Frameless Multi-Layer Window Panel with Adhesive Bonded Edges

• US 20120055094A1
• Filed: 09/08/2010
• Published: 03/08/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Iacovoni, Donald Paul, Heirtzler, Paul L., Ondrus, Daniel J.
• Application Number:
  US12/877,529
• Publication Number:
  US 20120055094A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 49/324
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10036 comprising two outer glass sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10302 Edge sealing
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10761 containing vinyl acetal
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/008 of special shape, e.g. beveled edges, holes for attachment, bent windows, peculiar curvatures such as when being integrally formed with roof, door, etc.
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/17 vertically

Abstract

A multi-layer, laminated panel for a frameless window assembly has an adhesive bead extending along a frameless edge of the panel to contacting and structurally bond the two outer layers of the pane, thereby increasing the stiffness of the panel. The panel is used in a movable window assembly for an automotive vehicle in which a regulator is mounted to the vehicle adjacent a window opening, a seal is installed in the window opening, and the panel is moved by the regulator to a closed position wherein the frameless edge of the panel engages the seal.

Claims

1. A laminated panel for a frameless window assembly comprising:

first and second outer layers;

an inner layer sandwiched between the first and second outer layers; and

an adhesive bead extending along a frameless edge of the panel and contacting and structurally bonding the two outer layers of the pane.

2. The panel according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive bead remains within boundaries defined by outermost surfaces of the two outer layers.

3. The panel according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive bead extends along at least two opposite portions of the frameless edge.

4. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive bead extends along the entire frameless edge.

5. The panel according to claim 1 wherein the first and second outer layers are glass.

6. The panel according to claim 1 wherein the inner layer is polyvinyl butyral.

7. The panel according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive bead is acrylic.

8. A movable window assembly for an automotive vehicle comprising:

a regulator for mounting to the vehicle adjacent a window opening;

a seal for installation in the window opening; and

a panel movable by the regulator to a closed position wherein a frameless edge of the panel engages the seal and comprising;

first and second outer layers;

an inner layer sandwiched between the first and second outer layers; and

an adhesive bead extending along the frameless edge to contact and structurally bond the two outer layers of the panel.

9. The assembly according to claim 8 wherein the adhesive bead remains within boundaries defined by opposite outermost surfaces of the two outer layers.

10. The assembly according to claim 8 wherein the adhesive bead extends along at least two opposite portions of the frameless edge.

11. The assembly according to claim 8 wherein the adhesive bead extends along the entire frameless edge.

12. The assembly according to claim 8 wherein the first and second outer layers are glass.

13. The assembly according to claim 8 wherein the inner layer is polyvinyl butyral.

14. The assembly according to claim 8 wherein the adhesive bead is acrylic.

15. A method of forming a frameless laminate window panel comprising:

forming a multi-ply panel having first and second outer layers and an inner layer sandwiched therebetween; and

applying a bead of adhesive along a frameless edge of the panel to contact and structurally bond together the first and second outer layers.

16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the bead is applied along at least two opposite portions of the frameless edge.

17. The method according to claim 15 wherein the bead is applied along the entire frameless edge.

18. The method according to claim 15 wherein the bead is applied so as to remain within boundaries defined by opposite outermost surfaces of the two outer layers.

19. The method according to claim 15 wherein the inner layer is polyvinyl butyral.

20. The method according to claim 15 wherein the adhesive bead is acrylic.