U.S. patent application number 15/396865 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for sliding vehicle window having minimal perimeter seal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Chester Stanislaus Walawender.
Application Number | 20180186224 15/396865 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61246924 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180186224 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salter; Stuart C. ; et
al. |
July 5, 2018 |
SLIDING VEHICLE WINDOW HAVING MINIMAL PERIMETER SEAL
Abstract
A vehicle includes a window having an internal opening defined
by an angled edge forming a clear space generally shaped as a
truncated pyramid. An operable window panel is slidable relative to
the internal opening to define open and closed positions. A
compressible elastic sealing member is disposed along the angled
edge, wherein the sealing member defines a substantially convex
profile when the operable window panel in the open position. A
guide assembly is positioned adjacent an interior surface of the
window and adapted to guide the operable window panel between the
open and closed positions. The closed position is defined by an
outer surface of the operable window panel being co-planar with an
exterior surface of the window. The closed position is further
characterized by the sealing member being deformed to occupy at
least the seam defined between the window and the operable window
panel.
Inventors: |
Salter; Stuart C.; (White
Lake, MI) ; Walawender; Chester Stanislaus; (Livonia,
MI) ; Dellock; Paul Kenneth; (Northville,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
61246924 |
Appl. No.: |
15/396865 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 1/008 20130101;
B60J 10/79 20160201; E05D 15/10 20130101; E05D 15/0608 20130101;
E05Y 2900/55 20130101; B60J 1/1846 20130101; B60J 1/1853 20130101;
B60J 1/1838 20130101; B60J 10/15 20160201; E05Y 2800/12 20130101;
B60J 10/777 20160201 |
International
Class: |
B60J 10/79 20060101
B60J010/79; E05D 15/06 20060101 E05D015/06; B60J 1/18 20060101
B60J001/18; B60J 10/15 20060101 B60J010/15; B60J 1/00 20060101
B60J001/00 |
Claims
1. A vehicle comprising: a window pane having an internal opening
defined by an edge of the window pane having an angled surface that
forms an open space generally in a shape of a truncated pyramid; an
operable window panel selectively slidable relative to the internal
opening to define open and closed positions; a compressible elastic
sealing member fixedly disposed along the angled surface, wherein
the compressible elastic sealing member defines a substantially
convex profile when the operable window panel is in the open
position; and a guide assembly positioned adjacent an interior
surface of the window pane and adapted to guide the operable window
panel between the open and closed positions, the closed position
defined by an outer surface of the operable window panel being
co-planar with an exterior surface of the window pane, the closed
position further characterized by the compressible elastic sealing
member being in direct contact with each of the window pane and the
operable window panel and also deformed to occupy at least a seam
defined between the window pane and the operable window panel.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the angled surface of the window
pane includes a concave profile and wherein the compressible
elastic sealing member is seated within the concave profile of the
angled surface.
3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the seam is defined by an
overlapping relationship between the angled surface of the window
pane and an angled perimeter of the operable window panel.
4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the closed position is further
characterized by at least a portion of the compressible elastic
sealing member extending outward and proud of the seam.
5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein at least one of the operable
window panel and the window pane are made of ion-exchanged
glass.
6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the compressible elastic sealing
member is an at least partially translucent silicone gasket.
7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein an angled perimeter of the
operable window panel defines and seats within the shape of the
truncated pyramid defined by the angled surface of the internal
opening.
8. A vehicular sliding window assembly comprising: a window pane
having a central opening defined by a concave edge having a
compressible sealing member fixedly seated therein; and an operable
glazing panel selectively slidable between open and closed
positions, the closed position characterized by the operable
glazing panel being within the central opening and co-planar with
the window pane and the compressible sealing member directly
engaging the window pane and the operable glazing panel, wherein an
angled surface of the concave edge of the window pane is oriented
at an angle such that the angled surface of the central opening
defines a truncated pyramid.
9. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 8, wherein the
compressible sealing member is an elastic member.
10. (canceled)
11. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 8, wherein the
compressible sealing member, when the operable glazing panel is in
the open position, defines a convex surface.
12. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 8, wherein the
operable glazing panel defines an angled perimeter that seats
within the angled surface of the central opening.
13. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 12, wherein the
closed position defines engagement of the angled perimeter of the
operable glazing panel and the compressible sealing member of the
central opening that compresses and deforms the compressible
sealing member such that a portion of the compressible sealing
member extends outward from a seam defined between the operable
glazing panel and the window pane.
14. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 8, wherein at
least one of the operable glazing panel and the window pane are
made of ion-exchanged glass.
15. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 8, wherein the
compressible sealing member is an at least partially translucent
silicone gasket.
16. A vehicular sliding window assembly comprising: a window having
a pane with a frameless internal opening having an angled surface
that defines a truncated pyramid; and a frameless operable glazing
panel selectively slidable relative to the pane to define a closed
position, wherein the operable glazing panel is co-planar with the
pane and the pane and the operable glazing panel meet at the angled
surface to directly engage a fixed compressible elastic sealing
member.
17. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 16, wherein the
internal opening is defined by a concave edge of the pane, and
wherein the fixed compressible elastic sealing member is fixedly
seated within the concave edge.
18. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 16, wherein the
compressible elastic sealing member in the closed position is
deformed to occupy an entire angled seam and extend at least
partially proud of an exterior surface of the pane.
19. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 16, wherein at
least one of the operable glazing panel and the pane are made of
ion-exchanged glass, and wherein the fixed compressible elastic
sealing member is an at least partially translucent silicone
gasket.
20. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 16, wherein the
operable glazing panel is slidably operable from the closed
position to an open position characterized by the operable glazing
panel being distal from the frameless internal opening, and wherein
the fixed compressible elastic sealing member includes a convex
surface of the frameless internal opening when the operable glazing
panel is in the open position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to vehicle windows,
and more specifically, sliding rear windows for pick-up trucks
having a minimal perimeter seal for hiding the seam when the window
is in the closed position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional pick-up truck-type vehicles include a rear
window that is slidably operable between open and closed positions.
This window is typically offset toward the passenger cabin. A seal
assembly between the sliding panel and the rear window fills this
gap between the offset panel and the window.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle
includes a window having an internal opening defined by an angled
edge that forms a clear space generally in the shape of a truncated
pyramid. An operable window panel is selectively slidable relative
to the internal opening to define open and closed positions. A
compressible elastic sealing member is disposed along the angled
edge, wherein the compressible sealing member defines a
substantially convex profile when the operable window panel in the
open position. A guide assembly is positioned adjacent an interior
surface of the window and adapted to guide the operable window
panel between the open and closed positions. The closed position is
defined by an outer surface of the operable window panel being
co-planar with an exterior surface of the window. The closed
position is further characterized by the compressible sealing
member being deformed to occupy at least the seam defined between
the window and the operable window panel.
[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
vehicular sliding window assembly includes a window having a
central opening defined by a concave edge having a compressible
sealing member seated therein. An operable panel is selectively
slidable with respect to the window to define open and closed
positions. The closed position is characterized by the operable
panel being within the central opening and co-planar with the
window and the compressible sealing member occupying a gap defined
therebetween.
[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
vehicular sliding window assembly includes a window having an
internal opening. An operable panel is selectively slidable with
respect to the window to define at least a closed position
characterized by the operable panel being co-planar with the window
and the window and operable panel defining a non-perpendicular seam
extending therebetween with a compressible elastic seal member
occupying the seam.
[0006] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a pick-up truck
incorporating an aspect of the minimal seal extending between the
rear window and an interior operable panel;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the rear window
showing the operable window panel in a closed position;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the window of FIG. 2,
with the window moved to an open position;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rear window of FIG.
2, taken along IV-IV;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the rear
window of FIG. 4, taken at area V;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aspect of a rear
window incorporating the minimal perimeter seal, and illustrating
the window in a partially open position;
[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the window of
FIG. 6, taken at area VII;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of a rear window
incorporating the minimal perimeter seal and showing the operable
window panel in an open position;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the window of FIG. 8
taken along line IX-IX; and
[0017] FIG. 10 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method
for forming a rear window assembly for a vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1-9, reference numeral 10 generally refers
to a minimal perimeter seal used to seal the engagement between an
operable window panel 12 and a stationary window 14 for a vehicle
16. According to the various embodiments, the vehicle 16 can
include a window, typically a stationary window 14, having an
internal opening 18 defined by an angled edge 20 that forms a clear
space 22 or opening generally in the shape of a truncated pyramid.
The operable window panel 12 is selectively slidable relative to
the internal opening 18 to define open and closed positions 24, 26.
A compressible elastic sealing member 28 is disposed along the
angled edge 20 to define the minimal perimeter seal 10. The
compressible sealing member 28 defines a substantially convex
surface 30 when the operable window panel 12 is in the open
position 24. A guide assembly 32 is positioned adjacent an interior
surface 34 of the stationary window 14 and is adapted to guide the
operable window panel 12 between the open and closed positions 24,
26. The closed position 26 of the operable window panel 12 is
defined by an outer surface 36 of the operable window panel 12
defining a vertical plane 40 that is coplanar with an exterior
surface 38 of the stationary window 14. The closed position 26 is
further characterized by the compressible sealing member 28 being
deformed to occupy at least the seam 42 defined between the
stationary window 14 and operable window panel 12.
[0020] Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, the seam 42 between the
stationary window 14 and the operable window panel 12 is defined by
an overlapping relationship between the angled edge 20 of the
window and an angled perimeter 50 of the operable window panel 12.
In this manner, the cross-sectional surface width 52 of the seam 42
is greater than the perpendicular cross-sectional thickness 54 of
the stationary window 14 and the window panel 12. This
configuration can allow for greater sealing strength to prevent
leaks in the seam 42 defined between the operable window panel 12
and the stationary window 14 when the operable window panel 12 is
in the closed position 26. Additionally, when the operable window
panel 12 is in a closed position 26, the closed position 26 is
further defined by at least a deflected portion 56 of the
compressible sealing member 28 extending outward and proud of the
outer and exterior surfaces 36, 38 of the operable window panel 12
and the stationary window 14, respectively, and the seam 42. In
this manner, when the operable window panel 12 is moved to the
closed position 26, the angled perimeter 50 of the operable window
panel 12 compresses against the compressible elastic sealing member
28 to deform the compressible elastic sealing member 28 to fully
occupy the seam 42 defined between the operable window panel 12 and
the stationary window 14. Through this deformation, deflected
portions 56 of the compressible elastic sealing member 28 can
extend outward from the seam 42 to define an at least partial
projection 58 of the compressible elastic sealing member 28 away
from the exterior surface 38 of the stationary window 14 and the
outer surface 36 of the operable window panel 12.
[0021] Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, in order to maintain a
position of the compressible elastic sealing member 28, the angled
edge 20 of the stationary window 14 includes a generally concave
profile 70. It is contemplated that the compressible elastic
sealing member 28 is seated within the concave profile 70 of the
angled edge 20 of the stationary window 14. This concave profile 70
provides a greater surface area for attaching the compressible
elastic sealing member 28 to the stationary window 14.
Additionally, this concave profile 70 allows for a more controlled
elastic deformation of the compressible sealing member 28 as the
operable window panel 12 moves in the closed position 26. Further,
compressible elastic sealing member 28, when seated in the concave
profile 70 of the angled edge 20 of the stationary window 14,
includes a thicker cross-sectional profile within the middle 72 of
the seam 42 and a much thinner cross-sectional profile toward the
outer edges 74 of the seam 42. Accordingly, the outer edges 74 of
the seam 42 become less visible when the operable window panel 12
is in the closed position 26. Accordingly, when the operable window
panel 12 is moved in the closed position 26, the angled perimeter
50 of the operable window panel 12 is positioned relatively close
to the concave profile 70 of the stationary window 14. The enlarged
space 76 defined therebetween, defining the middle 72 of the seam
42, is occupied by the compressible elastic sealing member 28. Due
to the concave profile 70 of the angled edge 20, a substantial
portion of the compressible elastic sealing member 28 remains in
the middle 72 of the seam 42 and minimal deflected portions 56 of
the compressible elastic sealing member 28 move toward the outer
edges 74 of the seam 42 to maintain a substantially hidden and
substantially invisible appearance of the seam 42 and the sealing
member 28 when viewed from the exterior of the vehicle 16. This, in
turn, gives the appearance of a single vertical plane 40 of the
stationary window 14 that has the effect of concealing the seam
42.
[0022] In order to further hide the appearance of the compressible
elastic sealing member 28, it is contemplated that the compressible
elastic sealing member 28 can be an at least partially translucent
or substantially transparent silicone gasket. It is contemplated
that other materials can be used for the compressible elastic
sealing member 28 that have a substantially clear and/or
translucent property and have the elastic and compressible
properties similar to that of silicone. It is also contemplated
that the compressible sealing member 28 can be disposed on the
operable window panel 12 rather than the stationary window 14. In
such an embodiment, the concave profile 70 can be defined within
the angled perimeter 50 to provide a seat 80 for the compressible
sealing member 28.
[0023] Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, the angled perimeter 50 of the
operable window panel 12 also defines a generally truncated pyramid
shape such that the angled perimeter 50 is able to seat within the
truncated pyramid shape defined by the angled edge 20 of the
internal opening 18 for the stationary window 14. This
configuration allows for the seam 42 to be defined by the generally
overlapping relationship between the angled edge 20 of the window
and the angled perimeter 50 of the operable window panel 12. This
configuration also provides for the flush or at least substantially
flush configuration of the outer surface 36 of the operable window
panel 12 and the exterior surface 38 of the stationary window 14
when the operable window panel 12 is in the closed position 26.
[0024] Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, the stationary window 14,
operable window panel 12, compressible elastic sealing member 28
and guide assembly 32 can define a sliding window assembly 90 that
can be disposed within a stationary window 14 of the vehicle 16.
This sliding window assembly 90 can include a stationary window 14
having a centrally positioned, typically internal opening 18 that
is defined by the concave profile 70. As discussed above, a
compressible sealing member 28 can be seated within the concave
profile 70 of the internal opening 18. The operable window panel 12
is selectively slidable with respect to the stationary window 14 to
define open and closed positions 24, 26. The closed position 26 of
the operable window panel 12 is characterized by the operable
window panel 12 being within the internal opening 18 and being
coplanar with the stationary window 14. In this closed position 26,
the compressible sealing member 28 also occupies a gap or seam 42
defined therebetween. As discussed above, the closed position 26 of
the operable window panel 12 defines an engagement between the
angled perimeter 50 of the operable window panel 12 and the
compressible sealing member 28 of the internal opening 18. This
engagement serves to compress and elastically deform the
compressible sealing member 28 such that a deflected portion 56 of
the compressible sealing member 28 extends outward from the seam 42
defined between the operable window panel 12 and the stationary
window 14.
[0025] As discussed above, the compressible sealing member 28, when
the operable window panel 12 is in the open position 24, defines a
convex surface 30 at the internal opening 18. This convex surface
30 encourages proper sealing between the operable window panel 12
and the stationary window 14. Additionally, the concave profile 70
defined by the internal opening 18 provides a substantial seat 80
for containing the convex surface 30 of the compressible sealing
member 28. This convex surface 30 also provides a cushion effect as
the operable window panel 12 moves into the closed position 26.
This convex surface 30, in conjunction with the angled perimeter 50
of the operable window panel 12 causes a deformation of the
compressible sealing member 28 generally in the direction of the
exterior of the vehicle 16. This directed deformation 100 of the
compressible sealing member 28 helps to promote minimal movement of
the compressible sealing member 28 in an inward direction and
toward the passenger cabin 112. This ensures that the sealing
member 28 will be substantially flush with the operable panel and
stationary window 14 or will be minimally proud of these coplanar
surfaces when the operable window panel 12 is in the closed
position 26.
[0026] According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated
that the stationary window 14 and the operable window panel 12 can
be made of ion-exchanged glass, typically referred to as "gorilla"
glass. In using this type of glass, the window assembly becomes
stronger and more resistant to various impacts. In forming the
angled edge 20 of the stationary window 14 and the concave profile
70 defined within the angled edge 20, the edges can be cut at an
angle by a water jet. In order to achieve the concave profile 70 of
the angled edge 20, a grinding and polishing operation can also be
conducted in order to create a less visible edge around the
internal opening 18. This configuration provides a rear window
assembly within a vehicle 16 that substantially hides a frame or
seal and improves craftsmanship in the flush appearance between the
stationary window 14 and the operable window panel 12 when the
operable window panel 12 is in the closed position 26.
Additionally, the glazing for the stationary window 14 and the
operable window panel 12 are generally thicker, which allows the
seam 42 to be angled and provides additional sealing of the surface
due to the additional surface area defined between the angled
configuration of the operable window panel 12 in the stationary
window 14. As discussed above, the concave profile 70 of the angled
edge 20 is achieved through various grinding and polishing
operations. These processes provide a more precise surface and the
polishing helps the edges of the stationary window 14 and the
operable window panel 12 at the seam 42 to be invisible while
preventing chipping of the thinned surface that exists proximate
the seam 42.
[0027] According to the various embodiments, the incorporation of
ion-exchanged glass provides for a stronger window material. The
ion exchange process is a chemical strengthening process where
large ions are "stuffed" into a glass surface, creating a state of
compression within the material of the glass. The ion-exchanged
glass is specifically designed to maximize this behavior. To form
the ion-exchanged glass, a typical glass member is placed in a hot
bath of molten salt at a temperature of approximately 400.degree.
C. Smaller sodium ions leave the glass, and larger potassium ions
from the salt bath replace the expelled sodium ions. These larger
potassium ions take up more space within the glass and are pressed
together while in the salt bath. When the glass cools, the larger
ions produce a layer of compressive stress on the surface of the
glass. Ion exchanged glass composition allows the potassium ion to
diffuse far into the surface, creating high compressive stress deep
into the glass. This layer of compression creates the surface that
is more resistant to damage.
[0028] Referring again to FIGS. 4-9, in operation, the operable
window panel 12 in the closed position 26 is flush with the
stationary window 14 surrounding the operable window panel 12. As
the operable window panel 12 moves to the open position 24, a
leading edge 110 of the operable window panel 12 is translated
inward and into the passenger cabin 112 of the vehicle 16. This
inward movement 114 is assisted through the angled configuration of
the stationary window 14 and operable window panel 12 at the seam
42. This generally rotational movement 116 of the operable window
panel 12 and sliding lateral movement 118 of the operable window
panel 12 serves to disengage the angled perimeter 50 of the
operable window panel 12 from the compressible sealing member 28.
Once disengaged, the operable window panel 12 can move slidably in
a lateral movement 118 along the guide assembly 32 and move behind
a portion of the interior surface 34 of the stationary window
14.
[0029] Referring again to FIGS. 4-9, when the operable window panel
12 is moved back to the closed position 26, an opposite sliding
lateral movement 118 toward the central or interior opening is
achieved and the operable window panel 12 performs a combination
lateral movement 118 and rotational movement 116 through the guide
assembly 32. This combined sliding, lateral movement 118 and
rotational movement 116 translates the operable window panel 12
into the interior opening such that the outer surface 36 of the
operable window panel 12 can be positioned flush with the exterior
surface 38 of the stationary window 14 along the common vertical
plane 40. As the operable window panel 12 moves into the closed
position 26, the engagement with the angled perimeter 50 of the
operable window panel 12 against the compressible sealing member 28
generates the directional deformation of the compressible sealing
member 28 toward an exterior outer edge 74 of the seam 42. In this
manner, a portion of the compressible sealing member 28 stands
proud of the exterior outer edge 74 of the seam 42 to provide
additional sealing functionality to substantially prevent leaks
when the operable window panel 12 is in the closed position 26. The
substantially transparent or substantially translucent
configuration of the compressible sealing members 28 allows for the
seam 42 to be substantially hidden when the operable window panel
12 is in the closed position 26.
[0030] Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, the sliding window assembly 90
for the vehicle 16 can include the stationary window 14 having the
internal opening 18. The operable window panel 12 is selectively
slidable with respect to the stationary window 14 to define at
least a closed position 26 characterized by the operable window
panel 12 being coplanar with the stationary window 14. The closed
position 26 is further characterized by the stationary window 14
and operable panel defining an angled and non-perpendicular seam 42
extending therebetween with a compressible elastic seal member
occupying the seam 42. As discussed above, the operable window
panel 12 is slidably operable from the closed position 26 to an
open position 24 that is characterized by the operable window panel
12 being distal from the internal opening 18. A compressible
elastic sealing member 28 defines a convex surface 30 of the
internal opening 18 is in the open position 24. Due to the convex
surface 30 of the sealing member 28 and the concave profile 70 of
the angled edge 20, the compressible elastic sealing member 28 is
seated within the concave configuration of the angled edge 20 of
the stationary window 14. This compressible elastic sealing member
28 can be a pre-formed seal that is installed at the concave
profile 70 of the internal opening 18. This compressible elastic
sealing member 28 can also be an elastic bead that is disposed
directly on the concave profile 70 of the angled edge 20.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, having described various
aspects of the sliding window assembly 90, a method 400 is
disclosed for forming an aspect of the sliding window assembly 90.
According to the method 400, a piece of ion exchanged glass, in the
form of the stationary window 14 is cut to define an internal
opening 18 (step 402). This cut is made at an angle to define the
angled edge 20 of the internal opening 18 of the stationary window
14. The angled opening is then ground to define a generally concave
profile 70 within the angled edge 20 (step 404). This ground
concave profile 70 is then polished to strengthen this concave
profile 70 and also to minimize cracks and chips within the glass
(step 406). It is contemplated that the concave profile 70 can
include a thickened edge 120 that is positioned proximate the
exterior surface 38 of the stationary window 14. This thickened
edge 120 provides a more robust portion of the seam 42 proximate
the internal opening 18. This thickened portion also serves to
minimize the occurrence of chips and cracks that might occur during
operation of the vehicle 16. Once the concave profile 70 is
generated, the compressible elastic sealing member 28 is applied to
the seat 80 formed by the concave profile 70 of this angled edge 20
(step 408). As discussed above, the compressible elastic sealing
member 28, once disposed in the concave profile 70 of the angled
edge 20 serves to generate a generally convex surface 30 where a
thickened portion of the compressible elastic seal is positioned
within a middle 72 of the angled edge 20.
[0032] Referring again to FIGS. 1-10, according to the method 400,
the operable window panel 12 can also be cut to include the angled
perimeter 50 (step 410). This cut, as well as the initial cut of
the stationary window 14, can be achieved through a fluid jet
cutting mechanism. Once the operable window panel 12 is formed, the
guide assembly 32 and the operable window panel 12 can be attached
to the stationary window 14 (step 412).
[0033] As discussed above, the sliding window assembly 90 achieves
a minimally visible seam 42 when viewed from the exterior of the
vehicle 16 that provides a unique aesthetic that can appear to show
the absence of a seam 42 and the operable window panel 12. Only
when the operable window panel 12 is moved away from the closed
position 26 is the operable window panel 12 more readily visible to
a bystander exterior of a vehicle 16. This minimal perimeter seal
10 also decreases the occurrence of leaks through the use of the
compressible elastic sealing member 28 that occupies and, in some
instances, stands proud of the seam 42 at exterior portions of the
sliding window assembly 90.
[0034] According to the various embodiments, the sliding window
assembly 90 can be incorporated within various window assemblies
for various vehicles 16. Such window assemblies can include, but
are not limited to, rear windows 130, side windows 132, sunroofs,
moonroofs, combinations thereof and other similar window
assemblies.
[0035] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *