly of the rear surface of the window which seals water seepage through the gap and also holds the window firmly in place on a supporting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Peter Gold
  • Patent number: 5741043
    Abstract: A window assembly specifically for the rear hatch opening of a motor vehicle is provided which is pivotally moveable between an open position and includes an exterior surface mounted completely flush with adjacent surfaces of the vehicle body. In a preferred embodiment, a mounting bracket interconnects an adjustable support member and a glass panel of the window assembly through an adhesive bond. The mounting bracket includes a generally planar mounting portion and a tab portion. The mounting portion is generally curvilinear with the laterally opposing sides in parallel relationship to one another. The curvilinear configuration of the mounting portion functions to oppose a bending moment imparted by the adjustable support member as a result of pivotal movement of the glass panel between its open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick M. Palajac, Sandy J. Emerling
  • Patent number: 5711119
    Abstract: A detachable mounting of a window pane to a frame of a window opening is disclosed for use primarily in motor-vehicles. The window pane is provided on its edges with a profiled frame made of elastomer. This profiled frame has a U-shaped segment with an opening facing the fixing rim of the frame of the window opening, the internal cross-section of the segment widening outwards, so as to receive a mounting bead of adhesive. The flanges of the U-shaped segment are themselves provided on the inside with retaining projections. The profiled frame and the bead of adhesive do not adhere to each other, the joint being provided solely by mechanical interlocking between the retaining projections and the bead of adhesive after it cures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Gerd Cornils, Rolf Kotte, Petra Friede
  • Patent number: 5707101
    Abstract: A replacement module for replacing structure at the rear of an automobile includes a substantially rigid frame member, a module window positionable on the frame member to cover a window opening defined by the frame member, and connector structure for releasable connecting the module window to the frame member with the module window covering the window opening. A pocket is incorporated in the module to retain the module window when the module window is removed from the window opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Darin B. Rice
  • Patent number: 5704173
    Abstract: A flush-mounted articulated window assembly for use in a vehicle, the window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening such that, when closed, it is generally flush with the exterior surface of the vehicle. The window assembly includes a transparent sheet with at least one window-mounting member bonded by two separate adhesives to an inner surface of the sheet. The mounting member includes projections which space the mounting member from the inner sheet surface, and/or perforations which allow air and moisture to reach the space provided between the mounting member and the inner sheet surface. A first adhesive temporarily fixtures the mounting member to the sheet. A second adhesive permanently bonds the mounting member to the inner sheet surface. The bond created is sufficiently strong such that application of a load sufficient to cause a failure results in a failure other than in the adhesion of the adhesive to the mounting member and the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: R. Scott Repp, Pamela M. Stallman
  • Patent number: 5702146
    Abstract: Provided is a fastener assembly for temporarily securing a windshield made of sheet glass when mounting the windshield on a windshield frame or an internal flange of an opening of a vehicle body by using a bonding agent. The fastener assembly consists of two fastener halves adapted to be secured to the windshield and the vehicle body, respectively, and a multitude of mushroom-shaped projections are provided on each of the mutually opposing surfaces of the two fastener halves to engage and disengage the two fastener halves at will. The fastener half mounted on the vehicle body is provided with a locating structure for preventing the movement of the fastener half from moving along the peripheral edge of the internal flange of the windshield frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Goro Asami
  • Patent number: 5702148
    Abstract: Providing a module and a method of installing the module to a vehicle having a window opening for a translational glass pane supported and guided by a glass run channel. The module is comprised of a one-piece surround molding fully surrounding and generally defining the perimeter of the window opening. A glass run channel is secured to the surround molding. Fasteners are attached to the surround molding and attach the module to a flange on the vehicle. A belt line outer seal and one or more gimp seals may also be attached to more fully integrate the module. The module is fully assembled prior to being attached to a vehicle during final assembly, the surround molding supporting the glass run channel rather than having the glass run channel attached to a flange of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: The Standard Products Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Vaughan, Willard C. Christian, John P. Zimmer, James E. Mistopoulos
  • Patent number: 5695236
    Abstract: A glass plate holding device is used for holding a glass plate or a window glass to an opening of, for example, an automobile when the glass plate is fixed to the opening. The holding device is formed of a base plate to be attached to the glass plate, a leg fixed to the base plate at a base end and projecting in a direction away from the base plate, and a pawl formed at a forward end of the leg. The pawl enters into a mounting hole provided in a flange for the opening and engages an edge of the mounting hole to prevent the glass plate from being lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Banno, Hiroyuki Maruoka
  • Patent number: 5685596
    Abstract: A window lift mechanism for an automotive vehicle employs a side window which can pivot in a vertical manner from a raised position to a lowered position while simultaneously moving in a crosscar manner. Preferably the window is a quarter window operable with a convertible roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen P. Tokarz, Kim E. Taylor, Christopher J. Dilluvio, David Alan Smith, Jeffrey Charping
  • Patent number: 5651578
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a four sided flush weatherstrip sealing system, and more particularly, to a weatherstrip sealing system including one or more latching mechanisms which selectively grasp the glass window panel and bring the panel into enhanced engagement with the weatherstrip sealing assembly. Also provided are improved sealing arrangements for the window panel along the vehicle door rear view mirror and the B pillar portion located below the vehicle door belt-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: The Standard Products Company
    Inventors: James E. Mistopoulos, Robert A. Vaughan, Karl Deline
  • Patent number: 5603546
    Abstract: A flush glass window molding for an automotive vehicle has a hollow triangular shaped portion for filling the gap created between an edge of a window panel and the vehicle body panel, a flexible finger located adjacent to a body-side leg of the triangular shaped portion and extending from the apex thereof, and a substantially flat base extending outward at a generally right angle from the apex of the window-side triangular leg. Furthermore, an outside surface of the window molding base is affixed to the inside of the window panel by a pressure sensitive adhesive tape and an inside surface of the base is affixed to a flange of the vehicle body panel by a urethane adhesive bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Standard Products Company
    Inventor: Julio Desir, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5600922
    Abstract: A construction for fastening a sheet of transparent plastic material, such as a window, in an opening of an awning has a separable slide fastener to keep the window in place, while two elongated sealing elements in the form of profile pipings, having a matching profile functioning as a snap-on mounting, are used to provide for a separable waterproof joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Mehler Vario System GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Stolz
  • Patent number: 5591528
    Abstract: A panel assembly and method for manufacturing the panel assembly, especially adapted for use in vehicles, includes a panel of predetermined size and geometry wherein a surface of the panel to receive a gasket is primed using a material especially adapted to prepare the panel surface to bond with the gasket. The desired gasket profile is molded separately from the panel from a polymeric material. Following formation of the gasket, the panel is located thereon and pressed into intimate contact with the gasket for a prescribed period of time. The panel and attached panel are removed as an assembly. Additional or optional steps may be followed including preheating the panel and primed surface prior to bonding to shorten the cycle time and improve adhesion. Moreover, heat may be applied to the contact boundary between the panel and gasket substantially simultaneously with the application of pressure. The steps of heating and applying pressure may be repeated to insure proper adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Fisher, Raj K. Agrawal, Douglas Crank, John W. Carter
  • Patent number: 5586798
    Abstract: Holders are mounted on the inner surfaces of respective bent end portions of a curved window glass panel for engaging respective guide surfaces on an attachment frame on an automobile body. When the curved window glass panel is pressed against the attachment frame, the holders are engaged and guided by the guide surfaces to bring the curved window glass panel into a predetermined position with respect to the attachment frame. Sealers are mounted on the inner surfaces of the bent end portions and on respective sealer retainers that are also disposed on the inner surfaces of the bent end portions. The sealers project in the direction in which the curved window glass panelets pressed against the attachment frame. When the curved window glass panel is pressed against the attachment frame, the sealers are securely pressed between the curved window glass panel and the attachment frame. Each of the sealer retainers extends along a peripheral edge of one of the bent end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Saegusa
  • Patent number: 5561954
    Abstract: A molding for a front glass mounted continuously, from right and left front pillar portions to a roof portion, to a gap between a peripheral portion of a front glass of a vehicle and a window frame of a body of the vehicle. The molding has a groove lip which is formed of a different material than a material of a leg portion, a head portion, a glass lip and a panel lip, and which extends over a predetermined length from a lower portion to an upper portion of the front pillar portion. The extended length of the groove lip becomes gradually shorter and disappears over a corner portion of the upper portion of the front pillar portion and the roof portion. The leg portion, the head portion, the glass lip, the panel lip and the groove lip are integrally extrusion-molded. The entire sectional configuration does not deform at a portion whose cross-section is changed, and high adhesion of the molding to the front glass can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: NIFCO, Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Watanabe, Toru Sugita, Yasutomo Kobayashi, Masaharu Shibao, Akimitsu Mita
  • Patent number: 5560671
    Abstract: A rigid sliding window is provided for the soft tops of soft topped vehicles such as soft topped cars and boats or even tent trailers. It may be attached directly into the soft top side curtain or into a rigid side frame or inner structural frame. The window module comprises a fixed window panel, a sliding window panel and a slim line frame for the panels. The fixed window panel and an outer flange of the frame are fixed directly to the soft fabric of the soft top, the outer flange of the frame being sandwiched between an outer margin of the fixed panel and the fabric of the soft top. The frame also provides a channel in which the sliding panel runs. In the region of the sliding panel in its closed position the outer flange of the frame is fastened directly to the fabric of the soft top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Lassi M. Ojanen, Robert J. Passera, Gari Schalte
  • Patent number: 5558390
    Abstract: A rear-window pane of solid glass is insertable in the folding top cover of a convertible. The solid glass pane is provided with a plastic connecting element which is applied on the edge region of the solid glass pane and can be connected with the cover of the folding top by means of high frequency welding. With this arrangement, an additional reinforcing is no longer required and, accordingly, the advantages of a plastic window pane are combined with the longevity and stability of the glass material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Ludger Hemmis, Matthias Overberg, Burkhard Schroder
  • Patent number: 5556672
    Abstract: A weather strip attaching structure with which a weather strip can be readily attached to a retainer without use of a roller jig or the like. In the structure according to the present invention for attaching a weather strip 50 to a retainer 70 provided along a door opening 10 of a vehicle body, the weather strip 50 includes a hollow sealing portion 56 for being sealingly abutted against the edge portion of a door glass plate 40, and an attaching base portion 52 having engaging protrusions 54a and 54b, which are meant to engage with engaging recesses 74 and 76 of the retainer 70. The hollow sealing portion 56 has at least one inclined side wall 57. The retainer 70 comprises a bottom 72 which is mounted on the vehicle body, the engaging recesses 74 and 76 formed at opposite ends of the bottom 72, and an inclined supporting portion 78 provided above the engaging recess 76, for supporting the inclined side wall 57 of the hollow sealing portion 56 of the weather strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Akachi, Atsushi Hikosaka
  • Patent number: 5553428
    Abstract: A molding for mounting in a gap between an outer periphery and a window frame of an automobile is disclosed. The molding is formed of a length of material having first and second pillar sections extending into corner sections, the corner sections being interconnected via a roof section. A cross-section of the molding includes a leg portion and a head portion extending therefrom, the head portion having a parasol-shape and overhanging the leg portion. A glass lip projects from a first side of the leg portion, the molding being configured to receive an outer periphery of the front glass between the glass lip and a lower surface of the head portion. Additionally, a panel lip projects from a second side of the leg portion, the panel lip being adapted to elastically abut and engage the window frame of the automobile. Further, a groove lip extends over a length of each of the pillar portions, and projects from the upper surface of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Watanabe, Toru Sugita, Yasutomo Kobayashi, Masaharu Shibao, Akimitsu Mita
  • Patent number: 5551197
    Abstract: A flush-mounted articulated window assembly for use in a vehicle, the window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening such that, when closed, it is generally flush with the exterior surface of the vehicle. The window assembly includes a transparent sheet with at least one window-mounting member bonded by two separate adhesives to an inner surface of the sheet. The mounting member includes projections which space the mounting member from the inner sheet surface, and/or perforations which allow air and moisture to reach the space provided between the mounting member and the inner sheet surface. A first adhesive temporarily fixtures the mounting member to the sheet. A second adhesive permanently bonds the mounting member to the inner sheet surface. The bond created is sufficiently strong such that application of a load sufficient to cause a failure results in a failure other than in the adhesion of the adhesive to the mounting member and the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: R. Scott Repp, Pamela M. Stallman
  • Patent number: 5531496
    Abstract: A glass positioning fixture for retaining a glass enclosure in place while the glass enclosure is being adhesively joined to an automotive frame is provided which in one preferred embodiment includes a base which includes a platform with a projecting compliant hook extending therefrom, the hook having a width generally larger than an insertion aperture provided in the frame and the hook expanding outwardly, permanently pivotally joining the base with the frame after insertion into the aperture, the base also having facing channel sides connected to the platform, the channel sides having a series of apertures; and a linear slider having a main body captured adjacent the platform and held by the channel sides and having a curvilinear head for contact with the glass enclosure, the slider also having peripheral sides with protrusions for selective engagement in the holes of the channel to allow bidirectional incremental adjustment of the slider with respect to the base, thereby positioning the glass enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventors: Lyn R. Zbinden, Robert Dallos, Jr., Rodney G. Dick
  • Patent number: 5527083
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a car-body window assembly with a peripheral frame embracing the window glass pane. The assembly is designed to allow balancing the relative positions of the pane and the frame before final assembly onto the sheetmetal of a car-body. Apertures and channels in the frame permit adhesive to be deposited after the frame and the glass have been initially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Henniges Elastomer - U
    Inventor: Bernhard Kreye
  • Patent number: 5524954
    Abstract: A two-window closure for the rear opening of a van to obviate a spare tire obstruction in which one window is coextensive with the spare tire and remains in place unless the spare tire is traversed out of the way, but the other window being coextensive with the remainder of the window opening can be opened without traversing the spare tire and thus provides the user with access into the rear of the van.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Peter Gold
  • Patent number: 5525174
    Abstract: An auto windshield molding which is installed by being inserted, after the sized windshield is seated in an oversized opening, in the gap between the peripheral edge of the windshield and a wall bounding the windshield opening, characterized by a hand-shapable construction material (i.e. Ethylene Propylene Di-Monomer) so that using this material to advantage the installer embodies circular shapes at locations therealong which conform to the small radius bends or corners of the gap, and thus obviates the use of metal corner shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Peter Gold