Edge-encapsulated glazing module

• US 4,993,774 A
• Filed: 08/07/1989
• Issued: 02/19/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Flachglas AG, Pilkington PLC
• Original Assignee: Flachglas AG, Pilkington PLC
• Inventors: Morris, Peter, Greenhalgh, Geoffrey, Bearon, John N., Armbruster, Guenter
• Primary Examiner(s): Song, Robert R.
• Application Number:
  US07/389,917
• Time in Patent Office: 561 Days
• Field of Search: 296/208, 296/201, 296/84.1, 296/1 R, 296/180.1, 52/208, 362/61, 340/467
• US Class Current: 296/201
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/273 for enclosing or housing devices for purposes other than sealing, e.g. cables
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/70 specially adapted for windows or windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/302 mounted in the vicinity, e.g. in the middle, of a rear window
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/023 including defroster or demisting means
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0452 Position of the wipers relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/52 Arrangement of nozzles; Liquid spreading meansnozzles per se B05B
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/54 using gas, e.g. hot air
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/1271 for mounting on windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3291 mounted in or on other locations inside the vehicle or vehicle body
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/016 Heaters using particular connecting means
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 3/84 Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields

Abstract

An edge-encapsulated glazing module for a vehicle has a moulded encapsulation which embodies means to provide a function other than the fitting of the module to a vehicle body. The said means may be means for mounting a lighting unit; conduit means; or a mounting for a vehicle accessory. The lighting unit may be a rear light for the vehicle. The conduit means may comprise electrical leads on an RF lead. Alternatively, the conduit means may comprise a hollow tube for water or air. The vehicle accessory may be a rear view mirror; a license disc, windscreen wiper or a spoiler.

Claims

1. An edge-encapsulated glazing module for a vehicle, comprising an encapsulation molded-in-place around an edge of a glazing material, the molded-in-place encapsulation being molded with a portion disposed to an exterior side of the module wherein said portion defines means to provide an auxiliary function other than the fitting of the module to a vehicle body.

2. A glazing module according to claim 1, wherein the molded-in-place encapsulation embodies conduit means extending in said portion disposed to the exterior side of the module.

3. A glazing module according to claim 2, wherein the conduit means comprises a hollow tube embedded in the molded-in-place encapsulation and having at least one outlet adjacent a surface of the glazing material.

4. A glazing module according to claim 3, wherein the hollow tube is for water and is connected to at least one outlet nozzle which is embedded in the molded-in-place encapsulation during molding thereof on the glazing material.

5. A glazing module according to claim 1, wherein said portion of the molded-in-place encapsulation is molded with an external shape which performs an auxiliary function.

6. A glazing module according to claim 5, wherein the external shape is aerodynamic.

7. A glazing module according to claim 6, for use as the rear window of a vehicle wherein said portion of the molded-in-place encapsulation is disposed along an upper edge of the module and embodies a molded spoiler.

8. A glazing module according to claim 6, for use as the rear window of a vehicle wherein said portion of the molded-in-place encapsulation is disposed along an upper edge of the module and embodies a mounting for a spoiler.

9. An edge-encapsulated glazing module for a vehicle, comprising an encapsulation molded-in-place around an edge of a glazing material wherein the molded-in-place encapsulation embodies means to provide an auxiliary function other than the fitting of the module to a vehicle body, the molded-in-place encapsulation embodying conduit means.

10. A glazing module according to claim 9, wherein the conduit means comprises electrical leads.

11. A glazing module according to claim 9, which includes a heater and wherein the conduit means comprises electrical leads which are embedded in the molded-in-place encapsulation and which are connected to the heater.

12. A glazing module according to claim 9, which carries a radio aerial, and wherein the conduit means comprises an RF lead which is embedded in the molded-in-place encapsulation and which is connected to the aerial.

13. A glazing module according to claim 9, wherein said conduit means comprises a hollow tube for air which leads to at least one slot which is molded in the molded-in-place encapsulation.