Vehicular rear sliding window assembly

• US 8,322,073 B2
• Filed: 07/07/2011
• Issued: 12/04/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lewno, Jeffrey A.
• Primary Examiner(s): CAIN, EDWARD J
• Application Number:
  US13/178,163
• Publication Number:
  US 20110265383A1
• Time in Patent Office: 516 Days
• Field of Search: 491/30, 494/04, 494/13, 494/28, 428/425.6
• US Class Current: 49/130
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10036 comprising two outer glass sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10366 Reinforcements of the laminated safety glass or glazing against impact or intrusion containing metal wires for reinforcement B32B17/10412
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/14 with pivotal or rotary movement
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/16 slidable
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/1853 horizontally in direction transverse to vehicle longitudinal axis
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/1884 about a horizontal axis
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/30 characterised by the fastening means
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/34 using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/70 specially adapted for windows or windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/74 for sliding window panes, e.g. sash guides
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/82 for movable panels in roofs
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/4609 for windows E06B3/4654 - E06B3/4681 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/31601 Quartz or glass

Abstract

A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a fixed portion and a sliding portion and upper and lower track members disposed at a surface of first and second fixed glass portions. The sliding portion comprises a glass window panel and is laterally movable between the upper and lower track members relative to the fixed portion. The glass window panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position, and the glass window panel is disposed at the gap that is between the first and second fixed glass window portions when at its closed position. A glide member is longitudinally movable along the lower track member to facilitate movement of the glass window panel between its opened and closed positions. A sealing member is disposed between the fixed portion and the sliding portion at least when the glass window panel is at its closed position.

Claims

1. A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, the rear sliding window assembly comprising:

a fixed portion and a sliding portion;

upper and lower track members;

said fixed portion comprising a first fixed glass window portion and a second fixed glass window portion, each of said first and second fixed glass window portions having a front surface and a rear surface;

wherein the rear sliding window assembly comprises a horizontal sliding window assembly for a pickup truck and wherein the horizontal sliding window assembly is configured for mounting at a rear opening of a cab of the pickup truck, and wherein the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions comprises an exterior surface of the vehicle when the rear sliding window assembly is normally mounted at the rear opening of the cab of a pickup truck equipped with the rear sliding window assembly;

wherein said upper and lower track members are disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions and wherein no portion of said upper and lower track members is in contact with the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions, and wherein said first fixed glass window portion is spaced from said second fixed glass window portions by a gap;

said sliding portion laterally movable between said upper and lower track members relative to said fixed portion, wherein said sliding portion comprises a glass window panel;

wherein said glass window panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position, and wherein said glass window panel is disposed at said gap that is between said first and second fixed glass window portions when at its closed position;

wherein a glide member is longitudinally movable along said lower track member to facilitate movement of said glass window panel between its opened and closed positions;

a sealing member disposed between said fixed portion and said sliding portion at least when said glass window panel is at its closed position;

wherein said upper and lower tracks are secured at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions without drilling holes through said first and second fixed glass window portions; and

wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions via at least one layer of adhesive securing said upper and lower track members at said first and second fixed glass window portions.

2. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 1, wherein said sealing member comprises a portion that sealingly engages between said fixed portion and said sliding portion at least when said glass window panel is at its closed position.

3. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 2, wherein said sealing portion comprises at least one lip.

4. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 1, wherein said sealing member is adhesively attached.

5. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 4, wherein said sealing member is adhesively attached at said sliding portion.

6. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 5, wherein said sealing member is adhesively attached at a lateral edge region of said glass window panel.

7. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 1, wherein a gasket is disposed at said fixed portion at the perimeter region thereof.

8. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 7, wherein said gasket is disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions.

9. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 8, wherein no portion of said gasket is in contact with the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions.

10. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 7, wherein said gasket circumscribes the perimeter region of said fixed portion.

11. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 7, wherein said gasket is disposed between said fixed portion of the rear sliding window assembly and a portion of the body of the equipped vehicle when the rear sliding window assembly is normally mounted at the rear opening of the cab of a pickup truck equipped with the rear sliding window assembly.

12. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 11, wherein said gasket comprises a seal.

13. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pair of members that are disposed between said upper and lower track members, wherein said pair of members are generally vertically oriented when said window assembly is attached to the equipped vehicle and when said upper and lower track members are oriented generally horizontally.

14. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 13, wherein said pair of members is disposed at said sliding portion.

15. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 1, wherein said lower track member comprises a channel and wherein said glide member moves longitudinally along said channel when said glass window panel is moving between its opened position and its closed position.

16. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first latch element adhesively disposed at said fixed portion and a second latch element adhesively disposed at said sliding portion, wherein said first and second latch elements cooperate to retain said sliding portion relative to said fixed portion when said glass window panel is in its closed position, and wherein no portion of said latch elements is in contact with the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions.

17. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second fixed glass window portions comprise tempered glass, and wherein said glass window panel comprises tempered glass.

18. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 1, wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions via a urethane adhesive.

19. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 1, wherein said first fixed glass window portion comprises a first tempered glass panel and wherein said second fixed glass window portion comprises a second tempered glass panel.

20. A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, the rear sliding window assembly comprising:

a fixed portion and a sliding portion;

upper and lower track members;

said fixed portion comprising at least a first fixed glass window portion having a front surface and a rear surface;

wherein said upper and lower track members are disposed at the rear surface of said first fixed glass window portion and wherein no portion of said upper and lower track members is in contact with the front surface of said first fixed glass window portion;

wherein the rear sliding window assembly comprises a horizontal sliding window assembly for a pickup truck and wherein the horizontal sliding window assembly is configured for mounting at a rear opening of a cab of the pickup truck, and wherein the front surface of said first fixed glass window portion comprises an exterior surface of the vehicle when the rear sliding window assembly is normally mounted at the rear opening of the cab of a pickup truck equipped with the rear sliding window assembly;

said sliding portion laterally movable between said upper and lower track members relative to said fixed portion, wherein said sliding portion comprises a glass window panel;

wherein said glass window panel is movable between opened and closed positions;

wherein a glide member moves in said lower track member when said glass window panel moves from its closed position to its opened position and from its opened position to its closed position;

wherein said upper and lower tracks are secured at the rear surface of said first fixed glass window portion without drilling holes through said first fixed glass window portion; and

wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first fixed glass window portion via at least one layer of adhesive securing said upper and lower track members at said first fixed glass window portion.

21. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 20, wherein a gasket is disposed at the rear surface of said first fixed glass window portion prior to installation of the rear sliding window assembly at rear opening of the cab of the equipped vehicle and without contact of said gasket on the front surface of said first fixed glass window portion.

22. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 20, wherein said first fixed glass window portion comprises tempered glass, and wherein said glass window panel comprises tempered glass.

23. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 20, further comprising a sealing member and wherein said sealing member is disposed between said fixed portion and said sliding portion at least when said glass window panel is at its closed position.

24. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 20, wherein said lower track member comprises a channel and wherein at least a part of said glide member moves within said channel of said lower track member when said glass window panel is moving between its opened position and its closed position and between its closed position and its opened position.

25. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 20, wherein said upper track member comprises a channel that is configured to facilitate movement of said glass window panel.

26. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 20, wherein said glass window panel is manually movable between said upper and lower track members.

27. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 20, wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first fixed glass window portion via a urethane adhesive.

28. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 20, wherein said glide member comprises a plastic glide member.

29. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 28, wherein said glide member comprises a low friction plastic glide member.

30. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 28, wherein said glide member comprises a generally U-shaped member.

31. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 20, further comprising a second fixed glass window portion having a front surface and a rear surface, and wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said second fixed glass window portion and wherein no portion of said upper and lower track members is in contact with the front surface of said second fixed glass window portion.

32. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 31, wherein said glass window panel, when at its closed position, is disposed at a gap that is between said first fixed glass window portion and said second fixed glass window portion.

33. A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, the rear sliding window assembly comprising:

a fixed portion and a sliding portion;

upper and lower track members;

said fixed portion comprising a fixed glass window portion having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein said fixed glass window portion is attached to said upper and lower track members by an adhesive disposed between the rear surface of said fixed glass window portion and said upper and lower track members;

said sliding portion laterally movable between said upper and lower track members relative to said fixed portion, wherein said sliding portion comprises a glass window panel;

wherein said glass window panel is movable between, opened and closed positions;

a first latch element adhesively disposed at said fixed portion and a second latch element adhesively disposed at said sliding portion, wherein said first and second latch elements cooperate to retain said sliding portion relative to said fixed portion when said glass window panel is at its closed position, and wherein no portion of said latch elements is in contact with the front surface of said fixed glass window portion;

wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said fixed glass window portion via at least one layer of adhesive securing said upper and lower track members at said fixed glass window portion;

wherein the rear sliding window assembly comprises a horizontal sliding window assembly for a pickup truck and wherein the horizontal sliding window assembly is configured for mounting at a rear opening of a cab of the pickup truck;

wherein said upper and lower tracks are secured at the rear surface of said fixed glass window portion without drilling holes through said fixed glass window portion; and

wherein the front surface of said fixed glass window portion comprises an exterior surface of the vehicle when the rear sliding window assembly is normally mounted in the pickup truck.

34. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 33, further comprising an upper layer of frit and a lower layer of frit disposed at the rear surface of said fixed glass window portion, wherein said upper layer of frit is disposed between the rear surface of said fixed glass window portion and said adhesive that attaches said fixed glass window portion to said upper track member such that said adhesive attaches said upper track member at said upper layer of fit, and wherein said lower layer of frit is disposed between the rear surface of said fixed glass window portion and said adhesive that attaches said fixed glass window portion to said lower track member such that said adhesive attaches said lower track member at said lower layer of frit.

35. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 34, wherein said upper and lower layers of frit comprise a common layer of frit disposed at the rear surface at least partially around a periphery of said fixed glass window portion.

36. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 35, wherein said fixed glass window portion comprises tempered glass.

37. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 33, further comprising a sealing member disposed between said fixed portion and said sliding portion at least when said glass window panel is at its closed position.

38. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 37, wherein said sealing member is adhesively attached.

39. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 37, wherein said sealing member comprises at least one lip.

40. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 33, wherein said upper track member comprises a channel that is configured to facilitate movement of said glass window panel.

41. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 33, wherein said glass window panel is manually movable between said upper and lower track members.

42. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 33, further comprising a glide member that is longitudinally movable along said lower track member to facilitate movement of said glass window panel between said upper and lower track members, and wherein said glide member comprises a plastic glide member.

43. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 42, wherein said glide member comprises a low friction plastic glide member.

44. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 33, further comprising at least one of an adhesive promoter and a primer disposed between said fixed glass window portion and said adhesive that attaches said fixed glass window portion to said upper and lower track members.

45. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 33, wherein said adhesive comprises a urethane adhesive.

46. A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, the rear sliding window assembly comprising:

a fixed portion and a sliding portion;

upper and lower track members;

said fixed portion comprising a first fixed glass window portion and a second fixed glass window portion, each of said first and second fixed glass window portions having a front surface and a rear surface;

wherein the rear sliding window assembly comprises a horizontal sliding window assembly for a pickup truck and wherein the horizontal sliding window assembly is configured for mounting at a rear opening of a cab of the pickup truck, and wherein the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions comprises an exterior surface of the vehicle when the rear sliding window assembly is normally mounted at the rear opening of the cab of a pickup truck equipped with the rear sliding window assembly;

wherein said upper and lower track members are disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions and wherein no portion of said upper and lower track members is in contact with the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions, and wherein said first fixed glass window portion is spaced from said second fixed glass window portions by a gap;

said sliding portion laterally movable between said upper and lower track members relative to said fixed portion, wherein said sliding portion comprises a glass window panel;

wherein said glass window panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position, and wherein said glass window panel is disposed at said gap that is between said first and second fixed glass window portions when at its closed position;

a sealing member that seals between said fixed portion and said glass window panel at least when said glass window panel is at its closed position;

wherein said upper and lower tracks are secured at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions without drilling holes through said first and second fixed glass window portions; and

wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions via at least one layer of adhesive securing said upper and lower track members at said first and second fixed glass window portions.

47. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 46, further comprising a glide member longitudinally movable along said lower track member to facilitate movement of said glass window.

48. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 47, wherein each of said upper and lower track members has a length, a dimension and a height, and wherein said sliding portion is movable laterally between respective channels disposed at said upper and lower track members.

49. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 48, wherein a dimension of said glide member is sized to fit within said lower track member so that said lower glide member can longitudinally move within said lower track member.

50. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 48, wherein a surface of said glide member is configured to slide along a surface of said lower track member so that said glide member is longitudinally movable at least partially along said lower track member.

51. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 50, wherein said surface of said glide member is generally planar.

52. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 46, wherein a glide member is located at least partially within said lower track member and is movable at least partially along the length of said lower track member, and wherein said glass window panel is carried by said glide member between its opened and closed positions.

53. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 46, wherein said sealing member is disposed at said one of said fixed portion and said glass window panel by adhesively disposing said sealing member at said one of said fixed portion and said glass window panel.

54. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 46, wherein said sealing member comprises at least one lip.

55. A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, the rear sliding window assembly comprising:

a fixed portion and a sliding portion;

upper and lower track members;

said fixed portion comprising a first fixed glass window portion and a second fixed glass window portion, each of said first and second fixed glass window portions having a front surface and a rear surface;

wherein the rear sliding window assembly comprises a horizontal sliding window assembly for a pickup truck and wherein the horizontal sliding window assembly is configured for mounting at a rear opening of a cab of the pickup truck, and wherein the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions comprises an exterior surface of the vehicle when the rear sliding window assembly is normally mounted at the rear opening of the cab of a pickup truck equipped with the rear sliding window assembly;

wherein said upper and lower track members are disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions and wherein no portion of said upper and lower track members is in contact with the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions, and wherein said first fixed glass window portion is spaced from said second fixed glass window portions by a gap;

said sliding portion laterally movable between said upper and lower track members relative to said fixed portion, wherein said sliding portion comprises a glass window panel;

wherein said glass window panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position, and wherein said glass window panel is disposed at said gap that is between said first and second fixed glass window portions when at its closed position;

a sealing member that seals between said fixed portion and said sliding portion at least when said glass window panel is at its closed position;

wherein said upper and lower tracks are secured at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions without drilling holes through said first and second fixed glass window portions;

wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions via at least one layer of adhesive securing said upper and lower track members at said first and second fixed glass window portions;

an upper layer of frit and a lower layer of frit disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions;

wherein said upper layer of frit is disposed between the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions and said adhesive that attaches said first and second fixed glass window portions to said upper track member such that said adhesive attaches said upper track member at said upper layer of fit; and

wherein said lower layer of fit is disposed between the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions and said adhesive that attaches said first and second fixed glass window portions to said lower track member such that said adhesive attaches said lower track member at said lower layer of fit.

56. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 55, further comprising a glide member, and wherein said glide member is movable in said lower track member to facilitate moving of said glass panel between its opened and closed positions.

57. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 55, wherein said sealing member is disposed at said one of said fixed portion and said sliding portion by adhesively attaching said sealing member.

58. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 57, wherein said sealing member comprises a lip.

59. A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, the rear sliding window assembly comprising:

a fixed portion and a sliding portion;

upper and lower track members;

said fixed portion comprising a first fixed glass window portion and a second fixed glass window portion, each of said first and second fixed glass window portions having a front surface and a rear surface;

wherein the rear sliding window assembly comprises a horizontal sliding window assembly for a pickup truck and wherein the horizontal sliding window assembly is configured for mounting at a rear opening of a cab of the pickup truck, and wherein the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions comprises an exterior surface of the vehicle when the rear sliding window assembly is normally mounted at the rear opening of the cab of a pickup truck equipped with the rear sliding window assembly;

wherein said upper and lower track members are disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions and wherein no portion of said upper and lower track members is in contact with the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions, and wherein said first fixed glass window portion is spaced from said second fixed glass window portions by a gap;

said sliding portion laterally movable between said upper and lower track members relative to said fixed portion, wherein said sliding portion comprises a glass window panel;

wherein said glass window panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position, and wherein said glass window panel is disposed at said gap that is between said first and second fixed glass window portions when at its closed position;

a glide member, wherein said glide member, at least in part, is disposed in said lower track member to facilitate moving said glass window panel between its opened position and its closed position and between its closed position and its opened position;

a sealing member disposed between said fixed portion and said sliding portion at least when said glass window panel is at its closed position;

wherein said upper and lower tracks are secured at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions without drilling holes through said first and second fixed glass window portions; and

wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions via at least one layer of adhesive securing said upper and lower track members at said first and second fixed glass window portions.

60. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 59, wherein said sealing member is adhesively attached.

61. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 59, further comprising a gasket disposed at a perimeter portion of said window assembly, wherein said gasket comprises a rigid polymeric material.

62. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 61, wherein said gasket comprises at least one fastener for at least partially attaching said window assembly to the equipped vehicle.

63. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 62, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a head portion and an elongated portion, and wherein said head portion is encased in said gasket and at least part of said elongated portion protrudes from said gasket for at least partially attaching said window assembly to the equipped vehicle, and wherein part of said elongated portion is encased in said gasket.

64. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 63, wherein at least said elongated portion protruding from said gasket comprises a threaded portion.

65. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 59, wherein a lower perimeter edge of said glass window panel is received by said glide member.

66. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 59, wherein said glide member comprises a plastic glide member.

67. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 59, wherein said glide member is located at least partially within said lower track member and is movable at least partially along the length of said lower track member along a channel therein.

68. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 67, wherein a dimension of said glide member is sized to fit within said lower track member so that said glide member can longitudinally move within said lower track member.

69. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 67, wherein a surface of said glide member is configured to slide along a surface of said lower track member.

70. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 69, wherein said surface of said glide member is generally planar.

71. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 69, wherein said glide member comprises a plastic glide member.

72. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 71, wherein said glass window panel is carried by said glide member between its opened and closed positions.

73. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 71, wherein said glide member comprises a low friction plastic glide member.

74. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 59, wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions by a urethane adhesive.

75. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 59, further comprising a layer of frit disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions at least where said upper and lower track members are disposed.

76. A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, the rear sliding window assembly comprising:

a fixed portion and a sliding portion;

upper and lower track members;

said fixed portion comprising a first fixed glass window portion and a second fixed glass window portion, each of said first and second fixed glass window portions having a front surface and a rear surface;

wherein the rear sliding window assembly comprises a horizontal sliding window assembly for a pickup truck and wherein the horizontal sliding window assembly is configured for mounting at a rear opening of a cab of the pickup truck, and wherein the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions comprises an exterior surface of the vehicle when the rear sliding window assembly is normally mounted at the rear opening of the cab of a pickup truck equipped with the rear sliding window assembly;

wherein said upper and lower track members are disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions and wherein no portion of said upper and lower track members is in contact with the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions, and wherein said first fixed glass window portion is spaced from said second fixed glass window portions by a gap;

said sliding portion laterally movable between said upper and lower track members relative to said fixed portion, wherein said sliding portion comprises a glass window panel;

wherein said glass window panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position, and wherein said glass window panel is disposed at said gap that is between said first and second fixed glass window portions when at its closed position;

wherein a glide member is located at least partially within said lower track member and is movable at least partially along the length of said lower track member along a channel therein;

wherein said glide member comprises a plastic glide member;

wherein said upper and lower tracks are secured at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions without drilling holes through said first and second fixed glass window portions; and

wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions via at least one layer of adhesive securing said upper and lower track members at said first and second fixed glass window portions.

77. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 76, wherein said glass window panel is carried by said glide member between its opened and closed positions.

78. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 76, wherein a dimension of said glide member is sized to fit within said lower track member so that said glide member can longitudinally move within said lower track member.

79. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 78, wherein a surface of said glide member is configured to slide along a surface of said lower track member.

80. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 79, wherein a bottom surface of said glide member is generally planar and configured to slide along a surface of said lower track member.

81. A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, the rear sliding window assembly comprising:

a fixed portion and a sliding portion;

upper and lower track members;

said fixed portion comprising at least a first fixed glass window portion having a front surface and a rear surface;

wherein said upper and lower track members are disposed at the rear surface of said first fixed glass window portion and wherein no portion of said upper and lower track members is in contact with the front surface of said first fixed glass window portion;

wherein the rear sliding window assembly comprises a horizontal sliding window assembly for a pickup truck and wherein the horizontal sliding window assembly is configured for mounting at a rear opening of a cab of the pickup truck, and wherein the front surface of said first fixed glass window portion comprises an exterior surface of the vehicle when the rear sliding window assembly is normally mounted at the rear opening of the cab of a pickup truck equipped with the rear sliding window assembly;

said sliding portion laterally movable between said upper and lower track members relative to said fixed portion, wherein said sliding portion comprises a glass window panel;

wherein said glass window panel is movable between opened and closed positions;

wherein a glide member moves in said lower track member when said glass window panel moves from its closed position to its opened position and from its opened position to its closed position;

wherein said glide member comprises a plastic glide member and wherein said glide member is located at least partially within said lower track member and is movable at least partially along the length of said lower track member along a channel therein and wherein a dimension of said glide member is sized to fit within said lower track member so that said glide member can longitudinally move within said lower track member;

wherein said upper and lower tracks are secured at the rear surface of said first fixed glass window portion without drilling holes through said first fixed glass window portion; and

wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first fixed glass window portion via at least one layer of adhesive securing said upper and lower track members at said first fixed glass window portion.

82. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 81, wherein a surface of said glide member is configured to slide along a surface of said lower track member.

83. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 82, wherein said surface of said glide member is generally planar.

84. A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle, the rear sliding window assembly comprising:

a fixed portion and a sliding portion;

upper and lower track members;

said fixed portion comprising a first fixed glass window portion and a second fixed glass window portion, each of said first and second fixed glass window portions having a front surface and a rear surface;

wherein the rear sliding window assembly comprises a horizontal sliding window assembly for a pickup truck and wherein the horizontal sliding window assembly is configured for mounting at a rear opening of a cab of the pickup truck, and wherein the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions comprises an exterior surface of the vehicle when the rear sliding window assembly is normally mounted at the rear opening of the cab of a pickup truck equipped with the rear sliding window assembly;

wherein said upper and lower track members are disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions and wherein no portion of said upper and lower track members is in contact with the front surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions, and wherein said first fixed glass window portion is spaced from said second fixed glass window portions by a gap;

said sliding portion laterally movable between said upper and lower track members relative to said fixed portion, wherein said sliding portion comprises a glass window panel;

wherein said glass window panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position, and wherein said glass window panel is disposed at said gap that is between said first and second fixed glass window portions when at its closed position;

wherein a glide member is movable along said lower track member to facilitate movement of said glass window panel between its opened and closed positions;

wherein said upper and lower tracks are secured at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions without drilling holes through said first and second fixed glass window portions;

wherein said upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions via at least one layer of adhesive securing said upper and lower track members at said first and second fixed glass window portions;

wherein an upper layer of frit and a lower layer of frit is disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions;

wherein said upper layer of frit is disposed between the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions and the adhesive that attaches said first and second fixed glass window portions to said upper track member such that the adhesive attaches said upper track member at said upper layer of frit; and

wherein said lower layer of fit is disposed between the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions and the adhesive that attaches said first and second fixed glass window portions to said lower track member such that said adhesive attaches said lower track member at said lower layer of frit.

85. The rear sliding window assembly of claim 84, wherein said upper and lower layers of frit comprise a common layer of fit disposed at the rear surface of said first and second fixed glass window portions at least partially around a periphery of said first and second fixed glass window portions.