초록 ▼

An articulating window assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed, the window assembly comprising a windowpane, a hinge attachment means such as one or more mounting studs for securing the windowpane to a support structure. Preferably the hinge is composed of a u

An articulating window assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed, the window assembly comprising a windowpane, a hinge attachment means such as one or more mounting studs for securing the windowpane to a support structure. Preferably the hinge is composed of a unitary elastomeric material such as reaction injection molded polyurethane, having a first surface lying against the inner surface in a closed position. A first portion of such first surface is bonded to the windowpane. A second portion not bonded to the windowpane is spaced therefrom in an open position. Preferably the elastomeric hinge partially encapsulates mounting studs or the like. As the articulating window assembly pivots from a closed position to an open position there is local disengagement of the hinge member from the windowpane at the second surface portion, thereby reducing the stresses on the mounting studs with respect to the hinge. In certain preferred embodiments the hinge is attached to the inner surface of the windowpane free of the outer surface. A latch mount may also be attached to the inner surface of the windowpane free of the outer surface, producing a flush mounted window assembly.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [11.] An articulating window assembly flush mounted in a window opening defined by a body panel of a motor vehicle, comprising, in combination:a windowpane sized to close the window opening, having an inner surface, an outer surface and a peripheral edge;a hinge positioned fre

[ What is claimed is:] [11.] An articulating window assembly flush mounted in a window opening defined by a body panel of a motor vehicle, comprising, in combination:a windowpane sized to close the window opening, having an inner surface, an outer surface and a peripheral edge;a hinge positioned free of the outer surface of the windowpane, comprising a unitary elastomeric member having a first surface and a second surface, a first portion of the first surface being bonded to the windowpane, and a generally co-planar second portion of the first surface being unbonded to the windowpane and lying against the inner surface in a closed position and spaced therefrom in an open position, the second surface being remote from the inside surface of the windowpane; andattachment means at the second surface securing the windowpane to the motor vehicle;wherein the unitary elastomeric member is nondestructively flexible between the open and closed positions for opening of the windowpane.