Abstract:
The specification discloses a vehicle window assembly including a slidable window glass supported by and guided along only one edge of the glass. More specifically, the assembly comprises a window glass, a molded guide bonded to one edge of the glass, and a pillar defining a channel in which the guide is slidingly received. The pillar and guide cooperate to permit the guide to move axially within the channel and to prevent the guide from passing transversely out of the channel so that the window glass must travel in a linear path. Also disclosed is a latch supported by the glass and extending through the guide. The latch includes an actuating portion located outside the pillar and a catch portion located and hidden within the pillar.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to vehicle windows, and more particularly to sliding vehicle windows. 
     An automotive vehicle typically includes a variety of windows about the perimeter of the passenger compartment both to enable the driver and other passengers a view out of the compartment and to provide decorative and styling aspects to the vehicle. The windows may be either fixedly mounted (e.g., windshields and rear windows), pivotally mounted (e.g., push-out vents and push-out rear quarter panel windows), or slidingly mounted (e.g., side windows in doors). Additionally, the windows may be clear, tinted, tinted only along the upper edge, or smoked, depending upon the sun-reflective properties, privacy, and decorative requirements for a particular vehicle. 
     Of particular importance, is the inclusion of sliding windows movable between closed positions wherein the vehicle compartment is sealed and open positions increasing air exchange through the vehicle and permitting the driver and passengers to reach out of the vehicles to pay tolls, conduct drive-up banking, make payments in parking garages, and other activities requiring the passengers to reach out of the vehicle. However, known sliding windows are not without their drawbacks. 
     One known sliding window includes a pair of opposed parallel guides supported by the vehicle in which opposite edges of the window slide during movement. Typically, a movement mechanism, such as a hand-operated crank, is included to facilitate movement of the glass within the guides between open and closed positions. An example of this type of assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,658,791, entitled NO-DRAFT, ARM SIGNALING VEHICLE WINDOW, and issued Nov. 10, 1953, to Anderson. However, this type of arrangement cannot be used for vehicle windows which do not include a pair of opposed parallel sides to ride in the parallel channels. Specifically, this configuration cannot be used for a vent window in the front doors of a vehicle, wherein the vent window is triangularly shaped (i.e., does not include a pair of parallel edges). 
     A second sliding window assembly requires a movement mechanism including a portion fixedly secured to the glass to carry the glass through a predetermined path such that the glass is guided by the movement mechanism and not by any track assembly. However, these mechanisms are relatively complicated and accordingly expensive. Further, the intricate mechanisms are subject to failure. 
     Although pivotal vent windows have long been included in vehicles, these are unacceptable in certain situations because of aesthetics and design considerations. Additionally, pivotal vent windows are considered undesirable now by many potential vehicle purchasers because such windows are perceived to impart an inexpensive appearance to the car. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aforementioned problems are solved by the present invention in which a sliding window assembly is provided enabling the window glass to be slidably mounted in a vehicle utilizing a single edge of the glass such that the glass is guided for movement along a predetermined linear path. More specifically, the assembly includes a pillar supported by the vehicle, a channel defined in the pillar, a window glass, and a molded guide member fixedly secured to one edge of the glass and slidably positioned within the channel. At least one of the channel and guide member includes structure permitting the guide member to slide axially within the channel and preventing the guide member from shifting transversely out of the channel. Consequently, the guide member can be moved only along a predetermined linear path defined by the channel. Because the guide member is fixedly secured to the window glass, the glass can also move only along a predetermined linear path with the guide member. 
     The present invention provides a simple and inexpensive solution to the problem of mounting a window, such as a vent window, for sliding movement in a vehicle wherein the window glass is shaped so as to be incapable of riding in parallel track members. Specifically, the window assembly of the present invention can be employed to mount a triangularly shaped vent window for sliding movement at far less cost over known assemblies. 
     In a second aspect of the invention, a latching mechanism is further provided and bonded directly to the window glass for movement therewith. The mechanism includes an actuating portion located outside the channel and a catch portion extending through the molded guide member into the channel for cooperation with the pillar to secure the window in at least its raised, or closed, position. Therefore, the latch can be operated by an easily accessible member located outside the channel; however, the catch mechanism is hidden within the channel to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Further, by extending through the guide member, the latching mechanism can ride with the guide member and window glass within the channel without special structure being required on the pillar for receiving the latching mechanism. 
     These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated by reference to the written specification and appended drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the interior side of the driver&#39;s door in an automotive vehicle having the sliding window assembly of the present invention installed therein; 
     FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view of the window assembly; 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along plane III--III in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the pillar member looking into the channel; 
     FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the window glass and guide member and latch mechanism secured thereto; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the window glass and guide member; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the latching mechanism; 
     FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along plane VIII--VIII in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 7, however, with the guide member removed; and 
     FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the channel member of the latching mechanism. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A sliding vent window assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and generally designated 10. More particularly, assembly 10 is adapted for installation in vehicle door 12 immediately forward of side window 14 (FIG. 1). Door 12 includes window frame 16 comprising rear frame member 16a, top frame member 16b disposed at a right angle to member 16a, and forward frame member 16c disposed at an oblique angle to top member 16b. As is well known, side window 14 is typically mounted for vertical movement within door 12 and frame 16 and is operated by handcrank 18. Alternatively, frame 16 can be eliminated from door 12 so that both of windows 14 and 22 interfit with the car body rather than a frame on the door. 
     Window assembly 10 comprises pillar 20, window glass 22, guide member 24 fixedly secured to the window glass, and latching mechanism 26 also secured to the window glass (FIG. 2). Pillar 20 defines a pair of back-to-back channels or tracks 28 and 30 (FIG. 3). Side window glass 14 rides within a track (not visible) in frame member 16a and in the channel 28 parallel to track member 16a. Pillar 20 includes a pair of opposed ribs 28a and 28b, which together define a restricted opening to track 30. Guide member 24 defines a pair of parallel grooves 30a and 30b (see also FIG. 8) which receive ribs 30a and 30b so that pillar 20 and guide 24 cooperate to retain the guide member within channel 20. Consequently, guide member 24 can slide axially within channel 30 but is prevented from shifting radially or transversely out of the channel due to the cooperation of ribs 28 and grooves 30. Window glass 22 can thus be moved along a predetermined linear path by sliding guide member 24 within pillar 20 so that the window moves between a raised (closed) position illustrated in FIG. 2, and a lowered (open) position. The unique cooperating guide member and channel of the present invention permit the window to be firmly and accurately guided from only one side of the window glass along a predetermined path. 
     Pillar 20 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) is a metal roll-formed piece (22 gauge HR P+O in the preferred embodiment) fixedly secured within vehicle door 12. Included within pillar 20 are body portion 32, upper mounting bracket 34, and lower mounting bracket 36. Body 32 includes a pair of opposed sidewalls 38a and 38b each terminating in free edges 40a and 40b, respectively, which turn inwardly slightly toward one another. Sidewall 38b is rolled back upon itself to define rib 28b generally triangular in cross section, channel sidewall 42b lying adjacent sidewall 38b, and ultimately rear wall 44. Similarly, sidewall 38a is bent back upon itself to define hiding flange 41, rib 28a generally triangular in cross section, sidewall 42a lying adjacent sidewall 38a, and ultimately rear channel wall 44. Consequently, channel 30 is defined by sidewalls 42 and rear wall 44. The longitudinal ribs 28 extend inwardly toward one another to define a restricted opening to channel 30. Keeper 46 (FIGS. 2 and 4) is formed by cutting a small portion of hiding flange 41 and bending that portion inwardly toward rib 28a to provide a keeper for latching mechanism 26 as will be described. Lower mounting bracket 36 is fixedly secured to the lower end of pillar 20, for example by welding, and defines an aperture 48 through which a fastener may be inserted to secure the pillar to door 12. Similarly, upper mounting bracket 34 is fixedly secured to the upper end of pillar 20, again for example by welding, and defines a pair of apertures 50 through which fasteners may be inserted to secure the pillar to frame 16. Pillar 20 has a slight transverse curvature as illustrated in FIG. 4 and defines an axial, or longitudinal, direction along its length or height and a radial, transverse, or lateral direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction. 
     Window glass 22 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 5) is fabricated in accordance with any method known in the art and comprises generally linear rear edge 22a, lower edge 22b generally perpendicular to edge 22a, forward angled edge 22c at an acute angle to rear edge 22a, and forward vertical edge 22d generally parallel to rear edge 22a. Alternatively, an opaque panel or decorative sheet or other generally planar member can be substituted for glass 22. 
     Guide member 24 (FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8) is a molded polymeric member bonded directly to glass 22 along edge 22a. Preferably, the material used in fabricating guide member 24 is a polyvinylchloride bonded to the glass as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,072,340, entitled WINDOW ASSEMBLY, issued Feb. 7, 1978, to Morgan, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,234, entitled WINDOW ASSEMBLY, issued Feb. 13, 1979, to Morgan. As seen in FIG. 8, guide 24 includes a rear wall 52 and sidewalls 54a and 54b extending generally perpendicularly therefrom. Grooves 30a and 30b are defined in sidewalls 54a and 54b, respectively, and are generally triangular in cross section to closely receive ribs 28a and 28b on pillar 20. Arcuate surfaces 56a and 56b extend from glass 22 to sides 54a and 54b, respectively. Edge 22a of glass 22 is located within guide 24 between sides 54 and spaced from rear wall 52. The upper end of guide 24 includes tapered surfaces 58 and 60 which cooperate with a track (not visible) in frame 16 to seal guide 24 in the frame when window glass 22 is in the fully closed position. All exposed surfaces of guide 24 (e.g., 52, 54, and 56) are flocked with polyester fibers using any method of flocking generally well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. One such method comprises applying an adhesive to guide 24, electrostatically charging the fibers, and shooting the charged fibers into the adhesive. The flocking on guide 24 facilitates movement of the guide within pillar 20. 
     Latching mechanism 26 (FIGS. 7-10) includes channel member 61, fixed lever arm 62 supported by the channel member, and pivotal lever arm 64 pivotally supported by the channel member. Channel member 61 is generally U-shaped in cross section including a pair of sidewalls 61a and 61b interconnected by bight wall 61c (FIGS. 8 and 10). Member 61 is bonded directly to glass 22, and more particularly about rear edge 22a to provide support for levers 62 and 64. Thus, glass 22 need not be drilled to receive the levers. An integral tab 61d extends outwardly from the upper edge of sidewall 61b (FIGS. 9 and 10) to interfit with fork 78 of lever 64 to limit pivotal movement of the lever. Lever arm 64 is pivotally supported on stud 66 which is in turn fixedly secured to channel sidewall 61b (FIG. 7). Washer 68 is secured to stud 66 to retain lever 64 on the stud. Alternatively, stud 66 can be peened to secure the lever thereon. Lever 64 includes a generally planar body portion 70 received on stud 66 and lying generally planar to glass 22. Actuating arm 72 is integral with body 70 and extends outwardly therefrom to be accessible outside of pillar 20. Flange 74 extends generally perpendicularly from arm 72 to provide a finger engagement surface for actuation of the latch mechanism. Catch or detent 76 extends generally perpendicularly from body 70 to selectively engage keeper 46 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) upon pivotal movement of body 70. Fork 78 is defined in body 70 generally opposite catch 76 to interfit with both tab 61d, groove 30a, and arcuate surface 56a to limit pivotal movement of the lever and to urge body 70 into the position shown in FIG. 7 wherein catch 76 engages keeper 46 to retain the window in its closed position. Guide 24 is cut to closely receive pivotal lever 64; however, the guide completely encapsulates channel member 61. Because guide 24 is molded of an at least somewhat resilient member, the close reception of arm 64 within guide 24 biases the lever into the position shown in FIG. 7. Fixed lever 62 includes a generally planar body 80 fixedly secured to channel member 61. Lever 62 and member 61 can be fabricated of a single piece of folded material. Further, flange 82 extends generally perpendicularly from body 80 to provide a finger-engaging surface. 
     Operation 
     Pillar 20 is fixedly secured within door 12 by securing brackets 34 and 36 to the door. Because guide 24 is slidably positioned within pillar 20, and more particularly within channel 30, the guide can be moved along a predetermined linear path defined by the channel. However, the guide cannot be shifted radially or transversely of the channel because of the cooperation of ribs 28 and grooves 30. Consequently, window glass 22 bonded to guide 24 also moves along a predetermined linear path between an upper closed position (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a lowered position. Window glass 22 eliminates the need for a second track and/or a complicated movement mechanism. The close interfitting and cooperation of guide 24 within pillar 20 insures a weather-tight seal and prevents wind whistle. The interfitting of tapered surfaces 58 and 60 (see FIG. 6) on the upper end of guide 24 within frame 16 further seals the assembly within the vehicle and reduces or even eliminates any wind whistle. 
     When in the fully closed position, catch 76 rests on keeper 46 (FIG. 2) to maintain window glass 22 in its fully closed position. When the window is to be opened, the vehicle occupant simply presses downwardly on actuating portion 72, and more particularly flange 74, of pivotal lever 64 to pivot body 70 about stud 66 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 7. This pivotal movement disengages catch 76 from keeper 46 so that guide 24 is free to slide within pillar 20. The same downward motion exerted on lever 64 will thus urge guide 24 and window 22 downwardly within pillar 20 to lower the window. When the window is to be closed, the vehicle occupant presses upwardly on fixed lever 62 and more particularly flange 82 to raise guide 24 within pillar 20 to elevate the window to its fully closed position. As the window glides upwardly, catch 76 engages keeper 46 to pivot lever 64 in the clockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 7 such that the catch can snap behind the keeper as the window reaches its fully closed position. Because the latching mechanism extends through molded guide 24 into channel 30, the somewhat unsightly catch portion of the latching mechanism is hidden within pillar 20 from view of the vehicle occupants. However, the actuating portion of the latching mechanism, namely arms 72 and 80 extend out of pillar 20 to be easily engageable by the vehicle occupants for actuation of the window. 
     It should be understood that the above description is intended to be that of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Various changes and alterations might be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as set forth in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.