초록 ▼

An articulated window assembly for mounting in a window opening of a vehicle includes a glass sheet, and a first mounting member for hingedly securing the glass sheet to a first area adjacent one edge of the sheet on the inner surface of the sheet for movement between open and closed positions. The

An articulated window assembly for mounting in a window opening of a vehicle includes a glass sheet, and a first mounting member for hingedly securing the glass sheet to a first area adjacent one edge of the sheet on the inner surface of the sheet for movement between open and closed positions. The mounting member is attached with no exposure on the outer surface. The glass sheet may have an outer surface area of at least 250 square inches. A second mounting member may also be attached to the inner sheet surface at a position spaced from the first mounting member, and may comprise a latch mechanism. Preferably, the mounting members are hidden from view from the outer sheet surface by opaque coatings, such as frit layers, included on the inner sheet surface. The window assembly may be flush mounted in the window opening, and may be a rear side window assembly, a rear window assembly, or a tailgate window assembly.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An articulated window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening in a vehicle body of the vehicle, said assembly comprising:a glass sheet having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge defining a shape to fit within the

1. An articulated window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening in a vehicle body of the vehicle, said assembly comprising:a glass sheet having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge defining a shape to fit within the window opening, said sheet also including top and bottom edges and first and second end edges, said edges together defining said peripheral edge; a first substantially opaque coating on a predetermined portion of said inner sheet surface, said first opaque coating extending inwardly generally from said peripheral edge along at least portions thereof; a first area adjacent one edge portion of said peripheral edge, said first opaque coating being included on said first area; a first mounting member on said first opaque coating for hingedly securing said glass sheet in the window opening for movement between open and closed positions, said first mounting member including a non-elastomeric first portion bonded to said first opaque coating on said first area, a non-elastomeric second portion for mounting said window assembly when secured to a vehicle, and a non-elastomeric connecting section between said first and second portions, said non-elastomeric first and second portions and connecting section comprising at least one of non-elastomeric metal or non-elastomeric plastic, said first portion being bonded to said first area on said first opaque coating at a bond line between said first opaque coating on said first area and said first portion by a joint comprising a layer of cured adhesive having a bond line thickness of at least one micron; a second area at a location spaced from said first area, and a second substantially opaque coating included on said inner sheet surface on said second area; a second mounting member on said second opaque coating adapted for moving said glass sheet between said open and closed positions, said second mounting member including a base portion bonded to said second opaque coating on said second area and a receiving portion for engaging a latch when attached to the vehicle to open and close said window assembly when mounted in the vehicle window opening; both said first mounting member and said second mounting member, when mounted, respectively, on said first area and said second area, being substantially hidden from view from the outer surface of said glass sheet by, respectively, said first opaque coating and said second opaque coating; wherein said glass sheet outer surface has a surface area of at least 250 square inches; and wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member are bonded to said inner surface of said sheet such that there is no exposure of said first mounting member and said second mounting member on said outer surface of said sheet. 2. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said glass sheet is transparent; said first opaque coating comprising a frit layer bonded to portions of said inner glass sheet surface adjacent to said peripheral edge of said sheet such that a central viewing area is defined by said peripheral frit layer, and wherein at least a portion of said second opaque coating is located within said central viewing area.3. The articulated window assembly of claim 2 including an adhesion-promoting compound between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member.4. The articulated window assembly of claim 3 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound comprises at least one of a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent and a zirconium coupling agent.5. The articulated window assembly of claim 3 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound is applied to said second opaque coating.6. The articulated window assembly of claim 5 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound comprises a silane coupling agent.7. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein an adhesive is disposed between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member, said adhesive bonding said second mounting member to said second opaque coating and wherein said adhesive is selected from the group consisting essentially of: moisture-activated adhesives, thermally-activated adhesives, chemically-activated adhesives, aerobically-cured adhesives, anaerobically-cured adhesives, and radiation-cured adhesives.8. The articulated window assembly of claim 7 wherein said adhesive comprises a moisture activated adhesive.9. The articulated window assembly of claim 7 wherein said adhesive comprises a thermally activated adhesive.10. The articulated window assembly of claim 7 wherein said adhesive comprises a chemically activated adhesive.11. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said second opaque coating comprises a frit layer bonded to said inner glass sheet surface at a location spaced from said first area.12. The articulated window assembly of claim 11 wherein each of said first mounting member and said second mounting member form an attachment to said inner surface of said sheet sufficiently strong to withstand a tensional load of about 150 pounds at a pull rate of about 25 millimeters per minute.13. The articulated window assembly of claim 12 wherein said tensional load is applied after soaking said window assembly in 80° C. water for at least 100 hours.14. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 further including an adhesion-promoting compound between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member.15. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein each of said first mounting member and said second mounting member form an attachment to said inner surface of said sheet sufficiently strong to withstand a tensional load of about 150 pounds at a pull rate of about 25 millimeters per minute.16. The articulated window assembly of claim 15 wherein said tensional load is applied after soaking said window assembly in 80° C. water for at least 100 hours.17. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 including an adhesion promoting compound between said first opaque coating and said first portion of said first mounting member.18. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 including an adhesive between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member; said second mounting member having at least one projection for spacing said base portion of said second mounting member from said second opaque coating, said adhesive between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member having a thickness defined by said projection.19. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said first mounting member is formed from at least one of a metal, plastic and composite material.20. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said first portion of said first mounting member has a surface area contacting said first opaque coating on said inner surface of said glass sheet no greater than about 1.6% of said outer surface area of said sheet.21. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said second mounting member is formed from one of metal, plastic and composite material.22. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted vehicle window assembly.23. The articulated window assembly of claim 22 wherein said first mounting member is formed from at least one of a metal, plastic and composite material.24. The articulated window assembly of claim 23 wherein the vehicle is one of a van, a station wagon, a utility vehicle and a truck.25. The articulated window assembly of claim 24 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted vehicle window assembly.26. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted vehicle rear window assembly.27. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted tailgate rear window assembly.28. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted rear side window assembly.29. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein the articulated window assembly closes to a pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.30. The articulated window assembly of claim 29 wherein a gasket is disposed between said articulated window assembly and the pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.31. The articulated window assembly of claim 30 wherein said gasket mounts to an inner surface of said glass panel of said articulated window assembly.32. The articulated window assembly of claim 30 wherein said gasket mounts to the pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.33. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein an adhesion-promoting primer is applied to at least one of said first area and said second area.34. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein an adhesion-promoting primer is applied to each of said first area and said second area.35. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said second mounting member comprises a latching mechanism.36. The articulated window assembly of claim 35 wherein said latching mechanism comprises at least one of an over-center hinge, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator and a cable actuator.37. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said second mounting member comprises an over-center hinge.38. The articulated window assembly of claim 1 wherein said second mounting member comprises an electric actuator.39. An articulated window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening in a vehicle body of the vehicle, said assembly comprising:a glass sheet having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge defining a shape to fit within the window opening, said sheet also including top and bottom edges and first and second end edges, said edges together defining said peripheral edge; a first substantially opaque coating on a predetermined portion of said inner sheet surface, said first opaque coating extending inwardly generally from said peripheral edge along at least portions thereof; a first area adjacent one edge portion of said peripheral edge, said first opaque coating being included on said first area; a first mounting member on said first opaque coating for hingedly securing said glass sheet in the window opening for movement between open and closed positions; a second area at a location spaced from said first area, and a second substantially opaque coating included on said inner sheet surface on said second area; a second mounting member on said second opaque coating adapted for moving said glass sheet between said open and closed positions; both said first mounting member and said second mounting member, when mounted, respectively, on said first area and said second area, being substantially hidden from view from the outer surface of said glass sheet by, respectively, said first opaque coating and said second opaque coating; wherein said glass sheet outer surface has a surface area of at least 250 square inches; and wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member attach to said inner surface of said sheet such that there is no exposure of said first mounting member and said second mounting member on said outer surface of said sheet; wherein an adhesive is disposed between said second opaque coating and said second mounting member, said adhesive bonding said second mounting member to said second opaque coating and wherein said adhesive is selected from the group consisting essentially of: moisture-activated adhesives, thermally-activated adhesives, chemically-activated adhesives, aerobically-cured adhesives, anaerobically-cured adhesives, and radiation-cured adhesives; said second mounting member including at least one perforation therethrough for access to said adhesive and providing a mechanical bonding surface for said adhesive. 40. An articulated window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening in a vehicle body of the vehicle, said assembly comprising:a glass sheet having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge defining a shape to fit within the window opening, said sheet also including top and bottom edges and first and second end edges, said edges together defining said peripheral edge; a first area adjacent one edge portion of said peripheral edge; a first mounting member on said first area for hingedly securing said glass sheet in the window opening for movement between open and closed positions, said first mounting member including a non-elastomeric first portion bonded to said first area, a non-elastomeric second portion for mounting said window assembly when secured to a vehicle, and a non-elastomeric connecting section between said first and second portions, said non-elastomeric first and second portions and connecting section comprising at least one of non-elastomeric metal or non-elastomeric plastic, said first portion being bonded to said first area at a bond line between said first area and said first portion by a joint comprising layer of cured adhesive having a bond line thickness of at least one micron; a second area at a location spaced from said first area; a second mounting member on said second area adapted for moving said glass sheet between said open and closed positions, said second mounting member including a base portion bonded to said second area and a receiving portion for engaging a latch when attached to the vehicle to open and close said window assembly when mounted in the vehicle window opening; wherein said glass sheet outer surface has a surface area of at least 250 square inches; wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member are bonded to said inner surface of said sheet such that there is no exposure of said first mounting member and said second mounting member on said outer surface of said sheet; and wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted vehicle window assembly comprising one of a rear side window assembly, a rear window assembly and a tailgate window assembly. 41. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 including a first substantially opaque coating on a predetermined portion of said inner sheet surface, said first opaque coating extending inwardly generally from said peripheral edge along at least portions thereof and said first opaque coating being included on said first area.42. The articulated window assembly of claim 41 including a second substantially opaque coating included on said inner sheet surface on said second area of said inner surface of said sheet.43. The articulated window assembly of claim 42 wherein both said first mounting member and said second mounting member, when mounted, respectively, on said first area and said second area, are substantially hidden from view from the outer surface of said glass sheet by, respectively, said first opaque coating and said second opaque coating.44. The articulated window assembly of claim 43 wherein said glass sheet is transparent; said first opaque coating comprising a frit layer bonded to portions of said inner glass sheet surface adjacent to said peripheral edge of said sheet such that a central viewing area is defined by said peripheral frit layer, and wherein at least a portion of said second opaque coating is located within said central viewing area.45. The articulated window assembly of claim 44 including an adhesion-promoting compound between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member.46. The articulated window assembly of claim 45 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound comprises at least one of a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent and a zirconium coupling agent.47. The articulated window assembly of claim 45 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound is applied to said second opaque coating.48. The articulated window assembly of claim 47 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound comprises a silane coupling agent.49. The articulated window assembly of claim 43 wherein an adhesive is disposed between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member, said adhesive bonding said second mounting member to said second opaque coating and wherein said adhesive is selected from the group consisting essentially of: moisture-activated adhesives, thermally-activated adhesives, chemically-activated adhesives, aerobically-cured adhesives, anaerobically-cured adhesives, and radiation-cured adhesives.50. The articulated window assembly of claim 49 wherein said adhesive comprises a moisture activated adhesive.51. The articulated window assembly of claim 49 wherein said adhesive comprises a thermally activated adhesive.52. The articulated window assembly of claim 49 wherein said adhesive comprises a chemically activated adhesive.53. The articulated window assembly of claim 43 wherein said second opaque coating comprises a frit layer bonded to said inner glass sheet surface at a location spaced from said first area.54. The articulated window assembly of claim 53 wherein each of said first mounting member and said second mounting member form an attachment to said inner surface of said sheet sufficiently strong to withstand a tensional load of about 150 pounds at a pull rate of about 25 millimeters per minute.55. The articulated window assembly of claim 54 wherein said tensional load is applied after soaking said window assembly in 80° C. water for at least 100 hours.56. The articulated window assembly of claim 43 further including an adhesion-promoting compound between said second opaque coating and said base portion of and said second mounting member.57. The articulated window assembly of claim 43 including an adhesion promoting compound between said first opaque coating and said first portion of said first mounting member.58. The articulated window assembly of claim 43 including an adhesive between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member; said second mounting member having at least one projection for spacing said base portion of said second mounting member from said second opaque coating, said adhesive between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member having a thickness defined by said projection.59. The articulated window assembly of claim 43 wherein each of said first mounting member and said second mounting member form an attachment to said inner surface of said sheet sufficiently strong to withstand a tensional load of about 150 pounds at a pull rate of about 25 millimeters per minute.60. The articulated window assembly of claim 59 wherein said tensional load is applied after soaking said window assembly in 80° C. water for at least 100 hours.61. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein said first mounting member is formed from at least one of a metal, plastic and composite material.62. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein said first portion of said first mounting member has a surface area contacting said inner surface of said glass sheet no greater than about 1.6% of said outer surface area of said sheet.63. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein said second mounting member is formed from one of metal, plastic and composite material.64. The articulated window assembly of claim 63 wherein said first mounting member is formed from at least one of a metal, plastic and composite material.65. The articulated window assembly of claim 64 wherein the vehicle is one of a van, a station wagon, a utility vehicle and a truck.66. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein the vehicle is one of a van, a station wagon, a utility vehicle and a truck.67. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein said flush-mounted vehicle window assembly comprises a flush-mounted rear side window assembly.68. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein said articulated window assembly closes to a pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.69. The articulated window assembly of claim 68 wherein a gasket is disposed between said articulated window assembly and the pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.70. The articulated window assembly of claim 69 wherein said gasket mounts to an inner surface of said glass panel of said articulated window assembly.71. The articulated window assembly of claim 69 wherein said gasket mounts to the pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.72. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein an adhesion-promoting primer is applied to at least one of said first area and said second area.73. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein an adhesion-promoting primer is applied to each of said first area and said second area.74. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein said second mounting member comprises a latching mechanism.75. The articulated window assembly of claim 74 wherein said latching mechanism comprises at least one of an over-center hinge, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator and a cable actuator.76. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein said second mounting member comprises an over-center hinge.77. The articulated window assembly of claim 40 wherein said second mounting member comprises an electric actuator.78. An articulated window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening in a vehicle body of the vehicle, said assembly comprising:a glass sheet having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge defining a shape to fit within the window opening, said sheet also including top and bottom edges and first and second end edges, said edges together defining said peripheral edge; a first area adjacent one edge portion of said peripheral edge; a first mounting member on said first area for hingedly securing said glass sheet in the window opening for movement between open and closed positions; a second area at a location spaced from said first area; a second mounting member on said second area adapted for moving said glass sheet between said open and closed positions; wherein said glass sheet outer surface has a surface area of at least 250 square inches; wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member attach to said inner surface of said sheet such that there is no exposure of said first mounting member and said second mounting member on said outer surface of said sheet; and wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted vehicle window assembly comprising one of a rear side window assembly, a rear window assembly and a tailgate window assembly; a first substantially opaque coating on a predetermined portion of said inner sheet surface, said first opaque coating extending inwardly generally from said peripheral edge along at least portions thereof and said first opaque coating being included on said first area; a second substantially opaque coating included on said inner sheet surface on said second area of said inner surface of said sheet; wherein both said first mounting member and said second mounting member, when mounted, respectively, on said first area and said second area, are substantially hidden from view from the outer surface of said glass sheet by, respectively, said first opaque coating and said second opaque coating; wherein an adhesive is disposed between said second opaque coating and said second mounting member, said adhesive bonding said second mounting member to said second opaque coating and wherein said adhesive is selected from the group consisting essentially of: moisture-activated adhesives, thermally-activated adhesives, chemically-activated adhesives, aerobically-cured adhesives, anaerobically-cured adhesives, and radiation-cured adhesives; said second mounting member including at least one perforation therethrough for access to said adhesive and providing a mechanical bonding surface for said adhesive. 79. An articulated window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening in a vehicle body of the vehicle, said assembly comprising:a transparent glass sheet having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge defining a shape to fit within the window opening, said sheet also including top and bottom edges and first and second end edges, said edges together defining said peripheral edge; a first area adjacent one edge portion of said peripheral edge; a first mounting member on said first area for hingedly securing said glass sheet in the window opening for movement between open and closed positions, said first mounting member including a non-elastomeric first portion bonded to said first area, a non-elastomeric second portion for mounting said window assembly when secured to a vehicle, and a non-elastomeric connecting section between said first and second portions, said non-elastomeric first and second portions and connecting section comprising at least one of non-elastomeric metal or non-elastomeric plastic, said first portion being bonded to said first area at a bond line between said first area and said first portion by a joint comprising a layer of cured adhesive having a bond line thickness of at least one micron; a second area at a location spaced from said first area; a second mounting member on said second area adapted for moving said glass sheet between said open and closed positions, said second mounting member including a base portion bonded to said second area and a receiving portion for engaging a latch when attached to the vehicle to open and close said window assembly when mounted in the vehicle window opening; wherein said glass sheet outer surface has a surface area of at least 250 square inches; wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member are bonded to said inner surface of said sheet such that there is no exposure of said first mounting member and said second mounting member on said outer surface of said sheet; wherein the vehicle is one of a van, a station wagon, a utility vehicle and a truck; and wherein said articulated window assembly comprises one of a rear side window assembly, a rear window assembly and a tailgate window assembly. 80. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 including a first substantially opaque coating on a predetermined portion of said inner sheet surface, said first opaque coating extending inwardly generally from said peripheral edge along at least portions thereof and said first opaque coating being included on said first area.81. The articulated window assembly of claim 80 including a second substantially opaque coating included on said inner sheet surface on said second area of said inner surface of said sheet.82. The articulated window assembly of claim 81 wherein both said first mounting member and said second mounting member, when mounted, respectively, on said first area and said second area, are substantially hidden from view from the outer surface of said glass sheet by, respectively, said first opaque coating and said second opaque coating.83. The articulated window assembly of claim 82 wherein said first opaque coating comprises a frit layer bonded to portions of said inner glass sheet surface adjacent to said peripheral edge of said sheet such that a central viewing area is defined by said peripheral frit layer, and wherein at least a portion of said second opaque coating is located within said central viewing area.84. The articulated window assembly of claim 83 including an adhesion-promoting compound between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member.85. The articulated window assembly of claim 84 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound comprises at least one of a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent and a zirconium coupling agent.86. The articulated window assembly of claim 84 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound is applied to said second opaque coating.87. The articulated window assembly of claim 86 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound comprises a silane coupling agent.88. The articulated window assembly of claim 83 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted vehicle window assembly.89. The articulated window assembly of claim 88 wherein said adhesive comprises a moisture activated adhesive.90. The articulated window assembly of claim 88 wherein said adhesive comprises a thermally activated adhesive.91. The articulated window assembly of claim 88 wherein said adhesive comprises a chemically activated adhesive.92. The articulated window assembly of claim 82 wherein an adhesive is disposed between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member, said adhesive bonding said second mounting member to said second opaque coating and wherein said adhesive is selected from the group consisting essentially of: moisture-activated adhesives, thermally-activated adhesives, chemically-activated adhesives, aerobically-cured adhesives, anaerobically-cured adhesives, and radiation-cured adhesives.93. The articulated window assembly of claim 82 wherein said second opaque coating comprises a frit layer bonded to said inner glass sheet surface at a location spaced from said first area.94. The articulated window assembly of claim 93 wherein each of said first mounting member and said second mounting member form an attachment to said inner surface of said sheet sufficiently strong to withstand a tensional load of about 150 pounds at a pull rate of about 25 millimeters per minute.95. The articulated window assembly of claim 94 wherein said tensional load is applied after soaking said window assembly in 80° C. water for at least 100 hours.96. The articulated window assembly of claim 82 further including an adhesion-promoting compound between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member.97. The articulated window assembly of claim 82 including an adhesion promoting compound between said first opaque coating and said first portion of said first mounting member.98. The articulated window assembly of claim 82 including an adhesive between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member; said second mounting member having at least one projection for spacing said base portion of said second mounting member from said second opaque coating, said adhesive between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member having a thickness defined by said projection.99. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein each of said first mounting member and said second mounting member form an attachment to said inner surface of said sheet sufficiently strong to withstand a tensional load of about 150 pounds at a pull rate of about 25 millimeters per minute.100. The articulated window assembly of claim 99 wherein said tensional load is applied after soaking said window assembly in 80° C. water for at least 100 hours.101. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein said first mounting member is formed from at least one of a metal, plastic and composite material.102. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein said first portion of said first mounting member has a surface area contacting said inner surface of said glass sheet no greater than about 1.6% of said outer surface area of said sheet.103. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein said second mounting member is formed from one of metal, plastic and composite material.104. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted vehicle window assembly.105. The articulated window assembly of claim 104 wherein said first mounting member is formed from at least one of a metal, plastic and composite material.106. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted rear side window assembly.107. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein said articulated window assembly closes to a pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.108. The articulated window assembly of claim 107 wherein a gasket is disposed between said articulated window assembly and the pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.109. The articulated window assembly of claim 108 wherein said gasket mounts to an inner surface of said glass panel of said articulated window assembly.110. The articulated window assembly of claim 108 wherein said gasket mounts to the pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.111. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein an adhesion-promoting primer is applied to at least one of said first area and said second area.112. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein an adhesion-promoting primer is applied to each of said first area and said second area.113. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein said second mounting member comprises a latching mechanism.114. The articulated window assembly of claim 113 wherein said latching mechanism comprises at least one of an over-center hinge, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator and a cable actuator.115. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein said second mounting member comprises an over-center hinge.116. The articulated window assembly of claim 79 wherein said second mounting member comprises an electric actuator.117. An articulated window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening in a vehicle body of the vehicle, said assembly comprising:a transparent glass sheet having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge defining a shape to fit within the window opening, said sheet also including top and bottom edges and first and second end edges, said edges together defining said peripheral edge; a first area adjacent one edge portion of said peripheral edge; a first mounting member on said first area for hingedly securing said glass sheet in the window opening for movement between open and closed positions; a second area at a location spaced from said first area; a second mounting member on said second area adapted for moving said glass sheet between said open and closed positions; wherein said glass sheet outer surface has a surface area of at least 250 square inches; wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member attach to said inner surface of said sheet such that there is no exposure of said first mounting member and said second mounting member on said outer surface of said sheet; wherein the vehicle is one of a van, a station wagon, a utility vehicle and a truck; and wherein said articulated window assembly comprises one of a rear side window assembly, a rear window assembly and a tailgate window assembly; a first substantially opaque coating on a predetermined portion of said inner sheet surface, said first opaque coating extending inwardly generally from said peripheral edge along at least portions thereof and said first opaque coating being included on said first area; a second substantially opaque coating included on said inner sheet surface on said second area of said inner surface of said sheet; wherein both said first mounting member and said second mounting member, when mounted, respectively, on said first area and said second area, are substantially hidden from view from the outer surface of said glass sheet by, respectively, said first opaque coating and said second opaque coating; wherein said first opaque coating comprises a frit layer bonded to portions of said inner glass sheet surface adjacent to said peripheral edge of said sheet such that a central viewing area is defined by said peripheral frit layer, and wherein at least a portion of said second opaque coating is located within said central viewing area; wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted vehicle window assembly; said second mounting member including at least one perforation therethrough for access to said adhesive and providing a mechanical bonding surface for said adhesive. 118. An articulated window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening in a vehicle body of the vehicle, said assembly comprising:a transparent glass sheet having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge defining a shape to fit within the window opening, said sheet also including top and bottom edges and first and second end edges, said edges together defining said peripheral edge; a first area adjacent one edge portion of said peripheral edge; a first mounting member on said first area for hingedly securing said glass sheet in the window opening for movement between open and closed positions, said first mounting member including a non-elastomeric first portion bonded to said first area, a non-elastomeric second portion for mounting said window assembly when secure to a vehicle, and a non-elastomeric connecting section between said first and second portions, said non-elastomeric first and second portions and connecting section comprising at least one of non-elastomeric metal or non-elastomeric plastic, said first portion being bonded to said first area at a bond line between said first area and said first portion by a joint comprising a layer of cured adhesive having a bond line thickness of at least one micron; a second area at a location spaced from said first area; a second mounting member on said second area adapted for moving said glass sheet between said open and closed positions; wherein said glass sheet outer surface has a surface area of at least 250 square inches; wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member attach to said inner surface of said sheet such that there is no exposure of said first mounting member and said second mounting member on said outer surface of said sheet; wherein said articulated window assembly comprises one of a rear side window assembly, a rear window assembly and a tailgate window assembly; and wherein said second mounting member comprises a latching mechanism, said second mounting member including a base portion bonded to said second area and a receiving portion for engaging a latch when attached to the vehicle to open and close said window assembly when mounted in the vehicle window opening. 119. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 including a first substantially opaque coating on a predetermined portion of said inner sheet surface, said first opaque coating extending inwardly generally from said peripheral edge along at least portions thereof and said first opaque coating being included on said first area.120. The articulated window assembly of claim 119 including a second substantially opaque coating included on said inner sheet surface on said second area of said inner surface of said sheet.121. The articulated window assembly of claim 120 wherein both said first mounting member and said second mounting member, when mounted, respectively, on said first area and said second area, are substantially hidden from view from the outer surface of said glass sheet by, respectively, said first opaque coating and said second opaque coating.122. The articulated window assembly of claim 121 wherein said first opaque coating comprises a frit layer bonded to portions of said inner glass sheet surface adjacent to said peripheral edge of said sheet such that a central viewing area is defined by said peripheral frit layer, and wherein at least a portion of said second opaque coating is located within said central viewing area.123. The articulated window assembly of claim 122 including an adhesion-promoting compound between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member.124. The articulated window assembly of claim 123 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound comprises at least one of a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent and a zirconium coupling agent.125. The articulated window assembly of claim 123 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound is applied to said second opaque coating.126. The articulated window assembly of claim 125 wherein said adhesion-promoting compound comprises a silane coupling agent.127. The articulated window assembly of claim 122 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted vehicle window assembly.128. The articulated window assembly of claim 121 wherein an adhesive is disposed between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member, said adhesive bonding said second mounting member to said second opaque coating and wherein said adhesive is selected from the group consisting essentially of: moisture-activated adhesives, thermally-activated adhesives, chemically-activated adhesives, aerobically-cured adhesives, anaerobically-cured adhesives, and radiation-cured adhesives.129. The articulated window assembly of claim 128 wherein said adhesive comprises a moisture activated adhesive.130. The articulated window assembly of claim 128 wherein said adhesive comprises a thermally activated adhesive.131. The articulated window assembly of claim 128 wherein said adhesive comprises a chemically activated adhesive.132. The articulated window assembly of claim 121 wherein said second opaque coating comprises a frit layer bonded to said inner glass sheet surface at a location spaced from said first area.133. The articulated window assembly of claim 132 wherein each of said first mounting member and said second mounting member form an attachment to said inner surface of said sheet sufficiently strong to withstand a tensional load of about 150 pounds at a pull rate of about 25 millimeters per minute.134. The articulated window assembly of claim 133 wherein said tensional load is applied after soaking said window assembly in 80° C. water for at least 100 hours.135. The articulated window assembly of claim 121 further including an adhesion-promoting compound between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member.136. The articulated window assembly of claim 121 including an adhesion promoting compound between said first opaque coating and said first portion of said first mounting member.137. The articulated window assembly of claim 121 including an adhesive between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member; said second mounting member having at least one projection for spacing said base portion of said second mounting member from said second opaque coating, said adhesive between said second opaque coating and said base portion of said second mounting member having a thickness defined by said projection.138. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein each of said first mounting member and said second mounting member form an attachment to said inner surface of said sheet sufficiently strong to withstand a tensional load of about 150 pounds at a pull rate of about 25 millimeters per minute.139. The articulated window assembly of claim 138 wherein said tensional load is applied after soaking said window assembly in 80° C. water for at least 100 hours.140. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein said first mounting member is formed from at least one of a metal, plastic and composite material.141. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein said first portion of said first mounting member has a surface area contacting said inner surface of said glass sheet no greater than about 1.6% of said outer surface area of said sheet.142. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein said second mounting member is formed from one of metal, plastic and composite material.143. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted vehicle window assembly.144. The articulated window assembly of claim 143 wherein said first mounting member is formed from at least one of a metal, plastic and composite material.145. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein said articulated window assembly comprises a flush-mounted rear side window assembly.146. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein said articulated window assembly closes to a pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.147. The articulated window assembly of claim 146 wherein a gasket is disposed between said articulated window assembly and the pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.148. The articulated window assembly of claim 147 wherein said gasket mounts to an inner surface of said glass panel of said articulated window assembly.149. The articulated window assembly of claim 147 wherein said gasket mounts to the pinch weld flange of the body of the vehicle.150. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein an adhesion-promoting primer is applied to at least one of said first area and said second area.151. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein an adhesion-promoting primer is applied to each of said first area and said second area.152. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein said second mounting member comprises a cable actuator.153. The articulated window assembly of claim 152 wherein the vehicle is one of a van, a station wagon, a utility vehicle and a truck.154. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein said second mounting member comprises an over-center hinge.155. The articulated window assembly of claim 118 wherein said second mounting member comprises an electric actuator.156. An articulated window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, said window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening in a vehicle body of the vehicle, said assembly comprising:a transparent glass sheet having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge defining a shape to fit within the window opening, said sheet also including top and bottom edges and first and second end edges, said edges together defining said peripheral edge; a first area adjacent one edge portion of said peripheral edge; a first mounting member on said first area for hingedly securing said glass sheet in the window opening for movement between open and closed positions; a second area at a location spaced from said first area; a second mounting member on said second area adapted for moving said glass sheet between said open and closed positions; wherein said glass sheet outer surface has a surface area of at least 250 square inches; wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member attach to said inner surface of said sheet such that there is no exposure of said first mounting member and said second mounting member on said outer surface of said sheet; wherein said articulated window assembly comprises one of a rear side window assembly, a rear window assembly and a tailgate window assembly, wherein said second mounting member comprises a latching mechanism; a first substantially opaque coating on a predetermined portion of said inner sheet surface, said first opaque coating extending inwardly generally from said peripheral edge along at least portions thereof and said first opaque coating being included on said first area; a second substantially opaque coating included on said inner sheet surface on said second area of said inner surface of said sheet; wherein both said first mounting member and said second mounting member, when mounted, respectively, on said first area and said second area, are substantially hidden from view from the outer surface of said glass sheet by, respectively, said first opaque coating and said second opaque coating; wherein an adhesive is disposed between said second opaque coating and said second mounting member, said adhesive bonding said second mounting member to said second opaque coating and wherein said adhesive is selected from the group consisting essentially of: moisture-activated adhesives, thermally-activated adhesives, chemically-activated adhesives, aerobically-cured adhesives, anaerobically-cured adhesives, and radiation-cured adhesives; said second mounting member including at least one perforation therethrough for access to said adhesive and providing a mechanical bonding surface for said adhesive.