PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11446986-B1
Application Number: US-201916437412-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Reinforced vehicle window

Abstract:
A window assembly for a vehicle includes a laminated panel and a reinforcement structure. The laminated panel includes a glass layer and a polymer layer that is laminated with the glass layer. The reinforcement structure extends along and is coupled to an upper perimeter of the polymer layer. When the polymer layer is in tension, the reinforcement structure hinders inward movement of the polymer layer relative to an upper edge of the window assembly. The window assembly is a retractable side window assembly.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A window assembly for a vehicle comprising:
 a laminated panel having a first thickness and having a glass layer and a polymer layer that is laminated with the glass layer; and 
 a reinforcement structure extending along and coupled to an upper perimeter of the polymer layer, the reinforcement structure comprising:
 a first section positioned outward of the laminated panel, forming an upper edge of the window assembly, and having the first thickness; and 
 a second section positioned inward of the first section, 
 
 wherein the reinforcement structure is configured to hold the polymer layer in tension to hinder inward movement of the polymer layer relative to the upper edge of the window assembly when the laminated panel experiences an outboard force, 
 wherein the window assembly is a retractable side window assembly, and 
 wherein only the first section of the reinforcement structure is receivable in a channel of a seal of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       2. The window assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the second section of the reinforcement structure has a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. 
     
     
       3. The window assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the first section of the reinforcement structure extends adjacent to the glass layer, and wherein the second section of the reinforcement structure extends along a surface of the glass layer. 
     
     
       4. The window assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising another glass layer that is laminated to the polymer layer opposite from the glass layer. 
     
     
       5. The window assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement structure is coupled to the polymer layer via the glass layer. 
     
     
       6. The window assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement structure is coupled to the polymer layer independent of the glass layer. 
     
     
       7. The window assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymer layer extends outward beyond the glass layer toward the upper edge of the window assembly. 
     
     
       8. The window assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein the laminated panel includes another glass layer that extends outward beyond the glass layer toward the upper edge. 
     
     
       9. The window assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein upon application of the outboard force to the laminated panel and an inboard force to the reinforcement structure, the reinforcement structure holds the polymer layer in tension between a forward portion, an upper portion, and a rearward portion of the upper perimeter of the upper edge. 
     
     
       10. The window assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement structure is formed of at least one of a metal material or a fiber-composite material. 
     
     
       11. A vehicle system comprising:
 a frame defining a window opening and having a seal that defines a channel extending along an upper perimeter of the frame; and 
 a window assembly movable between a raised position and a lowered position, the window assembly comprising:
 a glass and polymer layer having a first thickness; and 
 a reinforcement structure coupled to and extending along an upper perimeter of the glass and polymer layer, the reinforcement structure comprising:
 a first section positioned outward of the upper perimeter and having the first thickness; and 
 a second section positioned inward of the upper perimeter and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, 
 
 wherein in the raised position, only the first section of the reinforcement structure is positioned in the channel of the seal. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The vehicle system according to  claim 11 , wherein when the window assembly is in the raised position, the seal extends adjacent to the second section of the reinforcement structure. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle system according to  claim 12 , wherein when the window assembly is in the raised position, the seal retains the first section of the reinforcement structure in the channel upon application of a lateral force against the window assembly. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle system according to  claim 12 , wherein the reinforcement structure includes a structural member that is coupled to the polymer layer along the upper perimeter of the polymer layer, the structural member being formed of a metal or a fiber composite. 
     
     
       15. The vehicle system according to  claim 14 , wherein the structural member is coupled to the polymer layer independent of the glass layer. 
     
     
       16. The vehicle system according to  claim 14 , wherein the structural member is indirectly coupled to the polymer layer with the glass layer. 
     
     
       17. The vehicle system according to  claim 11 , wherein the reinforcement structure holds the polymer layer in tension upon application of an outboard force against the window assembly. 
     
     
       18. The vehicle system according to  claim 17 , wherein the outboard force is applied by an impactor having a mass of 18 kg and a velocity of between 16 km/h and 20 km/h. 
     
     
       19. A method comprising:
 installing into a vehicle a retractable side window assembly within a window frame, the retractable side window assembly having:
 a glass and polymer layer, and 
 a reinforcement structure coupled to the glass and polymer layer and forming an upper edge of the retractable side window assembly,
 an inner portion of the reinforcement structure extending along opposing surfaces of the glass and polymer layer, 
 an outer portion of the reinforcement structure extending outward from the glass and polymer layer to form the upper edge, 
 the upper edge having a thickness approximately equal to a thickness of the glass and polymer layer, and 
 only the outer portion being engageable within a channel of a seal in the window frame of the vehicle. 
 
 
 
     
     
       20. The method according to  claim 19 , further comprising removing a previously-installed retractable side window from the vehicle, the previously-installed side window including a glass panel that forms an upper edge engageable within the channel of the seal in the window frame of the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/718,416, filed Aug. 14, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to windows and, in particular, retractable windows for passenger vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Passenger vehicles often include retractable side windows that allow passage of light into the vehicle and additionally allow passage of air into and out of the vehicle when opened. Such passenger vehicles also include side curtain airbag that, when deployed, may hinder objects moving from inside to outside the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein are implementations of window assemblies, window systems, and methods pertaining thereto. 
     In one implementation, a retractable side window assembly for a vehicle includes a laminated panel and a reinforcement structure. The laminated panel includes a glass layer and a polymer layer that is laminated with the glass layer. The reinforcement structure extends along and is coupled to an upper perimeter of the polymer layer. When the polymer layer is in tension, the reinforcement structure hinders inward movement of the polymer layer relative to an upper edge of the retractable side window assembly. 
     In another implementation, a vehicle system includes a frame and a window assembly. The frame defines a window opening and includes a channel extending along an upper perimeter of the frame. The window assembly is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The window assembly includes a glass layer, a polymer layer, and a reinforcement structure. The polymer layer is laminated with the glass layer. The reinforcement structure is coupled to and extends along an upper perimeter of the polymer layer. In the raised position, the reinforcement structure is positioned in the channel. 
     In another implementation, a method includes installing into a vehicle a retractable side window assembly. The retractable side window assembly includes a glass layer, a polymer layer laminated with the glass layer, and a reinforcement structure coupled to the polymer layer and forming an upper edge of the retractable side window assembly. The upper edge is engageable with a seal of the vehicle. The method may also include removing a previously-installed retractable side window from the vehicle, which includes an upper edge engageable with the seal of the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a partial side view of a vehicle having a window assembly. 
         FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle taken along line  1 A- 1 A in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is a side view of the window assembly of the vehicle shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1D  is a cross-sectional view of the window assembly taken along line  1 D- 1 D in  FIG. 1C . 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a window assembly. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a window assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a window assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a window assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a window assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a window assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a window assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a window assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are embodiments of movable side window assemblies for vehicles. The movable side window assemblies may, in some conditions, hinder outboard movement of objects that impact the window assembly. More particularly, while conventional retractable side windows include glass panels having edges that form the outer periphery of the window and which directly engage a vehicle body structure when closed, the window assemblies disclosed herein include reinforcement structures that are coupled to and extend along the perimeter of a laminated panel. The reinforcement structures are coupled to a polymer layer of the laminated panel, so as to support the polymer layer to hinder outboard movement of the window assembly when impacted by an object in an outboard direction. By being coupled to and supporting the polymer layer, the reinforcement structure may hinder outboard movement of the window assembly even upon breaking or other loss of structural integrity of glass layers of the laminated panel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , a vehicle  100  includes a vehicle body  110  having a window frame  112  that defines a window opening  114 , and also includes a window assembly  130 . The window assembly  130  is movable (e.g., is retractable) by a movement mechanism (e.g., a window regulator; not shown) relative to the window frame  112  between a raised position (hidden portions depicted with dash-dash lines) and a lowered position (depicted entirely in phantom with dash-dot lines). The window assembly  130  closes the window opening  114  in the raised position with an upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130  engaging an upper perimeter  112   a  of the window frame  112 . The window assembly  130  opens the window opening  114  in the lowered position with the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130  being spaced below the upper perimeter  112   a  of the window frame  112  to form a vertical gap therebetween. The window assembly  130  may also be referred to as a retractable window assembly or a retractable side window assembly. The upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130  may be considered an edge of the window assembly  130  that is positioned above a belt line of the vehicle  100  when the window assembly  130  is in the raised (e.g., closed) position. The window frame  112  and the window assembly  130  may be considered to cooperatively form a vehicle system or a window system. 
     As referenced above, the window frame  112  of the vehicle body  110  defines the window opening  114  inward of the upper perimeter  112   a  and a lower perimeter  112   b  thereof. In the example shown in  FIG. 1A , the window frame  112  is formed by a door  116 . The door  116  includes a lower door portion  116   a  and an upper door portion  116   b . The lower door portion  116   a  defines a cavity into which the window assembly  130  may be lowered (e.g., retracted), for example, between inner and outer panels of the lower door portion  116   a . An upper end of the lower door portion  116   a  may be considered to form the lower perimeter  112   b  of the window frame  112 . The upper end of the lower door portion  116   a  may be further considered to define the belt line of the vehicle  100 . As used here, the directional terms of inward, outward, or similar may generally, though not exclusively, refer to positions and/or movement relative to the window frame  112 , the window opening  114 , and/or the window assembly  130 . For example, the window opening  114  is defined inward of the window frame  112 , since the window frame  112  generally surrounds the window opening  114 . 
     The upper door portion  116   b  is, for example, the portion of the door  116  above a belt line of the vehicle  100  and forms an upper portion of the window frame  112 . The upper door portion  116   b  extends upward from forward and rearward ends of the lower door portion  116   a , so as to form the upper perimeter  112   a  of the window frame  112 . As a result, the window opening  114  is defined generally above the lower door portion  116   a  and below and between the upper door portion  116   b , which cooperatively form the window frame  112 . The upper perimeter  112   a  of the window frame  112  may be considered that positioned above the belt line of the vehicle  100 . Further, the upper perimeter  112   a  may be considered to include a forward portion (e.g., extending upward from the forward end of the lower door portion  116   a ), a rearward portion (e.g., extending upward from the rearward end of the lower door portion  116   a ), and an upper portion (e.g., extending between the front and rear portions above and spaced apart from the lower perimeter  112   b  of the window frame  112 ). 
     Alternatively, the window frame  112  and the window opening  114  defined thereby may be formed by other portions of the vehicle  100 . For example, the upper perimeter  112   a  of the window frame  112  may instead be formed by a fixed portion of the vehicle body  110  of the vehicle (e.g., pillar and/or roof structures thereof), and/or the lower perimeter  112   b  may be formed by another fixed portion of the vehicle body  110  (e.g., by fixed panels or other structures thereof). 
     The window frame  112  laterally supports the window assembly  130  around the upper perimeter  112   a , so as to hinder outboard and/or inboard movement of the window assembly  130  relative to the window frame  112  when lateral force is applied thereto. When the window assembly  130  is in the raised position, edges thereof engage the window frame  112 . For example, the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130  engages the upper perimeter  112   a  of the window frame  112 . A lower edge  130   b  of the window assembly  130  may be positioned below the belt line (e.g., being contained in the lower door portion  116   a  of the door  116 ), such that the lower perimeter  112   b  of the window frame  112  engages or is otherwise adjacent central surface of the window assembly  130  when in the raised position. The upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130  may be considered to include a forward portion (e.g., extending upward at a forward end thereof), a rearward portion (e.g., extending upward from a rearward thereof), and an upper portion (e.g., extending between the front and rear portions above and spaced apart from the lower edge  130   b  of the window assembly  130 ). The forward, rearward, and upper portions of the upper edge  130   a  engage the forward, rearward, and upper portions of the upper perimeter  112   a  of the window frame  112 . As used herein, the directional terms of lateral, inboard, outboard, or similar generally refer to positions and/or movement relative to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle  100 . For example, an outboard force may be applied in a leftward direction from inside the vehicle  100  against a window assembly  130  of a left side. 
     Referring additionally to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1B , the window frame  112  includes a seal  120  that extends along and forms the upper perimeter  112   a  of the window frame  112 . The seal  120  is fixedly coupled to the vehicle body  110 , such as to the upper door portion  116   b . As a result, lateral force applied to the window assembly  130  is transferred to the vehicle body  110  via the seal  120 . 
     The seal  120  forms a channel  120   a  (e.g., a recess), which receives the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130 . The seal  120 , for example, includes two seal members  120   b  on inboard and outboard sides of the window assembly  130 . When the window assembly  130  is in the raised position, the seal member  120   b  on the inboard side engages an inboard surface of the window assembly  130 , while the seal member  120   b  on the outboard side engages an outboard surface of the window assembly  130 , so as to prevent intrusion of water through the window opening  114 . The seal  120  transfers lateral force to portion of the vehicle body  110  forming the window frame  112 , for example, by itself including rigid components and/or by being positioned laterally adjacent (e.g., between) rigid structures of the vehicle body  110  (e.g., in a channel of the window frame  112 , as shown). While the seal  120  is depicted as a unitary member that includes the two seal members  120   b , the seal members  120   b  may instead be separately formed and coupled to each other or coupled independently to the vehicle body  110  (e.g., to the upper door portion  116   b ). 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS. 1C-1D , the window assembly  130  generally includes a laminated panel  140  and a reinforcement structure  150 . The reinforcement structure  150  functions to hinder lateral movement of the laminated panel  140  relative to the window frame  112  upon application of an outboard force to the laminated panel  140 . Such an outboard force may be that from an object inside the vehicle impacting and/or pressing against the laminated panel  140  of the window assembly  130 . For example, the lateral force may be force applied during a testing protocol, such as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 226, in which an ejection impactor (i.e., a head form having a mass of 18 kg, being formed of aluminum with a skin covering, and having a shape of a head) impacts a window at between 16 km/h and 20 km/h. FMVSS  226  may be satisfied if lateral movement of the window in a pre-broken form is 100 mm or less upon application of the ejection impactor. The laminated panel  140  may also be referred to as a laminated glazing panel. The reinforcement structure  150  may also be referred to as a panel frame, a glazing frame, a reinforcement frame, or a peripheral frame. 
     To hinder lateral movement of the laminated panel  140 , the reinforcement structure  150  hinders movement of the upper edge  130   a  inward toward a central portion of the laminated panel  140  and/or outboard movement of the laminated panel  140  relative to the window frame  112 . More particularly, the laminated panel  140  includes one or more glass layers  142  and a polymer layer  144  that is laminated with the one or more glass layers  142 . The reinforcement structure  150  is coupled to the polymer layer  144  along an upper perimeter  144   a  and a lower perimeter  144   b  thereof, and hinders inward movement of the polymer layer  144  (i.e., toward a central region of the window opening  114 ) and/or outboard movement of the polymer layer  144  relative to the window frame  112 . 
     By being coupled to the polymer layer  144  along the upper perimeter  144   a  thereof, the reinforcement structure  150  supports the polymer layer  144  in event of the one or more glass layers  142  breaking (e.g., shattering). For example, as outboard force is applied to the polymer layer  144 , the polymer layer  144  may tend to be drawn inward (i.e., toward the central region of the window opening  114 ), which is resisted by the reinforcement structure  150  being coupled to the upper perimeter  144   a  thereof. Thus, as the outboard force is applied to the window assembly  130  and places the polymer layer  144  in tension between portions of the reinforcement structure  150 , the reinforcement structure  150  hinders inward movement of the polymer layer  144  by holding the polymer layer  144  in tension. The reinforcement structure  150  additionally engages the window frame  112  to transfer force thereto and/or to be supported thereby. For example, the reinforcement structure  150  may form the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130 , which is received by the seal  120  along the upper perimeter  112   a  of the window frame  112 . As the outboard force applied to the laminated panel  140 , the window frame  112  applies a reactive force to the reinforcement structure  150  in an inboard direction, so as to hinder outboard movement of the polymer layer  144  of the laminated panel  140 . Further, increased friction between the reinforcement structure  150  and the window frame  112  results from the outboard force and reactive inboard force, which may further resist movement of the upper edge  130   a  inward from the upper perimeter  112   a  of the window frame  112  toward the central region of the window opening  114 . 
     The one or more glass layers  142  of the laminated panel  140  may be formed of any suitable glass material. The polymer layer  144  may, for example, include one or more layers of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The one or more glass layers  142  and the polymer layer  144  are, for example, bonded to each other during an autoclave process. Further, while the reinforcement structure  150  is depicted as extending along the lower perimeter  144   b  of the polymer layer  144 , the reinforcement structure  150  may be omitted therealong and/or in regions below the beltline. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 1D , the reinforcement structure  150  is coupled to opposing surfaces of the glass layers  142  of the laminated panel  140 . By being coupled to the glass layers  142 , the reinforcement structure  150  is indirectly coupled to the polymer layer  144  of the laminated panel  140  (e.g., being layered therewith). The reinforcement structure  150  additionally extends outward of the upper perimeter  144   a  of the polymer layer  144  of the laminated panel  140 , so as to form the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130 . 
     The reinforcement structure  150  generally includes a first structural member  152  and a second structural member  154 . Each of the first structural member  152  and the second structural member  154  is elongated and extends along the upper perimeter  144   a  of the polymer layer  144  of the laminated panel  140 . The first structural member  152  and the second structural member  154  are coupled to surfaces of the glass layers  142  and are, thereby, coupled indirectly to the polymer layer  144 . For example, the first structural member  152  includes an inner portion  152   a  and the second structural member  154  includes an inner portion  154   a , which extend inward relative to the upper edge  130   a  and are coupled to surfaces of the glass layers  142  on opposing sides thereof. As a result, the laminated panel  140 , including the glass layers  142  and the polymer layer  144 , is positioned between the first structural member  152  and the second structural member  154  (e.g., in a channel or recess formed thereby) along the upper perimeter  144   a  of the polymer layer  144  of the laminated panel  140 . The inner portions  152   a ,  154   a  extend inward (i.e., relative to the upper edge  130   a ) along the surfaces of the glass layers  142  a suitable distance to facilitate coupling thereto (e.g., greater than one time or two times a thickness of the laminated panel  140 ), for example, with an adhesive (e.g., urethane). The inner portion  152   a  of the first structural member  152  and the inner portion  154   a  of the second structural member  154  may also be referred to as flanges. 
     The first structural member  152  and the second structural member  154  additionally extend outward from the upper perimeter  144   a  of the polymer layer  144  of the laminated panel  140  and are coupled to each other. For example, the first structural member  152  includes an outer portion  152   b  that is coupled to the inner portion  152   a  (e.g., being formed integrally therewith) and extends outward therefrom toward the upper edge  130   a . The second structural member  154  includes an outer portion  154   b  that is coupled to the inner portion  154   a  (e.g., being formed integrally therewith) and extends outward therefrom (i.e., toward the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130 ). One or both of the outer portion  152   b  or the outer portion  154   b  extend laterally toward each other to accommodate the thickness of the laminated panel  140  and be coupled to each other. For example, as shown, the outer portion  152   b  of the first structural member  152  extends laterally toward the outer portion  154   b  of the second structural member  154  a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the laminated panel  140 . 
     The reinforcement structure  150 , as referenced above, forms the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130  and is further configured to engage the window frame  112 , for example, being received in the channel  120   a  of the seal  120 . As shown, the reinforcement structure  150  narrows moving outward toward the upper edge  130   a , such that the upper edge  130   a  has a thickness that is approximately the same as that of the laminated panel  140 . That is, the reinforcement structure  150  has a thickness that is greater where coupled to the laminated panel  140  and lesser where forming the upper edge  130   a . As a result of the reinforcement structure  150  reducing in thickness to that of the laminated panel  140 , the window assembly  130  may engage the seal  120  in the same manner in which another window lacking the reinforcement structure  150  would otherwise engage the seal  120 . This may be particularly advantageous when retrofitting an existing vehicle, or modifying the design of an existing vehicle, since the window frame  112  and the seal  120  do not require further modification or redesign to receive and engage the window assembly  130 . 
     The first structural member  152  and the second structural member  154  may be formed a metal material (e.g., steel, aluminum, or alloys thereof), a fiber-composite material (e.g., a glass- or carbon-fiber filled polymer), or other suitable material. The first structural member  152  and the second structural member  154  may be formed according to any suitable manufacturing method, such as with stamping or extruding and bending (e.g., with a metal material) or injection molding (e.g., with the fiber-composite material). The metal material, the fiber-composite material, or the other suitable material forming the first structural member  152  and/or the second structural member  154  may, for example, have greater ductility than the glass layers  142 , so as to continue supporting the polymer layer  144  even after breakage of the glass layers  142 . 
     As referenced above, the reinforcement structure  150 , including each of the first structural member  152  and the second structural member  154 , is coupled to the glass layers  142 , for example, with a suitable adhesive (e.g., urethane adhesive). As a result, the reinforcement structure  150  (e.g., each of the first structural member  152  and the second structural member  154 ) is indirectly coupled to the polymer layer  144  via the glass layers  142  In the case of being formed of a fiber-composite material having a similar coefficient of thermal expansion to the glass layers  142 , the first structural member  152  and/or the second structural member  154  may be coupled to the polymer layer  344  during an autoclave process during which the glass layers  142  and the polymer layer  144  are laminated and bonded to each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a window assembly  230  is an alternative to the window assembly  130  and generally includes the laminated panel  140  (as described previously) and a reinforcement structure  250  coupled to and extending along the upper perimeter  144   a  of the polymer layer  144  of the laminated panel  140 . 
     The reinforcement structure  250  is coupled to the opposing surfaces of the glass layers  142  and is, thereby, coupled indirectly to the polymer layer  144 . The reinforcement structure  250  generally includes an internal member  252  and an external member  254  that surrounds (e.g., contains, encapsulates) the internal member  252 . 
     The internal member  252  is a structural member, which imparts parts strength to the window assembly  130  by hindering inward movement (e.g., from the upper edge  130   a  inward to the window opening  114 ) and/or outboard movement of the polymer layer  144 . The internal member  252  is coupled to the laminated panel  140  by the external member  254  and is positioned outward of the upper perimeter  144   a  of the polymer layer  144 . The internal member  252  is formed of a metal material (e.g., steel or aluminum) or a fiber-composite (e.g., carbon- or glass-filled resin or nylon) according to any suitable method or combination thereof (e.g., stamping, extruding, machining, molding). As shown, the internal member  252  has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape that may be constant along the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130 , but may have any other suitable shape (e.g., circular, ovoid, convoluted) and/or vary along the upper edge  130   a.    
     The external member  254  couples the internal member  252  to the laminated panel  140  and additionally forms the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130 . The external member  254  generally includes two inner portions  254   a , a central portion  254   b , and an outer portion  254   c.    
     The inner portions  254   a  of the external member  254  are coupled to the laminated panel  140 . For example, the inner portions  254   a  cooperatively define a recess in which is received the laminated panel  140 , including the glass layers  142  and the polymer layer  144 . The two inner portions  254   a  are each coupled to the surface of one of the glass layers  142 , for example, with a suitable adhesive. The inner portions  254   a  may also be referred to as flanges. 
     The central portion  254   b  of the external member  254  is coupled to and positioned outward of the two inner portions  254   a , for example, being formed integrally therewith. The central portion  254   b  is coupled to and surrounds (e.g., contains) the internal member  252 . The external member  254  may have a thickness that is greater at the central portion  254   b  than at the inner portions  254   a , so as to accommodate the internal member  252 . 
     The outer portion  254   c  of the external member  254  is coupled to and positioned outward of the central portion  254   b , for example, being formed integrally therewith. The outer portion  254   c  forms the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130  and is configured to engage the window frame  112 , such as the seal  120  thereof. The thickness of the external member  254  at the outer portion  254   c  may be the same as the thickness of the laminated panel  140 , for example, narrowing from the central portion  254   b , such that the upper edge  130   a  formed thereby may engage the window frame  112  as described previously (e.g., being received in the channel  120   a  of the seal  120 ). 
     The external member  254  is formed of a polymer material, such as a rubber or plastic material. The external member  254  may be formed according to any suitable method, such as extruding (e.g., being co-extruded with the internal member  252 ) or molding (e.g., overmolding with the internal member  252  therein). The external member  254  and, in particular, the inner portions  254   a  is coupled to the laminated panel  140  with a suitable adhesive (e.g., a urethane adhesive). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a window assembly  330  is an alternative to the window assembly  130  and generally includes a laminated panel  340  and a reinforcement structure  350  coupled to and extending along an upper perimeter  344   a  of a polymer layer  344  of the laminated panel  340 . As compared to the reinforcement structures  150 ,  250 , which are coupled to the polymer layer  144  via the glass layers  142 , the reinforcement structure  350  is instead coupled to the polymer layer  344  independent of the glass layers  142 . The laminated panel  340  is a variant of the laminated panel  140  and includes the glass layers  142  (as described previously) and the polymer layer  344  that extends outward beyond edges of the glass layers  142 , such that an upper perimeter  344   a  of the polymer layer  344  is positioned outward of the glass layers  142 . 
     The reinforcement structure  350  generally includes a first structural member  352  and a second structural member  354 , which are elongated and extend along the upper perimeter  344   a  of the laminated panel  140 . The first structural member  352  and the second structural member  354  are coupled to the polymer layer  144  without the glass layers  142  therebetween. For example, the first structural member  352  includes an inner portion  352   a  and the second structural member  354  includes an inner portion  354   a , which extend inward of the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  330  and are positioned outward of (e.g., adjacent to) edges of the glass layers  142 . The inner portion  352   a  of the first structural member  352  and the inner portion  354   a  of the second structural member  354  are coupled to opposing sides of the polymer layer  344  along the upper perimeter  344   a  thereof in a suitable manner, for example, being bonded thereto or adhered thereto. As a result, the polymer layer  344 , but not the glass layers  142 , is coupled to and positioned between the first structural member  352  and the second structural member  354  (e.g., in a recess or a channel cooperatively formed thereby) along the upper perimeter  344   a  of the polymer layer  344  of the laminated panel  340 . The inner portions  352   a ,  354   a  extend inward (i.e., relative to the upper edge  130   a ) along opposing surfaces of the polymer layer  344  a suitable distance for coupling thereto. The inner portions  352   a ,  354   a  of the first and second structural members  352 ,  354  may also be referred to as flanges. 
     The first structural member  352  and the second structural member  354  additionally extend outward form the upper perimeter  344   a  of the polymer layer  344  and are coupled to other. For example, the first structural member  352  additionally includes an outer portion  352   b  that is coupled to the inner portion  352   a  (e.g., being formed integrally therewith) and extends outward therefrom toward the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  330 . The second structural member  354  includes an outer portion  354   b  that is coupled to the inner portion  354   a  (e.g., being formed integrally therewith) and extends outward therefrom. One of both of the outer portions  352   b ,  354   b  may additionally extend laterally toward each other to accommodate the thickness of the polymer layer  344 . Alternatively, the first structural member  352  and the second structural member  354  may be coextensive with the polymer layer  344 . 
     The reinforcement structure  350  forms the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  130 , for example, being formed by one, the other, or both of the first structural member  352  and the second structural member  354 . By being positioned outward of the glass layers  142 , the reinforcement structure  350  may have a thickness that is substantially equal to the thickness of the laminated panel  140 , for example, with the inner portions  352   a ,  354   a  of the first and second structural members  352 ,  354  having substantially the same thickness as the glass layers  142 . Thus, the window assembly  330  may have a substantially constant thickness in central regions of the laminated panel  140  and in regions of the reinforcement structure  350 . As a result, the reinforcement structure  350  may engage the window frame  112  (e.g., the seal  120  thereof) in substantially the same manner as a window without the reinforcement structure  350 . Furthermore, the reinforcement structure  350 , by not being thicker than the laminated panel  340 , may be substantially hidden within the channel  120   a  of the seal  120 . 
     The first structural member  352  and the second structural member  354  may be formed of a metal material (e.g., steel, aluminum, or alloys thereof), a fiber-composite material (e.g., a glass- or carbon-fiber filled polymer), or other suitable material, by any suitable method. 
     The first structural member  352  and the second structural member  354  are coupled to the polymer layer  344  in any suitable manner, for example, with a suitable adhesive for adhering the material of the first structural member  352  and the second structural member  354  to the material of the polymer layer  344  or being bonded thereto. In the case of being formed of a fiber-composite material having a similar coefficient of thermal expansion to the glass layers  142 , the first structural member  352  and the second structural member  354  may be coupled to the polymer layer  344  during an autoclave process during which the glass layers  142  and the polymer layer  344  are laminated and bonded to each other. If the first structural member  352  and the second structural member  354  are coupled to the polymer layer  344  after the autoclave process, the exposed portion of the polymer layer  344  (e.g., the upper perimeter  344   a ) may be protected with a covering, such as a release liner of a suitable material, that prevents flowing of the material of the polymer layer  344  under high temperatures of the autoclave process. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a window assembly  430  is an alternative to the window assembly  130  and generally includes a laminated panel  440  and a reinforcement structure  450  coupled to and extending along an upper perimeter  444   a  of a polymer layer  444  of the laminated panel  440 . The laminated panel  440  is a variant of the laminated panel  140  and includes a first glass layer  442   a , a second glass layer  442   b , and the polymer layer  444 . While the glass layers  142  and the polymer layer  144  of the laminated panel  140  may be generally coextenstive, the first glass layer  442   a  and the polymer layer  444  extend beyond the edge of the second glass layer  442   b . The reinforcement structure  450  is coupled to one surface of the polymer layer  444  opposite the first glass layer  442   a  independent of the first glass layer  442   a  and the second glass layer  442   b  (e.g., without either of the first glass layer  442   a  and the second glass layer  442   b  therebetween). As a result, the polymer layer  444  is located between the reinforcement structure  450  and the first glass layer  442   a.    
     The reinforcement structure  450  is generally L-shaped structural member having an inner portion  450   a  and outer portion  450   b . The inner portion  450   a  is coupled to a surface the polymer layer  444  and is positioned adjacent to and extends outward of the second glass layer  442   b . The inner portion  450   a  has a thickness approximately equal to that of the second glass layer  442   b , such that the window assembly  430  has a thickness that is the same in a central region (e.g., the thickness of the laminated panel  440 ) as in a region of the inner portion  450   a  of the reinforcement structure  450 . 
     The outer portion  450   b  of the reinforcement structure  450  is coupled to and extends outward of the inner portion  450   a  (e.g., being formed integrally therewith). The outer portion  450   b  additionally extends laterally across an upper edge of the first glass layer  442   a . The outer portion  450   b  has a thickness approximately equal to that of the laminated panel  440 , such that the thickness of the window assembly  430  is the same in the central region (e.g., the thickness of the laminated panel  440 ) as in a region of the outer portion  450   b  of the reinforcement structure  450 . As a result, the upper edge  130   a  formed by the reinforcement structure  450  may engage the window frame  112  (e.g., the seal  120  thereof) in substantially the same manners as a window without the reinforcement structure  450 . 
     The reinforcement structure  450  is, for example, formed as a unitary member comprising both the inner portion  450   a  and the outer portion  450   b . The reinforcement structure  450  may be formed of a metal material (e.g., steel, aluminum, or alloys thereof), a fiber-composite material (e.g., a glass- or carbon-fiber filled polymer), or other suitable material, by any suitable method. Alternatively, the reinforcement structure  450  may be formed of multiple components that are fixed to each other. 
     The reinforcement structure  450  is coupled to the polymer layer in any suitable manner, for example, with a suitable adhesive for adhering the material thereof to the material of the polymer layer  444 . As referenced above with respect to the reinforcement structure  350 , the reinforcement structure  450  may be coupled to the polymer layer  444  during the autoclave process (e.g., when formed of a composite-fiber material having similar coefficient of thermal expansion to the glass layers  442   a ,  442   b ) or after the autoclave process. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a window assembly  530  includes the laminated panel  440  and reinforcement structure  550  that cooperatively form the upper edge  130   a  of window assembly  530 . For example, the first glass layer  442   a  of the laminated panel  440  forms one of the inboard or outboard surface of the laminated panel  440  and engages the seal  120 , while the reinforcement structure  550  forms the other of the inboard or the outboard surface of the window assembly  530  and engages the seal  120 . 
     The reinforcement structure  550  is positioned outward of and adjacent to an outer edge  542   b ′ of the second glass layer  442   b  and extends outward therefrom to be coextensive with an outer edge  542   a ′ of the first glass layer  442   a . The reinforcement structure  550  has a thickness approximately equal to that of the second glass layer  442   b , such that the window assembly  530  may have substantially the same thickness in a central region (e.g., of the laminated panel  440 ) as in a region with the reinforcement structure  550 . 
     The reinforcement structure  550  is coupled to the polymer layer  444  in any suitable manner, for example, with a suitable adhesive for adhering the material thereof to the material of the polymer layer  444  or being bonded thereto, as described above. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-8 , the reinforcement structures  150 ,  250 ,  350 ,  450 ,  550  may be configured with variations and/or additional features described. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , reinforcement structures that are coupled to the polymer layer without the glass layer therebetween may be bonded to the polymer layer, for example, as with the reinforcement structures  350 ,  450 , and  550 . Using the reinforcement structure  450  as an example, the reinforcement structure  450  includes a glass bonding layer  652  that is coupled thereto, for example, with an adhesive layer  654 . The glass bonding layer  652  is formed of glass, such as glass fibers that individually and/or cooperatively extend therealong (e.g., along the upper perimeter  444   a  of the polymer layer  444 ). The glass bonding layer  652  is bonded directly to the polymer layer  444 , for example, during an autoclave process. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , reinforcement structures that are adjacent glass layers may be spaced outward therefrom, as with the reinforcement structures  150 ,  350 ,  450 ,  550 . Using the reinforcement structure  450  again as an example, the inner edge  750   a ′ of the inner portion  450   a  of the reinforcement structure  450  is spaced outward of the outer edge  542   b ′ of the second glass layer  442   b  to form a gap therebetween. Instead or additionally, an inner edge  750   b ′ of the outer portion  450   b  of the reinforcement structure  450  is spaced outward of the outer edge  542   a ′ of the first glass layer  442   a  to form another gap therebetween. The gaps may be left empty (e.g., forming an air gap) or may be filled with a polymeric material  756  (e.g., an elastic material, such as a urethane, as shown), which accommodates relative movement between the reinforcement structure  450  and the first glass layer  442   a  and the second glass layer  442   b , for example, arising from differences in coefficients of thermal expansion. The polymeric material  756  may, for example, be applied as a viscous material that is subsequently cured or may be a formed member that is subsequently coupled (e.g., adhered) to the window assembly  430 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , for reinforcement structures that include structural members coupled directly to the laminated panel, such as with the reinforcement structures  150 ,  350 ,  450 , and  550 , may further include a cover. Using the reinforcement structure  550  as an example, the reinforcement structure  550  includes a cover  860 . The cover  860  covers the reinforcements structure  550  from view and/or from contact. The cover  860  may also form the upper edge  130   a  of the window assembly  430 . As shown, the cover  860  extends outward over the reinforcement structure  550  toward the upper edge  130   a  and laterally (e.g., inboard) across the outer edge  542   a ′ of the first glass layer  442   a . The cover  860 , though shown as terminating generally at the surface of the first glass layer  442   a , may additionally extend inward from the upper edge  130   a  over the first glass layer  442   a.    
     The cover  860  is, for example, formed of a polymer material. The cover  860  may be provided as a member that is coupled to the window assembly  130  (e.g., after the reinforcement structure  550  is coupled to the laminated panel  440 ), or may be otherwise formed and/or applied to the window assembly  130 . The cover  860  may also be considered part of the reinforcement structure  586  may also be considered part of the reinforcement structure  150 ,  350 ,  450 ,  550  coupled thereto. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , any of the reinforcement structures  150 ,  250 ,  350 ,  450 ,  550  may form the window assembly with an upper edge  130   a  that is thicker than the laminated panel coupled thereto. For example, a reinforcement structure  950  is configured similar to the reinforcement structure  150 . The reinforcement structure  950  includes a first structural member  952  and the second structural member  154 . As compared to the first structural member  152 , the first structural member  952  omits the outer portion  152   b  of the first structural member  152 , which would otherwise decrease to the thickness of the laminated panel  140 . Similarly, the reinforcement structure  250  may omit the outer portion  254   c  of the external member  254 . The reinforcement structures  350 ,  450 ,  550  may instead be thicker than described above, so as to be thicker than the laminated panels coupled thereto. As a result, the seal  120  may have a different configuration (e.g., defining a wider channel or recess) to receive the upper edge  130   a  with greater thicknesses. 
     Each of the variations described above with respect to  FIGS. 6-9 , while described separately, may be used in any suitable combination with each other and the reinforcement structures  150 ,  250 ,  350 ,  450 , and  550  described previously. 
     As described above, the window assemblies  130 ,  230 ,  330 ,  430 , and  530  and variations thereof may have an upper edge  130   a  that has approximately the same thickness as the laminated panel thereof (e.g.,  140 ). Using the window assembly  130  as an example, the window assembly  130  may engage the window frame  112  (e.g., the seal  120 ) in the same manner as a conventional window having glass material that engages the window frame  112 . The window assembly  130  may, thereby, be used as a suitable replacement for the conventional window, such as to retrofit the vehicle  100 , without requiring modification of the window frame  112  (e.g., replacing the seal  120 ). Accordingly, a method for providing a window assembly for a vehicle includes installing a window assembly having a reinforcement structure (e.g., one of the window assemblies  130 ,  230 ,  330 ,  430 ,  530  with reinforcement structures  150 ,  250 ,  350 ,  450 ,  550  and variations thereof) into a vehicle. The window assembly engages a window frame of the vehicle, such as a seal thereof, in the same manner as a conventional window without the reinforcement structure. The method may further include removing a previously-installed side window from the vehicle, which is the conventional window.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190611
Publication Date: 20220920
Grant Date: 20220920
Priority Date: 20180814
Inventors: Kingman, David E.
MONROE, DONALD R.
KLOTZ, STEVEN H.
Scott, Derek C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B62D65/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/17", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/008", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0402", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J10/76", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/007", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B62D65/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/007", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J10/76", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J5/0402", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B62D65/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 83286346