Multi-piece bezel for electro-optic window assembly

• US 10,167,073 B2
• Filed: 06/09/2016
• Issued: 01/01/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 06/09/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Busscher, Bradley L., Driscoll, David I., Mitchell, Andrew T., Ash, Kevin L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chapman, Jeanette E
• Application Number:
  US15/178,216
• Publication Number:
  US 20160362169A1
• Time in Patent Office: 936 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 1/1484 Windows B64C1/1492 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 1/1492 Structure and mounting of the transparent elements in the window or windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 1/006 of curvilinear outline
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 2003/5472 in an at least partly preassembled frame by introducing it through a slot in one of the frame members or inserting the pane before completing the frame
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 2009/2464 featuring transparency control by applying voltage, e.g. LCD, electrochromic panels
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/54 Fixing of glass panes or like plates
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/5454 inside U-shaped section members
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 9/24 Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blindsoperating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures E06B9/56; free-hanging flexible screens A47H23/00

Abstract

A window mounting assembly includes a multi-piece bezel having a first portion having an attachment feature, and a second portion having a retention feature. The retention feature is configured to engage the attachment feature such that an inner opening is defined having an inner wall. The inner wall defines a channel. An electro-optic element is disposed in the opening and configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall.

Claims

1. A window mounting assembly, comprising:

a multi-piece bezel comprising;

a first portion having an attachment feature, and

a second portion having a retention feature configured to engage the attachment feature such that an inner opening is defined having an inner wall, wherein the inner wall defines a channel;

wherein the multi-piece bezel is configured to couple to an aircraft pressure pane and an aircraft pressure pane frame; and

an electro-optic element disposed in the opening and configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall.

2. The window mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment feature and the retention feature are configured to engage in a snap-fit configuration.

3. The window mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment feature is integrally defined by the bezel.

4. The window mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment feature includes an elongated portion having a hook and the retention feature defines a cavity and a lip, further wherein the hook is configured to engage the cavity and lip.

5. The window mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment feature has a barbed configuration.

6. The window mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment feature and the retention feature are each one half of a hook and loop system.

7. A window mounting assembly, comprising:

a bezel defining an inner wall having a channel, wherein the bezel has an attachment feature and a retention feature, the attachment feature configured to engage the retention feature such that the bezel defines an inner opening, wherein the bezel is configured to couple to an aircraft pressure pane and an aircraft pressure pane frame; and

an electro-optic element disposed in the inner opening and configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall.

8. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the attachment feature and the retention feature are configured to engage in a snap-fit configuration.

9. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the retention feature is integrally defined by the bezel.

10. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the attachment feature includes an elongated portion having a hook and the retention feature defines a cavity and a lip, further wherein the hook is configured to engage the cavity and lip.

11. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the attachment feature has a barbed configuration.

12. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the attachment feature and the retention feature are each one half of a hook and loop system.

13. A window mounting assembly, comprising:

a multi-piece bezel having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions configured to abut one another such that an inner opening is defined having an inner wall, wherein the inner wall defines a channel, wherein the multi-piece bezel is configured to couple to an aircraft pressure pane and an aircraft pressure pane frame; and

an electro-optic element disposed in the opening and configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall.

14. The window mounting assembly of claim 13, wherein the first and second portions are fused together.

15. The window mounting assembly of claim 13, wherein the bezel includes an attachment feature and a retention feature.

16. The window mounting assembly of claim 15, wherein the attachment feature and the retention feature are configured to engage in a snap-fit configuration.

17. The window mounting assembly of claim 16, wherein the retention feature is integrally defined by the bezel.

18. The window mounting assembly of claim 15, wherein the attachment feature and the retention feature are each one half of a hook and loop system.