MXPA97008272A - Conjector for cleaning sheet of parabri - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector for windshield wiper blade for use in the connection of a windshield wiper blade with arms for bolt type cleaner and with hook inlet, the connector comprises: a structure for use in the connection of the windshield wiper blade. connector with the windshield wiper blade, a side wall defining a hole sized to receive a bolt of the arm for bolt-type wiper, a movable arm located with respect to the hole in the side wall so that the arm engages with the bolt of the bolt-type wiper arm, when the bolt is received in the hole to secure the connector with the bolt-type wiper arm, a lug extending from the movable arm and located so that the lug engages with the bolt. One arm slot for cleaner with hook inlet, when the arm for cleaner with hook inlet connects to the connector to secure the connector on the arm to clean With hook inlet, where the pin is located on a first side of the mobile arm and the mobile arm is located so that a second side of the mobile arm is coupled with the pin of the arm for pin-type cleaner, when the connector is connected with the bolt-type wiper arm and the structure to be used in connecting the connector with a windshield wiper blade unit that includes a snap lock

Description

CONNECTOR FOR WINDSHIELD CLEANING SHEET FIELD OF THE. INVENTION The invention relates to a connector for windshield wiper blade.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In general, the primary types of arms for automotive windshield wipers are bolt-type arms and arms with hook entry. A wiper blade unit can be connected to a bolt-type arm by inserting the bolt of the bolt-type arm through a hole in a connector of the wiper blade unit. The wiper blade unit can be connected to a hooked-in arm, by sliding the hook hook-arm arm over a connector of the wiper blade unit until a pin of the connector is locked or secured within a slot in the arm with hook entry. Manufacturers of windshield wiper blades typically produce a standard blade unit and provide a variety of connectors to be used in adapting the standard blade unit to different wiper arm configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention generally characterizes a multipurpose windscreen wiper blade connector for use in connecting a windshield wiper blade to a bolt-type wiper arm and to a hook-type wiper blade . The connector includes a side wall defining an orifice sized to receive a bolt of the arm for a bolt-type cleaner and a movable arm or rod, such as for example a cantilevered arm, located with respect to the hole in the side wall of the bolt. So that the arm secures the connector with the pin-type wiper arm by engaging the bolt of the bolt-type wiper arm when the bolt is received in the hole. One leg extends from the movable arm and is positioned so that the pin secures to the connector with the hook-in-cleaner arm by engaging or engaging a slot in the cleaner arm with hook entry when the arm for cleaner with hook-in connects to the connector. The embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The connector may include a second side wall defining a second hole sized to receive the bolt of the arm for a bolt-type cleaner, and an upper wall extending between the first and second side walls. The side walls can extend above the top of the wall to define a channel along the top of the connector. The channel can secure a portion of an arm for cleaner with hook entry when the connector is connected with the arm for cleaner with hook entry. The pin can be located on a first side of the movable arm and the movable arm can be positioned so that a second side of the movable arm engages with the bolt of the pin-type wiper arm, when the connector is connected with the wiper arm. Bolt type. The pin may include a ramp end located to meet one end of the arm for cleaner with hook inlet as the connector connects to the arm for cleaner with hook inlet. The movable arm and the pin can be configured so that the arm can be depressed or depressed to bend the arm and remove the pin from the arm slot for cleaner with hook entry, to release the arm connector for cleaner with inlet hook. The arm can be similarly bent to release the connector of a pin-type wiper arm. The connector may also include a textured button for use in bending the movable arm. The movable arm can be located with respect to the hole in a side wall, so that the arm partially blocks a path extending from the hole to the corresponding hole in the opposite side wall. The width of the movable arm can be such that the arm fits within a groove within the bolt of the arm for bolt-type cleaner. The connector may include a snap lock or latch for use in connecting the connector to a windshield wiper blade unit. In addition to the connector, the unit may include a support for the wiper blade connected to the connector and a wiper blade connected to the support. The invention provides a simple and efficient connector for connecting windshield wiper blades with different types of wiper arms. This promises to dramatically simplify the cleaning sheet replacement process and will also eliminate or reduce the waste associated with supplying multiple connectors with each sheet. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description including the drawings and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multi-purpose connector for windshield wiper blade. Figures 2-5 are top, side, bottom and end views of the connector of Figure 1. Figures 6A-6C are perspective views illustrating the connection of the connector of Figure 1 with a pin-type wiper arm. Figures 7A-7C are perspective views illustrating the connection of the connector of Figure 1 with a cleaner arm with hook inlet. Figures 8A-8C are perspective views illustrating the connection of a wiper blade unit including the connector of Figure 1 with a bolt-type wiper arm. Figures 9A-9D are perspective views illustrating the connection of a cleaning sheet unit including the connector of Figure 1 with a cleaner arm with hook entry. Figures 10A-10E are top, side, bottom and end perspective views of another multi-purpose connector for windshield wiper blade. Figures 11A-11E are side, top, bottom, front and rear views of another multi-purpose connector for windshield wiper blade. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES As shown in Figures 1-5, a multipurpose connector 10 for windshield wiper blade is configured for connection with both wiper arms, bolt type and with hook entry. The connector includes an upper wall 15 and a pair of symmetrical side walls 20. At one end of the connector, the upper wall 15 and the side walls 20 define a snap or snap-fit latch 25 for use in the connection of the connector 10 with a windshield wiper blade unit (not shown). The retainer or latch is defined by an arched channel 30 that includes holes in the side walls, extends between the side walls and has an axis 32 perpendicular to the side walls. In each side wall 20, a flared opening 35 extends from a narrow region 40 where it joins the arched channel 30 with an extended region 42 at the edge of the side wall. The holes in the side walls including the narrow region 40 define an arc greater than 180 °. Between the side walls, the channel 30 is recessed with respect to the holes in the side walls. This provides a less rigid connection with the windshield wiper blade unit. If a stiffer connection is desired, the entire length of the channel 30 could coincide with the shape of the openings in the side walls. In use, the connector 10 is connected to a cleaning sheet unit by sliding the flared openings 35 on a rod (not shown) of the cleaning sheet unit, so that the openings 35 guide the rod towards the arched channel 30. , the narrow region of the suitable channel is dimensioned so that the rod deforms slightly to the connector to expand to the narrow region 40 as the rod passes through the narrow region. Once the rod passes through the narrow region 40, the connector clicks back, so that the narrow region 40 secures the rod within the arcuate channel 30. The top wall 15 curves downward at the end of the connector in which the retainer or latch 25 is located.

The curved end 45 of the upper wall 15 defines a first portion 50 of the arched channel 30. The side walls 20 extend slightly above the upper wall 15 to define a channel 55 along the upper part of the connector 10. As discussed below, the channel 55 secures a portion of the hook arm cleaner arm when a windshield wiper blade unit including the connector 10 is secured to an arm with a hook entry cleaner. A cantilevered arm 60 extends from a second portion 65 of the arcuate channel 30. The arm 60 that is not attached or directly connected to the side walls 20, is located near the bottom of the connector 10 and is aligned with the top wall 15, the arm 60 is used to secure the connector 10 with both arms for cleaner, the hook inlet and the bolt type. To this end, the arm 60 includes a pin 70 which is used to secure the connector to a cleaner arm with hook entry. The tab 70 includes a ramp face 75 at one end of the pin closest to the detent or catch 25, a step end 80 at the other end of the pin and a flat portion 85 between the two ends. The arm 60 also includes a textured button 90 that can be depressed or depressed to bend or flex the arm 60 and retract to the tab 70 to release the connector 10 of the hook entry cleaner arm. For connection with a bolt-type wiper arm, each side wall 20 of the connector includes a circular hole 95 that allows the insertion of the bolt into the connector. The holes 95 are located with respect to the arm 60, so that the arm partially blocks a path between the holes 95 near the bottom of the holes. The width (W) of the arm 60 is such that the arm fits within a groove of the bolt. As shown in Figures 6A-6C, the connector 10 (or a windshield wiper blade unit that includes the connector 10) can be connected with an arm 200 for bolt-type wiper. The wiper arm 200 includes a bolt 205 having a rounded end 210 and a groove 215. To connect the connector with the arm 200, the bolt 205 is aligned with the holes 95 and inserted in a hole 95 (Figure 6A). As the bolt 205 is inserted into the hole 95, the rounded end 210 of the bolt meets the arm 60 and pushes down the arm 60 (Figure 6B). The downward force exerted by the bolt 205 bends or flexes the arm 60 and allows additional insertion of the bolt into the hole 85. When the bolt 205 is inserted further enough so that the bolt extends through the other hole 95, the arm 60 is aligned with the groove 215. This eliminates the force that was previously exerted by the bolt against the arm 60 and allows the arm 60 to snap into place within the groove 215 (Figure 6C). Interference between sides of the arm 60 and sides of the groove 215 secures the connector 10 against lateral movement along the bolt 205, while allowing pivotal movement around the bolt 205. The connector 10 can be removed from the arm 200 at a two-stage process. First, the user pushes down or presses the arm 60 to free the arm from the groove 215. The user then slides the connector 10 off the pin 205. As shown in Figures 7A-7C, the connector 10 can also be connected to an arm 300 for cleaner with hook entry. One end 305 of the cleaner arm 300 is bent to define a hook 310. A slot 315 is located in the hook 310 near the end 305. To connect the connector to the arm 300, the connector is located with the channel 55 close to or continuation of a main portion 320 of the arm 300 and the connecting end having the detent or hook 25 facing the hook 310 (Figure 7A). The connector is then moved along the arm 300, so that the curved end 45 of the upper wall passes between the hook 310 and the main portion 320 of the arm 300 and, the end 305 of the arm 300 passes between the extensions 100 of the connector. When the end 305 of the arm 300 encounters the lug 70, the hook slides along the ramp end 75 in the horizontal direction. This generates an upward force that pushes up the arm 60 and bends or flexes the arm (Figure 7B). The hook continues to exert the upward force against the arm until the step end 80 of the pin is aligned with the slot 315. At that point, the step 60 clicks back into place and pushes the pin 70 into the slot 315 (Figure 7C). When the lug is in the groove, the step end 80 of the lug comes into contact with an internal wall of the groove to hold the connector 10 in place on the arm 300 with hook entry. The connector 10 can be removed from the arm 300 in a two-stage process. First, the user presses the button 90 to push up on the arm 60 and free the pin 70 from the slot 315. The user then slides the connector 10 between the hook 310 and the main portion 320. As illustrated in the Figures 8A-8C, the cleaning sheet holder 400 includes a connector 10 and connection holes 405 to which the windshield wiper blade can be connected. The bracket 400 can be installed on a pin-type arm 200 using a simple procedure. First, the connector 10 is rotated about a rod 410 within a bridge opening 415 of the bracket 400 until the holes 95 on the sides of the connector are aligned with the holes 420 on the bridge side at the sides of the bracket 400 ( Figure 8A). Next, the hole on the bridge side is pushed into the bolt 205 of the wiper arm (Figure 8B) until the arm 60 clicks into place in the groove 215 of the bolt 205 (Figure 8C). Referring to Figure 8C, the top surface of the button 90 is exposed by the bridge opening 415 when the holder 400 is connected to the wiper arm 200. Accordingly, the holder 400 can be removed from the arm 200 by pushing down on the upper surface of the button 90 and sliding the holder 400 out of the bolt 205. As illustrated in Figures 9A-9D, the cleaning sheet holder 400 it can also be installed on a 300 arm for cleaner with hook entry using a simple procedure. First, the connector 10 is rotated around the rod 410 (Figure 9A) until the arm 60 extends from the bridge opening 415 to allow free passage (Figure 9B). Next, the bracket 400 moves past the hook end 310 of the arm 300 for hook inlet cleaner (Figure 9B) until the hook 310 extends through the bridge opening 415 and the wiper arm rests on channel 55 on top of the connector (Figure 9C). Finally, the holder 400 moves back to the hook 310 (Figure 9C) until the connector 10 clicks on the arm 300 for cleaner (Figure 9D). The bracket 400 can be removed from the arm 300 by pressing up on the button 90 to free the lug 70 from the slot 315. With the button depressed, the steps of the installation procedure are reversed to remove the bracket 400 from the arm 300. Other modalities they fall within the scope of the following claims. For example, Figures 10A-10E illustrate another connector 500. The connector 500 differs from the connector 10 only in that the holes 505 of the connector 500 are larger than the corresponding holes 95 in the connector 10. The connector 500 is sized for use with Bolt-type arms that have 1/4 inch diameter bolts. In contrast, the connector 10 is sized for use with bolt-type arms that have 3/16 inch diameter bolts. Both connectors are also sized for use with arms with 9mm wide hook entry that have thicknesses of 2.5mm. 2.8 mm 3.0 mm, 3.2 mm or 3.5 mm. Figures 11A-11E illustrate a connector 600 that is sized for use with bolt-type arms having 1/4 inch diameter bolts and with 9 mm hook entry arms having thicknesses of 4 mm. The connector 600 is higher than the connectors 10 and 500, which allows the connection of the connector 600 with a hook inlet arm having a thicker hook. Connector 600 operates identically to connectors 10, 500.

Claims (26)

1. CLAIMS 1. A connector for windshield wiper blade for use in the connection of a windshield wiper blade with arms for bolt-type cleaner and with hook inlet, the connector comprises: a side wall defining an orifice sized to receive to an arm bolt for bolt type cleaner; a movable arm located with respect to the hole in the side wall so that the arm engages with the bolt of the arm for bolt type cleaner, when the bolt is received in the hole to secure the connector with the arm for bolt type cleaner; and a lug extending from the movable arm and located so that the lug engages a slot in the arm with a hook inlet, when the wiper arm with hook inlet connects with the connector to secure the connector in place. the arm for cleaner with hook entry. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a second side wall defining a second hole sized to receive the bolt of the arm for bolt type cleaner. The connector according to claim 2, further comprising an upper wall extending between the first and second side walls. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the side walls extend above the top wall to define a channel along the top of the connector, the channel securing a portion of the arm for cleaner with hook entry, When the connector is connected to the arm for cleaner with hook entry. 5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the movable arm is insulated from the direct connection with the side wall. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the pin is located on a first side of the movable arm and the movable arm is located such that a second side of the movable arm engages with the bolt of the pin-type wiper arm, When the connector is connected with the arm for bolt type cleaner. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the pin includes a ramp end located to meet one end of the arm with hook entry as the connector connects to the arm with hook entry. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the movable arm and the lug are configured so that the arm can be depressed or depressed to bend or flex the arm and remove the lug from the arm slot for cleaner with inlet hook and release the arm connector for cleaner with hook entry. The connector according to claim 8, further comprising a button for use in bending or bending the movable arm. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the button comprises a textured button. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the movable arm is positioned with respect to the hole such that the arm partially blocks a path extending from the hole. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the width of the movable arm is dimensioned so that the arm fits within a groove of the bolt of the arm for bolt-type cleaner. 13. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a structure for use in connection of the connector with a windshield wiper blade unit. The connector according to claim 13, wherein the structure to be used in connection of the connector with a windshield wiper blade unit includes a snap lock or latch. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the movable arm comprises a cantilevered arm. 16. A windshield wiper blade unit including the connector of claim 1, the unit further comprising: a windshield wiper blade holder attached to the connector; and a windshield wiper blade attached to the windshield wiper blade holder. 17. A multi-purpose windshield wiper blade connector for use in connecting a windshield wiper blade with arms for bolt-type wiper and hook inlet, the connector comprises: a pair of side walls, each side wall defining a hole sized to receive the arm bolt for bolt type cleaner; an upper wall located between the two side walls; a cantilevered arm located with respect to the holes in the side walls, such that the arm engages with the bolt of the arm for bolt-type cleaner when the bolt is received in the holes to secure the connector with the arm for cleaner Bolt type; and a leg extending from the cantilevered arm and located so that the pin engages with a slot in the cleaner arm with hook entry, when the wiper arm with hook entry connects to the connector to secure the connector of the arm for cleaner with hook entry; wherein the side walls extend above the top wall to define a channel along the top of the connector, the channel secures a portion of the arm for cleaner with hook entry when the connector is connected to the arm for Cleaner with hook entry. 18. The connector according to claim 17, wherein the pin is located on a first side of the cantilevered arm and the cantilevered arm is located such that a second side of the cantilevered arm engages with the bolt of the arm for bolt type cleaner. , when the connector is connected with the arm for bolt type cleaner. The connector according to claim 17, wherein the pin includes a ramp end located to meet one end of the arm with hook entry, as the connector connects to the arm with hook entry. The connector according to claim 17, wherein the cantilever arm and the leg are configured so that the arm can be depressed or depressed to bend or flex the arm and remove the pin from the arm slot for cleaner with entry hook and release the arm connector for cleaner with hook entry. The connector according to claim 17, wherein the cantilevered arm is positioned with respect to the holes so that the arm partially blocks a path extending between the holes. The connector according to claim 17, wherein the width of the cantilevered arm is dimensioned so that the arm fits within a groove in the bolt of the arm for bolt type cleaner. The connector according to claim 17, further comprising a snap-fit retainer or latch for use in connecting the connector to a windshield wiper blade unit 24. A windscreen wiper blade unit that includes the wiper blade connector. Claim 17, the unit further comprises: a support for windshield wiper blade attached to the connector; and a windshield wiper blade attached to the windshield wiper blade holder. 25. A windshield wiper blade connector comprising: a bolt support having a support shaft and a mechanism for securing the connector with a bolt of a bolt type wiper arm, with a longitudinal axis of the bolt in line with the support shaft and the bolt is restrained against axial movement, and a hook support having a mechanism for securing a hook of the cleaner arm with hook entry against longitudinal movement and the bolt support shaft is perpendicular to the length of the arm for cleaner with hook entry in a defined space within the hook. 26. A windshield wiper blade connector comprising: a mechanism configured to secure the connector with either a bolt-type wiper arm or with a hook-in-cleaner wiper arm, and a lug that can be moved between a position wherein the connector can be mounted on a bolt-type wiper arm and a second position on which the connector can be mounted on a wiper arm with hook inlet.