Movable or removable closures – Closures interconnected for concurrent movement – Opposed similar movement
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-04
2001-12-04
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Movable or removable closures
Closures interconnected for concurrent movement
Opposed similar movement
C049S360000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324788
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to powered window regulators for actuating horizontally sliding window panes in motor vehicle window assemblies, and more particularly to a powered window regulator that may be easily disconnected from the sliding pane to allow manual operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to fit the rear window opening of a truck cab with a sliding window assembly made up of a pair of stationary panes mounted outboard in a window opening to define a gap therebetween, and one or two sliding panes retained along their upper and lower edges in guide tracks for horizontal movement. Many different electrically powered window regulator mechanisms have been proposed to allow an occupant of the truck to open and close the sliding window by actuating a switch.
These prior art regulator mechanisms generally include a guide rail extending along the lower edge of the window assembly and one or more pane carrier blocks reciprocally movable along the guide rail. A reversible electrical motor drives a cable, slotted tape, or a rack-and-pinion mechanism to move the carrier block along the guide rail, and the carrier block engages an attachment secured to the sliding pane to pull it between the open and closed positions.
One drawback to the previously-known regulator mechanisms becomes apparent if there is a failure in the motor, electrical power supply, or other critical component of the drive system. In the event of such as a failure, it is important that the occupant of the truck be able to open and close the window manually. Heretofore, it has been impossible or inconvenient for the occupant to disengage the regulator mechanism from the sliding panes to permit such manual operation.
Another limitation of the prior art regulator mechanisms is that the carrier blocks make a rigid connection with the pane attachment on the sliding pane so that any movement of the pane perpendicular to the direction of sliding movement and any tipping of the pane is transferred directly to the carrier blocks, and vice versa. Accordingly, the rigid connection between the carrier blocks and the pane may tend to cause binding problems when the track in which the sliding pane travels is not perfectly flat and parallel with the guide track in which the carrier blocks slide.
U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 09/126,649, assigned to the assignee of the present patent application, discloses a window regulator in which a pane carrier engages a sliding pane by means of a male/female connection which restrains the sliding pane against tipping and binding within its guide track yet allows relative movement between the pane carrier and the sliding pane along an axis perpendicular to the pane. This type of connection allows the regulator to operate properly, without binding or jamming, when attached to a window assembly that is not perfectly flat along in the direction of sliding movement. It is also simplifies the assembly process, since the regulator does not have to be attached to the window assembly with a great deal of precision.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A window regulator for use with a horizontally sliding window assembly comprises a guide rail extending parallel to the path of travel of the sliding pane, at least one carrier block engaged with the guide rail for reciprocal movement therealong, a pane attachment securable to the sliding pane, and a flexible drive member connected to the carrier block to move it reciprocally along the guide rail. According to the invention, at least one of the carrier block and the pane attachment is movable between a first position wherein the carrier block is engaged with the pane attachment and a second position wherein the carrier block is disengaged from the pane attachment such that the sliding pane is movable between the open and closed positions independently from the carrier block.
In a first embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the guide rail comprises an elongated tube having a longitudinal slot and is mounted to the window assembly by first and second pivot brackets which engage the respective ends of the guide rail. The carrier block comprises a cylindrical lower section which is retained within the guide rail and connected to a drive cable to slide it along the rail, and an upper section which projects through the slot. Rotation of the guide rail about the pivot brackets through approximately ninety degrees moves the carrier block between an upright position wherein it engages the pane attachment affixed to the sliding pane and a depressed position wherein it is disengaged from the pane attachment.
The pane attachment preferably extends along substantially the entire length of the lower edge of the sliding pane, and has an tab at either end projecting perpendicularly outwardly from the pane adjacent the lower corners thereof. The tabs fit into vertical notches in the upper portion of the carrier block when it is rotated to the upright position. The tabs and carrier block preferably have complemental detent means for achieving a positive engagement therebetween.
According to another feature of the invention, each pivot bracket comprises a bearing pin which fits into the end of the tubular guide rail such that the guide rail may pivot about the pin, and a conduit end fitting for receiving the end of a protective conduit which surrounds the drive cable. The cable extends through a passage formed in the pivot bracket and into the interior of the guide rail where it is attached to the carrier block. The bearing pin and the end fitting preferably are oriented at approximately 90 degrees to one another and are connected by a curved cable guide trough through which the drive cable slides when the regulator is activated. The passage through the pivot bracket is preferably formed by radial slots which extend along the longitudinal axes of both the bearing pin and the end fitting, so that the drive cable may be slipped into engagement with the pivot bracket from the side during assembly of the regulator. This simplifies of the assembly of the regulator, since the cable does not have to be threaded axially through the bracket.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the pane attachment comprises a first portion secured to the sliding pane and defining a cavity, and a second portion located within the cavity. The second portion is movable between a lowered position wherein it projects through windows in the bottom of the first portion to engage the carrier block and a raised position wherein it is disengaged from the carrier block. This embodiment allows the sliding pane to be disconnected from the power regulator for manual operation by simply pushing upwardly on the second pane attachment portion to move it to the raised position.
Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Kolar Jeffrey W.
Koneval Kevin
Cohen Curtis A.
Hi-Lex Corporation
Stodola Daniel P.
Young & Basile
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