Process for manufacturing a molded plastic window for an automotive vehicle and window produced thereby

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a plastic window for an automotive vehicle in which a hollow frame portion is separately molded from a main optical panel the frame portion bonded to the perimeter of the main panel as by melt bonding.

1 - 6 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         7 . A window made by the method comprising the steps of: 
 molding a main panel from a transparent synthetic resin, substantially free from optical distortion;    separately molding a frame portion from a synthetic resin, including the step of inducing gas assist expansion of the frame portion to form a hollow cavity extending along said frame portion, said frame portion configured to be fit to an outer perimeter of said main panel; and    joining said frame portion to said main panel perimeter.    
     
     
         8 - 12 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         13 . A window for an automotive vehicle comprising: 
 a main panel having portions defining an outer perimeter, said main panel being constructed of a first synthetic resin, transparent and substantially free of optical distortions;    a frame having portions defining an interior opening and having portions defining a hollow cavity extending along said frame, said frame having a shape substantially corresponding to said outer perimeter of said main panel; and    wherein said frame is mounted to said main panel at said outer perimeter.    
     
     
         14 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said frame is mounted to said outer perimeter of said main panel by a melt bond.  
     
     
         15 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said frame includes a wall extending therefrom, said wall being contiguous with a surface of said main panel.  
     
     
         16 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said frame includes a tab extending therefrom, said tab being offset from said main panel.  
     
     
         17 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said frame includes an integral attaching portion formed therein adapted to mount said window to the vehicle.  
     
     
         18 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said frame includes a profiled edge engaging a correspondingly profiled edge of said outer perimeter.  
     
     
         19 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said first synthetic resin is polycarbonate.  
     
     
         20 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said second synthetic resin is polycarbonate.  
     
     
         21 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said second synthetic resin has a stiffer modulus than said first synthetic resin.  
     
     
         22 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said second synthetic resin is filled polycarbonate.  
     
     
         23 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said second synthetic resin is opaque.  
     
     
         24 . The window of  claim 13  wherein said second synthetic resin is blackened in color.