Remote Manual Drive System for Modular Rear-Mounted Window Assembly

Modular window assemblies for motor vehicles, having one or more laterally sliding panes, that is, panes which slide substantially horizontally in the vertical plane of the pane are used, for example, as rear slider windows for pickup truck cabs, and rear side windows. Such modular window assemblies typically have a circumferential (that is, outer peripheral) frame in which are mounted the sliding pane along with one or more fixed-position panes. The frame may be structural or semi-structural in that it integrates the sliding pane and one or more fixed-position panes as a self-contained preassembled module suitable for shipping and handling during installation into the motor vehicle.

A window assembly for a vehicle having a sliding pane is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,139 to Tiesler. In the Tiesler design the sliding window is manually operated. The driver, or other person opening the sliding window must be able to reach the sliding window in order to open and close it. When operating the sliding window while driving, drivers may find themselves in an awkward position. In a pick-up truck with an extended cab, that is, one with a backseat or an area extending behind the driver, the driver may have to stop the vehicle and get into the rear cab area, in order to reach the sliding window to open or close it.

Window assemblies are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,698 to Friese et al. The Friese et al. window assemblies are replacements for the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) rear slider window assembly originally included in a vehicle. The Friese et al. window assembly includes right side and left side fixed panes and a sliding center pane powered by an electric motor. Electric drive arrangements for such rear sliding windows may in certain applications present reliability concerns and increased manufacture, installation and repair costs. It would be highly desirable for meeting increasingly stringent OEM requirements of the major motor vehicle manufacturers to have a reliable, less complex drive system for a rear sliding window assembly, especially a sliding window assembly wherein the sliding pane in its closed position can be flush with adjacent fixed panes.

It would be advantageous to have a remote manual drive system for operating the window within arms reach of the driver which would allow them to operate the window while driving the vehicle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide rear-mounted modular window assemblies having remotely operated laterally slidable panes. Additional objects and optional features of the invention will be apparent from the following disclosure and detailed discussion of preferred embodiments.

In accordance with a first aspect a rear-mounted modular window assembly in a motor vehicle has a glazing pane, typically a slider subassembly incorporating a vertically mounted transparent pane, which is slidably mounted in a circumferential frame. The slider pane is mounted for sliding laterally back and forth between an open position and a closed position. A drive subassembly comprises a hand-operable drive unit for moving the sliding pane back and forth between the open and closed positions, having a handle mounted overhead in the vehicle passenger compartment. The modular window assembly is "rear-mounted", in that the laterally sliding pane is wholly or at least substantially behind the driver's seat. The drive unit handle for operating the sliding pane is mounted remotely, that is, the handle is not directly secured to, supported by, or mounted to the modular window assembly, but is operably connected to the modular window assembly and sliding pane by drive means, for example a drive cable mounted in the roof above a roof liner. The handle is preferably mounted overhead, such as centered in the ceiling, or roof, of the passenger compartment. The handle can most advantageously be mounted forward of the so-called B-pillars, i.e., the vertically extending structural elements of the vehicle body typically just behind the driver and front passenger seats. Most preferably the handle is mounted to the roof proximate the upper horizontal perimeter of the windshield or other such overhead location within easy arm's reach of the driver's seat.

In accordance with certain preferred embodiments a pull-pull cable drive subassembly is provided for operatively connecting the sliding pane to the remotely mounted handle for moving the slider subassembly laterally back and forth between its open and closed positions. The pull-pull cable drive subassembly includes a drive drum driven by the handle. The drive drum and handle are mounted to the vehicle roof at a location remote from the circumferential frame. Drive cable wrapped around the drive drum is routed to the slider subassembly. A first drive cable segment extends laterally from the slider subassembly toward one side of the frame and a second drive cable segment extends laterally from the slider subassembly toward the opposite side of the frame. Both cable segments extend underneath the roof, between the roof liner and the roof. The roof liner is typically preformed to fit the shape of the roof and may also be formed to accommodate the cable segments and any associated guide means. Operation of the remote handle to rotate the drive drum in a first direction pulls the slider pane via the first cable segment toward its open position, while rotation of the drive drum in the opposite rotational direction pulls the slider pane via the second cable segment toward its closed position. Thus, the slider pane is moved by a cable pull operation in both directions, the slider subassembly and drive cable together forming a closed loop from the drive drum.

Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a remote handle to operate a rear-mounted slider pane. In particular, significant driver comfort and ease of use is achieved in selecting the remote mounting location for the handle. This is highly advantageous in pickup trucks, vans, etc. in which a driver must reach behind the driver's seat to operate such a window, and especially in extended cab pickups where a driver would need to stop the vehicle and enter the rear of the cab area, in order to operate the window.

From the foregoing disclosure, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this area of technology, that the present invention provides a significant technological advance. The window assembly disclosed here is well-suited to applications involving original motor vehicle installations and to applications involving retrofitting of a rear slider window construction installed originally as a manual-slide type window. These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.

Certain preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exterior schematic perspective view of a multi-pane modular sliding window assembly vertically mounted as a rear slider window in a pickup truck cab or the like, incorporating a center slider pane mounted within a frame between right and left side fixed-position panes, and a pull-pull drive cable arrangement in which a cable drive subassembly includes a handle remotely mounted to the roof of the motor vehicle body near the windshield, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a section view taken through line 2--2 of FIG. 1, showing attachment of a drive cable to the slider pane;

FIG. 3 is a section view taken through line 3--3 of FIG. 1, showing a second segment of the drive cable extending in a cable channel formed in the upper horizontal portion of the window frame, the cable channel having a closed cross-sectional configuration;

FIG. 4 is a schematic section view corresponding to the view of FIG. 2 and illustrating an alternative embodiment for attachment of the drive cable to the slider pane;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration, partially broken away, of an alternative preferred embodiment for entry of the drive cable into the window frame of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic section view, partially broken away, of the drum housing, drive drum, and handle of the cable drive subassembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the drum housing, drive drum, and handle of the cable drive subassembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1,

FIG. 8 is an enlarged section view showing the relative positioning of the fixed-position panes of the window assembly of FIG. 1, together with the center sliding pane in its closed position, along with selected other componentry of the modular sliding window assembly;

FIG. 9 is a schematic interior perspective view, partially broken away, of a window assembly in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the modular sliding window assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial schematic section view of an alternative embodiment of the sealing flange and associated components of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic views, partially in section and partially broken away, of the fixed-position panes and center sliding pane of the modular window assembly of FIG. 9, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the guide means for guiding the sliding pane as it moves between its open position (FIG. 11) and closed position (FIG. 12); and

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the guide means of FIG. 9; and

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate bracketry suitable for a retrofitting method and kit in accordance with a preferred embodiment for converting a manually operated slider pane to a remotely operated sliding window.

The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to present a simplified representation of the invention, illustrative of the basic principles involved. Some features of the window construction depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Window assemblies incorporating a slider pane as disclosed above, will have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and use environment.

Unless otherwise stated, or otherwise clear from the context below, directional references used here are based on the orientation of components and assemblies shown in the appended drawings. These directional references assume a window assembly mounted as the rear window in the cab or passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, such as a pickup truck or the like. Thus, an interior surface of the window faces into the passenger compartment. An exterior surface faces rearward of the vehicle. The lateral directions are right and left as one faces from the back to the front of the vehicle. The slider pane in window constructions disclosed here are laterally slidable in the sense that they slide horizontally and substantially left and right in the plane of the slider pane. In window constructions having slider panes which are positioned flush with adjacent fixed-position panes, the slider pane may be slightly offset during initial lateral sliding movement, so as to clear the adjacent fixed-position pane as the slider pane moves to its open position. Reference to an inside surface of a window pane is intended to mean that surface which faces into the vehicle passenger compartment. The following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments will focus on window constructions adapted for use as a rear slider in a pickup truck cab. Those skilled in the art will recognize from this disclosure, however, that alternative applications are possible, such as motor vehicle side windows calling for a slider pane mounted within a frame for lateral sliding between an open and a closed position. In a side window application, such lateral sliding typically would involve fore-and-aft travel of the slider pane relative to the vehicle body.

The window construction schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 is a rear slider in a pickup truck cab, having a center mounted slider pane 12 positioned (in its closed position) between right side and left side fixed-position panes 16, 14, respectively. The slider pane and fixed position panes are mounted in a circumferential frame 18 having substantially vertical right and left portions 222, 20, respectively, interconnected by substantially horizontal upper and lower frame portions 24, 26, respectively. In addition, optional left and right mullions, i.e., vertical frame portions 28, 29 are positioned at the junction of the slider pane (again, in its closed position) with right side fixed position pane 16 and left side fixed position pane 14, respectively. The window construction is seated in a window opening 30 defined by vehicle body 31 at the rear of the passenger compartment. Thus, the window construction is oriented in a generally vertical plane. Suitable positioning means may be employed, such as a so-called halo molding, to facilitate the proper positioning of the window construction in the window opening 30. In this regard, the frame 18 is said to be circumferential in the sense that it forms a complete or substantially complete perimeter around the glazing panes. Preferably the frame integrates the window construction, such that the window construction is structural or semi-structural in the sense that it is sufficiently self-supporting as a preassembled self-contained module, to withstand stresses placed upon it during shipping, handling and installation into the motor vehicle window opening.

In accordance with current design preferences, the circumferential frame preferably includes at least one unitary full-circumference member extending all the way around the perimeter. Such full-circumference member can be formed by injection molding in-place around the fixed-position panes employing suitable plastics such as, for example, Geloy.RTM. which is commercially available from General Electric Company. Slider travel channels for guiding the sliding pane in its lateral movement between the open and closed positions can be molded into the frame and/or formed in whole or in part by separately attached channel members formed of metal, plastic, etc. The frame may further comprise appliques and the like to provide decorative "show" surfaces, that is, surfaces which will be exposed to view during normal use of the window construction when it is installed in the motor vehicle window opening. It will be within the ability of those skilled in the art, given the benefit of the present disclosure, to design and construct frames suitable to specific applications.

The window assembly of FIG. 1 further comprises a pull-pull cable drive subassembly 82 for moving the slider pane 12 between its opened and closed positions. Drum housing 91, containing drive drum 84, is mounted to roof 88 of the vehicle between the roof 88 and the roof liner 90, preferably proximate windshield 92. Handle 81 is connected to drive drum 84 for rotating drive drum 84. Handle 81 may be directly connected to drive drum 84 to ensure that drive drum 84 rotates with the rotation of handle 81, as discussed below in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, or by other suitable means apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. Handle 81 is preferably mounted overhead and within arms reach of the driver. The handle may be located in the center of the vehicle proximate a perimeter of the windshield 92 or more centrally located in the passenger compartment. Such positioning of the handle 81 provides increased ease of use and convenience for the driver. Handle 81 may be a crank arm, a round knob, or any other suitable device apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. It is to be appreciated that in a vehicle with a sunroof, the cable drive subassembly may be mounted to the roof rearward of the sunroof.

The remotely mounted handle 81 with accompanying drive drum 84 and drive cable 40 provides for a less complex, more reliable, and more cost effectively operated vertically oriented rear-mounted modular sliding window assembly, and one that is preferred by some vehicle owners. The problems of inconvenient operation of a rear-mounted window assembly are particularly addressed through the use of the handle 81. A particular advantage is the user convenience in operating a vertically oriented rear-mounted window together with relative ease of assembly into a motor vehicle of a handle and roof-mounted cables or other such drive transmission means.

Drive cable 40 is connected to drive drum 84 and slider pane 12 in order to move slider pane 12 upon rotation of handle 81. Further discussion concerning the connection of drive cable 40 to drive drum 84 is provided below with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7. Drive cable 40 preferably extends between the roof 88 and the roof liner 90, which conceals the cable from view and adds to the aesthetics of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It will be within the ability of those skilled in the art to implement suitable guide means such as pulleys for routing drive cable 40 between the roof liner 90 and the roof 88.

Drive cable 40 includes a first segment 42 extending from the left of slider pane 12 to cable drive subassembly 82 at which point it is wrapped around drive drum 84 and secured thereto. A second segment 44 extends from the right of slider pane 12 to cable drive subassembly 82 at which point it too is wrapped around drive drum 84 and secured thereto. More specifically, cable segment 42 has a first end 43 attached to an attachment block 46 at a first location on the transparent pane 12 and a second end 83 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) attached to drive drum 84. As best seen in FIG. 1, such first location is the upper left corner of the slider pane 12. Similarly, cable segment 44 has a first end 45 attached to the slider block 48 at a second location on slider pane 12, the upper right corner of the slider pane, and a second end 85 (see FIG. 6) attached to drive drum 84.

Typically, the slider pane 12 will be a substantially quadrilateral transparent pane having a peripheral edge which includes an upper horizontal edge portion 50 (see FIG. 2). In accordance with certain preferred embodiments the upper horizontal edge 50 of the slider pane is substantially frameless other than the attachment blocks 46, 48 or other means provided there for guiding the transparent pane's travel between its open and closed positions. The slider subassembly incorporating the transparent slider pane may further comprise guide means along the upper horizontal peripheral edge for guiding travel, componentry of a latch or locking mechanism (typically, adhered to the inside surface of the slider pane) and/or other devices suitable to the intended application of the window construction. Weather sealing can be provided about the perimeter of the sliding pane in accordance with known techniques including, for example, the use of blade seals and O-seals affixed to the frame 18, slider pane 12 and/or adjacent fixed-position panes 14, 16. Alternative sealing materials and techniques are well known and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art for use in the present remotely operated slider window constructions given the benefit of the present disclosure.

Preferably, drive cable 40 is of the cable type having an outer sheath or conduit over at least a portion of the drive cable. In accordance with certain highly preferred embodiments, the left and right segments 42, 44 of drive cable 40 are attached to the horizontal upper portion of frame 18 by securing corresponding ends of the conduit thereto. It will be within the ability of those skilled in the art, given the benefit of the present disclosure, to employ suitable cable guide means, such as guides 33 shown in FIG. 1, for mounting and guiding the travel path of the drive cable from the remotely mounted cable drive subassembly 82 to the window frame 18 along the roof 88, between the roof liner 90 and the roof. Guides 33 may be pulleys or any other known guide means. Also, tensioning means can be provided, for example, a standard threaded fitting positioned in-line with the conduit.

Turning now to FIG. 3, cable segment 42 can be seen carried within internal cable channel 62 formed within upper frame portion 24. Cable channel 62 can be formed by mating inner and outer frame components 68, 69. Thus, in certain preferred embodiments, frame component 68 is provided as an applique onto frame component 69 which is a full-circumferential frame member. The resulting cable channel 62 is seen to have a closed cross-sectional configuration. That is, it is not downwardly open, for example, as is U-shaped slider travel channel 51 in the embodiment of FIG. 4, but rather is O-shaped (or has a square cross-sectional configuration, etc.) so as to protect and/or hide from view that portion of the drive cable which is within the cable channel 62.

In FIG. 2, upper frame portion 24 can be seen to form a slider travel channel 27 which receives a guide pin 49 extending upwardly from right-hand side attachment block 48. A corresponding guide pin extends upwardly from the left-hand side attachment block 46, such that the slider pane 12 is guided in its travel along the slider travel channel 27 between its open and closed positions. The guide pins extending from the slider pane into slider travel channel 27 optionally are spring-loaded or otherwise biased in the vertical direction to reduce or eliminate window rattle. This feature also advantageously facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the window construction by permitting the guide pins to be retracted for installing or removing the slider pane 12 from the slider travel channel 27 in the frame 18. In accordance with certain preferred embodiments, the aforesaid closed cross-sectional configuration cable channel 62 is a lateral extension of, and in axial alignment with, the downwardly open slider travel channel 27. The conduit attachment brackets discussed below, or equivalent cable mounting items, are secured to the frame or to fixed-position panes at locations laterally remote from the slider pane. That is, they are mounted not on or to the slider pane or slider subassembly, but rather are laterally spaced from the slider pane's entire travel range within the frame. The slider pane (or some part of the slider assembly) at its travel end points, that is, at the extreme ends of its travel range within the frame, optionally can contact the cable attachment bracket or other such item and even use it as a travel stop to define an end point of its travel range. In any event, however, the entry points of the drive cable into the frame are laterally outward of the end points of the slider travel range.

Referring again to the embodiment of FIG. 4, an alternative means is illustrated there for attachment of the drive cable to the slider pane. In FIG. 4 the end of drive cable segment 44 is directly bonded to frameless upper peripheral edge 50 of slider pane 12. As noted above, upper frame portion 24 defines a downwardly open U-shaped slider travel channel 51 in the embodiment of FIG. 4, which slidingly receives the upper peripheral edge 50 of slider pane 12 along with the attached drive cable bonded thereto. Preferably, slider travel channel liners and/or seal members 70 are fitted into slider travel channel 51 for purposes of improved operation, sight shielding, etc.

Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5, wherein right side cable segment 44 enters upper frame portion 24 (viewed from inside the passenger compartment facing the rear of the vehicle) at an entry point 72. The frame 18 preferably forms a socket 74 to receive the end 52 of the conduit 21 of cable segment 44. Conduit socket 74 communicates with cable channel 62 through which, as described above, the cable segment 44 extends laterally to its connection with the slider pane 12. A corresponding arrangement for the cable entry point on the opposite side (that is, the left side) of the frame, can be provided in accordance with the same design principles described here for the right side entry point. It will be recognized that the conduit socket can be formed in accordance with well known and cost effective molding and milling techniques. In accordance with the principles discussed above, the left and right cable entry points in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 5 are laterally remote from the corresponding left and right end points of the slider pane 12 lateral travel range.

The operation of cable drive subassembly 82 can be more clearly seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 where cable drive subassembly 82 is shown, with the drum housing 91, roof 88 and roof liner 90 being shown in section. Drum housing 91 is secured to roof 88 with fasteners 103, such as brackets, and is positioned between roof 88 and roof liner 90. Other suitable fastening means for securing drum housing 91 to roof 88 will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. Roof liner 90 is secured to drum housing 91 via fasteners 105, typically screws, rivets, or other suitable fasteners well known to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. Cable segment 42 is at least partially wrapped around drive drum 84 with second end 83 matingly engaging socket 87, formed in a surface of drive drum 84. A corresponding socket is formed in an opposed surface of drive drum 84 to accommodate second end 85 of cable segment 44, which partially wraps around drive drum 84 as well. A portion of handle 81 extends through aperture 93 in drum housing 91 and is secured to drive drum 84. Drive drum 84 is secured to drum housing 91 via an axle (not shown) or other suitable means in such a manner that it rotates freely upon rotation of handle 81. Other suitable means for securing drive drum 84 to drum housing 91 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

A significant advantage is achieved with the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 through the mounting of the drum housing 91 to the roof 88 of the vehicle and routing the drive cable 40 between the roof liner 90 and the roof 88. Roof liners are typically adhered to roofs of vehicles with fast setting adhesives. Over time these adhesives may become brittle and lose some of their adhesive capabilities. Mounting the drum housing 91 and the drive cable 40 to the roof 88 provides additional support structure for adhering the roof liner 90 to the roof 88. Since the roof liner 90 is additionally secured to the drum housing 91 via fasteners 105, the roof liner will not fall from the roof if the adhesive becomes brittle and loses its adhesive capabilities.

In use, handle 81 is rotated in direction A or B. When handle 81 is rotated in direction A, cable segment 44 is wound onto drive drum 84 while cable segment 42 is correspondingly unwound. Cable segment 44 thereby pulls on slider pane 12, moving it to the right. When handle 81 is rotated in the opposite, or B direction, cable segment 42 is wound onto drive drum 84 and cable segment 44 is correspondingly unwound, causing slider pane 12 to be pulled to the left. The interaction of the mated cable ends and sockets prevents the cable segments from slipping around drive drum 84 as the drive drum is rotated. Conduit 21 and conduit 23, which house cable segments 44 and 42, respectively, are secured to drum housing 91, thereby allowing cable segments 44 and 42 to extend to and wrap around drive drum 84 free of conduit.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment is shown. The right-side fixed pane 16 has an exterior surface 26, a perimeter edge 28 and an inside surface 230. Similarly, left-side fixed pane 14 has an outer surface 19, a perimeter edge 20 and an inside surface 22. Sliding pane 12 has an exterior surface 34 which, as best seen in FIG. 8, is substantially flush with the exterior surfaces 19, 26 of the fixed panes 14, 16 when the sliding pane 12 is in its closed position. It can be seen that the left-side vertical perimeter edge 36 of the sliding pane 12, in the closed position illustrated in FIG. 8, lies in alignment with, and in close proximity to, perimeter edge 20 of fixed pane 14. Similarly, right-side perimeter edge 37 of sliding pane 12 is aligned with and closely proximate to perimeter edge 28 of the right-side fixed pane 16.

Weather sealing can be provided at the upper and lower horizontal edges of sliding pane 12 in accordance with known techniques including, for example, the use of blade seals affixed to the frame 18, etc. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, weather sealing along the right- and left-side vertical edges of sliding pane 12 is provided by O-seals. Specifically, a left O-seal 31 is adhesively or otherwise affixed vertically to inside surface 22 of left-side fixed pane 14 at its periphery adjacent the sliding pane 12. A sealing flange 35 extends vertically along the periphery of inside surface 13 of sliding pane 12, and provides a sealing surface 33 which overlies, contacts and partially compresses O-seal 31. Similarly, another vertically-extending sealing flange 71 is affixed to the opposite periphery of the inside surface 13 of sliding pane 12, providing a sealing surface 73 which overlaps, contacts and partially compresses right-side O-seal 75, which is affixed along the vertical periphery of inside surface 230 of right-side fixed pane 16. An O-seal typically is provided as a length of resilient material having a round or oval cross section with an open center.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, a weather seal is provided as a single, substantially continuous, full-circumference blade seal mounted around the perimeter of the sliding pane. Most preferably, the sliding pane sub-assembly provides a single sealing flange, much like flanges 35 and 71 but which extends around the entire inside perimeter of the sliding pane 12. The sealing flange preferably is formed of molded plastic, such as PVC, RIM, etc., most preferably being molded in place directly onto the surface of the sliding pane in accordance with known techniques. As can be seen in FIG. 10, full-circumference flange 41 can be provided in place of flange 71 to extend beyond the perimeter edge 37 of the sliding pane 12 and carry full-circumference blade seal 43. Blade seal 43 preferably is an extruded or otherwise molded member formed of natural or synthetic rubber, EPDM or other suitable material. It can be mounted as a single, continuous strip or in multiple pieces. Preferably its surface 45 which forms sealing contact with adjacent fixed panes or other surfaces of the window assembly is flocked in accordance with known techniques, to improve sliding contact as the sliding pane moves into and out of its closed position. The blade seal 43 can be mounted to the flange 41 in any suitable manner, including adhesively. In the preferred embodiment shown, blade seal 43 includes flanged mounting base 47 which slips into a correspondingly shaped recess in flange 41. This arrangement is found to provide ease of assembly and replacement. Alternative sealing materials and techniques will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

The sliding pane optionally is provided as a subassembly comprising not only the transparent glazing panel of glass, plastic or a laminate thereof, but also a frame of molded plastic or the like extending partially or completely around the perimeter of the glazing panel. A subassembly of this type is illustrated in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9. Thus, sliding pane 12 is shown in FIG. 9 to have perimeter rim frame 52. The left-side perimeter edge 36 of the sliding pane 12 is provided as the exposed left-side vertical surface of rim frame 52. (This edge surface appears at the right side of sliding pane 12 in FIG. 9, since FIG. 9 is a view from inside the passenger compartment.) Similarly, the vertical right edge of rim frame 52 provides perimeter edge 37 of the sliding pane. Alternatively, the perimeter edge of glass may be retained in the sliding pane sub-assembly, as a "raw" edge, i.e., an exposed surface, as in FIGS. 8 and 10 for example. It will be well within the ability of those skilled in the art to employ features or components additional or alternative to those described herein. Locking means, for example, may be provided, such as locking latch means mounted on the inside surface of the sliding pane or elsewhere in the window assembly, or numerous other well known locking means may be employed.

It is a significant advantage of the embodiment of FIG. 9 that guide means are provided for the sliding pane, comprising kick-out means for forcibly offsetting the sliding pane from its flush plane in its closed position toward a parallel plane substantially simultaneously with the initial lateral movement of the sliding pane toward its open position. Preferably, the guide means further comprises fixed members extending from the sliding pane or from the frame, and corresponding guide channels in the other of them, to receive the fixed members. The fixed members, most preferably, extend from the sliding pane, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, and, correspondingly, the guide channels are provided in the frame. More specifically, sliding pane 12 is seen in FIG. 9 to have upper pins 54 and 55 (being left-side and right-side pins, respectively, as viewed from outside the vehicle) extending upwardly from upper horizontal member 56 of rim frame 52 into upper guide channel 58 in upper, horizontally-extending frame portion 60. Similarly, lower pins 62 and 63 extend downwardly below the sliding pane 12 from a lower horizontal portion 64 of rim frame 52, into a lower guide channel 66 provided in a horizontally-extending lower frame portion 68. The pins preferably are spring loaded or otherwise biased in the vertical direction to reduce or eliminate window rattle. Only the top pins or, more preferably, the bottom pins need be biased. This preferred feature is found to aid also in simplifying the assembly and disassembly of the window, by permitting the pins to be retracted to enter or escape the guide channels. It can be seen that the guide channels are formed simply as a recess in the frame members. Alternatively, auxiliary brackets or appliques may be added to the frame to form the guide channels, perhaps in cooperation with the main body of the frame. Also, channel liners, such as U-shaped inserts, may be used to more easily control sliding friction, channel dimensions, etc. Also, as noted above, blade seals and other known components may be added.

The kick-out means, most preferably, is provided by the frame, although it alternatively can be carried by the sliding pane, particularly in those embodiments in which the fixed pins extend from the frame. A preferred embodiment of kick-out means provided by the frame in the form of guide ramps for engaging fixed members such as the guide pins shown in FIG. 9, is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. A left-side upper guide channel 102 is shown to incorporate ramp surface 104 and right-side upper guide channel 106 correspondingly incorporates ramp surface 89. Like guide channels would, of course, be provided in the lower horizontal portion of the frame. Guide pin receiving sockets 96 and 94 are provided at the ends of ramp surfaces 104 and 89, respectively. The guide pins 54, 55 merely seat into such sockets as the sliding pane reaches its closed position, as seen in FIG. 12. The sockets are dimensioned to permit essentially no inward offsetting travel except simultaneously with lateral travel as the sliding pane 12 is moved toward its open position.

In this regard, it is optional that both vertical edges of the sliding pane 12 be offset substantially symmetrically and simultaneously during initial movement of the sliding pane from its closed position. Thus, opposite vertical edges 36 and 37 of the sliding pane 12 each follows the same path of travel. Alternatively, however, it is possible to aggressively offset only the leading edge 36 of the sliding pane upon initial lateral travel, allowing the trailing edge (i.e., opposite edge 37) to follow a less aggressive path of travel. That is, the trailing edge would be more gradually offset in the sense of being offset a shorter distance per unit of lateral travel distance. FIG. 13 shows a pin and guide channel arrangement which is a modification of that seen in FIGS. 11, 12. In FIG. 13 the leading edge follows a more aggressive offset than does the trailing edge. Left-side upper guide channel 186 receiving upper pin 54 is substantially the same as channel 102 in FIGS. 11, 12. Right-side upper guide channel 187, however, offsets more gradually. Advantageously in this embodiment, when the sliding pane is in its closed position, the upper and lower guide pins at the trailing edge are provided enhanced support by the guide channel wall against inward force. Guide channel 187 is seen to extend behind channel 186, permitting full opening of the sliding pane 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the right-side channel 187 is moved inwardly and extends behind (i.e., inside of) left-side channel 186. This may require a wider frame member, at least in the area where the channels overlap. The sliding pane 12 in its open position may be slightly angled to the fixed position pane 14 (although still substantially parallel to it) as a result of channel 187 being extended behind channel 186. Alternatively, channel 187 can simply be offset inwardly along its entire length. The guide pins traveling in channel 187 and the corresponding lower channel in that case preferably are offset inwardly also. While a somewhat thicker frame and a somewhat thicker sliding pane subassembly may be required to accommodate such arrangement, full lateral travel can be achieved with the sliding pane 12 parallel to the adjacent fixed pane 14 in both its open and closed positions.

In accordance another preferred embodiment, a retrofitting method and apparatus are provided comprising bracketry and pull-pull cable drive componentry for converting a manually operated slider window to a remotely operated slider construction having a handle in accordance with the principles discussed above. Specifically, left side and right side conduit attachment brackets are provided for attachment to the frame and/or to fixed-position panes or the like of the window construction at locations laterally remote from the travel range of the slider pane. FIG. 14 illustrates a left side conduit attachment bracket suitable for mounting to the upper horizontal portion of the frame. Bracket 276 is seen to have a mounting hole 278 for receiving a mounting rivet, screw or, more preferably, a mating stud projecting from the surface of the frame. Optionally multiple mating studs can be provided for positioning and affixing the bracket 276 to the frame. Such mating studs can be formed during initial molding of the frame as unitary nubs or projections from the surface of the frame. Right side frame 280 is seen in FIG. 15 also to have a mounting hole 282 suitable for receiving a mating stud projecting from the frame. In the alternative, studs or nubs can be formed on the brackets to be received into corresponding sockets or holes in the surface of the frame at the mounting location. Left conduit attachment bracket 276 further comprises conduit flange 279 adapted to receive and releasably hold conduit end 256 of left side drive cable segment 42. Similarly, right conduit attachment bracket 280 has conduit flange 283 for receiving and releasably holding conduit end 252 associated with drive cable segment 44. In addition, drive cable guide 284 of bracket 280 serves to aid in guiding the drive cable from bracket 280 to its attachment to the slider pane.

Left and right cable fasteners are attached to the slider pane at locations laterally spaced from each other. Preferably, each end of the drive cable attached to the slider pane is fitted with a ball or lug in accordance with well known design techniques. Thus, as seen in FIG. 17, the end of drive cable segment 42 is fitted with lug 286. A corresponding lug would be fitted to the end of drive cable segment 44, extending to the slider pane from the right. A left cable fastener 292 is illustrated in FIG. 17, having slotted flange 288 for receiving and releasably holding a cable end fitting, specifically, lug 286 at the end of drive cable segment 42. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 16, left and right cable fasteners 292, 290, having the above described slotted flange design, are formed at opposite ends of an elongate bracket 294. Bracket 294 has an adhesive surface, specifically, offset surface 296 for adhesive attachment to a surface, preferably the inside surface of the slider pane. A removable film 298 is provided to protect the adhesive of surface 296 until such time as it is to be attached to the slider pane. FIG. 18 illustrates a slider pane 12 to which cable fastener bracket 294 has been attached. The end of left side drive cable segment 42 is attached to slotted flange cable fastener 292 in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17. Similarly, the end of right side drive cable segment 44 is attached to slotted flange cable fastener 290. It can be seen that elongate bracket 294 is attached to the slider pane 12 proximate its upper edge. Preferably, bracket 294 is attached at a height which corresponds generally to the cable height established by the conduit attachment brackets positioned on the frame to the left and right of the slider pane in accordance with the discussion above.

In addition to the retrofit bracketry and drive cable described above, retrofitting kits disclosed here, in accordance with preferred embodiments, further include a handle connected to a drive drum contained within a housing, the drive cable being connected to the drive drum, the housing, drive drum, and handle being preferably mounted at an overhead location within arms reach of the driver as discussed in previous embodiments. Preferably, such retrofitting kit further comprises installation instructions, templates and the like, to facilitate the retrofitting of a manually operated slider window to be remotely operated with a handle. Optionally, manual operation componentry, such as handle 99 attached to inside surface 13 of slider pane 12 in FIG. 18, can be removed in the course of the retrofitting.

In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and description of certain preferred embodiments, those who are skilled in this area of technology will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims.