Quick change window assembly

A window assembly for a public transportation vehicle that permits rapid removal and replacement is disclosed. The vehicle has a sidewall with a window opening. One or more frame members are attached within the window opening. The frame members are adapted to comprise one or more apertures. One or more retainers are adhesively attached to the inner surface and towards the outer periphery of a piece of glazing. The retainers have protrusions that can extend through the apertures in the frame members and engage therewith when the piece of glazing is positioned adjacent to the window opening. Removable fasteners can be attached to the protrusions so as to detachably secure the piece of glazing and the retainers to the frame members. This allows easy removal and replacement of the piece of glazing from the window opening of the sidewall of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to window assemblies, and, in particular, concerns a replaceable glazing for window assemblies in public transportation vehicles.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, ground based motor vehicles with aerodynamic exteriors have become popular due, at least in part, to a desirable appearance. In addition to aerodynamic exteriors, flush fitting window assemblies have also contributed to an improved aerodynamic appearance of vehicles including public transportation vehicles, such as buses.

Typically, the glazing of flush fitting window assemblies is recessed within the sidewall of a vehicle so as to form an aerodynamic exterior surface. In most cases, conventional glazing is attached to a recessed periphery around the window opening using an adhesive material, such as glue, epoxy, or putty. The adhesive must be of sufficient strength such that the glazing remains secured in place during use of the vehicle.

In some circumstances, the glazing may need to be replaced due to vandalism, such as breakage, chipping, scratches, and fractures, and also for maintenance needs, such as seal replacement. Consequently, replacing conventional glazing often requires removal of the adhesive used to secure the glazing to the window opening.

In general, removing a high strength adhesive from a flush fitting window assembly is time consuming and labor intensive, wherein conventional glazing removal procedures may require more than one person to work a generally known glazing removal tool. For example, the glazing removal tool is forced through the adhesive between the glazing and the framing supports in the sidewall of the vehicle. Usually, one worker is outside the vehicle and another worker is inside the vehicle on either side of the glazing. The glazing removal tool is moved back and forth by the workers in a cutting motion and guided around the entire periphery of the glazing so as to break the mounting seal of the adhesive. This cutting procedure is time consuming because it has to be performed slowly so as to not damage the window opening.

Once the seal of the adhesive is peripherally broken and the glazing is detached from the window opening, the remaining adhesive on the window opening needs to be removed. Unfortunately, removing the adhesive may cause permanent damage to the framing supports of the window opening. Scrapping the adhesive with a scrapping tool may cause adverse wear on the framing support surfaces, which may result in the framing supports of the window assemblies not properly sealing with reattached glazing. Also, this procedure may cause chipping or flaking of the paint around the window opening resulting in an undesirable appearance. Moreover, the adhesive may need to be scrapped off using undesirable chemical distillates that may evaporate into unhealthy fumes in the work area.

Once the old adhesive is removed, adhesive is reapplied to the window framing and allowed to cure for a lengthy amount of time for proper adherence of the glazing to the window framing. Unfortunately, the curing procedure incurs additional processing time for glazing replacement. In some cases, pressure needs to be applied around the perimeter of the glazing during curing. Otherwise, the glazing may not seal correctly to the window framing. If too much pressure is applied during curing, then the glazing may fracture, or the frame may deform. If too little pressure is applied during curing, then air gaps may form between the glazing and the window framing resulting in a degraded seal. As a result, the process of gauging the pressure and monitoring the pressure distribution on the glazing surfaces even further increases the amount of processing time for glazing replacement.

Therefore, due to the time consuming procedures, conventional glazing and adhesive removal processes require an exorbitant amount of down time for the vehicle. In the case of public transportation vehicles, the vehicles cannot be used in their designed capacity during the above described conventional window replacement processes resulting in loss revenue for the vehicle owner. Also, the manner in which conventional glazing replacement processes are conducted may result in permanent damage to the window openings.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there is a need for an improved window assembly that is easily removable and replaceable while still maintaining the aerodynamic appearance of flush fitting window assemblies for vehicles. To this end, there also exists a need for a window mounting assembly that allows for multiple detachments and reattachments of the glazing from the window assembly with less difficulty such that glazing replacement is less labor intensive and time consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned needs may be satisfied by a window assembly for a vehicle having a window opening formed in a sidewall. In one embodiment, the window assembly comprises at least one frame mounting member that is adapted to be attached to at least a portion of the sidewall so as to be positioned within the window opening, wherein the at least one frame mounting member defines at least one first coupling component. In addition, the window assembly further comprises a piece of glazing having a substantially planar inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface, wherein the piece of glazing is sized so as to be positioned in a first orientation within the window opening formed in the sidewall of the vehicle. Moreover, the window assembly further comprises at least one glazing mounting member adapted to be adhered to the inner surface of the piece of glazing, wherein the at least one glazing mounting member includes at least one second coupling component that engages with the at least one first coupling component on the at least one frame mounting member when the piece of glazing is positioned in the first orientation in the window opening so as to secure the piece of glazing in the first orientation, and wherein the at least one frame mounting member and the at least one glazing mounting member can be detachably engaged from each other so as to permit removal of the piece of glazing and permit replacement of the piece of glazing with a second piece of glazing by reattachment of an at least one glazing mounting member to the inner surface of the second piece of glazing and re-engagement of the first and second coupling members.

In one aspect, the at least one frame mounting member comprises a member that has a first surface which is attached to a portion of the sidewall and a second surface that extends into the window opening defined in the sidewall. The at least one first coupling component comprises a plurality of holes formed in the second surface of the at least one frame mounting member. The at least one second coupling component comprises a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the at least one glazing mounting member is adhered to the inner surface of the piece of glazing at a location selected so that the plurality of protrusions extend through the plurality of holes in the at least one first coupling component so as to be detachably secured thereto. In addition, the window assembly further comprises a plurality of fasteners that attach to the plurality of protrusions so as to secure the protrusions in the openings defined by the at least one frame mounting member.

In another aspect, the at least one glazing mounting member comprises a plurality of glazing mounting members positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the piece of glazing, and wherein each of the at least one glazing mounting members defines a first section that is adhered flush to the inner surface of the glazing and a second section that is spaced away from the inner surface of the glazing so as to define at least one recess when the first section is adhered flush to the inner surface of the glazing. In addition, the window assembly further comprises a sacrificial layer that is positioned within the at least one recess so as to be interposed between the inner surface of the piece of glazing and the interior of the vehicle so as to inhibit damage to the inner surface of the piece of glazing. Moreover, the window assembly further comprises a locking mechanism attached to the second section of the at least one glazing mounting member, wherein the locking mechanism secures the sacrificial layer in the recess between the inner surface of the piece of glazing and the at least one glazing mounting member.

In still another aspect, the sidewall comprises a window mounting recess positioned adjacent to the periphery of the window opening, and wherein the window mounting recess is adapted to receive at least a portion of the piece of glazing such that, when the piece of glazing is positioned within the window opening, the outer surface of the piece of glazing is flush fitting with the outer surface of the sidewall. In addition, the assembly further comprises a sealing gasket that is positioned between the piece of glazing and the window mounting recess. Moreover, the at least one glazing mounting member is adhered to the inner surface of the piece of glazing using at least one material selected from the group consisting of glue, epoxy, and putty.

The aforementioned needs may also be satisfied by a window assembly for a vehicle having a window opening with a recessed periphery formed in a sidewall of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises at least one frame member having a first leg member mounted within the window opening of the vehicle, the at least one frame member having a second leg member with a plurality of apertures formed there through. In addition, the assembly comprises a piece of glazing having an inner surface that is positioned, at least in part, adjacent the recessed periphery of the window opening such that an outer surface of the glazing substantially aligns with the outer surface of the sidewall. Moreover, the assembly comprises at least one retainer having a mounting surface attached to at least a portion of the inner surface of the piece of glazing and a plurality of protrusions that extend through the plurality of apertures when the piece of glazing is positioned adjacent to the recessed periphery and are detachably engaged to a plurality of fasteners so as to secure the at least one retainer to the at least one frame member thereby securing the piece of glazing to the window opening in a manner such that the piece of glazing can be removed by disengaging the fasteners from the protrusions and reattached by re-engaging the fasteners to the protrusions when the protrusions are re-extended through the plurality of apertures.

In one aspect, the retainer further comprises an extending member that distally extends from the mounting surface of the retainer so as to define a slotted region between the member and around at least a portion of the perimeter of the piece of glazing. In addition, the window assembly further comprises a protective panel that is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the piece of glazing and secured by the slotted region defined by the extending member of the retainer. Also, the retainer further comprises at least one locking member that is attached to the extending member and, when actuated, the locking member further secures the protective panel in the slotted region.

In another aspect, the at least one retainer comprises a plurality of retainers adhesively attached to the outer periphery of the piece of glazing, wherein each of the retainers comprises at least one protrusion. In addition, the at least one frame member comprises a plurality of frame members, wherein each of the frame members comprise a first leg member mounted within the window opening of the vehicle and a second leg member having at least one aperture that is positioned to interconnect with the at least one protrusion of the retainer when the protrusion is extended through the at least one aperture. Moreover, the assembly further comprises a sealing gasket that is positioned between the piece of glazing and the recessed periphery of the window opening.

The aforementioned needs may also be satisfied by a window assembly for a vehicle having a sidewall with a window opening formed therein. In one embodiment, the window assembly comprises a framing member attached to the sidewall so as to be positioned within the window opening, wherein the framing member defines a first coupling component and a first glazing member sized so as to be positioned in the window opening adjacent to the framing member. In addition, the window assembly further comprises a mounting member attached to the first glazing member, wherein the mounting member defines a second coupling component that is adapted to engage with the first coupling component when the first glazing member is positioned in the window opening adjacent to the framing member, and wherein the framing member and the mounting member can be detachably engaged from each other so as to permit removal of the first glazing member from the window opening.

In one aspect, the framing member and the mounting member can be detachably engaged from each other so as to further permit replacement of the first glazing member with a second glazing member by reattachment of mounting member to the second glazing member and re-engagement of the first and second coupling members. In addition, the framing member comprises a plurality of framing members that are arranged so as to be positioned within the window opening and attached to the sidewall. Also, the framing member defines a plurality of first coupling components, and wherein the mounting member defines a plurality of second coupling components that are adapted to engage the plurality of first coupling components. Moreover, the mounting member comprises a plurality of mounting members that are attached to the first glazing member.

In another aspect, the first coupling component comprises one or more apertures formed in the framing member. In addition, the second coupling component comprises one or more protrusions that are adapted to extend from the mounting member through the one or more apertures formed in the framing member. Also, the window assembly further comprises one or more fasteners that are adapted to mount to the one or more protrusions so as to secure the one or more protrusions of the mounting member to the one or more apertures of the framing member.

In still another aspect, the mounting member comprises one or more mounting members positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the glazing member, and wherein each of the mounting members defines a first section that is adhered flush to the glazing member and a second section that is spaced away from the glazing member so as to define at least one recess when the first section is adhered flush to the inner surface of the glazing. In addition, the window assembly further comprises a sacrificial layer that is positioned within the at least one recess so as to be interposed between the glazing member and the interior of the vehicle so as to inhibit damage to the glazing member. Also, the window assembly further comprises a locking mechanism attached to the second section of the mounting member, wherein the locking mechanism secures the sacrificial layer in the at least one recess between the glazing member and the mounting member. Moreover, the sidewall comprises a mounting recess positioned adjacent to the periphery of the window opening, and wherein the mounting recess is adapted to receive at least a portion of the glazing member such that, when the glazing member is positioned in the window opening, the outer portion of the glazing member is flush fitting with the outer portion of the sidewall. Also, the assembly further comprises a sealing gasket that is positioned between the glazing member and the mounting recess.

The aforementioned needs may also be satisfied by a method of installing glazing into a window opening of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the method comprises attaching at least one frame mounting member to a surface of the vehicle such that a portion extends into the plane of the window opening and attaching at least one glazing mounting member to a piece of glazing sized to be positioned within the window opening. In addition, the method comprises positioning the piece of glazing in the window opening such that the at least one frame mounting member and the at least one glazing mounting member are positioned proximate each other and coupling the frame mounting member and the glazing mounting member to each other so as to secure the piece of glazing in the window opening.

In one aspect, attaching the at least one frame mounting member comprises mounting a plurality of frame mounting members about 4 sides of the window opening. In addition, attaching the frame mounting members comprises mounting an L-shaped member with an opening on one leg to the sidewall of the vehicle immediately adjacent the window opening such that the leg containing the opening is positioned within the plane of the window. Also, attaching at least one glazing mounting member comprises adhering a plurality of glazing mounting members each having a protrusion to the piece of glazing at locations such that the protrusions extend through the openings in the plurality of frame mounting members.

In another aspect, coupling the frame mounting member to the glazing mounting member comprises attaching a fastener to the protrusions so as to inhibit removal of the protrusions from the openings. In addition, positioning the piece of glazing in the window opening comprises positioning the piece of glazing within a window mounting recess formed adjacent to the periphery of the window opening such that, when the piece of glazing is positioned within the window mounting recess, the outer surface of the piece of glazing is flush fitting with the outer surface of the sidewall. Also, positioning the piece of glazing in the window opening comprises positioning a sealing gasket between the piece of glazing and the window opening.

In still another aspect, attaching at least one glazing mounting member to a piece of glazing comprises positioning the glazing mounting member adjacent the outer periphery of the piece of glazing, and wherein the at least one glazing mounting member defines a first section that is adhered flush to the piece of glazing and a second section that is spaced away from the piece of glazing so as to define at least one recess when the first section is adhered flush to the inner surface of the piece of glazing. In addition, the method further comprises positioning a sacrificial layer within the at least one recess so as to be interposed between the piece of glazing and the interior of the vehicle so as to inhibit damage to the piece of glazing. Also, the method further comprises securing the sacrificial layer to the second section of the glazing mounting member with a locking mechanism, and wherein locking mechanism secures the sacrificial layer in the at least one recess between the piece of glazing and the glazing mounting member.

These and other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar elements have similar reference numerals.

DETAILED OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.FIG. 1illustrates one embodiment of a public transportation vehicle100having window assemblies102mounted within window openings104in a sidewall106of the vehicle100. As will be described in greater detail herein below, each window assembly102may comprise at least one piece of glazing110that may be detachably engaged with at least one frame mounting member112so as to permit attachment, detachment, and reattachment in a rapid manner. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the piece of glazing110is shown in an attached or reattached configuration120and a detached configuration122.

In one embodiment, the piece of glazing110may comprise a substantially planar inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. The piece of glazing110may be sized so as to be positioned in a first orientation within the window opening104formed in the sidewall106of the vehicle100. The first orientation may comprise a recessed orientation, wherein a recessed periphery114around the perimeter of the window opening104is used to positioned the glazing110, at least in part, within the window opening104. In one aspect, the recessed periphery114of the window opening104may be integrally formed as part of the sidewall106, and the frame mounting member112may be attached to at least a portion of the sidewall106so as to also be positioned, at least in part, within the window opening104.

It should be appreciated that, even though the following discussion is described in connection with a bus, the window mounting assembly as described herein may be used in various applications including other types of public transportation vehicles, such as trains and boats, and fixed window environments, such as buildings and industrial structures. As will also be apparent from the following discussion, the window mounting assembly of the present invention facilitates rapid installation, removal, and replacement of glazing.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the glazing110in the attached or reattached configuration120.FIG. 2Billustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of the glazing110in the detached configuration122. In particular,FIGS. 2A,2B illustrate the manner in which the glazing110is positioned and secured within the window opening104and then easily detached for rapid removal and replacement.

As illustrated inFIG. 2A, the glazing110is positioned adjacent the recessed periphery114so as to be positioned, at least in part, within the window opening104. An outer surface of the204of the glazing110substantially aligns with the outer surface of the sidewall106forming, in one embodiment, a flush fitting window assembly. It should be appreciated that the window opening104may not comprise a recessed periphery114and that the glazing110may be positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the sidewall106such that the glazing110is not positioned within the window opening104without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A sealing component206, such as a rubber gasket, may be positioned between the glazing110and the recessed periphery114so as to form a seal and insulate the interior of the vehicle100from the exterior environment outside the vehicle100. As illustrated inFIG. 2B, the sealing component206may comprise a first and second gasket member207,208that are attached at distal ends so as to form an L-shaped gasket structure. At the distal end of the first gasket member207, the midpoint of a barrier section209is attached to form an exterior seal extending from the exterior surface of the sidewall106to the outer surface204of the glazing110. In one aspect, the barrier section209may comprise a semi-curricular shape having a flat lower base attached to the first member207of the sealing component206. In another aspect, the barrier section209may comprise a flat rectangular shape having an underside attached to the first member207of the sealing component206.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the sealing component206may also function as a cushioning device that reduces the impact of vibrations caused during motion of the vehicle100. It should also be appreciated that the sealing component206may be attached to either the glazing110or the recessed periphery114using an adhesive, such as glue, prior to positioning the glazing110adjacent the recessed periphery114without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The frame mounting member112is shown attached to the sidewall106within the window opening104using a first fastener220, such as a screw, in a generally known manner. The frame mounting member112may be formed of a resilient material, such as aluminum, plastic, or various composite materials and may be adapted to fit the size and shape of various window openings in most vehicles. In one embodiment, the frame mounting member112is an L-shaped structure having a first and second leg member216,218attached at distal ends, wherein the first leg216of the frame mounting member112may be mounted to an interior surface of the window opening104. In addition, the second leg218of the frame mounting member112extends from the first leg216into the window opening104and is adapted with at least one first coupling component222, such as an aperture or hole (shown in FIG.2B), to receive at least one second coupling component230of the retainer200in a manner as described herein below. Moreover, the first coupling component222may comprise a plurality of apertures or holes formed in the frame mounting member112without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In one aspect, the frame mounting member112may also be elongated to fit the length or height of the window opening104or contoured to fit the shape of the window opening104. It should be appreciated that the at least one first coupling component222may be adapted to receive an interlocking ridge, hook, or the like for the purpose of securing the retainer200to the frame mounting member112without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, it should be appreciated that an adhesive, such as glue may be used in conjunction with the at least one first fastener220or screw to attach the frame mounting member112to the sidewall106without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that a plurality of frame mounting members112may be attached to one or more of the upper, lower, and side interior surfaces of the window opening104without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, a glazing mounting member or retainer200is mounted to at least a portion of the inner surface202of the glazing110using an adhesive210, such as a silicon or epoxy resin adhesive, and detachably engaged to the frame mounting member112using at least one second coupling component230. As with the frame mounting member112, the retainer200may be formed of a resilient material, such as aluminum, plastic, or various composite materials and may be adapted to fit the size and shape of various window openings in most vehicles. The retainer200may also be elongated to fit the length or height of the glazing110or contoured to fit the shape of the glazing110. As illustrated inFIG. 2B, the retainer200may comprise a base member226having a first and second mounting surface227a,227b. Moreover, the upper portion of the inner surface202of the glazing110is shown mounted to the first mounting surface227aof the base member226.

The second coupling component230may comprise at least one protrusion or bolt member232that perpendicularly extends from the second mounting surface227bof the base member226and engages the first coupling component222(shown inFIG. 2B) of the frame mounting member112. The second coupling component230may be integrally formed as part of the base member226, or the second coupling component230may be attached to the base member226via welding, etc. without departing from the scope of the present invention. The second coupling component230of the retainer200is secured to the first coupling component222of the frame mounting member112by a second fastener234, such as a nut. In one embodiment, the protrusion or bolt member232is threaded so as to receive the second fastener or nut234. In another embodiment, the retainer200comprises a plurality of protrusions232that engage the frame mounting member112via a plurality of holes222and are detachably secured to the frame mounting member112with a plurality of nuts234. It should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that various other coupling arrangements, such as interlocking ridges, hooks, or the like, may be used to ensure positive retention of the retainer200to the frame mounting member112.

The second fastener234rigidly secures the glazing110in the first orientation or recessed periphery114within the window opening104of the sidewall106. Advantageously, the second fastener234may be removed to allow removal of the glazing110and then re-engaged to allow replacement or reattachment of the glazing110to the frame mounting member112in a timely manner. In the prior art, the adhesive has to be cut away from the glazing and removed from the window opening prior to glazing replacement, wherein the conventional glazing replacement procedure is labor intensive and time consuming in a manner as previously described. Conversely, less time is needed to remove and replace glazing in a vehicle comprising the window assembly of the present invention due to the ease and speed at which the fasteners234may be removed and replaced. As a result, the present invention offers rapid glazing replacement for window assemblies in most vehicles, such as public transportation vehicles. In addition, existing vehicles may be retrofitted with the frame mounting members so as to improve the temporal efficiency of glazing replacement, wherein the frame mounting members and the glazing may be adapted to fit most vehicles.

The retainer200may further comprise a flanged member228that extends in a parallel manner from the base member226. The flanged member228is distally spaced from base member226such that the flanged member228defines a slotted region or space242that is capable of receiving a sacrificial protective panel240. Desirably, the sacrificial protective panel240slides between the glazing110and the retainer200in the slotted region242and serves to protect the surfaces of the glazing110from vandalism. Additional protective scope and functionality of the sacrificial protective panel240is described in greater detail in the Applicant's issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,453 entitled, “Window Protector Assembly,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the protective panel240is formed of a substantially flexible and resilient material that is easily flexed at its edges into position between the glazing110and the one or more retainers200. When the protective panel240is released, it resumes its unflexed shape adjacent to the glazing110and the edges are secured by the flanged member228of the retainer200. Such an arrangement allows for easy removal from the protective panel240using generally known tools, such as a suction gripping device. Additional scope and functionality relating to the protective panel240is described in greater detail in the Applicant's issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,574 entitled, “Quick Release Sacrificial Shield and Window Assembly,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the glazing110and the frame mounting members112of the window assembly102in the detached configuration122. The glazing110is shown attached to a plurality of retainers200that may be mounted towards the outer edges or periphery of the glazing110so as to be substantially parallel with corresponding frame mounting members112. As shown, the first coupling components222of the frame mounting members112substantially align with the second coupling components232of the retainers200and the second fasteners234.

In another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, at least two retainers200may be attached to the glazing110at opposing ends so as to support at least one sacrificial protective panel240. Similarly, the frame mounting member112may comprise one or more component pieces without departing from the scope of the present invention. In yet another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, at least two frame mounting members112may be positioned at opposing ends of the window opening104so as to receive one or more second coupling components230of the one or more retainers200.

It should be appreciated that the orientation of the at least two retainers200and frame mounting members212may be positioned on right and left side portions or the upper and lower portions of the window opening104or all four sides of the window opening104without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such arrangements may improve the ease with which the glazing110and the protective panel240are removed, replaced, or reattached. Advantageously, one or more of the frame mounting members112and retainers200may be adapted to fit various sizes and shapes of window openings so as to promote easy installation, removal, and replacement.

FIGS. 3A,3B further illustrate the addition of one or more locking members300to the frame mounting members214.FIG. 3Cillustrates the cross-sectional view of the glazing110ofFIG. 2Ain the attached or reattached configuration120, wherein the one or more locking members300ofFIG. 3Aare shown securing the sacrificial protective panel240to the glazing110. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 3C, the one or more locking members300may comprise a flat screw that is placed in a hole in the retainer200and, when tightened down, secures the sacrificial protective panel240adjacent to the inner surface of the glazing110. As previously described, the protective panel240may comprise a flexible material such that, when flexed, the upper and lower edges of the protective panel240may be positioned adjacent the inner surface202of the glazing110. Subsequently, when unflexed, the protective panel240may slide into an upper and lower slotted region242,244defined by the flanged members228of the retainers200. The locking members300secure the protective panel240to the glazing110when in this particular position.

Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 3D, the retainer200may comprise an elongated flanged member228so as to form an upper slotted region242that is at least longer than a lower slotted region244. In this particular embodiment, the upper edge of the sacrificial protective panel240is first placed in the upper slotted region242and slid towards the upper portion of the upper slotted region242. This allows the lower edge of the protective panel240to fit into the lower slotted region244and slide down towards the lower portion of the lower slotted region244. When in this position, a gap is formed above the upper edge of protective panel240towards the upper portion of the upper slotted region242. At this point, the locking mechanism300can be positioned to block the gap so as to prevent the protective panel240from sliding upwards, which further prohibits removal of the protective panel240from the retainers200. In one aspect, the locking members300may comprise one or more retaining gaskets that are adapted to secure the sacrificial protective panel240in a manner as described in the Applicant's issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,574.

From the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that the installation, removal, and replacement of the glazing110is easy and rapid. For example, the retainers200may be easily attached to the glazing110using the adhesive210, such as epoxy resin. Following, the retainer200and glazing110assembly may then be detachably engaged to the frame mounting member112in an easy manner using fasteners, such as the protrusion member232and the nut fastener234. If the glazing110needs to be removed or replaced for some reason, rapid detachment and replacement of the glazing110is easily accomplished due to the detachable engagement of the retainer200to the frame mounting member112. For example, the nut234can be loosened and removed from the protrusion member232, then the protrusion member232can be disengaged from the apertures or holes222in the frame mounting member112. Subsequently, the glazing1-10and retainer200assembly is readily detached from the frame mounting member112. Then, either a the same or another glazing110and retainer200assembly may be re-attached or replaced with less difficulty.

Advantageously, the glazing110, frame mounting members112, and the retainers200may be adapted in size and shape to fit or retrofit most existing vehicles, such as public transportation vehicles. In particular, the frame mounting members112may be easily attached to the interior of the window opening104using fasteners220, such as screws. As a result, many currently used public transpiration vehicles, such as buses, could be retrofitted with the quick change window assembly of the present invention. The size and shape of the glazing110, frame mounting members112, and the retainers200may be adapted to retrofit most window openings in most conventional vehicles. Once older, unmanageable window assemblies are removed, the quick change window assemblies of the present invention may be easily installed into existing window openings of currently used vehicles. Once installed, the advantages of rapid removal and replacement of the quick change window assemblies of the present invention can be realized.

Although the foregoing description has shown, described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of the apparatus as illustrated, as well as the uses thereof, may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing discussion, but should be defined by the appended claims.