Patent Publication Number: US-2010122496-A1

Title: Sliding Panel For A Sliding Window Assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/199,704 which was filed on Nov. 19, 2008, the entire specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention generally relates to a sliding panel for a sliding window assembly and, more specifically, to a sliding panel for a sliding window assembly for a vehicle. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Sliding window assemblies for vehicles are known in the art. Generally, a sliding window assembly include a first and a second fixed panel configured to be coupled to the vehicle. The first and the second fixed panels are spaced from each other and define an opening therebetween. An upper track and a lower track spaced from the upper track are each attached to the fixed panels. A sliding panel is slideable along the tracks between an open and closed position to modify a size of the opening. 
     Generally the sliding panel is moved between the open and the closed positions either manually, i.e., by a force applied by a person, or automatically by, for example, a cable drive system including a cable and a motor. When the sliding panel is moved manually, the sliding window assembly is referred to as a manual sliding window assembly. Alternatively, when the sliding panel is moved by the cable and the motor, the sliding window assembly is referred to as a power sliding window assembly. Typically, in the manual sliding window assembly, the sliding panel is disposed directly within the track. In the power sliding window assembly, the sliding panel is disposed within a carrier sleeve that is moveable within the lower track. The cable is coupled to the motor and the carrier sleeve for moving the carrier sleeve which moves the sliding panel between the open and closed positions as the motor is operated. 
     The required addition of the carrier sleeve in the power sliding window assembly requires the lower track to be wider as compared to if the lower track was used in the manual sliding window assembly. Requiring different lower tracks in the power and manual sliding window assemblies adds considerable cost, labor, and equipment to produce the sliding window assemblies. 
     It is also know in the art for the sliding window assembly to include a carrier bar in place of the carrier sleeve. Typically, the carrier bar is disposed on the sliding panel for coupling with the cable to move the sliding panel between the open and closed positions. The carrier bar is disposed on the sliding panel by an adhesive that bonds the carrier bar to the sliding panel. Over time, the adhesive can degrade resulting in separation between the carrier bar and the sliding panel and resulting in a failure of the sliding window assembly. 
     Generally, a diecast cylinder is coupled to each end of the cable, and a portion of the carrier bar defines a pair of pockets for receiving the diecast cylinder to couple the cable to the carrier bar. The complexity of the mechanical interface between the diecast cylinders and the pockets causes the assembly of the sliding window assembly to be labor intensive. Additionally, the portion of the carrier bar defining the pockets can break resulting in a deformation of the pocket and failure of the power sliding window assembly. Furthermore, over time, the diecast cylinder can break off of the cable resulting in a failure of the power sliding window assembly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES 
     The present invention includes a sliding panel for use in a sliding window assembly for a vehicle. The sliding panel has a bottom edge in sliding engagement with the sliding window assembly. The sliding panel includes at least one bracket coupled to the sliding panel. The present invention also includes a cable having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end with a body portion disposed therebetween. At least one of the first end of the cable, the second end of the cable, and the body portion of the cable is molded within the bracket thereby coupling the cable to the bracket. The coupling of the cable to the bracket in this fashion, i.e., by molding, enables transfer of a force from the cable to the bracket to slide the sliding panel within the sliding window assembly once the sliding panel is installed in the sliding window assembly. Molding the cable into the bracket also increases a pull strength between the cable and the bracket as compared to a non-molded connection as with the diecast cylinder and pockets of the carrier bar described above. Furthermore, molding the cable within the bracket increases the durability of the connection between the cable and the bracket thereby extending the life of the sliding window assembly. 
     The present invention further includes a method of manufacturing the sliding panel. The method includes that step of manipulating a mold assembly into an open position to access a cavity defined by the mold assembly and the step of positioning the cable into the cavity. The method also includes the steps of manipulating the mold assembly into a closed position to secure the cable within the cavity, and injecting a molding material into the cavity to mold the bracket about the cable with at least one of the first end of the cable, the second end of the cable, and the body portion of the cable is molded within the bracket. The method further includes the step of coupling the bracket to the sliding panel to allow the force to be transferred from the cable to the sliding panel to slide the sliding panel within the sliding window assembly. Molding the cable into the bracket during the formation of the bracket decreases an amount of time required to assembly the sliding window assembly because the cable is already coupled to the sliding panel which eliminates an added step of coupling the cable to the sliding window assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a vehicle with a sliding window assembly installed on the vehicle; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exterior of the sliding window assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an interior of the sliding window assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the sliding window assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3  showing a first track of the sliding window assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3  showing a second track of the sliding window assembly; 
         FIG. 7A  is a partial perspective view of an interior of a sliding panel for the sliding window assembly; 
         FIG. 7B  is a partial perspective view of an exterior of the sliding panel for the sliding window assembly; 
         FIG. 8A  is a partial view of the sliding panel with a body portion of a cable molded within a bracket coupled to the sliding panel; 
         FIG. 8B  is a partial view of the sliding panel with a first end and a second end of the cable molded within the bracket coupled to the sliding panel; 
         FIG. 8C  is a partial view of the sliding panel with a body portion of a cable molded within a bracket coupled to the sliding panel; 
         FIG. 9A  is a partial view of the sliding panel with a first bracket and a second bracket coupled to the sliding panel and the ends of the cable molded within the brackets; 
         FIG. 9B  is a partial view of the sliding panel with the body portion of the cable molded within the first and second brackets; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial view of the sliding panel with a mold assembly disposed about a portion of the sliding panel; and 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10  showing a cavity defined by the mold assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a sliding window assembly  20  for use in a vehicle  22  is generally shown. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the sliding window assembly  20  is shown coupled to the vehicle  22 , specifically as a backlite of a pickup truck. However, it is to be appreciated that the sliding window assembly  20  of the present invention can be implemented in other types of vehicles, as well as in non-vehicle applications. 
     Generally, the sliding window assembly  20  includes at least one fixed panel  24 ,  26  configured for coupling with the vehicle  22 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the at least one fixed panel  24 ,  26  includes a first fixed panel  24  and a second fixed panel  26  spaced from the first fixed panel  24  defining an opening  28  therebetween. The first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  are typically formed of glass. However, the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  may be formed from any suitable material such as plastic or metal. 
     The first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  have an interior surface  30  for facing an interior of the vehicle  22  when the sliding window assembly  20  is coupled to the vehicle  22 . The first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  also have an exterior surface  32  for facing an exterior of the vehicle  22  when the sliding window assembly  20  is coupled to the vehicle  22 . 
     A sliding panel  64  is moveable relative to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  for covering the opening  28  in a closed position and for uncovering the opening  28  in an open position. The sliding panel  64  is covering the opening  28  in a closed position in  FIGS. 1 and 3  and is partially covering the opening  28  between the open and closed positions in  FIG. 2 . The sliding panel  64  completely uncovers the opening  28  in the open position, which is not shown in the Figures. The sliding panel  64  has a first edge  66  and a second edge  68  spaced from the first edge  66  defining a width W of the sliding panel  64  therebetween. The sliding panel  64  also has a top edge  70  and a bottom edge  72  spaced from the top edge  70 . The sliding panel  64  is disposed in an offset relationship to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . Said differently, the first edge  66  of the sliding panel  64  overlaps the first fixed panel  24  and the second edge  68  of the sliding panel  64  overlaps the second fixed panel  26  when the sliding panel  64  is in the closed position. 
     The sliding panel  64  presents an exterior surface  50  and an opposing interior surface  52  with the exterior surface  50  of the sliding panel  64  facing the exterior of the vehicle  22  and the interior surface  52  of the sliding panel  64  facing the interior of the vehicle  22  when the sliding window assembly  20  is coupled to the vehicle  22 . Like the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 , the sliding panel  64  is typically formed of glass, but can be formed of any suitable material such as plastic and metal. 
     Generally, the sliding window assembly  20  includes at least one track  36 ,  38 , commonly referred to throughout the industry as a run channel. The track  36 ,  38  is coupled to at least one, and typically both, of the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the at least one track  36 ,  38  includes a first track  36  coupled to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  and a second track  38  coupled to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  spaced from and substantially parallel to the first track  36 . The first and second tracks  36 ,  38  rigidly interconnect the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . The first and second tracks  36 ,  38  span the opening  28  defined between the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , typically, each of the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  includes an elongated member  40  and a rail  42  coupled to the elongated member  40 . The elongated member  40  is coupled to and extends between the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . The elongated member  40  defines a channel  44  with the rail  42  disposed in the channel  44 . It is to be appreciated that the tracks  36 ,  38  may be manufactured without the elongated member  40  such that the rail  42  is connected directly to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . Alternatively, the tracks  36 ,  38  may be manufactured without the rail  42 . 
     The rail  42  provides structural reinforcement to the elongated member  40 . The rail  42  has a first end  46  and a second end  48  spaced from the first end  46 . The rail  42  is typically U-shaped and has an interior surface  50  and an exterior surface  54 . Typically, the rail  42  comprise aluminum however it is to be appreciated that the rail  42  may comprise any suitable material without deviating from the scope of the subject invention. 
     The first and second tracks  36 ,  38  are typically coupled to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  by adhesive surface bonding. Although not required, the adhesive surface bonding can be a process referred to in the industry as glass encapsulation. The glass encapsulation can be further defined as single-sided encapsulation, two-sided encapsulation, or three-sided encapsulation. For example, with single-sided encapsulation, the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  are coupled to the interior surface  30  of the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  leaving the exterior surface  32  of the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  free of adhesive surface bonding. It should be appreciated that the adhesive surface bonding can be any type of adhesive surface bonding other than glass encapsulation without departing from the nature of the present invention. 
     Generally, the glass encapsulation results in an encapsulant that can be used to couple the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . When formed by glass encapsulation, the encapsulant typically comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, it should be appreciated that the encapsulant may be formed from any type of material suitable for glass encapsulation. When the glass encapsulation is employed, the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  are formed, at least partially, from the encapsulant. Specifically, with respect to glass encapsulation, the elongated member  40  is formed of the encapsulant and is coupled to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  by glass encapsulation. Furthermore, the rail  42  may also be coupled to the elongated member  40  during the glass encapsulation such that the encapsulant at least partially encompasses the exterior surface  54  of the rail  42 . In such an embodiment, the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  are each integral with the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . Specifically, the elongated member  40  of the first track  36  is integral with the rail  42  of the first track  36  and with the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . Likewise, the elongated member  40  of the second track  38  is integral with the rail  42  of the second track  38  and with the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . In other words, the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  and the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  form a single continuous unit. It should be appreciated that even though the elongated member  40  and the rail  42  are integral, the elongated member  40  and the rail  42  are shown in an exploded view in  FIG. 4  in order to show details of these parts. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each elongated member  40  presents a mounting surface  60 . An applique  62  is mounted to the mounting surface  60  of each elongated member  40 . Specifically, the applique  62  is situated in the opening  28  between the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  along the first and second tracks  36 ,  38 . The first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  and the applique  62  present exterior surfaces that are substantially flush relative each other. The applique  62  is typically formed of a polycarbonate plastic, but can be formed of other plastics, glass, metal, and the like. In the configuration where the encapsulant is the elongated member  40 , the applique  62  is typically attached to the elongated member  40  by glass encapsulation. However, it should be appreciated that the applique  62  may be attached to the elongated member  40  in any fashion, for example by adhesive. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the sliding panel  64  is disposed within the first and second tracks  36 ,  38 . The top edge  70  of the sliding panel  64  is received in the channel  44  of the elongated member  40  of the first track  36  and the bottom edge  72  of the sliding panel  64  is received in the channel  44  of the elongated member  40  of the second track  38 . The sliding panel  64  is in sliding engagement with the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  and is slideable along the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  relative to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . Generally, the bottom edge  72  of the sliding panel  64  is in sliding engagement with the second track  38 . The first and second tracks  36 ,  38  guide the sliding panel  64  as the sliding panel  64  moves between the closed and open positions. 
     The sliding panel  64  typically slides horizontally along the first and second tracks  36 ,  38 , but it should be appreciated that the sliding panel  64  can also slide in other directions, e.g. vertically, without departing from the nature of the present invention. In  FIG. 3  the sliding panel  64  slides to the left to the open position and slides to the right to the closed position, but it should be appreciated that the sliding panel  64  can slide in any direction between the open and closed position without departing from the nature of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that the sliding panel  64  can slide in more than one direction from the closed to the open positions. Typically, when the sliding panel  64  is moveable horizontally, the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  extend generally horizontally along the periphery of the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . Alternatively, when the sliding panel  64  is moveable vertically, the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  extend generally vertically between the periphery of the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the sliding window assembly  20  includes a pair of vertical seals  76  and a pair of horizontal seals  80  for collectively sealing the sliding panel  64  relative to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  and the first and second tracks  36 ,  38 . Each of the vertical seals  76  is coupled to a respective one of the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  between the first and second tracks  36 ,  38 . The vertical seals  76  contact the sliding panel  64  when the sliding panel  64  is in the closed position. When the sliding panel  64  is in the open position, only one of the vertical seals  76  contacts the sliding panel  64 . Each of the horizontal seals  80  is coupled to a respective one of the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  and contacts the sliding panel  64 . It is to be appreciated that the horizontal seals  80  contact the sliding panel  64  when the sliding panel  64  is in the open position, closed position or any position in between. Typically, the vertical seals  76  and one of the horizontal seals  80  are integral with each other such that the vertical seals  76  and one of the horizontal seals  80  is a one-piece seal. When the one-piece seal is employed, the horizontal seal  80  coupled to the first track  36  is included in the one-piece seal. It is to be appreciated that the vertical seals  76  and both the horizontal seals  80  may be integral with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also to be appreciates that each of the vertical seals  76  and the horizontal seals  80  may be discrete components relative to each other, 
     The vertical and horizontal seals  76 ,  80  are typically coupled, e.g. adhered, to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  and the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  with an attachment element  81 , such as a tape, an adhesive film or an encapsulant. However, it should be appreciated that the vertical and horizontal seals  76 ,  80  may be coupled to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26  and the tracks  36 ,  38  in any fashion. The vertical and horizontal seals  76 ,  80  are formed of any suitable material without departing from the nature of the present invention. For example, the vertical and horizontal seals  76 ,  80  are preferably ethylene propylene diene monomer. Alternatively, for example, the vertical seal  76  and the horizontal seal  80  are thermoplastic vulcanizates or thermoplastic elastomer. Typically, the vertical and horizontal seals  76 ,  80  are applied after the adhesive surface bonding, e.g. the glass encapsulation of the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  to the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 , but can be applied at any time. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a pair of stopping blocks  84  are disposed in the first and the second tracks  36 ,  38  for limiting the movement of the sliding panel  64  such that the first edge  66  of the sliding panel  64  contacts one of the stopping blocks  84  when in the open position and the second edge  68  contacts another one of the stopping blocks  84  when in the closed position. 
     Although not required,  FIGS. 5 and 6  show a channel insert  86  fixed within each of the first and the second tracks  36 ,  38 . When the channel insert  86  is present, at least the bottom edge  72  of the sliding panel  64  is in sliding engagement with the channel insert  86  and the sliding panel  64  is slidable along the channel insert  86 . The channel insert  86  reduces a coefficient of friction between the sliding panel  64  and the tracks  36 ,  38  for reducing a work required to move the sliding panel  64  between the open and closes positions. The channel insert  86  is fixed within the first and second tracks  36 ,  38  to prevent the channel insert  86  from moving along the first and second tracks  36 ,  38 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , although not required, the sliding window assembly can include a frame member  34  surrounding a periphery of the first and second fixed panels  24 ,  26 . The frame member  34  may be integral with the first and second tracks  36 ,  38 . The frame member  34  can comprise any suitable material such as plastic and metal. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the sliding window assembly  20  includes a cable drive system  88  commonly referred to throughout the industry as a pull-pull cable drive system for moving the sliding panel  64  between the open and the closed positions. The cable drive system  88  includes at least one cable  90 . Referring to  FIGS. 8A  trough  8 C, the cable  90  has a first end  92  and a second end  94  spaced from the first end  92  and a body portion  96  disposed therebetween. The cable drive system  88  also includes a motor  98 , such as a linear motor, with the cable  90  coupled to the motor  98 . The motor  98  rotates for winding the cable  90  about the motor  98  in the direction of rotation, i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise. The cable  90  is also coupled to the sliding panel  64  for moving the sliding panel  64  as the motor  98  rotates. More specifically, when the motor  98  rotates clockwise, tension on the cable  90  applies a force to the sliding panel  64  in a direction to modify the size of the opening  28 , i.e., the sliding panel  64  slides from the closed position to the open position, or from the open position to the closed position. The sliding panel  64  slides back in an opposite direction when the motor  98  is rotated counterclockwise. The force applied to the sliding panel  64  through tension on the cable  90  is of from about 40 to about 50 kilogram-force (kgf). The motor  98  is selected based on a maximum torque of the motor  98 , which results in the force described above. For safety, the force typically does not exceed 50 kgf. 
     The sliding window assembly  20  includes at least one bracket  100  for coupling the cable  90  to the sliding panel  64 . The bracket  100  transfers the force from the cable  90  to the sliding panel  64  for sliding the sliding panel  64  within the sliding window assembly  20 . Generally, the sliding panel  64  is disposed on the sliding panel  64  proximate to the bottom edge  72  of the sliding panel  64 . Typically, the bracket  100  is within the channel  44  below the horizontal seal  80  such that the horizontal seal  80  prevents the environmental elements from contacting the sliding panel  64 . The bracket  100  is spaced a distance D typically of from about 1 to about 15, more typically from about 2 to about 10, and even more typically about 5 millimeters. Spacing the bracket  100  from the bottom edge  72  of the sliding panel  64  allows the bottom edge  72  of the sliding panel  64  is in sliding engagement with the second track  38 . Allowing the bottom edge  72  of the sliding panel  64  to engage the second track  38  eliminates the need for a carrier sleeve which eliminates the need for different tracks for power sliding window assemblies as compared to manual sliding window assemblies. 
     The bracket  100  is substantially parallel to the bottom edge  72  of the sliding panel  64  and spans the entire width W of the sliding panel  64 . Said differently, the bracket  100  runs along the bottom edge  72  of the sliding panel and extends past both the first edge  66  and the second edge  68  of the sliding panel  64 . The bracket  100  is disposed on the interior surface  52  of the sliding panel  64 . It is to be appreciated that the bracket  100  may be disposed on only the interior surface  52  of the sliding panel  64 . Alternatively, the bracket  100  may be disposed on the interior surface  52  of the sliding panel  64  and one of the edges  66 ,  68  of the sliding panel  64 . Furthermore, the bracket  100  may be disposed on both the exterior and interior surfaces  50 ,  52  and one of the edges  66 ,  68 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
     The bracket  100  is molded from a molding material. The bracket  100  may be molded by any method known in the art such as injection molding and reaction injection molding. Additionally, when the bracket  100  is molded directly to the sliding panel  64 , the bracket  100  is molded by glass encapsulation similar to the tracks  36 ,  38  as described above. When glass encapsulation is employed to form the bracket  100 , the bracket  100  comprises the encapsulant that results from the glass encapsulation. It is to be appreciated that a primer may be applied to the sliding panel  64  prior to molding the bracket  100  for increasing a bond strength between the bracket  100  and the sliding panel  64 . Alternatively, the bracket  100  can be molded without the sliding panel  64  present and subsequently coupled to the sliding panel  64  by an adhesive. 
     When injection molding in employed to mold the bracket  100 , the molding material typically comprises a thermoplastic material, and more typically comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When reaction injection molding is employed to mold the bracket  100 , the molding material typically comprises a thermoset polymer, and more typically comprises an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component, and even more typically comprises a polyurethane. An example of suitable polyurethanes, for the purposes of the present invention, are commercially available from BASF Corporation under the tradename of COLO-FAST™, e.g. COLO-FAST LM-161. However, it is to be appreciated that the molding material may comprise any suitable material for molding the bracket  100 . 
     With reference to the bracket  100 , the glass encapsulation can be further defined as single-sided glass encapsulation, double-sided encapsulation, or triple-sided encapsulation. Preferably, triple-sided encapsulation is employed which results in the bracket  100  being disposed on both the exterior and interior surfaces  50 ,  52  of the sliding panel  64  and the edges  66 ,  68  of the sliding panel  64 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Triple-sided encapsulation increases a surface area of the sliding panel  64  that the bracket  100  is coupled to while limiting a size of the bracket  100 . The increased surface area increases bond strength between the bracket  100  and the sliding panel  64  and limiting the size of the bracket  100  provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     At least one of the first end  92  of the cable  90 , the second end  94  of the cable  90 , and the body portion  96  of the cable is molded within the bracket  100 . In other words, the first end  92  of the cable  90  by itself can be molded into the bracket  100 , the second end  94  of the cable  90  by itself can be molded into the bracket  100 , or the body portion  96  of the cable  90  by itself can be molded into the bracket  100 . Additionally, combination of the first end  92  of the cable  90 , the second end  94  of the cable  90 , and the body portion  96  of the cable  90  can be molded into the bracket  100 . The cable  90  is molded into the bracket  100  for coupling the cable  90  to the bracket  100  for transferring the force from the cable  90  to the bracket  100  to slide the sliding panel  64  along the tracks  36 ,  38 . Generally, the cable  90  is molded into the bracket  100  as the bracket  100  is molded. Said differently, the molding material encapsulates the cable  90  resulting in the formation of the bracket  100  about the cable  90 . Molding the cable  90  into the bracket  100  provides a strong bond between the cable  90  and the bracket  100  that does not degrade over time which extends a life of the sliding window assembly  20 . Additionally, the strong bond between the cable  90  and the bracket  100  prevents the cable  90  from being pulled out of the bracket  100  when the force is transferred to from the cable  90  to the bracket  100  for moving the sliding panel  64 . Typically, molding the cable  90  within the bracket  100  provides a pull strength of from about 50 to about 200, more typically from about 80 to about 180, and most typically from about 80 to 100 kgf. As described above, the force applied to the bracket  100  typically does not exceed 50 kgf. Therefore, the pull strength achieved by molding the cable  90  within the bracket  100  exceeds the force typically applied to the bracket  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8A  showing the body portion  96  of the cable  90  molded within the bracket  100 , the cable  90  spans the entire width W of the sliding panel  64  within the bracket  100 . The ends  92 ,  94  of the cable  90  are coupled to the motor  98  for pulling the cable  90  to move the sliding panel  64  between the open and the closed positions as discussed above. Referring to  FIG. 8B , the ends  92 ,  94  of the cable  90  are molded within the bracket  100  and the cable  90  only spans a portion of the width W of the sliding panel  64 . When the ends  92 ,  94  of the cable  90  are molded within the bracket  100 , the body portion is coupled to the motor  98  for pulling the cable  90  to move the sliding panel  64  between the open and the closed positions. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , although not required, the cable  90  may include an anchor  102 . Generally, the anchor  102  increases a surface of the bracket  100  that the cable  90  acts against for increasing the pull strength between the cable  90  and the bracket  100 . It is to be appreciated that the anchor  102  can be an integral portion of the cable  90  or the anchor  102  can be a discrete component relative to the cable  90 . When the anchor  102  is the integral portion of the cable  90 , at least one of the first end  92 , the second end  94  and the body portion  96  of the cable  90  has the anchor  102  depending on which of the first end  92 , the second end  94  and the body portion  96  of the cable  90  is molded within the bracket  100 . For example, when the first end  92  of the cable  90  is molded within the bracket  100 , the first end  92  may include the anchor  102 . Alternatively, when the body portion  96  of the cable  90  is molded within the bracket  100 , the body portion  96  may have the anchor  102 . When the anchor  102  is the integral portion of the cable  90 , the anchor  102  may be formed by crimping the cable  90  or the anchor  102  may be formed by looping the cable  90  within the bracket  100  such that the cable  90  doubles back upon itself. 
     When the anchor  102  is the discrete component, the anchor  102  may be coupled to the cable  90 , which, in effect, increases the surface area of the bracket  100  the cable  90  acts against. For example, the anchor  102  may be a washer or a grommet connected to the cable  90 . It is to be appreciated that the anchor  102  may be coupled to the cable  90  outside of the bracket  100  and contact an exterior of the bracket  100  as the cable  90  applies the force to the bracket  100 . The anchor  102  may comprise any suitable material such as metal, and plastic. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the at least one bracket  100  may be a first bracket  108  coupled to the sliding panel  64  and a second bracket  110  coupled to the sliding panel  64  spaced from the first bracket  108 . When the first and second brackets  108 ,  110  are employed, at least one of the first end  92  of the cable  90 , the second end  94  of the cable  90 , and the body portion  96  of the cable  90  are molded within the brackets  108 ,  110 . Specifically, the body portion  96  of the cable  90  may be molded within the brackets  108 ,  110  as shown in  FIG. 9B . Alternatively, the ends  92 ,  94  of the cable  90  may be molded within a respective one of the brackets  108 ,  110  as shown in  FIG. 9A . 
     The following is a description of a method of manufacturing the sliding panel  64  for use in the sliding window assembly  20 . The method of manufacturing the sliding panel  64  includes the use of a mold assembly  112 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . For example, the mold assembly  112  has a first mold portion  114  and a second mold portion  116  spaced from each other. Each of the first and second mold portions  114 ,  116  has a mold surface  118  defining a cavity  120 . The first and second mold portions  114 ,  116  are moveable relative to each other to move the mold assembly  112  between an open position that allows access to the cavity  120  and a closed position that seals the cavity  120 . 
     The method includes the steps of manipulating the mold assembly  112  into the open position to access the cavity  120  defined by the mold assembly  112  and positioning the cable  90  into the cavity  120 . Typically, when the cable  90  is positioned into the cavity  120 , the cable  90  is spaced from the mold surface  118 . The method also includes the steps of manipulating the mold assembly  112  into the closed position to secure the cable  90  within the cavity  120  and injecting the molding material into the cavity  120  to mold the bracket  100  about the cable  90  with at least one of the first end  92 , the second end  94 , and the body portion  96  molded within the bracket  100 . It is to be appreciated that the step of injecting a molding material may be further defined as injecting the isocyanate component and the isocyanate-reactive component into the cavity  120  to mold the bracket  100  about the cable  90 . The molding material is allowed to solidify within the mold assembly  112  thereby forming the bracket  100 . Molding the cable into the bracket during the formation of the bracket decreases an amount of time required to assembly the sliding window assembly because the cable is already coupled to the sliding panel which eliminates an added step of coupling the cable to the sliding window assembly. 
     The method further includes the step of coupling the bracket  100  to the sliding panel  64  to allow the force to be transferred from the cable  90  to the sliding panel  64  to slide the sliding panel  64  within the sliding window assembly  20 . The method may include the step of applying an adhesive to the bracket  100  prior to the step of coupling the bracket  100  to the sliding panel  64 . Alternatively, the step of injecting the molding material into the cavity  120  and the step of coupling the bracket  100  to the sliding panel  64  may be preformed simultaneously such that the bracket  100  is formed by glass encapsulation. For example, when the bracket  100  is formed by glass encapsulation, the molding material is allowed to solidify within the mold assembly  112  thereby forming the bracket  100  and bonding the bracket  100  to both the sliding panel  64  and the cable  90 . As such, the method may also include the step of positioning the sliding panel  64  within the mold assembly  112  adjacent the cable  90  with the cavity  120  of the mold assembly  112  spaced from the bottom edge  72  of the sliding panel  64  prior to the step of manipulating the mold assembly  112  into the closed position. The method may also include the step of manipulating the mold assembly  112  into the open position to remove the sliding panel  64  from the mold assembly  112 . When the anchor  102  is employed, the method may include the step of forming the anchor  103  in least one of the first end  92 , the second end  94 , and the body portion  96  of the cable  90  that is to be molded within the bracket  100  prior to manipulating the mold assembly  112  into the close position. When the anchor  102  is employed, the method may include the step of coupling the anchor  102  to the cable  90  prior to positioning the cable  90  into the cavity  120 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , when the sliding panel  64  included the first and second brackets  108 ,  110 , the mold assembly  112  defines a pair of cavities  120 ′. In such a configuration, the method step of injecting the molding material into the cavity  120  is further defined as injecting the molding material into the pair of cavities  120 ′ to mold the first bracket  108  and the second bracket  110 . 
     While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.