VENT WINDOW SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE

A vehicle body structure having a window opening fitted with a window panel divided vertically into two sections, one of which is substantially smaller than the other. A single window regulator mechanism, which may be manually or power operated, raises and lowers both panel sections in controlled sequence. With the window panel in raised condition, actuation of the window regulator mechanism results in the smaller panel section being lowered into the body structure to provide a ventilation exhaust opening. During the travel of the smaller panel section into the body structure, the larger panel section remains locked in a fully raised position by a latch mechanism that is a component of the window regulator mechanism. When the smaller panel section reaches a predetermined down position, the latch mechanism is released allowing the larger panel section to travel to a full down position. Upon movement of the window panel section from its lowered position to a raised position, a reverse sequence occurs during which the larger panel section again becomes locked in a fully raised position as the smaller panel section continues to move out of the body structure into fully raised position.