GB2502843A

GB2502843A - Vehicle glazing having coverable aperture

Info

Publication number: GB2502843A
Application number: GB201218162A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Hemingway
Original assignee: Pilkington Group Ltd
Current assignee: Pilkington Group Ltd
Priority date: 2012-10-10
Filing date: 2012-10-10
Publication date: 2013-12-11
Also published as: GB201218162D0

Abstract

A window 21, 91, for a vehicle comprising a pane of glazing material 23, 93, having a periphery. The periphery having a first side opposite a second side, the pane of glazing 23, 93 material having at least one aperture 31, 101, 111 therein, and at least one movable glazing panel 25, 95, 105 associated with each of the apertures 31, 101, 111. Each movable glazing panel 25, 95, 105 is configured to communicate with the respective aperture 31, 101, 111 such that the or each movable glazing panel 25, 95, 105 is movable between a first position wherein (Figures 3, 12) the or each movable glazing panel 25, 95, 105 closes the respective aperture 31, 101, 111 and a second position wherein the or each movable glazing panel 25, 95, 105 covers at least a portion of the respective aperture, further wherein the locus of points 44, 104 equidistant between the first side and the second side define a first axis. A first portion of the pane one side of the first axis is void of glazing material and a second portion of the pane 25, 95, 105 on the other side of the first axis is also void of glazing material.

Description

VEHICLE GLAZING

The present inveiltion relates to a window for a vehicle, in particular to a slidable window for vchiclcs such as buses and trams.

It is known to provide openable side windows for vehicles such as buses, trams and trains, in particular slow speed trains. Such windows often have a movable glazing panel adjacent to a fixed glazing pane. The moveable glazing panel may be articulated or hinged, or sliding, relative to the fixed glazing palle. The movable glazing panel communicates with an aperture in the fixed glazing panel to close the aperture and opening the aperture provides a means of ventilation for the interior of the vehicle.

A known bus has a fixed side window with an aperture therein. The aperture is closed by a movable glazing panel that is received in thc apcrturc such that from the outsidc of the bus thc movablc glazing pancl appcars flush with the fixed side window. Thc aperturc may be opened from inside the bus by sliding the movable glazing panel such that the movable glazing panel moves out of the aperture and is then slidable to the side of the aperture. Such a window is shown in figure 1.

Figurc 1 shows schematic representation of a view from inside a bus of a side window incorporating a slidable glazing panel. The side window 1 comprises a fixed glazing pane 3 and a slidable glazing panel 5 configured to slide between rails 7, 9. The rails 7, 9 are mounted on the interior surface ofthe fixed glazing pane 3. Inside the bus there are two seats 13, 15 positioned such that passengcrs sitting in thesc scats arc able to look out through sidc window 1. The pane 3 has a periphery with a left side 2, a right side 4, an upper side 6 and a lower side 8.

In Figurc 1 the side window 1 is shown in a closcd configuration with the slidable glazing panel 5 received in aperture 11 (see Figure 2). From the exterior of the bus the slidablc glazing pancl 5 is flush with the cxterior surface of the fixed panc 3 to givc thc appearance of a continuous surface, as is desirable amongst such vehicle manufacturers.

In Figurc 2 the side window 1 is shown in an open configuration becausc thc slidable glazing panel 5 has been slid out of the aperture 11 into the "parked" position such that the slidable glazing panel 5 faces the inner facing surface of the fixed glazing pane 3. In this configuration the slidable glazing panel is completely spaced apart from the aperture 11.

There is however a problem with the type of side window. When ifilly open, the slidablc glazing panel is in a parked position such that the entire major face of the slidablc glazing panel faces a portion of the inner facing major surface of the fixed glazing pane adjacent an end of the opening. As shown in figure 2, when a passenger is sat in seat 15, it is possible to open the slidablc glazing thereby providing ventilation for seat 15. However when the side window is in the closed configuration a passenger sitting in seat 13 is not able to easily reach the slidable glazing panel to open the window and consequently is not able to control ventilation to seat 13. Furthermore it is not possible to provide uniform ventilation to both seats 13 and 15. The degree ofventilation is only controllable by the person closest to the aperture 11, and more ventilation may be provided towards seat 15.

The present invention aims to at least partially overcome the disadvantages with such windows.

Accordingly from a first aspect the present invention provides a window for a vehicle comprising a pane of glazing material having a periphery, the periphery having a first side opposite a second side, the pane of glazing material having at least one aperture therein, there being at least one movable glazing panel associated with each of the at least one apertures, each movable glazing panel being configured to communicate with the respective aperture such that the or each movable glazing panel is movable between a first position wherein the or each movable glazing panel closes the respective aperture and a second position wherein the or each movable glazing panel covers at least a portion of the respective aperture, further wherein the locus of points equidistant between the left side and the right side define a first axis, characterised in that a first portion of the pane one side of the first axis is void of glazing material and a second portion of the pane on the other side of the first axis is void of glazing material.

A window in accordance with the present invention has the advantage that ventilation into the vehicle in which the window is installed is more uniform compared to windows of the prior art. For the avoidance of doubt an aperture is void of glazing material. Suitably when installed in a vehicle, the first side of the periphery faces towards the front of the vehicle and the second side of the periphery faces towards the rear of the vehicle, and the first side and the second side extend upwards towards the roof portion of the vehicle.

Preferably the first portion and the second portion are connected, being one of the at least one apertures. Preferably there is only one aperture.

Preferably the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart such that there is glazing material in betwccn the first portion and the second portion. In this embodiment there are at least two apertures in the pane of glazing material.

Preferably the geometric centre of the first portion is the same distance from the first axis as the geometric centre of the second portion.

Preferably the first portion has the same dimensions as the second portion.

When the first portion has the same dimensions as the second portion and the distance of the geometric centre of the first portion to the first axis is the same as the geometric centre of the second portion to the first axis, suitable there is an axis of mirror symmetry about the first axis.

Preferably each of the at least one apertures has only one respective movable glazing panel associated therewith.

Preferably the or each movable glazing panel is received in the respective aperture.

The pane has a first major surface and an opposing second major surface. The first major surface is configured to be the outwardly facing surface of the pane when the window is installed in a vehicle. The second major surface is configured to be the surface of the pane facing the interior of the vehicle when the window is installed in a vehicle. Preferably in the first position the or each movable glazing panel is flush with the first major surface.

Preferably at least one movable glazing panel is slidably mounted such that the glazing panel is slidable between the first position and the second position.

PrefcraNy at cast one movable glazing panel is slidably mounted to the pane in between a pair of rails mounted to the second major surface of the pane.

Preferably the periphery of the pane has four sides, more preferably four straight sides.

Preferably the periphery of the pane is substantially rectangular or substantially square, such that the periphery also has an upper side and a lower side, the upper side being that side of the periphery facing the roof of the vehicle in which the window is installed.

Suitably the periphery of the pane has rounded corners.

Preferably at least one of the apertures has a rectangular outline. The corners of the apertures may be rounded.

Preferably the first axis is straight.

Preferably the first axis is parallel to the first side Preferably the first axis is parallel to the second side.

In some embodiments the periphery has an upper side and a lower side, the upper side being that side of the periphery face the roof of the vehicle in which the window is installed.

Preferably the first axis is perpendicular to the lower side. Preferably the first axis is perpendicular to the upper side. The locus of points equidistant between the upper side and the lower side define a second axis. Preferably the geometric centre of one or more of the at least one apertures is located on the side of the second axis closest to the upper side.

In a preferred embodiment the glazing pane has a rectangular periphery and only one rectangular aperture therein. In this embodiment the rectangular aperture crosses the first axis such that the rectangular aperture has minor symmetry about the first axis. The rectangular glazing pane has a length L and a width W The aperture has a length I and a width w.

Preferably 1 is less than or equal to O.33xL. Preferably / is greater than or equal to O.2xL and I is less than or equal to O.33xL. In a variation to this embodiment, preferably / is less than O.75xL. Preferably I is greater than O.33xL and I is less than O.75xL.

Suitably the glazing material is glass, preferably toughened glass or laminated glass.

Suitably the window is part of a double or triple glazed insulated glazing unit.

A window according to the present invention may be incorporated into a bus, coach, tram, train or boat.

The invention will now be described with reference to the following figures (not to scale) in which: Figure 1 shows a view from inside a known bus showing a known slidable window in a closed configuration.

Figure 2 shows a view from inside a known bus showing a known slidable window in an open configuration.

Figure 3 shows a window in accordance with the present invention in a closed configuration.

Figure 4 shows the window of Figure 3 111 an open configuration.

Figure 5 shows the window of Figure 3 in another open configuration.

Figure 6 shows another window in accordance with the present invention in a closed configuration.

Figurc 7 shows thc window of Figure 6 in an opcn configuration.

Figurc 8 shows thc window of Figure 6 in anothcr open configuration.

Figure 9 shows another window in accordance with the preseilt invention in a closed configuration.

Figure 10 shows the window of Figure 9 in an open configuration.

Figurc 11 shows thc window of Figure 9 in anothcr open configuration.

Figure 12 shows another window in accordance with the present invention in a closed configuration.

Figure 13 shows the window of Figure 12 in an open configuration.

Figure 14 shows the window of Figure 12 in another open configuration.

Figure 15 shows another window in accordance with the present invention having a pane with a parallelogram periphery.

Figurc 16 shows the window of figure 15 in a closed configuration.

Figure 17 shows a pair of windows in accordance with the present invention, each pane having a trapezoidal periphety.

Figure 18 shows two windows in accordance with the present invention, both having a trapezoidal periphery.

Figures 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 show different windows in accordance with the present invention, each having a different periphery.

Figure 1 and figure 2 have previously been described.

Figure 3 shows a window 21 in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 shows the window 21 in a closed configuration. Figure 4 shows the window 21 in a first open configuration. Figure 5 shows the window 21 in another open configuration. The window 21 shall be described with reference to figures 3, 4 and 5.

The view of the window 21 is that from the inside of a vehicle into which the window The window 21 has a pane of toughened glass 23 having an inner surface 20 facing the interior of the vehicle in which the window is installed and an opposed outer facing surface.

The pane of toughened glass 23 has a rectangular periphery with a left side 22, a right side 24, an upper side 26 and a lower side 28. All of the sides 22, 24, 26 and 28 are straight, or substantially straight. The length of the glazing L is denoted by arrow 42 and the width of the glazing t' is denoted by the arrow 40. Although the corners of the rectangular pane 23 are shown as being at 90°, the corners of the rectangular pane 23 may be rounded. Alternatively the corners may be removed in some other way i.e. to give a chamfered appearance.

Mounted on the inner surface 20 of the pane 23 is a pair of rails 27, 29 configured to allow the movable glazing panel 25 to slide towards the left hand side 22 or the right hand side 24 ofthe window. The rails 27, 29 are configured such that when the window is installed in a vehicle, the movable glazing panel slides in a horizontal direction.

The pane of toughened glass 23 has an aperture 31 within the periphery thereof The aperture is cut from the glass sheet prior to the glass being toughened. The aperture is void of glazing material, which in this example is glass. The outline of the aperture 31 is rectangular with rounded corners. In the configuration shown in figure 3, the movable glazing panel 25 is received in the aperture 31 such that from the exterior of the vehicle in which the window is installed, the movable glazing panel 25 is flush with the outer facing surface of the glass pane 23. In figure 3 the window is closed. There may be biasing means associated with the movable glazing panel to ensure the movable glazing panel 25 is maintained in the aperture 31 when in the closed position.

A first axis is defined by the locus of points 44 that are equidistant from the left side 22 and the right side 24. Because the glazing pane 23 is rectangular, the first axis runs down the centreline of the rectangular glass pane 23 i.e. at a position of'/2 from the left and right sides. The glass pane 23 has mirror symmetry about the first axis. Half of the aperture is positioned to the right of the locus of points 44 and the other half of the aperture lies to the right of the locus of points 44. Since the aperture 31 is void of glazing material, there is a first portion of the pane 23 on the left of the locus of points 44 that is void of glazing material and a second portion of the pane 23 on the right of the locus of points 44 that is void of glazing material. The shape of the aperture 31 has mirror symmetry about the first axis 44 i.e. the first portion and the second portion have the same dimensions. Consequently when the movable glazing pane is in the position shown in figure 3 such that the aperture is closed, the shape of the movable glazing panel 25 has minor symmetry about the first axis 44.

The movable glazing panel 25 comprises a pane of toughened glass, although other glazing material may be used. The glass composition may be the same as the glass composition used for the pane 23. The thickness of the movable glazing panel 25 is such that when the movable glazing panel 25 is received in the aperture 31 (as shown in figure 3), the glazing panel is flush with the outer facing surface of the pane 23. There may be a suitable sealing member around the edge of the movable glazing panel to help seal aperture when in the closed configuration shown in figure 3.

Although the movable glazing panel is shown as a slidable glazing panel, the movable glazing panel may be articulated or may be hinged. It may be desirable not to mount the movable glazing panel directly to the window, for example the rails 27, 29 may be suitably mounted to a member attached to the inside of the vehicle.

The aperture has a length land a width w, the length being the dimension of the aperture in the direction of the left side and right side. In this embodiment 1< L,15 Consequently the movable glazing panel 25 is able to be fully displaced from the aperture 31 when in the fully open position. This means there is sufficient space either side of the aperture 31 such that the movable glazing panel may be slid either to the right or left of the aperture. Figure 4 shows the glazing panel slid ifilly to the left side of the aperture such that the window is fully open. The movable glazing panel 25 is in "parked" position. Stops or the like (not shown) may be mounted on the ends of the rails to prevent the glazing panel 25 from being removed from the rails. There is sufficient space to the left and the right of the aperture such that the entire movable glazing panel may be completely spaced from the aperture.

In figurc 5 the movable glazing panel 25 has only been partially slid to the right so that only a portion of the aperture 31 is open. The movable glazing panel 25 covers a portion of the aperture 31. The aperture 31 is void of glazing material.

Figure 6 shows another window 51 in accordance with the present invention. Figure 6 shows the window 51 in a closed configuration. Figure 7 shows the window 51 in a first open configuration. Figure 8 shows the window 51 in another open configuration. The window 51 shall be described with reference to figures 6,7 and 8.

Window 51 has a pane of glazing material 53, such as toughened glass or laminated glass. The pane has a rectangular periphery having a left side 52, a right side 54, an upper side 56 and a lower side 58. A movable glazing panel 55 is mounted between rails 57, 59 and is configured for sliding movement therebetween. The rails 57, 59 are mounted on the inner facing surface of the pane. The pane 53 has an aperture 61 therein. The aperture is rectangular vith rounded corners. In a similar way to the window 21 described with reference to figures 3, 4 and 5, the movable glazing panel 55 is configured to be received in the aperture 61 in the closed configuration shown in figure 6.

The pane 53 has a length L indicated by anow 62 and a width W indicated by arrow 60. The aperture has a length 1 and a width w. In this embodiment 1> L,/3 and j<L12 Consequently the movable glazing panel 55 is not able to be fully displaced from the aperture 61 when in an open configuration, as shown in figures 7 and 8.

The locus of points 64 equidistant from the left side 52 and the right side 54 define a first axis of the periphery of the pane. The long side of the aperture 61 is centred about the locus of points 64. Because the pane 53 is rectangular the pane 53 has minor symmetry about the first axis. In this example the aperture is cenned about the first axis, however the aperture is sized such that the movable glazing panel 55 is not able to be completely spaced from the aperture when the glazing panel is moved to the left or the right of the aperture. This has the advantage that the movable glazing panel is more accessible to passengers sat near side 52 or side 54 (corresponding to seats 13 and 15 in figure 1).

In figure 7 the window is shown in a first open configuration and the movable glazing panel has been slid as far as possible to the right. In figure 8 the window is shown in a second open configuration and the movable glazing panel has been slid fully to the left. Stops or the like are used on the ends of the rails 57, 59 to prevent the movable glazing panel 55 from leaving the rails when slid fully to the left or right.

Figure 9 shows another window 71 in accordance with the present invention. Figure 9 shows the window 71 in a closed configuration. Figure 10 shows the window 71 in a first open configuration. Figure 11 shows the window 71 in another open configuration. The window 71 shall be described with reference to figures 9, 10 and 11.

Window 71 has a pane of toughened glass 73 having a rectangular periphery with a left side 72, a right side 74, an upper side 76 and a lower side 78. There is an aperture 81 within the periphery of the pane. The aperture 81 is void of glazing material.

The pane 73 has a length L indicated by arrow 82 and a width Windicated by arrow 80. The locus ofpoints 84 equidistant from the left side 72 and the right side 74 define a first axis of the periphery of the pane. The aperture 81 is centred about the locus of points 84.

Because the pane 73 is rectangular the pane 73 has minor symmetry about the first axis.

In this example, the pane 73 is the same as the glass pane of window 51 shown in figures 6, 7 and 8. However instead of a single movable glazing panel, there are two movable glazing panels 75, 85 configured such that the aperture 81 is closed when both the movable panels are received in the aperture. When the two movable glazing panels 75, 85 are received in the aperture the ends abut against each other to close the aperture. There may be a suitable sealing member on the ends of the movable glazing panels that abut against each other to assist with the seal between the two glazing panels when in the closed configuration.

The movable glazing panels 75, 85 are mounted between rails 77, 79 and are slidable therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, the two movable glazing panels maybe configured such that one is outwardly spaced from the other and the aperture is closed by the overlap of the two movable glazing panels.

The rails 77, 79 are mounted to the inner facing surface of the pane 73.

To provide ventilation one of the movable glazing panels 75, 85 may be moved to the open position. In the example shown the movable glazing panel 75 can only move towards side 74 and the movable glazing panel 85 can only move towards side 72. The aperture 81 may be fully opened by sliding movable glazing panel 75 towards the right side 74 and sliding the movable glazing panel 85 towards the left side 72, as shown in figure 10. In the configuration shown in figure 10, both the movable glazing panels 75, 85 are in a "parked" position.

Alternatively only one of the movable glazing panels may be opened, whilst the other remains in the aperture.

As shown in figure 11 it is possible to slide one of the movable glazing panels (in this case movable glazing panel 75) out of the aperture 81 and to slide the other movable glazing panel (in this case movable glazing panel 85) to partially opcn the aperture. In figure 11 only movable glazing panel 75 is in a "parked" position.

Figure 12 shows another window 91 in accordance with the present invention. Figure 12 shows the window 91 in a closed configuration. Figure 13 shows the window 91 in a first open configuration. Figure 14 shows the window 91 in another open configuration. The window 91 shall be described with reference to figures 12, 13 and 14.

The window 91 has a pane 93 of toughened glass with a rectangular periphery. The periphery has a left side 92, a right side 94, an upper side 96 and a lower side 98.

The locus of points 104 equidistant from the left side 92 and the right side 94 define a first axis of the periphery of the pane.

The pane 93 has two apertures 101, 111 therein. Each aperture 101, 111 is the same size and is positioned equidistant from the locus of points 104. Each aperture 101, 111 is void of glazing material. The apertures are horizontally aligned in that they are positioned at the same height relative to the lower side 98. Each aperture 101, 111 has a respective movable glazing panel 95, 105 associated therewith. Each movable glazing panel 95, 105 is slidablc between rails 97, 99. The rails 97, 99 are mounted on the inner surface of the pane 93.

Although in this example the apertures are identical, they may be different. In another embodiment the apertures may not be equidistant from the locus of points 1 04.

In figure 12 the window 91 is shown in a closed configuration with movable glazing panel 95 received in aperture 101 and movable glazing panel 105 received in aperture 111.

The movable glazing panels 95, 101 are flush with the outer facing surface of the pane 93.

In figure 13 both apertures 101, 111 are fully opened because the respective movable glazing panel 95, 105 has been slid into the "parked" position shown. When the movable glazing panel 95 is in the closed position shown in figure 12 it can only be slid towards the right side 94 and when the movable glazing panel 105 is in the closed position shown in figure 12 it can only be slid towards the left side 92.

In figure 14 the window 91 is shown in another open configuration where the movable glazing panel 95 is received in the aperture 101 such that the aperture 101 is closed and wherein the movable glazing 105 is only partially slid to the parked position such that the aperture Ill is partially open.

The window 91 has a length L and a width W. Each aperture 101, 111 has a length / and a width w. The apertures 101, 111 are configured such that,<L/ Figure 15 and figure 16 show another window 121 in accordance with the present invention. Figure 15 shows the window 121 in an open configuration and figure 16 shows the window 121 in a closed configuration.

Window 121 has a pane of toughened glass 123 having a periphery in the shape of a parallelogram. The periphery has a left side 122, a right side 124, an upper side 126 and a lower side 128. The pane 123 has a parallelogram shaped aperture 131 therein. There is a movable glazing panel 125 configured to be received in the aperture 131 to close the aperture, as shown in figure 16. This window is similar to the window shown in figure 6,7 and 8 because the aperture is sized such that the movable glazing panel 125 cannot frilly open the aperture. When in the open configuration as shown in figure 15, the movable glazing panel partially overlaps the aperture 131. To open the aperture the movable glazing panel 125 may be positioned towards side 124 as shown or towards side 122.

Figure 17 shows an assembly 140 of windows according to the present invention. The assembly 140 has a pair of windows 141, each window 141 being in accordance with the present invention.

Each window 141 has a pane of glazing material 143 having a trapezoidal periphery.

The periphery has a left side 142, a right side 144, an upper side 146 and a lower side 148.

The periphery has a first axis defined by the locus of point 147 equidistant from the left side 142 and the right side 144.

There is a trapezoidal shaped aperture 149 in the pane 143. A trapezoidal shaped movable glazing panel 145 is configured to close the aperture, as shown in the window 141 on the left of figure 17. The movable glazing panel 145 may be moved towards the left side (as shown in the right hand window of figure 17) or towards the right side 144.

Figure 18 shows an assembly 150 of two windows 141, 161 in accordance in with the present invention. The window 141 is as described with reference to figure 17. The window 161 is essentially identical to the window 141 except that the pane 163 of the window 161 is inverted. The pane 163 of window 161 has a trapezoidal shaped aperture 169 therein. The aperture 169 is configured to be at the same height as the aperture 149 in window 141.

The pane of glazing material 163 has a left side 162, a right side 164, an upper side 166 and a lower side 168. The locus of points 167 equidistant from the left side 162 and the right side 164 define a first axis of the periphery of the pane 163. The locus of points run down the centreline of the pane 163. The aperture 169 crosses the locus of points such that the aperture 169 is symmetrical about the first axis.

The aperture 169 of window 161 may be closed by a movable glazing panel 165 configured to be received in the aperture 169.

Figure 19 shows another window 171 in accordance with the present invention.

Window 171 has a pane of glazing material 173 having a periphery consisting of five linear portions 172, 174, 176, 178, 1726. The periphery of the pane has a left hand side consisting of linear portions 172 and 1726, a right side consisting of linear portions 174 and 176, an upper side consisting of linear portions 1726 and 176 and a lower side 178.

There is a rectangular shaped aperture 179 in the pane 173 within the periphety of the pane. There is a rectangular shaped movable glazing panel 175 configured to be received in the aperture 179 to close the window. The pane 173 is sized such that the movable glazing panel 175 cannot fully open the apertnrc 179 and when the movable glazing panel is moved towards linear portion 174 or 172 a portion of the aperture remains covered by the movable glazing panel. The movable glazing panel is movable towards the left hand side or the right hand side.

Figure 20 shows another window 181 in accordance with the present invention. In this example window 181 has a pane of glazing material 183 having a triangular periphery. The periphery has a right side 182, a left side 184 and an upper side 186. The locus of points 187 is equidistant from corresponding points of the left side 182 and the right side 184 and defines a first axis of the periphery. There is a rectangular shaped aperture 189 in the pane 183. The aperture crosses the first axis defined by the locus of points 187. A movable glazing panel 185 also having a rectangular outline is configured to be received in the aperture 189 to close the window. The movable glazing panel 185 is slidable towards the left side 182 or the right side 184.

Figure 21 shows another window 191 in accordance with the present invention. In this example window 191 has a pane of glazing material 193. The periphery of the pane 193 has a right side 192, a left side 194, a curved upper side 196 and a lower side 198. The locus of points 197 equidistant from the left side 192 and the right side 194 define a first axis of the periphery of the pane. There is a rectangular shaped aperture 199 in the pane 193. The aperture crosses the first axis defined by the locus of points 197. The glazing pane 193 has mirror symmetry about the first axis. A movable glazing panel 195 also having a rectangular outline is configured to be received in the aperture 199 to close the window. The movable glazing panel 195 is slidable towards the left side 192 or the right side 194.

Figure 22 shows another window 201 in accordance with the present invention. In this example window 201 has a pane of glazing material 203. The periphery of the pane 203 has an undulating right side 202, an undulating left side 204, an upper side 206 and a lower side 208. The locus of points 207 equidistant from the left side 202 and the right side 204 define a first axis of the periphery of the pane. There is a rectangular shaped aperture 209 in the pane 203. The aperture crosses the first axis defined by the locus of points 207. A movable glazing panel 205 also having a rectangular outline is configured to be received in the aperture 209 to close the window. The movable glazing panel 205 is slidable towards the left side 202 or the right side 204.

Figure 23 shows another window 211 in accordance with the present invention. The window has a circular periphery. The window 211 has a pane 213 of glazing material. There are two apertures within the pane. There is an upper rectangular aperture 219 and a lower circular aperture 229. When the window is installed in a vehicle, the rectangular aperture is substantially horizontal.

The rectangular aperture has a rectangular movable glazing panel 215 associated therewith. The rectangular movable glazing panel is mounted between a pair of rai Is and is slidable therebetween. The circular aperture has a circular movable glazing panel 225 associated therewith. The movable circular glazing panel 225 is mounted to a pair of hinges 226, 228. The hinges 226, 228 are mounted to the inner surface of the glazing pane 213 and to also to diametrically opposed portions of the circular movable glazing panel 225. Each hinge comprises a pair of links that allow the circular movable glazing panel 225 to be received in the aperture 229 and also to be moved out of the aperture to a "parked" position (as shown) away from the aperture. Although the circular movable glazing panel is shown directly above the aperture 229, the hinges may be configured such that the movable glazing panel may be "parked" to the left or right of the circular aperture.

When the window is installed in the vehicle with the rectangular aperture substantially horizontal, the highest point 216 of the periphery and the lowest point 218 of the periphery are used to define the right side ofthe window and the left side of the window 211.

The left side 212 is the semi-circular portion of the periphery of the pane 213 between the highest point 216 and the lowest point 218 of the periphery. The right side is the other semi-circular portion ofthe periphery between highest point 216 and the lowest point 218.

There is a locus of points 217 down the centre of the pane of glazing material that passes through highest point 216 and the lowest point 218. The locus of points 217 define a first axis.

The rectangular aperture and the circular aperture cross the first axis.

All the windows 21, 51, 71, 91, 121, 141, 161, 171, 181, 191, 201 and 211 shown to exemplify the present invention have a glazing pane with a first axis defined by the locus of points equidistant between the left and right sides of the glazing pane, wherein on one side of the first axis the glazing pane is void of glazing material and on the other side of the first axis the glazing pane is void of glazing material.

Although the cxamplcs given rcfcr to slidablc movable glazing panels, which are known in the prior art with examples being given in US 5,809,706, the movable glazing panel may be hinged.

In the examples where the aperture or apertures are located towards the upper side of the glazing pane, it will be readily apparent that the aperture or apertures may be located more in the centre of the glazing pane or more towards the lower side of the glazing pane.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A window for a vehicle comprising a pane of glazing material having a periphery, the periphery having a first side opposite a second side, the pane of glazing material having at least one aperture therein, there being at least one movable glazing panel associated with each of the at least one apertures, each movable glazing panel being configured to communicate with the respective aperture such that the or each movable glazing panel is movable between a first position wherein the or each movable glazing panel closes the respective aperture and a second position wherein the or each movable glazing panel covers at least a portion of the respective aperture, ftirthcr wherein the locus of points equidistant between the first side and the second side define a first axis, characterised in that a first portion of the pane one side of the first axis is void of glazing material and a second portion of the pane on the other side of the first axis is void of glazing material.
2. A window according to claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are connected, being one of the at least one apertures.
3. A window according to claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart such that there is glazing material in between the first portion and the second portion.
4. A window according to any preceding claim, wherein the geometric centre of the first portion is the same distance from the first axis as the geometric centre of the second portion.
5. A window according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion has the same dimensions as the second portion.
6. A window according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the at least one apertures has only one respective movable glazing panel associated therewith.
7. A window according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each movable glazing panel is received in the respective aperture.
8. A window according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one movable glazing panel is slidably mounted such that the movable glazing panel is slidable between the first position and the second position.
9. A window according to any prcccding claim, wherein thc at least onc movable glazing panel is slidably mounted to the pane in between a pair of rails mounted to a surfitce of thc pane, the surface configured to face the interior of a vehicle in which the window is installed in the vehicle.
10. A window according to any preceding claim, wherein the periphery ofthe pane has four sides, preferably four straight sides.
11. A window according to any preceding claim, wherein the periphery of the pane is substantially rectangular or substantially square, such that the periphery also has an upper side and a lower side, the upper side being that side of the pcriphery facing the mof of the vehicle in which the window is installed.
12. A window according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first axis is straight.
13. A window according to any preceding claim, wherein the first axis is parallel to the first side and/or the second side.
14. A window according to any preceding claim, being part of a double glazed window or part of a triple glazed window.
15. A bus, coach, tram, train or boat comprising a window according to any preceding claim.
16. A window as hereinbefore described and with reference to figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20,21,22 and 23.