Window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle

• US 7,360,338 B2
• Filed: 05/18/2006
• Issued: 04/22/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Stallman, Pamela M, Repp, R. Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): REDMAN, JERRY E
• Application Number:
  US11/436,774
• Publication Number:
  US 20060260204A1
• Time in Patent Office: 705 Days
• Field of Search: 493/81, 493/97, 493/98, 494/02, 493/94, 522/046.2, 522/046.9, 296/146.16, 296/201, 296/216.02
• US Class Current: 49/398
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/14 with pivotal or rotary movement

Abstract

A window assembly suitable for use in an articulated side window of a vehicle comprises a glass panel and one or more hinge mounting members adhesively bonded to an inner surface of the glass panel such that there is no exposure on the outer surface of the glass panel. Each mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion comprising a mounting flange and a tab portion, with an arcuate leg portion interconnecting the mounting flange and the tab portion, and with the tab portion spaced from and overlying generally parallel to the mounting flange. A latch mounting member is adhesively bonded to the inner surface of the glass panel such that there is no exposure on the outer surface, and preferably comprises a disk-shaped flange with a stud configured for fitting with a latching mechanism which is used to move the glass panel between window open and window closed positions.

Claims

1. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

wherein said glass panel comprises a curved tempered glass panel, said outer surface being generally convex curved and said inner surface being generally concave curved, wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said first mounting members comprising E-coated steel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion;

wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlying generally parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion overlying said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members including a stud extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange;

wherein each said first mounting members has a longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof and wherein said axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region;

each of said U-shaped portions being open toward said second perimeter end region of said glass panel;

a second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member comprising a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange and away from said inner surface of said glass panel;

said stud of said second mounting member configured for fitting with at least part of a latching mechanism which is used to move said glass panel between window open and window closed positions when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening; and

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said spaced apart first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member.

2. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

wherein said glass panel comprises a curved tempered glass panel, said outer surface being generally convex curved and said inner surface being generally concave curved, wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said first mounting members comprising E-coated cold-rolled steel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion;

wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlying generally parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion overlying said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members including a stud extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange;

wherein each said first mounting members has a longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof and wherein said axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region;

each of said U-shaped portions being open toward said second perimeter end region of said glass panel;

a second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member comprising a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange and away from said inner surface of said glass panel;

said stud of said second mounting member configured for fitting with at least part of a latching mechanism which is used to move said glass panel between window open and window closed positions when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening;

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said spaced apart first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member;

wherein said window assembly is configured for mounting in a side window opening of a van;

wherein said arcuate U-shaped bend has a bend axis and wherein a grain of the steel is oriented generally perpendicular to said bend axis of said arcuate U-shaped bend;

wherein said stud of each of said first mounting members is substantially centrally located at said tab portion; and

wherein said stud of said second mounting member is substantially centrally located at said disk-shaped flange.

3. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite from said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising E-coated steel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced apart along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, wherein said tab portion is spaced from and at least partially overlies said mounting flange and is generally parallel to said mounting flange, wherein said mounting flanges of said first mounting members are adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members includes a stud extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange, said stud being an element of a hinge which is used to articulate said glass panel between window open and window closed positions when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of the vehicle;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, wherein said stud of said second mounting member comprises an element of a latching mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body; and

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body.

4. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite from said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising E-coated steel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced apart along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, wherein said tab portion is spaced from and at least partially overlies said mounting flange and is generally parallel to said mounting flange, wherein said mounting flanges of said first mounting members are adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members includes a stud extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange, said stud being an element of a hinge which is used to articulate said glass panel between window open and window closed positions when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of the vehicle;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said U-shaped portion is open toward said second perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said tab portion overlies said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange;

wherein said mounting flange of each of said first mounting members has a respective longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof and a respective width axis running generally across a width dimension thereof, and wherein said longitudinal axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region; and

wherein said arcuate U-shaped bend of each of said first mounting members has a bend axis that is generally parallel to said longitudinal axis of said mounting flange of the respective first mounting member, and wherein the grain of the steel of each first mounting member is oriented generally perpendicular to said bend axis of the respective arcuate U-shaped bend.

5. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite from said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced apart along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, wherein said tab portion is spaced from and at least partially overlies said mounting flange and is generally parallel to said mounting flange, wherein said mounting flanges of said first mounting members are adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members includes a stud extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange, said stud being an element of a hinge which is used to articulate said glass panel between window open and window closed positions when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of the vehicle;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, wherein said stud of said second mounting member comprises an element of a latching mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said U-shaped portion is open toward said second perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said tab portion overlies said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange;

wherein said mounting flange of each of said first mounting members has a respective longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof and a respective width axis running generally across a width dimension thereof, and wherein said longitudinal axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region;

wherein said stud of each of said first mounting members is substantially centrally located at said tab portion;

wherein said stud of said second mounting member is substantially centrally located at said disk-shaped flange;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises cold-rolled E-coated steel; and

wherein said arcuate U-shaped bend of each of said first mounting members has a bend axis that is generally parallel to said longitudinal axis of said mounting flange of the respective first mounting member, and wherein the grain of the steel of each first mounting member is oriented generally perpendicular to said bend axis of the respective arcuate U-shaped bend.

6. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite from said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced apart along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, wherein said tab portion is spaced from and at least partially overlies said mounting flange and is generally parallel to said mounting flange, wherein said mounting flanges of said first mounting members are adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members includes a stud extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange, said stud being an element of a hinge which is used to articulate said glass panel between window open and window closed positions when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of the vehicle;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, wherein said stud of said second mounting member comprises an element of a latching mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said U-shaped portion is open toward said second perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said tab portion overlies said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange;

wherein said first mounting members have longitudinal axes running generally along a length dimension thereof and wherein said axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region;

wherein said stud of each of said first mounting members is substantially centrally located at said tab portion;

wherein said stud of said second mounting member is substantially centrally located at said disk-shaped flange; and

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels.

7. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

at least one metallic first mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel; and

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region.

8. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

at least one first metallic hinge mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

a second metallic latch mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said at least one first mounting member has a longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof and a width axis running generally across a width dimension thereof, said mounting flange comprising an elongate mounting flange having a length dimension along said longitudinal axis of said at least one first mounting member;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises E-coated steel and wherein said arcuate U-shaped bend has a bend axis that is generally parallel to said longitudinal axis of said at least one first mounting member and wherein the grain of the steel of said at least one first mounting member is oriented generally perpendicular to said bend axis of said arcuate U-shaped bend of said at least one first mounting member; and

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels.

9. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

at least one first metallic hinge mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

a second metallic latch mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said at least one first mounting member has a longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof, said mounting flange comprising an elongate mounting flange having a length dimension along said longitudinal axis of said at least one first mounting member;

wherein said tab portion overlies said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange; and

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels.

10. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

at least one metallic first mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion being spaced from and substantially parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein said glass panel is articulatable about an axis of said at least one mounting member relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body; and

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region.

11. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

at least one metallic first mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion being spaced from and substantially parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein said glass panel is articulatable about an axis of said at least one mounting member relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said tab portion overlies said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange; and

wherein said U-shaped portion is open toward said second perimeter end region of said glass panel.

12. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

at least one metallic first mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion being spaced from and substantially parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein said glass panel is articulatable about an axis of said at least one mounting member relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said tab portion overlies said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange;

wherein said U-shaped portion is open toward said second perimeter end region of said glass panel; and

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels.

13. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

at least one metallic first mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

said at least one first mounting member comprising an element for at least one hinge, said at least one first mounting member including a stud element extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange, said stud element being configured to attach said at least one first mounting member to the vehicle body; and

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region.

14. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

at least one metallic first mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

said at least one first mounting member comprising an element for at least one hinge, said at least one first mounting member including a stud element extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange, said stud element being configured to attach said at least one first mounting member to the vehicle body;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said stud element is disposed at a substantially central region of said tab portion; and

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a stud element extending from said disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, said stud element of said second mounting member being attached to a latching mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body.

15. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

at least one metallic first mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said glass panel being articulatable about a longitudinal axis of said at least one first mounting member relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said mounting flange comprising an elongate mounting flange having a length dimension along said longitudinal axis of said at least one first mounting member, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange;

wherein said mounting flange is adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel; and

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member being configured to attach to an actuating mechanism.

16. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

at least one metallic first mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said glass panel being articulatable about a longitudinal axis of said at least one first mounting member relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said mounting flange comprising an elongate mounting flange having a length dimension along said longitudinal axis of said at least one first mounting member, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange;

wherein said mounting flange is adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member being configured to attach to an actuating mechanism;

wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlies generally parallel to said elongate mounting flange;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle, said glass panel being articulatable about said longitudinal axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel, said second perimeter end region being toward a trailing edge region of said glass panel generally opposite said leading edge region;

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member; and

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels.

17. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle, said glass panel being articulatable about an axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel, said second perimeter end region being toward a trailing edge region of said glass panel generally opposite said leading edge region;

at least one metallic first mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said glass panel being articulatable about a longitudinal axis of said at least one first mounting member relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said mounting flange comprising an elongate mounting flange having a length dimension along said longitudinal axis of said at least one first mounting member, wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlies generally parallel to said elongate mounting flange, and wherein said tab portion overlies said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange;

wherein said mounting flange is adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member comprising an element of an actuating mechanism;

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member; and

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels.

18. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising steel, each of said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein said arcuate U-shaped bend of each of said first mounting members has an axis, said axes of said first mounting members being coaxially aligned, said glass panel being articulatable about said axes relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body; and

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member being attached to an actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body.

19. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising E-coated steel, each of said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein said arcuate U-shaped bend of each of said first mounting members has an axis, said axes of said first mounting members being coaxially aligned, said glass panel being articulatable about said axes relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member being attached to an actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members has a longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof and a respective width axis running generally across a width dimension thereof, said mounting flange comprising an elongate mounting flange having a length dimension along said longitudinal axis of said first mounting member; and

wherein said axis of said arcuate U-shaped bend of each of said first mounting members is generally parallel to said longitudinal axis of said mounting flange of the respective first mounting member, and wherein the grain of the steel of each of said first mounting members is oriented generally perpendicular to the bend axis of the respective arcuate U-shaped bend.

20. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising E-coated steel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein said mounting flange of each of said first mounting members has a respective longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof and a respective width axis running generally across a width dimension thereof, and wherein said arcuate U-shaped bend of each of said first mounting members has a bend axis generally parallel to said longitudinal axis of said mounting flange of the respective first mounting member, wherein the grain of the steel of each of said first mounting members is oriented generally perpendicular to said bend axis of the respective arcuate U-shaped bend;

wherein said bend axes of said first mounting members are coaxially aligned, said glass panel being articulatable about said bend axes relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body; and

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member comprising an element of a latching mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body.

21. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and leading and trailing perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

wherein said leading perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of the vehicle body, and wherein said trailing perimeter end region is toward a trailing edge region of said glass panel with respect to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of the vehicle body;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said leading perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange;

wherein said mounting flanges are adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, and wherein said U-shaped portion is open toward said trailing edge region of said glass panel; and

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said trailing perimeter end region of said glass panel.

22. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and leading and trailing perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

wherein said leading perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of the vehicle body, and wherein said trailing perimeter end region is toward a trailing edge region of said glass panel with respect to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of the vehicle body;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said leading perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange;

wherein said mounting flanges are adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, and wherein said U-shaped portion is open toward said trailing edge region of said glass panel;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said trailing perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members has a longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof and wherein said axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region;

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels;

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange; and

wherein said stud comprises an element of a latching mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body.

23. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

a substantially opaque coating on said inner surface of said glass panel at least at said first and second perimeter end regions;

at least one metallic first mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said at least one first mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said at least one first mounting member being disposed at said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable about a generally vertical axis relative to the vehicle body when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein said at least one first mounting member comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, said at least one first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, a leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flange being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said substantially opaque coating is disposed substantially continuously along said perimeter regions; and

wherein said substantially opaque coating comprises a ceramic frit layer.

24. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body and about a generally vertical axis of said pair of first mounting members and proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, a leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region; and

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said spaced apart first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member.

25. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body and about a generally vertical axis of said pair of first mounting members and proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, a leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said spaced apart first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member;

wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlies generally parallel to said mounting flange;

wherein said tab portion overlies said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange;

wherein said first mounting member comprises an element for a hinge; and

wherein said second mounting member comprises an element for a latching mechanism.

26. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body and about a generally vertical axis of said pair of first mounting members and proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, a leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said spaced apart first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member;

wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlies generally parallel to said mounting flange;

wherein said tab portion overlies said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange;

wherein said first mounting member comprises an element for a hinge;

wherein said first mounting member comprises steel, and wherein said arcuate U-shaped bend of each first mounting member has a bend axis that is generally parallel to said vertical axis, and wherein the grain of the steel of said first mounting member is oriented generally perpendicular to said bend axis of the respective arcuate U-shaped bend;

wherein said first mounting member comprises E-coated steel;

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels;

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange; and

wherein said stud comprises an element of a latching mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body.

27. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

wherein said glass panel comprises a curved tempered glass panel, said outer surface being generally convex curved and said inner surface being generally concave curved, and wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body and about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion being spaced from and generally parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel; and

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region.

28. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising a tempered glass panel;

wherein said glass panel comprises a curved tempered glass panel, said outer surface being generally convex curved and said inner surface being generally concave curved, and wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body and about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion being spaced from and generally parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region;

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said spaced apart first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member;

wherein each of said first mounting members includes a first stud extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange, wherein said first stud is configured to mount said first mounting member to the vehicle body; and

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a second stud extending from said disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, wherein said second stud is attached to an actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body.

29. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

wherein said glass panel comprises a tempered glass panel, said glass panel comprising a curved tempered glass panel, said outer surface being generally convex curved and said inner surface being generally concave curved;

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body and about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, said first mounting members comprising steel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members has a longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof, said mounting flange comprising an elongate mounting flange having a length dimension along said longitudinal axis of said first mounting member, wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlies generally parallel to said elongate mounting flange;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member comprising an element an actuating mechanism; and

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said spaced apart first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member.

30. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

wherein said glass panel comprises a tempered glass panel, said glass panel comprising a curved tempered glass panel, said outer surface being generally convex curved and said inner surface being generally concave curved;

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising E-coated steel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body and about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, said first mounting members comprising steel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members has a longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof, said mounting flange comprising an elongate mounting flange having a length dimension along said longitudinal axis of said first mounting member, wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlies generally parallel to said elongate mounting flange;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member comprising an element of an actuating mechanism;

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said spaced apart first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member;

wherein said arcuate U-shaped bend of each of said first mounting members has a bend axis that is generally parallel to said longitudinal axis of the respective first mounting member, and wherein the grain of the steel of each first mounting member is oriented generally perpendicular to said bend axis of the respective arcuate U-shaped bend;

wherein said arcuate leg portion is curved between said mounting flange and said tab portion with no sharp bend in said arcuate leg portion between said mounting flange and said tab portion;

wherein said second mounting member is spaced substantially equidistantly from each of said first mounting members; and

wherein said actuating mechanism comprises an overcenter latch mechanism.

31. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

wherein said glass panel comprises a tempered glass panel, said glass panel comprising a curved tempered glass panel, said outer surface being generally convex curved and said inner surface being generally concave curved;

wherein said window assembly, when mounted to the vehicle body, has said outer surface of said glass panel generally flush with adjoining panels;

wherein said first perimeter end region is toward a leading edge region of said glass panel with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening of a vehicle;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said glass panel being articulatable relative to the vehicle body and about a generally vertical axis proximate said leading edge region of said glass panel when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, said first mounting members comprising steel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting member having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said tab portion at least partially overlying said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel;

wherein each of said first mounting members has a longitudinal axis running generally along a length dimension thereof, said mounting flange comprising an elongate mounting flange having a length dimension along said longitudinal axis of said first mounting member, wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlies generally parallel to said elongate mounting flange;

a metallic second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member comprising an element of an actuating mechanism;

wherein said leading edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially linear shape at least for a portion of said leading edge region between said spaced apart first mounting members, and wherein said trailing edge region of said glass panel comprises a substantially curved shape at least at a portion of said trailing edge region proximate said second mounting member;

wherein said arcuate leg portion is curved between said mounting flange and said tab portion with no sharp bend in said arcuate leg portion between said mounting flange and said tab portion;

wherein said second mounting member is spaced substantially equidistantly from each of said first mounting members; and

wherein said actuating mechanism comprises an overcenter latch mechanism.

32. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion;

wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlying said mounting flange and generally parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion overlying said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members including a stud extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange for mounting said first mounting members to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members has an axis thereof, said glass panel being articulatable about said axes of said first mounting members when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening, and wherein said axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel; and

a second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member comprising an element of an actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening.

33. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion;

wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlying said mounting flange and generally parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion overlying said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members including a stud extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange for mounting said first mounting members to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members has an axis thereof, said glass panel being articulatable about said axes of said first mounting members when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening, and wherein said axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel;

a second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member comprising an element of an actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening;

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, wherein said stud of said second mounting member comprises an element of the actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening;

wherein said second mounting member is spaced substantially equidistantly from each of said first mounting members; and

wherein said actuating mechanism comprises an overcenter latch mechanism.

34. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said U-shaped portion being open toward said second perimeter end region of said glass panel;

wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlying said mounting flange and generally parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion overlying said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members including a stud extending from said tab portion and away from said mounting flange for mounting said first mounting members to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members has an axis thereof, said glass panel being articulatable about said axes of said first mounting members when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening, and wherein said axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel;

a second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member comprising an element of an actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening; and

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, wherein said stud of said second mounting member comprises an element of an actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening.

35. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising tempered glass;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said first mounting members comprising steel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said first mounting members being disposed at said first perimeter end region such that said U-shaped portion is open toward said second perimeter end region;

wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlying said mounting flange and generally parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion overlying said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members including a mounting element at said tab portion for mounting said first mounting members to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members has an axis thereof, said glass panel being articulatable about said axes of said first mounting members when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening, and wherein said axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel; and

a second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member connecting to an actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening.

36. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having inner and outer surfaces and a peripheral edge region, said glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a side window opening of a vehicle body, said glass panel including top and bottom perimeter regions and first and second perimeter end regions, said second perimeter end region being generally opposite said first perimeter end region, said outer surface of said glass panel having a surface area of at least 250 square inches, said glass panel comprising tempered glass;

a pair of metallic first mounting members adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said first mounting members on said outer surface of said glass panel, said first mounting members being disposed at and spaced along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members comprising an element for a hinge, said first mounting members comprising steel;

wherein each of said first mounting members comprises a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate U-shaped bend, each of said first mounting members having a mounting flange and a tab portion, an arcuate leg portion interconnecting said mounting flange and said tab portion, said first mounting members being disposed at said first perimeter end region such that said U-shaped portion is open toward said second perimeter end region;

wherein said tab portion is spaced from and overlying said mounting flange and generally parallel to said mounting flange, said tab portion overlying said mounting flange at least to generally about a centerline of said mounting flange, said mounting flanges being adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, each of said first mounting members including a mounting element at said tab portion for mounting said first mounting members to the vehicle body;

wherein each of said first mounting members has an axis thereof, said glass panel being articulatable about said axes of said first mounting members when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening, and wherein said axes of said first mounting members are generally coaxially aligned along said first perimeter end region of said glass panel;

a second mounting member adhesively bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel such that there is no exposure of said second mounting member on said outer surface of said glass panel, said second mounting member being disposed at said second perimeter end region, said second mounting member connecting to an actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted in the side window opening;

wherein said second mounting member comprises a disk-shaped flange and a stud extending from said disk-shaped flange, said disk-shaped flange being bonded at said inner surface of said glass panel, wherein said stud is attached to an actuating mechanism when said window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein the grain of the steel of each of said first mounting members is oriented generally perpendicular to said axis of the respective first mounting member; and

wherein said first mounting member comprises E-coated steel.

37. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, the glass panel having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge including top and bottom edges, and first and second opposite end edges, wherein the glass panel has an outer surface area of at least 250 square inches;

two generally U-shaped metallic hinge mounting members each adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the first end edge thereof for attaching the glass panel to the vehicle body and for articulating the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the hinge mounting members being generally aligned along a straight line;

wherein each of the hinge mounting members comprises an elongate mounting flange, a tab portion, and an arcuate leg portion providing the hinge mounting member with a U-shaped bend, the arcuate leg portion interconnecting the mounting flange and the tab portion such that the tab portion is spaced apart from, at least partially overlies and is substantially parallel to the elongate mounting flange;

wherein the elongate mounting flange is bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the hinge mounting member does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel;

wherein the tab portion has a stud extending therefrom for attaching the hinge mounting member to the vehicle body; and

a metallic latch mounting member for attaching the glass panel to an actuating mechanism that enables an operator to open and close the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the metallic latch mounting member being adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the second end edge thereof, wherein the latch mounting member has a flange bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the flange does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel, wherein a stud extends from the flange of the latch mounting member for connecting the latch mounting member to the actuating mechanism.

38. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, the glass panel having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge including top and bottom edges, and first and second opposite end edges;

two generally U-shaped metallic hinge mounting members each adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the first end edge thereof for attaching the glass panel to the vehicle body and for articulating the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the hinge mounting members being generally aligned along a straight line;

wherein each of the hinge mounting members comprises an elongate mounting flange, a tab portion, and an arcuate leg portion providing the hinge mounting member with a U-shaped bend, the arcuate leg portion interconnecting the mounting flange and the tab portion such that the tab portion is spaced apart from, at least partially overlies and is substantially parallel to the elongate mounting flange;

wherein the elongate mounting flange is bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the hinge mounting member does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel;

wherein the glass panel has an outer surface area of at least 250 square inches and each of the hinge mounting members has a bonding area between the elongated mounting flange and the glass panel of between 2 square inches and 50 square inches;

wherein the tab portion has a stud extending therefrom for attaching the hinge mounting member to the vehicle body; and

a metallic latch mounting member for attaching the glass panel to an actuating mechanism that enables an operator to open and close the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the metallic latch mounting member being adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the second end edge thereof, wherein the latch mounting member has a flange bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the flange does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel, wherein a stud extends from the flange of the latch mounting member for connecting the latch mounting member to the actuating mechanism.

39. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, the glass panel having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge including top and bottom edges, and first and second opposite end edges;

two generally U-shaped metallic hinge mounting members each adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the first end edge thereof for attaching the glass panel to the vehicle body and for articulating the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the hinge mounting members being generally aligned along a straight line;

wherein each of the hinge mounting members comprises an elongate mounting flange, a tab portion, and an arcuate leg portion providing the hinge mounting member with a U-shaped bend, the arcuate leg portion interconnecting the mounting flange and the tab portion such that the tab portion is spaced apart from, at least partially overlies and is substantially parallel to the elongate mounting flange;

wherein the elongate mounting flange is bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the hinge mounting member does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel;

wherein the glass panel has an outer surface area of at least 250 square inches;

wherein the tab portion has a stud extending therefrom for attaching the hinge mounting member to the vehicle body; and

a metallic latch mounting member for attaching the glass panel to an actuating mechanism that enables an operator to open and close the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the metallic latch mounting member being adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the second end edge thereof, wherein the latch mounting member has a flange bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the flange does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel, wherein a stud extends from the flange of the latch mounting member for connecting the latch mounting member to the actuating mechanism.

40. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, the glass panel having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge including top and bottom edges, and first and second opposite end edges;

a pair of generally U-shaped metallic hinge mounting members adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the first end edge thereof for attaching the glass panel to the vehicle body and for articulating the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body;

wherein the glass panel has an outer surface area of at least 250 square inches;

wherein each hinge mounting member comprises an elongate mounting flange, a tab portion, and an arcuate leg portion providing the hinge mounting member with a U-shaped bend, the arcuate leg portion interconnecting the mounting flange and the tab portion such that the tab portion is spaced apart from, at least partially overlies and is substantially parallel to the elongate mounting flange;

wherein the elongate mounting flange is bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the at least one hinge mounting member does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel;

wherein the bonding area of each of the mounting members is between 2 square inches and 50 square inches;

wherein the tab portion has a stud extending therefrom for attaching the at least one hinge mounting member to the vehicle body; and

a metallic latch mounting member for attaching the glass panel to an actuating mechanism that enables an operator to open and close the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the metallic latch mounting member being adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the second end edge thereof, wherein the latch mounting member has a flange bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the flange does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel, wherein a stud extends from the flange of the latch mounting member for connecting the latch mounting member to the actuating mechanism.

41. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, the glass panel having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge including top and bottom edges, and first and second opposite end edges, wherein the glass panel has an outer surface area of at least 250 square inches;

two generally U-shaped metallic hinge mounting members each adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the first end edge thereof for attaching the glass panel to the vehicle body and for articulating the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the hinge mounting members being generally aligned along a straight line;

wherein each of the hinge mounting members comprises an elongate mounting flange, a tab portion, and an arcuate leg portion providing the hinge mounting member with a U-shaped bend, the arcuate leg portion interconnecting the mounting flange and the tab portion such that the tab portion is spaced apart from, at least partially overlies and is substantially parallel to the elongate mounting flange;

wherein the elongate mounting flange is bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the hinge mounting member does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel;

wherein the tab portion has a stud extending therefrom for attaching the hinge mounting member to the vehicle body; and

a metallic latch mounting member for attaching the glass panel to an actuating mechanism that enables an operator to open and close the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the metallic latch mounting member being adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the second end edge thereof, wherein the latch mounting member has a flange bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the flange does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel, wherein a stud extends from the flange of the latch mounting member for connecting the latch mounting member to the actuating mechanism.

42. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, the glass panel having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge including top and bottom edges, and first and second opposite end edges, wherein the glass panel has an outer surface area of at least 250 square inches;

two generally U-shaped metallic hinge mounting members each adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the first end edge thereof for attaching the glass panel to the vehicle body and for articulating the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the hinge mounting members being generally aligned along a straight line;

wherein each of the hinge mounting members comprises an elongate mounting flange, a tab portion, and an arcuate leg portion providing the hinge mounting member with a U-shaped bend, the arcuate leg portion interconnecting the mounting flange and the tab portion such that the tab portion is spaced apart from, at least partially overlies and is substantially parallel to the elongate mounting flange;

wherein the elongate mounting flange is bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the hinge mounting member does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel;

wherein the tab portion has a stud extending therefrom for attaching the hinge mounting member to the vehicle body; and

a metallic latch mounting member for attaching the glass panel to an actuating mechanism that enables an operator to open and close the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the metallic latch mounting member being adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the second end edge thereof, wherein the latch mounting member has a flange bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the flange does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel, wherein a stud extends from the flange of the latch mounting member for connecting the latch mounting member to the actuating mechanism.

43. A window assembly for an articulatable vehicular side window, said window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle and comprising:

a glass panel having a shape configured to fit within a window opening of a vehicle body, the glass panel having inner and outer surfaces terminating in a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge including top and bottom edges, and first and second opposite end edges, wherein the glass panel has an outer surface area of at least 250 square inches;

two generally U-shaped metallic hinge mounting members each adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the first end edge thereof for attaching the glass panel to the vehicle body and for articulating the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the hinge mounting members being generally aligned along a straight line;

wherein each of the hinge mounting members comprises an elongate mounting flange, a tab portion, and an arcuate leg portion providing the hinge mounting member with a U-shaped bend, the arcuate leg portion interconnecting the, mounting flange and the tab portion such that the tab portion is spaced apart from, at least partially overlies and is substantially parallel to the elongate mounting flange;

wherein the elongate mounting flange is bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the hinge mounting member does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel;

wherein the tab portion has a stud extending therefrom for attaching the hinge mounting member to the vehicle body;

a metallic latch mounting member for attaching the glass panel to an actuating mechanism that enables an operator to open and close the glass panel relative to the vehicle body when the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body, the metallic latch mounting member being adhesively bonded to the glass panel near the second end edge thereof, wherein the latch mounting member has a flange bonded to only the inner surface of the glass panel such that the flange does not contact the peripheral edge of the glass panel nor the outer surface of the glass panel, wherein a stud extends from the flange of the latch mounting member for connecting the latch mounting member to the actuating mechanism; and

wherein the mounting flange of each of the hinge mounting members and the flange of the latch mounting member are formed of 1 mm thick cold-rolled E-coated steel.