GB2197903A

GB2197903A - A window assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2197903A
Application number: GB08702497A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerhard Gemeinbock
Original assignee: Austria Metall AG
Current assignee: Austria Metall AG
Priority date: 1986-11-24
Filing date: 1987-02-04
Publication date: 1988-06-02
Also published as: GB8702497D0

Abstract

A window assembly has a two-part sectional metal frame, of which the outer frame part (1) and the inner frame part (2) are releasably connected together with the outer position of a seal 15 by screws (7) engaging a thickened profile web (6) of the outer frame part (1), so that a pane of glass (5) and a panel of the vehicle are clamped there between. The assembly guarantees a high degree of strength capable of withstanding the pressure and suction loadings brought about by high velocity draughts. A cladding profile is attached by screws 11 masked by strip 9. <IMAGE>

Description

A WINDOW ASSEMBLY This invention relates to a window assembly suitable, particularly but not exlusively, for a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle.

It is known to fit windows in motor vehicle walls with H section rubber strip seals which engage around the side wall and the window pane and which are fixed by expanding wedge-shaped strips which are inserted in corresponding grooves. Such seals have not only the disadvantage that the rubber ages due to the effects of weather, but also that it offers relatively minimal strength, because the elastic sectional rubber seals can only accommodate limited forces which are exceeded, for example, by high-velocity draughts. Furthermore, the constant movements to which the window is subjected due to wind forces and twists in the vehicle result in a pump action which sucks the water from outside, behind the rubber and into the grooves where it results in rusting of the side walls.Also metallic sectional frames which are fixed into the side wall by means of screws have, in addition to the unattractive appearance of the screws, the disadvantage that after dismantling, the steel sheet side panels are often rusty, particularly in the region of the screw holes.

There is thus a need for a generally improved window assembly.

According to the present invention there is provided a window assembly for a vehicle, having a glass pane and a metal sectional frame in two parts, namely on outer frame part and an inner frame part releaseably directly connectible to each other to support between them the glass pane and a sectional seal, guide or hinge, as well as a sheet side panel of a vehicle.

Conveniently the releaseable connection is by means of screws which are screwable, through bores in the inner frame part, from the inside into screw threaded engagement in blind bores in the outer frame part, preferably into Helicoil inserts fitted in the blind bores in the outer frame part. Advantageously the assembly includes elastic sealing strips locatable between oppositely disposed clamping flanges of the two frame parts and the sheet side panel of the vehicle or glass pane. This ensures a perfect seal together with the necessary rigidity and tightness of closure.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view showing in the left half an outside view and in the right half an inside view of a window assembly of the invention, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view, to an enlarged scale, taken on the line A-A in Fig. 1.

As can be seen from the accompanying drawings, a window frame assembly of the invention has a substantially T-section outer frame part 1 and a substantially T-section inner frame part 2. These frames parts are releasably connectible to each other by means of screws 7 which are screwed from the inside through bores in the inner frame part into blind bores 8 in the outer frame part. The blind bores 8 are disposed in a thickened web 6 of the frame part 1 and preferably are provided with Helicoil inserts 12 to provide screw threaded engagement and in order to facilitate subsequent dismantling. Also disposed between the web 6, which provides the stem to the T shape section, and the inner frame part 2 is a sealing strip 15.Between oppositely disposed flanges of the outer frame part 1 and of the inner frame part 2 is a glass window pane 5, seated in an elastic bed 13, and also a sheet side panel 4 of the vehicle, against which the flanges bear by means of elastic sealing strips 14 which are glued into position in order to form a watertight connection. A web 10 of the inner frame part 2, which forms the stem of the T shape section, carries a cladding profile 3 which is attached by means of screws 11, covers the screws 7 and also supports an elastic covering strip 9 to mask the screws 11.

Thus, no screws of any kind are visible even from the inside, which not only improves the appearance but which also prevents the penetration of consensed moisture, the risk of injury from the slot headed screws and also prevents undesired dismantling by children.

The invention is not confined to the example of embodiment illustrated. The invention can be applied not only in the case of a fixed window but also as an outer window frame in the case of a two-part sliding window or hinged window, in which case a guide, seal or hinge section is used as well as the pane of glass.

Claims

1. A window assembly for a vehicle, having a glass pane and a metal sectional frame in two parts, namely an outer frame part and an inner frame part releasably directly connectible to each other to support between them the glass pane and a sectional seal, guide or hinge, as well as a sheet side panel of a vehicle.

2. A window assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the releasable connection is by means of screws which are screwable, through bores in the inner frame part, from the inside into screw threaded engagement in blind bores in the outer frame part.

3. A window assembly according to claim 2, wherein the blind bores in the outer frame part are fitted with Helicoil inserts to provide screw threaded engagement.

4. A window assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, including elastic sealing strips locatable between oppositely disposed clamping flanges of the two frame parts and the sheet side panel of the vehicle or glass pane.

5. A window assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.