Soft tops such as foldable/stowable roof tops for sport utility (SUV) type vehicles are desired. Typical soft top systems include at least one top deck (forming the roof) and a plurality of windows that are openable or entirely removable (front windows, rear windows, back window, and/or quarter windows). One typical window is the rear quarter window on the right and left sides of the vehicle. These windows are removable when it is desired to have a more open feel. There are several methods for providing an attachment for the rear quarter windows. However, conventional windows are difficult to align into position and to close.
One of these methods is a zipper to attach the rear quarter window to the soft top surround. These zippers are notoriously difficult and prone to misalignment, which makes them difficult to use (high zipping effort) and can also leave gaps between zipper halves exposing the vehicle interior to environmental elements. Another known methods incorporate zippers and trim features. Again, these cause installation issues and are difficult to use. Typical windows also lack structure and positive attachment features making handling and alignment of the window difficult during installation.
Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a removable window that eliminates zippers and includes structural support and attachment features for effective and easy installation to the vehicle.