Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a window-guide mechanism for a window assembly of a vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to the window assembly of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles such as cargo vehicles or three-wheeled vehicles, are typically provided with a driver compartment for accommodating a driver. The driver compartment is provided with a window assembly for ventilation to the driver during use of the vehicle. The window assembly may be a tilting window assembly which is tiltable to an open condition or to a closed condition. In the open condition the tilting window assembly allows air flow into the driver compartment for ventilation, while in the closed condition, the window assembly restricts air flow and prevents entry of rainwater into the driver compartment.
[003] However, the conventional tilting window assembly does not provide total protection to the driver compartment from entry of rainwater, even during the closed conditions, due to gaps between window panels even in the closed condition. Additionally, a lock in the conventional tilting window assembly can be breached easily resulting in compromise of safety in the vehicle.
[004] To overcome these shortcomings in the tilting window assembly, a sliding window assembly can be provided in the driver compartment of the vehicle. The sliding window assembly comprises window panels which are slidable relative to one another in the open condition. However, due to a smaller width of a door in the vehicle, particularly in the three-wheeled vehicle, availability of space for accommodating the sliding window assembly in the door is also limited. When the sliding window assembly is assembled in such door, a height to width ratio (i.e. aspect ratio) for the window panels of the sliding window assembly is high. In such scenarios, when the window panels are slid, due to higher height relative to the width of the window panels, the window panels have a tendency of tipping about one of their edges resulting in obstruction in movement of the window panels. Such an obstruction in movement may cause jamming of the window panel as well. Due to the obstruction in movement, additional force is required to be imparted for sliding the window panels, therefore making it difficult to slide or operate the window panels causing discomfort to a user of the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[005] To overcome such a limitation in sliding window assembly, a combination of tilting and sliding window panels are provided in the window assembly. However, the combination of the tilting and sliding window panels comprises a knob for handling the window assembly which is generally located at a center portion of the window panel. As such, the user has to stretch his arm for accessing the knob to operate the window panels, which is undesirable. Additionally, the combined tilting and sliding window assembly does not comprise a window guide mechanism for smooth movement of the window panels, which is undesirable.
[006] Thus, there is a need for a window-guide mechanism for a window assembly of a vehicle and a window assembly for the vehicle, which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a window-guide mechanism for a window assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The window-guide mechanism comprises a slider guide member mounted onto a panel of the vehicle. The slider guide member is engaged to a gasket ring of the window assembly. One or more first brackets are slidably disposed on the slider guide member and are engaged to a first window panel, wherein each of the one or more first brackets is adapted to guide the first window panel along the slider guide member during sliding movement of the first window panel. Further, the window-guide mechanism comprises a second bracket slidably disposed on the slider guide member and engaged to a second window panel, wherein the second bracket is adapted to guide the second window panel along the slider guide member during sliding movement of the second window panel.
[008] In an embodiment, a slider bar member is mounted onto the first window panel and is oriented parallelly to the slider guide member. The slider bar member is engaged to the second window panel for enabling selective sliding of the first window panel and the second window panel.
[009] In an embodiment, a guide pin is mounted onto the second window panel. The guide pin is adapted to engage with an elongated groove provided on the slider bar member for enabling sliding of the second window panel along the slider bar member, wherein the slider being mounted to a bottom portion of the first window panel.
[010] In an embodiment, the one or more first brackets comprises a left bracket member mounted to a left-bottom portion of the first window panel and a right bracket member being mounted to a right-bottom portion of the first window panel.
[011] In an embodiment, a first knob member is mounted to an inner surface of the first window panel through a right bracket member of the one or more first brackets. The first knob member upon actuation enables the sliding movement of the first window panel.
[012] In an embodiment, the first knob member comprises a locking unit protruding through the first window panel. The locking unit is adapted to engage with the second window panel, for locking the sliding movement of the first window panel and the second window panel during a closed condition of the window assembly. The first knob member is positioned at a bottom-right portion of the first window panel. In an open condition of the window assembly, the first knob member is positioned between the gasket ring and the gasket strip member.
[013] In an embodiment, the locking unit is a screw ring. The screw ring comprises a spring-loaded pin member, wherein the spring-loaded pin member is adapted to engage with a fore end surface of the second window panel for locking the sliding movement of the first window panel and the second window panel during the closed position of the window assembly. The first knob member is positioned at a bottom-right portion of the first window panel.
[014] In an embodiment, the slider guide member is engaged to and oriented parallelly to a lower portion of the gasket ring. The lower portion of the gasket ring is oriented along a front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, a second knob member is mounted to an inner surface of the second window panel through the second bracket. The second knob member upon actuation enables the sliding movement of the second window panel. The second knob member is positioned at a bottom-right portion of the second window panel.
[016] In an embodiment, the window-guide mechanism is mounted onto a door panel of a driver compartment in the vehicle.
[017] In an embodiment, the slider guide member comprises an elongated slot. The elongated slot is capable of slidably receiving each of the one or more first brackets and the second bracket.
[018] In another aspect, a window assembly for the vehicle is disclosed. The window assembly comprises the gasket ring mounted to the panel of the vehicle. The gasket ring comprises a first guide groove and a second guide groove, wherein the first guide groove is provided adjacently to the second guide groove. The first window panel is slidably disposed in the first guide groove of the gasket ring. Also, the second window panel is slidably disposed in the second guide groove of the gasket ring, wherein, the first window panel and the second window panel are selectively slidable in the gasket ring for operating the window assembly between an open condition and a closed condition. Further, the window assembly comprises the window-guide mechanism. The window-guide mechanism comprises the slider guide member mounted onto the panel of the vehicle. The slider guide member is engaged to the gasket ring of the window assembly. One or more first brackets are slidably disposed on the slider guide member and are engaged to the first window panel, wherein each of the one or more first brackets is adapted to guide the first window panel along the slider guide member during sliding movement of the first window panel. Further, the window-guide mechanism comprises the second bracket slidably disposed on the slider guide member and engaged to the second window panel, wherein the second bracket is adapted to guide the second window panel along the slider guide member during sliding movement of the second window panel.
[019] In an embodiment, a cover strip is provided on an outer surface of the panel of the vehicle, wherein the cover strip is adapted to cover the slider bar member and a guide pin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a window assembly comprising a window-guide mechanism in a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the window assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an enlarged-perspective view of a bottom portion of the window assembly depicting the window-guide mechanism, when viewed from inside the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a slider guide member of the window-guide mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a right bracket member of one or more first brackets in the window-guide mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first knob member of the window-guide mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second bracket of the window-guide mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second knob member of the window-guide mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is an enlarged-perspective view of the bottom portion of the window assembly depicting the window-guide mechanism, when viewed from outside of the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is an enlarged-perspective view of the bottom portion of the window assembly depicting the window-guide mechanism, when viewed from outside of the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a slider bar member of the window-guide mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a guide pin of the window-guide mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] The present invention relates to a window-guide mechanism for a window assembly of a vehicle. The window-guide mechanism ensures that the window assembly is tamper-proof and leak-proof, while also ensuring smooth movement between window panels of the window assembly. In an embodiment, the window-guide mechanism is provided for a sliding-type window assembly. In another embodiment, the vehicle is a three-wheeled vehicle or a cargo vehicle or a multi-wheeled vehicle as per requirement.
[022] In an embodiment, a front direction, a rear direction, a top direction and a bottom direction, refer correspondingly to a front direction, a rear direction, a top direction and a bottom direction of the vehicle.
[023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a window assembly 102 in a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The window assembly 102 may be mounted to a panel (not shown) of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the panel is a left-side outer panel (not shown) or a right-side outer panel of a driver compartment (not shown) of a three-wheeled vehicle (not shown). As such, the window assembly 102 may be a left-side window assembly or a right-side window assembly mounted on the left-side outer panel or right-side outer panel respectively, of the driver compartment in the three-wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, the window assembly 102 may be provided at any location in the vehicle as per design feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be a cargo vehicle or any other multi-wheeled vehicle. The panel of the vehicle may include a cutout (not shown) for accommodating the window assembly 102. The window assembly 102 is adapted to be leak-proof and tamper-proof, while being effortless to operate.
[024] In an embodiment, the window assembly 102 being the left-side window assembly 102 or the right-side window assembly 102 is oriented along a front-rear direction (not shown) of the vehicle. The orientation of the window assembly 102 with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle may be selected as per design of the vehicle.
[025] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the window assembly 102 comprises a gasket ring 106 mounted to the panel of the vehicle. Particularly, the gasket ring 106 is mounted to a periphery (not shown) of the cutout provided in the panel of the vehicle. The gasket ring 106 comprises a lower portion 106a, a top portion 106b, a front portion 106c and a rear portion 106d. The gasket ring 106 is mounted to the panel or the cutout in the panel through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as press-fitting, clamping, fastening and the like. The gasket ring 106 is adapted to provide ingress protection to the window assembly 102 at the outer periphery of the cutout on the panel. The gasket ring 106 also conforms to the shape of the outer periphery of the cutout on the panel. Thus, the shape of the gasket ring 106 may be identical to the cutout on the outer panel of the vehicle. Further, the gasket ring 106 may be oriented along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the gasket ring 106 may be made of a polymer material such as a rubber material, for ensuring ingress protection to the window assembly 102 about the periphery of the cutout.
[026] The gasket ring 106 comprises a first guide groove 134 (as shown in Figure 9) and a second guide groove 136 (as shown in Figure 9), wherein the first guide groove 134 is provided or located adjacently to the second guide groove 136. In an embodiment, the first guide groove 134 and the second guide groove 136 extend along the entire inner peripheral surface (not shown) of the gasket ring 106. In another embodiment, the first guide groove 134 and the second guide groove 136 extend only at a top inner peripheral surface and a bottom peripheral surface of the gasket ring 106.
[027] The window assembly 102 further comprises a first window panel 110 and a second window panel 114. The first window panel 110 is slidably disposed in the first guide groove 134 of the gasket ring 106, while the second window panel 114 is slidably disposed in the second guide groove 136 of the gasket ring 106. As such, the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 are located adjacently with one another. Each of the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 are selectively slidable for operating the window assembly 102 between an open condition and a closed condition CD (as shown in Figure 1). In the present embodiment, the first window panel 110 is slidably disposed in the first guide groove 134 through a bottom portion 132 of the first window panel 110. In another embodiment, the second window panel 114 is slidably disposed in the second guide groove 136 through a bottom end surface 174 of the second window panel 114.
[028] In an embodiment, the first window panel 110 is slidably engaged to the top portion 106b and/or the lower portion 106a of the gasket ring 106 in the first guide groove 134. The first window panel 110 is slidably engaged to the first guide groove 134 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as press-fitting, clamping and the like. Further, as the gasket ring 106 is oriented along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the first window panel 110 is also aligned along the front-rear direction of the vehicle upon mounting onto the first guide groove 134. Accordingly, during sliding movement, the first window panel 110 slides about the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment, dimensions of the first window panel 110 are selected based on the dimensions of the first guide groove 134 for slidable mounting, while also ensuring ingress protection at contact surfaces. In another embodiment, the first window panel 110 may be a transparent panel which may be made of a glass material or a fiber material or a fiber-glass material as per requirement.
[029] In an embodiment, the second window panel 114 is slidably engaged to the top portion 106b and/or the lower portion 106a of the gasket ring 106 in the second guide groove 136. The second window panel 114 is slidably engaged to the second guide groove 136 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as press-fitting, clamping and the like. Further, as the gasket ring 106 is oriented along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the second window panel 114 is also aligned along the front-rear direction of the vehicle upon mounting onto the second guide groove 136. Accordingly, during sliding movement, the second window panel 114 slides about the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment, dimensions of the second window panel 114 are selected based on the dimensions of the second guide groove 136 for slidable mounting, while also ensuring ingress protection at contact surfaces. In another embodiment, the second window panel 114 may be a transparent panel which may be made of a glass material or a fiber material or a fiber-glass material as per requirement.
[030] In the present embodiment, length of the lower portion 106a of the gasket ring 106 is greater than the length of the top portion 106b of the gasket ring 106. Accordingly, dimensions of the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 conform to shape and dimensions of the gasket ring 106.
[031] In the present embodiment, the first window panel 110 engages with the rear portion 106d of the gasket ring 106 and extends upto a central portion (not shown) of the gasket ring 106. Also, the second window panel 114 engages with the front portion 106c of the gasket ring 106 and extends upto the central portion of the gasket ring 106. As such, in the closed condition CD of the window assembly 102, the first window panel 110 is engaged to the rear portion 106d of the gasket ring 106, while the second window panel 114 is engaged to the front portion 106c of the gasket ring 106. At the same time, a right edge surface 110a of the first window panel 110 and an aft end surface 114a of the second window panel 114 may overlap at a central portion of the gasket ring 106, thereby ensuring closed condition CD of the window assembly 102.
[032] In an embodiment, in the open condition of the window assembly 102, the first window panel 110 is disengaged from the rear portion 106d and/or the second window panel 114 is disengaged from the front portion 106c of the gasket ring 106. The disengagement of the first window panel 110 results in an opening (not shown) between a left side surface 170 and the rear portion 106d. The disengagement of the second window panel 114 also results in the opening between the aft end surface 114a and the front portion 106c. Thus, in the open condition of the window assembly 102 the first window panel 110 and/or the second window panel 114 are displaced to provide the opening. The opening in the window assembly 102 provides ventilation to the vehicle.
[033] In an embodiment, as the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 are adjacent to one another due to location of the first guide groove 134 and the second guide groove 136, a gap (not shown) may persist between the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114. Accordingly, a gasket strip member 130 may be mounted to the right edge surface 110a of the first window panel 110 for filling the gap between the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114, for providing ingress protection to the window assembly 102. In an embodiment, the gasket strip member 130 is oriented in a top-down direction of the vehicle. Also, width of the gasket strip member 130 is considered such that, the gap is filled between the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114, while ensuring sliding movement between the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114.
[034] In an embodiment, the first window panel 110 engages with the front portion 106c, while the second window panel 114 engages with the rear portion 106d of the gasket 106. In an embodiment, the gasket strip member 130 may be mounted to the aft edge surface 114a of the second window panel 114.
[035] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, a window-guide mechanism 100 when viewed from inside the driver compartment is depicted. The window-guide mechanism 100 is connected to the window assembly 102. The window-guide mechanism 100 is adapted to ensure that the window assembly 102 is operable effortlessly, while being tamper-proof and leak-proof. The window-guide mechanism 100 comprises a slider guide member 104 mounted onto the panel of the vehicle and engaged to the gasket ring 106. The slider guide member 104 is adapted to guide the first window panel 110 and/or the second window panel 114 for slidably operating the window assembly 102 between the open condition and the closed condition.
[036] Referring to Figure 4, the slider guide member 104 is an elongated member mounted onto the panel of the vehicle. The slider guide member 104 is adapted to guide the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 through an elongated slot 104a. The slider guide member 104 is mounted onto the panel through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening, welding, bonding and the like. The slider guide member 104 is also oriented in the direction of sliding movement of the first window panel 110 and/or the second window panel 114. In the present embodiment, the slider guide member 104 is oriented along the front-rear direction of the vehicle since, the first window panel 110 and/or the second window panel 114 are adapted to slidably move along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, the slider guide member 104 may also be oriented along the top-down direction or may be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction, based on sliding movement of the first window panel 110 and/or the second window panel 114. Further, the slider guide member 104 upon mounting onto the panel engages with the gasket ring 106. In the present embodiment, the slider guide member 104 engages or contacts the lower portion 106a of the gasket ring 106, upon mounting onto the panel of the vehicle.
[037] Further, the window-guide mechanism 100 comprises one or more first brackets 108a, 108b slidably disposed on the slider guide member 104 and engaged to the first window panel 110. In the present embodiment, the one or more first brackets 108a, 108b are mounted on an inner surface 110b (shown in Figure 3) of the first window panel 110. In the context of the present disclosure, the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110 pertains to the surface of the first window panel 110 when viewed from inside of the vehicle or inside the driver compartment of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the slider guide members 104 comprises one or more stoppers 172a, 172b disposed along the elongated slot 104a. The one or more stoppers 172a, 172b are adapted to restrict movement of the first window panel 110 and/or the second window panel 114. In an embodiment, each of the one or more stoppers 172a, 172b may be a pin member positioned in the elongated slot 104a. In another embodiment, the one or more stoppers 172a, 172b comprises a first stopper 172a and a second stopper 172b. The first stopper 172a is positioned on the slider guide member 104 to be between the rear portion 106d and the central portion of the gasket ring 106. The second stopper 172b is positioned on the slider guide member 104 to be between the front portion 106c and the central portion of the gasket ring 106.
[038] Referring to Figure 5, each of the one or more first brackets 108a, 108b are slidably disposed in the elongated slot 104a provided on the slider guide member 104. Each of the one or more first brackets 108a, 108b is adapted to guide the first window panel 110 along the elongated slot 104a of the slider guide member 104 during sliding movement of the first window panel 110.
[039] In an embodiment, the one or more first brackets 108a, 108b comprises a left bracket member 108b and a right bracket member 108a. The left bracket member 108b is mounted to a left-bottom portion of the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110, while the right bracket member 108a is mounted to a right-bottom portion of the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110. The right bracket member 108a and the left bracket member 108b mitigate stress concentration on the first window panel 110 and/or the slider guide member 104 during sliding movement of the first window panel 110.
[040] In the present embodiment, each of the one or more first brackets 108a, 108b comprises a body portion 138 having a first end 140 and a second end 142, wherein the first end 140 is mounted to the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110, while the second end 142 is disposed in the elongated slot 104a of the slider guide member 104. In the present embodiment, the body portion 138 is provided with a stepped profile, for ease of mounting. Also, the first end 140 comprises at least one slot 144 capable of being fastened to the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110 through a fastener (not shown). Further, the second end 142 is inserted within the elongated slot 104a of the slider guide member 104, thus ensuring that the first window panel 110 is slidably engaged to the slider guide member 104. In an embodiment, each of the one or more first brackets 108a, 108b may be made by one of a metallic material, a polymer material or a composite material as per design feasibility and requirement.
[041] In an embodiment, the second end 142 disposed in the elongated slot 104a, is adapted to engage with the one or more stoppers 172a, 172b, thereby restricting the extent of movement of the first window panel 110 on the slider guide member 104. In an embodiment, the right bracket member 108a is adapted to engage with the first stopper 172a, while the left bracket member 108b is adapted to engage with the second stopper 172b, when the first window panel 110 is guided towards the front portion 106c of the gasket ring 106.
[042] Further, referring to Figure 6, a first knob member 120 is mounted on the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110 through the one or more first brackets 108a, 108b. In an embodiment, the first knob member 120 is mounted on the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110 by conventional mounting techniques such as fastening, press-fitting and the like. The first knob member 120 acts as a grip for a user to slidably move or operate the first window panel 110 about the slider guide member 104 from inside the vehicle. The first knob member 120 is positioned on the first window panel 110 to ensure comfortable reach to the user from inside of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the first knob member 120 is mounted on the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110 through the right bracket member 108a and positioned at a bottom-right portion of the first window panel 110.
[043] In an embodiment, the first knob member 120 comprises a head portion 146 over which a locking unit 122 is provided. The locking unit 122 is adapted to protrude through the first window panel 110 and emerge from an outer surface 110c of the first window panel 110. In the present embodiment, the outer surface 110c pertains to the surface visible from outside the vehicle. The locking unit 122 is adapted to engage with the second window panel 114 for locking sliding movement of the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 during the closed condition CD of the window assembly 102.
[044] In an embodiment, the first window panel 110 comprises an opening (not shown) for receiving and extending or protruding the locking unit 122 beyond the outer surface 110c. In an embodiment, the first knob member 120 is mounted to the first window panel 110 insertion of a shank portion 148 of the locking unit 122 within the opening of the first window panel 110. The shank portion 148 gets press-fitted upon insertion into the opening of the first window panel 110.
[045] In an embodiment, the locking unit 122 is a screw ring comprising a spring-loaded pin member 124 mounted within the shank portion 148. The spring-loaded pin member 124 is also engaged to the head portion 146, so that the spring-loaded pin member 124 is operable between an extended position (not shown) and a retracted position (not shown) based on operation of the head portion 146 of the first knob member 120. The spring-loaded pin member 124 in the extended position is adapted to engage with a fore end surface 126 of the second window panel 114 for locking the sliding movement of the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 during the closed position CD of the window assembly 102. The first knob member 120 may be operated to actuate the spring-loaded pin member 124 to the retracted position from the fore end surface 126, and thereafter slidably operate the first window panel 110 to operate the window assembly 102 to the open condition OD.
[046] In the present embodiment, the spring-loaded pin member 124 is operated to the retracted position, by pulling the first knob member 120 away from the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110. Once the pulling force on the first knob member 120 is released and the window assembly 102 is in the closed condition CD, the spring-loaded pin member 124 reverts to the extended position from the retracted position and engage with the fore end surface 126 of the second window panel 114 for locking the window assembly 102 in the closed condition CD.
[047] Further, referring to Figure 7, the window-guide mechanism 100 comprises a second bracket 112 slidably disposed on the slider guide member 104 and engaged to the second window panel 114. The second bracket 112 is adapted to guide the second window panel 114 along the slider guide member 104 during sliding movement.
[048] In an embodiment, the second bracket 112 comprises a frame portion 150 having a first end 152 and a second end 154, wherein the first end 152 is mounted to an inner surface 114b of the second window panel 114, while the second end 154 is disposed in the elongated slot 104a of the slider guide member 104. In the present embodiment, the frame portion 150 is provided with a stepped profile, for ease of mounting. Also, the first end 152 comprises at least one slit 156 capable of being fastened to the inner surface 114b of the second window panel 114 through a fastener (not shown). Further, the second end 154 is inserted within the elongated slot 104a of the slider guide member 104, thus ensuring that the second window panel 114 is slidably engaged to the slider guide member 104. In an embodiment, the second bracket 112 may be made by one of a metallic material, a polymer material or a composite material as per design feasibility and requirement.
[049] In an embodiment, the second end 154 disposed in the elongated slot 104a, is adapted to engage with the one or more stoppers 172a, 172b, thereby restricting the extent of movement of the second window panel 114 on the slider guide member 104. In an embodiment, the second bracket 112 is adapted to engage with the second stopper 172b, when the second window panel 114 is guided towards the rear portion 106d of the gasket ring 106.
[050] Referring to Figure 8, a second knob member 128 is mounted onto the inner surface 114b of the second window panel 114 through the second bracket 112. The second knob member 128 is positioned proximally to the aft end surface 114a. Such a placement ensures easy access of the second knob member 128 to the user from inside of the vehicle or from the driver compartment of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the second knob member 128 is positioned at a bottom-right portion of the second window panel 114.
[051] In an embodiment, the second knob member 128 comprises an engagement portion 128a and a holder portion 128b. The engagement portion 128a is adapted to engage with the second window panel 114 through the second bracket 112, while the holder portion 128b facilitates the user to grip the second knob member 128. In an embodiment, the engagement portion 128a is inserted into an aperture (not shown) provided in the second window panel 114 for engagement.
[052] Referring to Figure 9 and 10, in order to support sliding of the second window panel 114 relative to the first window panel 110, a slider bar member 116 is provided in the window-guide mechanism 100. The slider bar member 116 is mounted onto the outer surface 110c of the first window panel 110. In other words, the slider bar member 116 is mounted on the first window panel 110 such that the same is visible from outside of the vehicle. The slider bar member 116 is engaged to the second window panel 114 for enabling selective sliding of the second window panel 114. Since, the slider bar member 116 is mounted to the first window panel 110, the slider bar member 116 also enables selective sliding of the first window panel 110 with respect to the second window panel 114.
[053] Referring to Figure 11 in conjunction with Figures 9 and 10, the slider bar member 116 comprises an anchor member 160 adapted to be supported into the gasket ring 106. A first plate 158a and a second plate 158b are mounted onto either side of the anchor member 160 such that, a space 162 is maintained between the first plate 158a and the second plate 158b for receiving the first window panel 110. Thus, the slider bar member 116 is mounted onto the bottom portion 132 of the first window panel 110 through the space 162 maintained between the plates 158a, 158b. Upon mounting, the first plate 158a engages with the outer surface 110c while the plate 158b engages with the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110. As such, the first plate 158a is visible from outside of the vehicle, while the second plate 158b is visible from the inside of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the length of the slider bar member 116 may be considered based on the length of the first window panel 110. Also, dimensions of each of the first plate 158a and the second plate 158b are considered based on the dimensions of the slider bar member 116.
[054] Referring to Figure 12 in conjunction with Figures 9-11, a guide pin 118 mounted onto the second window panel 114 and adapted to be disposed in an elongated groove 116a of the first plate 158a is depicted. In the present embodiment, the guide pin 118 is mounted proximally to the fore end surface 126 of the second window panel 114. The guide pin 118 comprises a head 164, a mounting portion 166 and a pin 168. The guide pin 118 is adapted to be inserted in a hole (not shown) provided in the second window panel 114. Upon insertion of the guide pin 118 in the hole, the mounting portion 166 engages with a periphery of the hole, while the pin 168 is seated within the elongated groove 116a. The pin 168 is adapted to traverse along the elongated groove 116a during sliding movement of the second window panel 114.
[055] In an embodiment, the window assembly 102 comprises a cover strip (not shown) mounted on the outer surface 110c of the first window panel 110 and an outer surface 114c of the second window panel 114. The cover strip is adapted to cover the slider bar member 116 and the guide pin 118 for providing ingress protection from an outer environment. In an embodiment, length and height of the cover strip is equal to the window total length and height equal to the distance from a base of the window assembly 102 to slightly above the guide pin 118 and the locking unit 122. In an embodiment, the cover strip may be made of a metallic material, a plastic material or any other fiber material as per design feasibility and requirement. In another embodiment, the cover strip is placed onto a base (not shown) of the window assembly 102 for covering the locking unit 122, the guide pin 118 and the slider bar member 116 from outside of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the cover strip is fastened to the window assembly 102.
[056] In an embodiment, during assembly, the gasket ring 106 is firstly mounted onto the cutout provided on the panel of the vehicle, which can be a door panel of the vehicle. Thereafter, the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 are mounted within the gasket ring 106 through the first guide groove 134 and the second guide groove 136. The first window panel 110 is mounted onto the first guide groove 134 through the slider bar member 116, wherein the anchor member 160 is mounted onto the first guide groove 134 and the first window panel 110 is mounted on the space 162. Subsequently, the one or more first brackets 108a, 108b are mounted to the slider guide member 104 that is mounted to the panel and the inner surface 110b of the first window panel 110. The one or more first brackets 108a, 108b surround the slider bar member 116 upon mounting onto the first window panel 110. Subsequently, the first knob member 120 is mounted onto the inner surface 110c through the one or more first brackets 108a, 108b proximal to the right edge surface 110a. Thereafter, the second bracket 112 is mounted to the slider guide member 104 and the second window panel 114. The second knob member 128 is then mounted onto the second window panel 114 through the second bracket 112 and positioned at the bottom-right portion of the second window panel 114 for ease of accessibility to the driver from the driver compartment. Subsequently, the second window panel 114 is mounted to the slider bar member 116 through the guide pin 118, wherein the guide pin 118 is mounted proximal to the fore end surface 126.
[057] In an embodiment, the window-guide mechanism 100 herein described is based on the premise that the window assembly 102 having first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114, are operated along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. However, it is evident that the window-guide mechanism 100 can also be provided to the window assembly 102 having the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 being operated along the top-down direction or at an inclination with respect to the top-down direction as per requirement.
[058] In an operational embodiment, when the window assembly 102 is in the closed condition, the user or the driver in the driver compartment operates the first knob member 120 to actuate the spring-loaded pin member 124 to the retracted position. In the retracted position, the spring-loaded pin member 124 disengages from the fore-end surface 126, thereby allowing movement of the second window panel 114 and the first window panel 110. At this juncture, the driver can slide either the first window panel 110 through the first knob member 120 or the second window panel 114 through the second knob member 128 for opening the window assembly 102. In an embodiment, the second window panel 114 contacts the spring-loaded pin member 124 during sliding in the gasket ring 106, and thus requirement of operation of the first knob member 120 throughout the duration of sliding of the second window panel 114 is not necessary.
[059] When the window assembly 102 is to be operated to the closed condition CD, the user operates the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 suitably based on their position on the gasket ring 106. That is, the driver operates the first window panel 110 such that the left edge surface 170 engages with the rear portion 106d, while the second window panel 114 such that the aft end surface 114a engages with the front portion 106c. At this juncture, the first knob member 120 is operated to actuate the spring-loaded pin member 124 to the extended position, so that the fore end surface 126 engages with the spring-loaded pin member 124. Consequently, the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 are locked, thereby operating the window assembly 102 to the closed condition CD.
[060] In an embodiment, if only one of the first window panel 110 and the second window panel 114 is moved to open the window assembly 102, accordingly, the corresponding window panel is operated to close the window assembly 102.
[061] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of the window mechanism ensures that the window assembly is capable of being operated effortlessly by the user or the driver from inside of the vehicle. Further, the aspect of the gasket ring and the gasket strip makes the window assembly leak proof, thereby ensuring ingress protection to the window assembly. Also, positioning of the first knob member and the second knob member proximal to the base of the window panels, facilitated better hand reachability, thereby improving ergonomics of the window assembly. Also, the first brackets, the second brackets, the slider bar member, and the slider guide member prevent tipping of the window panels during sliding in the gasket ring, thereby making the movement of the window panels smooth and obstruction free. Consequently, the effort requirement from the user or the driver to operate the window assembly also reduces. Moreover, the cover strip masks components of the window mechanism from the outside, thereby enhancing aesthetic appeal of the window assembly. Additionally, the locking pin of the first knob member ensures that the window assembly is firmly locked in the closed condition. Also, positioning the locking pin on the inner surface of the first window panel or inside the driver compartment or inside the vehicle prevents tampering of the locking unit. Consequently, enhancing safety in the vehicle.
[062] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals and Characters

100 Window-guide mechanism
102 Window assembly
104 Slider guide member
106 Gasket ring
106a Lower portion of gasket ring
106b Top portion of gasket ring
106c Front portion of gasket ring
106d Rear portion of gasket ring
108a, 108b One or more first brackets
108a Right bracket member
108b Left bracket member
110 First window panel
110a Right edge surface of the first window panel
110b Inner surface of the first window panel
110c Outer surface of the first window panel
112 Second bracket
114 Second window panel
114a Aft end surface of the second window panel
114b Inner surface of the second window panel
114c Outer surface of the second window panel
116 Slider bar member
118 Guide pin
120 First knob member
122 Locking unit
124 Spring-loaded pin member
126 Fore end surface
128 Second knob member
130 Gasket strip member
132 Bottom portion of the first window panel
134 First guide groove
136 Second guide groove
138 Body portion of first bracket
140 First end of first bracket
142 Second end of first bracket
144 Slot
146 Head portion of the first knob member
148 Shank portion of locking unit
150 Frame portion
152 First end of the second bracket
154 Second end of the second bracket
156 Slit
158a, 158b First plate and Second plate
160 Anchor member
162 Space
164 Head
166 Mounting portion
168 Pin
170 Left edge surface of the first window panel
CD Closed condition


, C , Claims:1. A window-guide mechanism (100) for a window assembly (102) of a vehicle, comprising:
a slider guide member (104) mounted onto a panel of the vehicle, the slider guide member (104) being engaged to a gasket ring (106) of the window assembly (102);
one or more first brackets (108a, 108b) slidably disposed on the slider guide member (104) and being engaged to a first window panel (110), each of the one or more first brackets (108a, 108b) being adapted to guide the first window panel (110) along the slider guide member (104) during sliding movement of the first window panel (110); and
a second bracket (112) slidably disposed on the slider guide member (104) and being engaged to a second window panel (114), the second bracket (112) being adapted to guide the second window panel (114) along the slider guide member (104) during the sliding movement of the second window panel (114).

2. The window-guide mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a slider bar member (116) mounted onto the first window panel (110) and oriented parallelly to the slider guide member (104), the slider bar member (116) being engaged to the second window panel (114) for enabling selective sliding of the first window panel (110) and the second window panel (114).

3. The window-guide mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2 comprises a guide pin (118) mounted onto the second window panel (114), the guide pin (118) being adapted to engage with an elongated groove (116a) provided on the slider bar member (116) for enabling sliding of the second window panel (114) along the slider bar member (116), wherein the slider bar member (116) being mounted to a bottom portion (132) of the first window panel (110).

4. The window-guide mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first brackets (108a, 108b) comprises:
a left bracket member (108b) being mounted to a left-bottom portion of the first window panel (110); and
a right bracket member (108a) being mounted to a right-bottom portion of the first window panel (110).

5. The window-guide mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a first knob member (120) mounted to an inner surface (110b) of the first window panel (110) through a right bracket member (108a) of the one or more first brackets (108a. 108b), the first knob member (120) upon actuation enables the sliding movement of the first window panel (110).

6. The window-guide mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first knob member (120) comprises a locking unit (122) protruding through the first window panel (110), the locking unit (122) being adapted to engage with the second window panel (114), for locking the sliding movement of the first window panel (110) and the second window panel (114) during a closed condition (CD) of the window assembly (102), wherein the first knob member (120) is positioned at a bottom-right portion of the first window panel (110), and wherein in an open condition of the window assembly (102), the first knob member (120) is positioned between the gasket ring (106) and the gasket strip member (130).

7. The window-guide mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking unit (122) is a screw ring, the screw ring comprising a spring-loaded pin member (124), wherein the spring-loaded pin member (124) being adapted to engage with a fore end surface (126) of the second window panel (114) for locking the sliding movement of the first window panel (110) and the second window panel (114) during the closed position (CD) of the window assembly (102).

8. The window-guide mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider guide member (104) is engaged to and oriented parallelly to a lower portion (106a) of the gasket ring (106), the lower portion (106a) of the gasket ring (106) being oriented along a front-rear direction of the vehicle.

9. The window-guide mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a second knob member (128) mounted to an inner surface (114b) of the second window panel (114) through the second bracket (112), the second knob member (128) upon actuation enables the sliding movement of the second window panel (114), wherein the second knob member (128) is positioned at a bottom-right portion of the second window panel (114).

10. The window-guide mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 being mounted onto a door panel of a driver compartment in the vehicle.

11. The window-guide mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider guide member (104) comprises an elongated slot (104a), the elongated slot (104a) being capable of slidably receiving each of the one or more first brackets (108a, 108b) and the second bracket (112).

12. A window assembly (102) for a vehicle, the window assembly (102) comprising:
a gasket ring (106) mounted to a panel of the vehicle, the gasket ring (106) comprising a first guide groove (134) and a second guide groove (136), the first guide groove (134) being provided adjacently to the second guide groove (136);
a first window panel (110) slidably disposed in the first guide groove (134) of the gasket ring (106), and
a second window panel (114) slidably disposed in the second guide groove (136) of the gasket ring (106),
wherein, the first window panel (110) and the second window panel (114) are selectively slidable in the gasket ring (106) for operating the window assembly (102) between an open condition and a closed condition (CD); and
a window-guide mechanism (100), comprising:
a slider guide member (104) mounted onto the panel of the vehicle, the slider guide member (104) being engaged to the gasket ring (106);
one or more first brackets (108a, 108b) slidably disposed on the slider guide member (104) and being engaged to the first window panel (110), each of the one or more first brackets (108a, 108b) being adapted to guide the first window panel (110) along the slider guide member (104) during sliding movement of the first window panel (110); and
a second bracket (112) slidably disposed on the slider guide member (104) and being engaged to the second window panel (114), the second bracket (112) being adapted to guide the second window panel (114) along the slider guide member (104) during sliding movement of the second window panel (114).

13. The window assembly (102) as claimed in claim 12 comprises a slider bar member (116) mounted onto the first window panel (110) and oriented parallelly to the slider guide member (104), the slider bar member (116) being engaged to the second window panel (114) for enabling selective sliding of the first window panel (110) and the second window panel (114).

14. The window assembly (102) as claimed in claim 13 comprises a guide pin (118) mounted onto the second window panel (114), the guide pin (118) being adapted to engage with an elongated groove (116a) provided on the slider bar member (116) for enabling sliding of the second window panel (114) along the slider bar member (116), wherein the slider bar member (116) being mounted to a bottom portion (132) of the first window panel (110).

15. The window assembly (102) as claimed in claim 12 comprises a first knob member (120) mounted to an inner surface (110b) of the first window panel (110) through a right bracket member (108a) of the one or more first brackets (108a. 108b), the first knob member (120) upon actuation enables the sliding movement of the first window panel (110).

16. The window assembly (102) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first knob member (120) comprises a locking unit (122) protruding through the first window panel (110), the locking unit (122) being adapted to engage with the second window panel (114), for locking the sliding movement of the first window panel (110) and the second window panel (114) during the closed condition (CD) of the window assembly (102) and wherein in an open condition of the window assembly (102), the first knob member (120) is positioned between the gasket ring (106) and the gasket strip member (130).

17. The window assembly (102) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the locking unit (122) is a screw ring, the screw ring comprising a spring-loaded pin member (124), wherein the spring-loaded pin member (124) being adapted to engage with a fore end surface (126) of the second window panel (114) for locking the sliding movement of the first window panel (110) and the second window panel (114) during the closed position (CD) of the window assembly (102).

18. The window assembly (102) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the slider guide member (104) is engaged to and oriented parallelly to a lower portion (106a) of the gasket ring (106), the lower portion (106a) of the gasket ring (106) being oriented along a front-rear direction of the vehicle.

19. The window assembly (102) as claimed in claim 12 comprises a second knob member (128) mounted to an inner surface (114b) of the second window panel (114) through the second bracket (112), the second knob member (128) upon actuation enables the sliding movement of the second window panel (114).

20. The window assembly (102) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the slider guide member (104) comprises an elongated slot (104a), the elongated slot (104a) capable of slidably receiving each of the one or more first brackets (108a, 108b) and the second bracket (112).

21. The window assembly (102) as claimed in claim 12 comprises a gasket strip member (130) being mounted to a right edge surface (110a) of the first window panel (110), the gasket strip member (130) being adapted to fill a gap between the first window panel (110) and the second window panel (114) for providing ingress protection.

22. The window assembly (102) as claimed in claim 12 comprises a cover strip provided on an outer surface of the panel of the vehicle, the cover strip being adapted to cover the slider bar member (116) and a guide pin (118).