Articulating window hinges and articulating window assemblies

Abstract

Articulating window assemblies are provided comprising, in combination, a windowpane and a hinge having a hinge axis. The hinge comprises a first hinge member that cooperates with a second hinge member and optionally with a hinge pin to form a hinge joint. The first hinge member has at least an encapsulation section with at least a first encapsulant void, optionally two or more encapsulant voids. A continuous body of encapsulant overlays at least a portion of an outward-facing surface of the encapsulation section, at least partially fills the first encapsulant void, overlays at least a portion of an inward-facing surface of the encapsulation section and overlaps either at least a portion of an external peripheral edge of the encapsulation section, a portion of a void edge defining a second encapsulation void, or both from both the outward-facing surface and the inward-facing surface. This provides a mechanical grip of the first hinge member by the encapsulant. The encapsulant is further bonded to an inner surface of the windowpane to retain the first hinge member, and thereby the hinge, to the windowpane. The windowpane of the window assemblies provided is therefore adapted to rotate or articulate about the hinge axis relative to the second hinge member. No portion of the hinge extends through or overlays any portion of the outer surface of the windowpane, enabling a flush, streamlined appearance. Also provided are vehicles having an articulating window assembly in accordance with those just described.