Integrated laminated glass attachment plate
View Patent ↗A laminated automobile side glass includes an insert for engaging the window opening mechanism. The insert is molded for integration into the lamination layers, with a mechanism interface section, having a maximum thickness equal to the overall thickness of the glass. This mechanism interface section is arranged in a cutout of the window, so that the window presents a substantially continuous sheet without protrusions. The insert is formed to constitute substantially the entire engagement of the window with the opening mechanism, and to absorb the stresses imposed by vibration, opening and closing of the window, and the slamming of the automobile door.
1. A laminated window for a window opening mechanism, comprising:
a first glass layer;
a second glass layer bonded to the first glass layer by an adhesive such that an air gap is formed that defines a space between the first and second glass layers; and
an engagement module having a portion received within at least a portion of the air gap to bond the engagement module between the first and second glass layers, the engagement module connecting the window to the window opening mechanism;
wherein the engagement module comprises a border that is received between the first and second glass layers to bond the engagement module to the first and second glass layers and a central hub adapted to engage the window opening mechanism.
2. The window of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is polyvinyl butyral.
3. The window of claim 1 , wherein the central hub defines a wedge-shaped portion for aligning with the window opening mechanism.
4. The window of claim 3 , wherein the central hub comprises an aperture for lockingly engaging the window opening mechanism.
5. The window of claim 1 , wherein the central hub comprises an aperture for lockingly engaging the window opening mechanism.
6. The window of claim 1 , wherein the engagement module is bonded to a lower edge of the window for vertical movement of the window by the window opening mechanism.
7. The window of claim 6 , wherein the lower edge defines an indentation for receiving the engagement module, the engagement module forming a continuation of the lower edge.
8. The window of claim 7 , wherein the engagement module comprises a border for bonding between the first and second glass layers and a central hub adapted to engage the window opening mechanism.
9. The window of claim 7 , wherein the indentation is semi-circular.
10. The window of claim 1 , wherein the window has an edge, and the first and second glass layers define an indentation in the edge, the engagement module being received in the indentation.
11. The window of claim 10 , wherein the indentation is semi-circular.
12. The window of claim 1 , wherein the engagement module is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of nylon and polyethylene terephthalate.
13. The window of claim 12 , wherein the engagement module further comprises an integrally molded metallic center.