The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 25, 1997
Filed:
Dec. 22, 1995
James G Mariel, Mishawaka, IN (US);
Excel Industries, Inc., Elkhart, IN (US);
Abstract
A motor vehicle glazing unit has generally U-shaped frame channels open toward each other in substantially fixed position. A transparent glazing pane is moveably mounted in the frame channels, having at least one non-frangible pane member, such that the deformation of the glazing pane provides good energy absorption. Edge flanges extend along the peripheral edge of the glazing pane, extending laterally beyond the peripheral edge to a distal portion. Typically, a pair of edge flanges extends vertically along opposite vertical edges of a vertically moveable glazing pane. The distal portion of the edge flange is received in the corresponding frame channel. Edge flange retainers are provided in substantially fixed position relative the frame channels. The edge flange retainers each have a structural member oriented along the corresponding frame channel to capture the distal portion of the edge flange in the frame channel during deformation of the glazing pane. The edge flange retainers hold the glazing pane in the window frame as it absorbs energy during outward, and optionally inward, deformation. Glazing panes preassembled with edge flanges can be readily assembled into motor vehicle window frames using current assembly techniques, after which the edge flange retainers are installed to cooperate with the deformation characteristics of the glazing pane to provide good energy management characteristics.