Accessory mounting system for laminated glass windshield

• US 9,623,727 B2
• Filed: 02/20/2014
• Issued: 04/18/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Taylor Made Group LLC (Nelson A. Taylor Co., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Taylor Made Group LLC (Nelson A. Taylor Co., Inc.)
• Inventors: Bender, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Tan
• Application Number:
  US14/185,529
• Publication Number:
  US 20150231950A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,153 Days
• Field of Search: 248548, 248549, 248467, 2484751, 248900, 2482053, 2482051, 403373, 403376, 403288, 296 841, 296 90, 296 92, 296 93, 156108, 494751, 494891
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/20 Accessories, e.g. wind deflectors, blinds antiglare provisions B60J3/00; wind deflectors associated with roof openings B60J7/22; removable external protective coverings for windows or windscreens B60J11/08 ; aerodynamical spoiler for vehicles B62D35/00; heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas H05B3/84
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/00 Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0042 characterised by mounting means
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/60 Coupler sealing means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7075 including discrete retainer

Abstract

An accessory mounting system for a laminated glass windshield includes first and second mating plates securable in a scallop in the laminated glass windshield. Each of the mating plates includes an indentation on an inside surface thereof, where the indentations of the first and second mating plates define a pocket. A stiffening plate is disposed in the pocket, and a fastener secures the first and second mating plates and the stiffening plate together. The first and second mating plates and the stiffening plate include an opening for securing a windshield accessory.

Claims

1. An accessory mounting system for a laminated glass windshield, the accessory mounting system comprising:

first and second mating plates securable in a scallop in the laminated glass windshield, each of the mating plates including an indentation on an inside surface, wherein the mating plates are secured in the scallop on opposite sides of the laminated glass windshield in a facing relationship such that the indentations of the first and second mating plates define a pocket, and wherein an outer perimeter of the mating plates extends over the scallop into engagement with the laminated glass windshield;

a stiffening plate disposed between the mating plates in the pocket; and

a fastener securing the first and second mating plates and the stiffening plate together,

wherein the first and second mating plates and the stiffening plate include an opening for securing a windshield accessory.

2. An accessory system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second mating plates are molded from rigid plastic.

3. An accessory system according to claim 2, wherein the rigid plastic comprises glass-filled nylon.

4. An accessory system according to claim 1, wherein each of the mating plates defines a track adjacent the windshield, and wherein the accessory system further comprises a seal in the track.

5. An accessory system according to claim 1, wherein each of the mating plates defines a track adjacent the windshield, and wherein the accessory system further comprises an adhesive in the track.

6. An accessory system according to claim 1, wherein a geometry of the first and second mating plates is configured according to a function of the accessory to be mounted.

7. An accessory system according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening plate is formed of aluminum or steel.

8. A windshield assembly, comprising:

a laminated glass windshield including a scallop; and

an accessory mounting system for the laminated glass windshield, the accessory mounting system including;

first and second mating plates secured on opposite planar sides of the laminated glass windshield in the scallop in the laminated glass windshield, wherein an outer perimeter of the mating plates extends over the scallop into engagement with the laminated glass windshield, and wherein the outer perimeter of the mating plates is secured to the laminated glass windshield, each of the mating plates including an indentation on an inside surface, wherein the mating plates are secured in the scallop in a facing relationship such that the indentations of the first and second mating plates define a pocket,

a stiffening plate disposed in the pocket, wherein the first mating plate is disposed on one side of the stiffening plate, and wherein the second mating plate is disposed on an opposite side of the stiffening plate,

a fastener securing the first and second mating plates and the stiffening plate together,

wherein the first and second mating plates and the stiffening plate include an opening for securing a windshield accessory.

9. A windshield assembly according to claim 8, wherein each of the mating plates defines a track adjacent the windshield, and wherein the accessory system further comprises a seal in the track.

10. A windshield assembly according to claim 8, wherein each of the mating plates defines a track adjacent the windshield, and wherein the accessory system further comprises an adhesive in the track.

11. A windshield assembly according to claim 8, wherein a geometry of the first and second mating plates is configured according to a function of the accessory to be mounted.

12. A windshield assembly, comprising:

a laminated glass windshield including a scallop; and

an accessory mounting system for the laminated glass windshield, the accessory mounting system including;

first and second mating plates secured in the scallop on opposite sides of and engaging the laminated glass windshield, each of the mating plates including an indentation on an inside surface, wherein the mating plates are secured in the scallop in a facing relationship such that the indentations of the first and second mating plates define a pocket,

a stiffening plate disposed in the pocket,

a fastener extending in order through the first mating plate, then through the stiffening plate, then through the second mating plate, thereby securing the first and second mating plates and the stiffening plate together and clamping the first and second mating plates over the laminated glass windshield, and

a seal between the first and second mating plates and the laminated glass windshield,

wherein the first and second mating plates and the stiffening plate include an opening for securing a windshield accessory.

13. A windshield assembly according to claim 12, comprising a complement accessory mounting system cooperable with the accessory mounting system.