WO2019241310A1

WO2019241310A1 - Windshield wiper connector

Info

Publication number: WO2019241310A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/036638
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hirohshi KAWASHIMA
Original assignee: Pylon Manufacturing Corp.
Priority date: 2018-06-11
Filing date: 2019-06-11
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Also published as: EP3802237A1; KR20210029774A; CA3106349A1; EP3802237A4; CN112533802A

Abstract

A connector for a windshield wiper, and a wiper blade assembly including same, that accommodates slotted receiving portions of windshield wiper arms. The connector for connecting a windshield wiper assembly to a wiper arm may have a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls and a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other. The opposing peripheral side walls may each have a guide pin aligned with one another and sized to be capable of slidably engaging slots of windshield wiper arm.

Description

WINDSHIELD WIPER CONNECTOR

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 15/600,254, filed May 19, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/338,834 filed May 19, 2016, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates in general to windshield wipers, and more particularly, to an improved connector for a windshield wiper that allows the windshield wiper to be attached to windshield wiper arm configurations with a slotted receiving portion. The invention is also directed to windshield wipers incorporating these novel connectors.

BACKGROUND

[0003] There are a variety of wiper arms on which wiper blades are provided as original equipment. These various wiper arms have hooks, pins, or other configurations which may connect to the wiper blade with or without connectors. These various configurations have created a problem in the replacement market because wiper blade providers are required to have multiple wiper blade configurations to accommodate all of the existing wiper arms. It is therefore advantageous to have attachment structures that can accommodate a host of arms to reduce the complexity and cost associated with this problem.

[0004] The need to attach replacement windshield wiper blades to multiple arms has been addressed to some degree. For example, windshield wiper blades have been designed to work with various hook-type wiper arms having different sizes. Connectors may also be configured to receive either a pin-type arm or a hook arm. While these connectors may increase the usefulness of a given windshield wiper such that it can be used with different wiper arm types, the connectors are often expensive and have a complicated structure that is difficult and time- consuming to manufacture

[0005] Thus, there is a need for inexpensive connectors that are capable of securing a windshield wiper blade to a variety of arms. It would also be desirable to have a windshield wiper connector that can be fabricated or molded as a single piece at low-cost, and that can accommodate a variety of wiper arms. The disclosed concepts provide a low-cost windshield wiper connector capable of attachment to a variety of windshield wiper arms for the purpose of reducing the amounts of inventory parts required to supply a vehicle market that uses a wide variety of windshield wiper arm types.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosed embodiments nor delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosed embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] This disclosure is generally directed to novel connectors for windshield wiper blades. More particularly, the disclosure relates, in part, to a single piece windshield wiper connector that can accommodate multiple windshield wiper arms having varying slotted locking mechanisms.

[0008] In certain embodiments the connector for connecting a windshield wiper assembly to a wiper arm may have a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls and a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other. The opposing peripheral side walls may each have a guide pin sized to be capable of slideably engaging slots on the slotted receiving portions of a windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the connector may further have a locking tab in the top surface sized such that it is capable of engaging a locking aperture on the top surface of the slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm.

[0009] In certain embodiments a wiper blade assembly may include a wiper strip, a force distribution structure and a connector have a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls and a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other. The opposing peripheral side walls may each have a guide pin sized to be capable of slideably engaging slots on the slotted receiving portions of a windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the connector may further have a locking tab in the top surface sized such that it is capable of engaging a locking aperture on the top surface of the slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a connector of the disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 3 is a top view of the connector shown in Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the connector shown in Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 5 is a side view of the connector shown in Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 6 is an opposing side view of the connector shown in Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 7 is front end view of the connector shown in Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 8 is a back end view of the connector shown in Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 9 is a top perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 1 attached to a windshield wiper blade.

[0019] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a windshield wiper arm for receiving a connector of the disclosure.

[0020] Figure 11 is a top perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 1 engaging the wiper arm of Figure 10.

[0021] Figure 12 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a connector of the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 13 is a bottom perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0023] Figure 14 is a top view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0024] Figure 15 is a bottom view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0025] Figure 16 is a side view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0026] Figure 17 is an opposing side view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0027] Figure 18 is front end view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0028] Figure 19 is a back end view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0029] Figure 20 is a top perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 12 attached to a windshield wiper blade. [0030] Figure 21 is a longitudinal cross section view of the connector shown in Figure 12.

[0031] Figure 22 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a connector of the disclosure.

[0032] Figure 23 is a bottom perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 22.

[0033] Figure 24 is a top view of the connector shown in Figure 22.

[0034] Figure 25 is a bottom view of the connector shown in Figure 22.

[0035] Figure 26 is a side view of the connector shown in Figure 22.

[0036] Figure 27 is a side view of the connector shown in Figure 22.

[0037] Figure 28 is front end view of the connector shown in Figure 22.

[0038] Figure 29 is a back end view of the connector shown in Figure 22.

[0039] Figure 30 is a top perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 22 attached to a windshield wiper blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0040] The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate exemplary embodiments solely for the purpose of enabling one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the disclosed embodiments. As such, the detailed description and illustration of these embodiments are purely exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, or its protection, in any manner. It should also be understood that the drawings are not to scale and in certain instances details have been omitted, which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly.

[0041] In one aspect, the invention is generally directed to a connector 1 for a windshield wiper (or a windshield wiper incorporating same) that allows a windshield wiper to be secured to a windshield wiper arm. In this aspect, the connector 1 may be designed for use with windshield wiper arms that use slotted receiving portions that secure the windshield wiper to the windshield wiper arm. [0042] In certain embodiments the connector for connecting a windshield wiper assembly to a wiper arm may have a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls and a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other. The opposing peripheral side walls may each have a guide pin sized to be capable of slideably engaging slots on the slotted receiving portions of a windshield wiper arm.

[0043] In some embodiments, the opposing side walls and/or the top surface of the connector may be raised along a portion of the front end. The raised side walls and/or top surface may provide a structure for the windshield wiper arm receiving portion to abut when engaged with the connector. Further, the raised side walls and/or top surface of the connector may provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and front end of the connector meet. In further embodiments, the connector slopes downward from the proximity of the abutment with the receiving portion of the wiper arm towards the front end, further providing a streamlined look at the connector-wiper arm junction.

[0044] In some embodiments, the connector may further have a locking tab in the top surface sized such that it is capable of engaging a locking aperture on the top surface of the slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the locking tab may be cantilevered. In some embodiments, a top portion of the locking tab may have a protruding lip that extends outward from the locking tab, to further secure the locking tab in the locking aperture. The guide pins on the opposing peripheral side walls may provide a structure for assisting in maintaining proper positioning of the connector while slideably engaging the wiper arm. The guide pins may also provide proper positioning of the connector as it is slideably placed into the receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm, upon which the locking tab engages the locking aperture to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

[0045] In some embodiments, the connector may have at least two longitudinal internal support walls extending downward from the top surface, and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector, and at least one rivet passage and arcuate rivet clip in each of the internal longitudinal support walls for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade, thereby securing the connector to the wiper blade. In some of these embodiments, the connector may have a clasp along the rivet passage for further securing the connector to the wiper blade. In some of these embodiments, the connector may be capable of being secured to the mounting base of a windshield wiper blade assembly via the rivet through the mounting base. In some embodiments, the at least one rivet passage extends through one or both of the peripheral side walls. In additional embodiments, the connector may have at least one transverse internal support wall connecting the two longitudinal internal support walls and providing additional support and rigidity to the connector.

[0046] In some embodiments the connector may be fabricated as a single piece. In other embodiments the front portion of the connector may be fabricated as one piece, and the back portion of the connector may be fabricated as one piece.

[0047] In certain embodiments a wiper blade assembly may include a wiper strip, a force distribution structure and a connector have a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls and a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other. The opposing peripheral side walls may each have a guide pin sized to be capable of slideably engaging slots on the slotted receiving portions of a windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the connector may further have a locking tab in the top surface sized such that it is capable of engaging a locking aperture on the top surface of the slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm.

[0048] In certain embodiments the opposing side walls and/or the top surface of the connector may be raised along a portion of the front end, wherein the raised side walls and/or top surface may provide an abutment structure capable of abutting the windshield wiper arm receiving portion when the arm is engaged with the connector. In certain embodiments the raised side walls and/or top surface of the connector may provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and front end of the connector meet. In certain embodiments the connector may slope downward from the proximity of the abutment structure towards the front end, further providing a streamlined look at the connector-wiper arm junction.

[0049] In certain embodiments, a locking tab in the top surface of the connector may be sized such that it is capable of engaging a locking aperture on the top surface of the slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm. In certain embodiments the locking tab may be cantilevered. In some embodiments, a top portion of the locking tab may have a protruding lip that extends outward from the locking tab, to further secure the locking tab in the locking aperture. [0050] In certain embodiments the guide pins on the opposing peripheral side walls of the connector may be capable of assisting in maintaining proper positioning of the connector while slideably engaging the wiper arm and providing proper positioning of the connector as it is slideably placed into the receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm, upon which the locking tab engages the locking aperture to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm. In certain embodiments, the connector of the wiper blade assembly may further include at least two longitudinal internal support walls extending downward from the top surface, and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector.

[0051] In certain embodiments the connector of the wiper blade assembly may further include at least one rivet passage and arcuate rivet clip in each of the internal longitudinal support walls for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade, thereby securing the connector to the wiper blade. In some of these embodiments, the connector may have a clasp along the rivet passage for securing the connector to the wiper blade. The clasp may provide a more secure (semi-permanent) locking mechanism for securing a rivet. In certain embodiments the connector may be fabricated as a single piece.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the connector may have a shelf along the rivet passage for further securing the connector to the wiper blade.

[0053] In some aspects, a wiper blade assembly of the disclosure may have a wiper blade having a rivet and a connector having a peripheral wall having two opposing side walls, a top surface having a flat back shelf and a sloped front shelf, a locking tab on the surface of the flat back shelf capable of engaging the locking aperture of a receiving portion of a wiper arm, at least two internal support walls, each of the two internal support walls having a rivet passage and an arcuate rivet clip for receiving the rivet of the wiper blade, and a guide pin on the surface of each of the two opposing side walls.

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a connector 1 of the disclosure. The connector 1 has a front end 2 and a back end 3. For purposes of this disclosure, the back end 3 of the connector receives the wiper arm, and the front end 2 of the connector is opposite the back end 3. A peripheral wall 4 may extend around the periphery of the connector 1. The peripheral wall 4 may include a front portion 42, a back portion 43, and opposing side portions that connect the front and back portions, referred to as a first side 17 and a second side 18. A top surface 40 extends between opposing peripheral side walls 17, 18.

[0055] The opposing peripheral side walls 17, 18 may each have a guide pin l5a, 15b, the pins are sized to be capable of slideably engaging slots on slotted receiving portions of a windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the front portions of the opposing side walls l7a, 18b and/or the front portions of the top surface 40a of the connector may be raised relative to the respective back portions of the opposing side walls 17, 18, and top surface 40. In some embodiments the front portions of the opposing side walls l7a, l8a, may define a width which is greater than the width of the opposing side walls 17, 18 at the back end of the connector 1. Similalry, in some embodiments the front portions of the opposing side walls l7a, l8a, may define a width which is greater than the width of the opposing side walls 17, 18 at the guide pins l5a, 15b. The raised and/or wider side walls l7a, l8a and/or top surface 40a may provide a structure for the windshield wiper arm receiving portion to abut when engaged with the connector 1. Further, the raised and/or wider side walls and/or top surface 40a of the connector may provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and front end of the connector 1 meet. In further embodiments, the connector 1 slopes downward from the proximity of the abutment with the receiving portion of the wiper arm towards the front end 2, further providing a streamlined look at the connector-wiper arm junction.

[0056] The top surface 40 of the connector 1 may also have a locking tab 5 in the top surface 40 sized such that it is capable of engaging a locking aperture LA (see Figure 10) on the top surface of the slotted receiving portion SRP of a windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the locking tab 5 is cantilevered. As shown in Figure 1, the locking tab may be structured with an angled face 5a such that the top surface of the slotted receiving portion SRP of a windshield wiper arm more readily slides over the locking tab and pushes it downward as the slotted receiving portion SRP receives the connector. Once the connector 1 is pushed completely into the slotted receiving portion SRP, the locking tab 5 protrudes into the locking aperture LA of the receiving portion (see Figure 11) to“lock” the connector 1 into place.

[0057] The guide pins l5a, 15b on the opposing peripheral side walls 4 may provide a structure for assisting in maintaining proper positioning of the connector 1 while slidably engaging the wiper arm’s slotted receiving portion SRP. The guide pins l5a, 15b also provide proper positioning of the connector 1 as it is slidably placed into the receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm, upon which the locking tab engages the locking aperture to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

[0058] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the connector 1 that shows the internal support structure having at least two longitudinal internal support walls 6a, 6b extending downward from the top surface, and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector 1. The connector 1 may also have at least one rivet passage 7a, 7b and arcuate rivet clip 8a, 8b (see Figures 5 and 6) in each of the internal longitudinal support walls 6a, 6b for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. The support walls can extend substantially along the length of the connector continuously, or intermittently, having gaps along the way. In particular, internal support walls 6a, 6b provide rigidity and structural strength to the connector 1. In some of these embodiments, the connector may be capable of being secured to the mounting base of a windshield wiper blade assembly via the rivet through the mounting base, as shown in Figure 9. In some embodiments, the at least one rivet passage 7a, 7b may extend through one or both of the peripheral side walls, as illustrated in Figure 2. In additional embodiments, the connector 1 may have at least one transverse internal support wall 9 (two walls 9a, 9b are shown in Figure 2) connecting the two longitudinal internal support walls 6a, 6b and providing additional support and rigidity to the connector.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will recognize that connector 1 can be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art, including without limitation, rigid or elastic plastics, metals, synthetic and natural rubber compounds, etc. However, certain embodiments contemplate materials that can be molded such that connector 1 is fabricated as a single piece. In other embodiments the connecter can be fabricated in multiple pieces. For instance the wider front portion of the connector 1 may be fabricated as a separate cap which engages and is secured to the back portion of the connector through projections and recesses, detents that engage shoulders, or through any other known method of securing a cap to a connector known in the art.

[0060] Figure 3 is a top view of the embodiment of a connector 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. As illustrated, the opposing side walls 17, 18 and/or the top surface 40 of the connector may be raised and/or wider a long a portion of the front end 2 (designated as l7a, l8a, and 40a) than they are at the back end 3 or at the guide pins l5a, 15b. [0061] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of a connector 1 illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3. As illustrated, the internal support structure may have at least two longitudinal internal support walls 6a, 6b, and may further have one or more transverse internal support walls 9a, 9b. Figure 4 also illustrates the raised opposing side walls l7a, l7b that may be configured such that the front end 2 of the connector 1 is wider than the back end 3.

[0062] Figures 5 and 6 are opposing side views of the embodiment of a connector 1 illustrated in Figures 1-4. As illustrated, the opposing side walls 17, 18 may have at least one rivet passage 7a, 7b and arcuate rivet clip 8a, 8b in each of the internal longitudinal support walls 6a, 6b for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade mount to secure the connector 1 to a wiper blade. Figures 5 and 6 also illustrate the raised portion of the top surface 40a towards the front end 2. As further illustrated, the raised portion of the top surface 40a slopes downwards towards the front end 2. As also illustrated, the bottom portions 20, 30 of the front and back ends, respectively, of the connector 1 may be sloped upwards towards the top surface 40. This may allow for some freedom of movement of the wiper blade along the axis of the rivet as it pivots thereon.

[0063] Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of a connector 1 from the front end illustrated in Figures 1-6. Figure 8 illustrates a back view of the embodiment of a connector 1 from the distal end illustrated in Figures 1-6. Figures 7 and 8 show the locking tab 5 extending upwards from the top surface 40 of the connector 1.

[0064] Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of a connector 1 of the disclosure as attached to a mounting base MB of a wiper blade WB. The wiper blade may be a traditional wiper blade having tournament style brackets that act as a force distribution structure. Alternatively the wiper blade may be a beam blade, which uses one or more spring-elastic beams as a force distribution structure. Alternatively, a hybrid wiper blade which uses one or more beams and one or more brackets to distribute force to a wiper blade may also be used.

[0065] Figure 10 illustrates a slotted receiving portion SRP of a windshield wiper arm for engaging a connector 1 of the present disclosure. The slotted receiving portion SRP has slots S on opposing sides for engaging the guide pins l5a, 15b of a connector 1 of the disclosure. The slotted receiving portion SRP may also have a locking aperture LA for engaging the locking tab 5 of a connector 1 described herein. [0066] Figure 11 illustrates a slotted receiving portion SRP of a windshield wiper arm with a connector 1 pushed completely into the slotted receiving portion SRP. The guide pins l5a, 15b on the opposing peripheral side walls 4 provide a structure for assisting in maintaining proper positioning of the connector 1 while slideably engaging the slots S of the wiper arm’s slotted receiving portion SRP. The guide pins l5a, 15b also provide proper positioning of the connector 1 as it is slideably placed into the receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm, upon which the locking tab engages the locking aperture to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm. The locking tab 5 protrudes into the locking aperture LA of the receiving portion to “lock” the connector 1 into place.

[0067] Figure 12 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a connector 1 of the disclosure. The connector 1 has a front end 2 and a back end 3. For purposes of this disclosure, the back end 3 of the connector receives the wiper arm, and the front end 2 of the connector is opposite the back end 3. A peripheral wall 4 may extend around the periphery of the connector 1. The peripheral wall 4 may include a front portion 42, a back portion 43, and opposing side portions that connect the front and back portions, referred to as a first side 17 and a second side 18. A top surface 40 extends between opposing peripheral side walls 17, 18.

[0068] The opposing peripheral side walls 17, 18 may each have a guide pin l5a, 15b, and the pins may be sized to be capable of slideably engaging slots on slotted receiving portions of a windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, a front portion of the opposing side walls l7a, l8a and/or a front portion of the top surface 40a of the connector may be raised relative to the respective back portions of the opposing side walls 17, 18, and top surface 40. Further, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the top surface 40 may be lower relative to the opposing side walls 117, 118 of the back portion 43. The front portions of the opposing side walls l7a, l8a define a front width, and in some embodiments the front width may be greater than the width of the opposing side walls 17, 18 at the back end of the connector 1. Similarly, in some embodiments the front width may be greater than the width of the opposing side walls 17, 18 at the guide pins l5a, 15b. The raised and/or wider side walls l7a, l8a and/or top surface 40a may provide a structure for the windshield wiper arm receiving portion to abut when engaged with the connector 1. Further, the raised and/or wider side walls and/or top surface 40a of the connector may provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and front end of the connector 1 meet. In further embodiments, the connector 1 slopes downward from the proximity of the abutment with the receiving portion of the wiper arm towards the front end 2, further providing a streamlined profile at the connector-wiper arm junction.

[0069] The top surface 40 of the connector 1 may also have a locking tab 5 in the top surface 40 sized such that it is capable of engaging a locking aperture LA (see Figure 10) on the top surface of the slotted receiving portion SRP of a windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the locking tab 5 is cantilevered. The locking tab 5 may sit atop a locking tab ledge 11. The locking tab 5 may be structured with a locking tab lip 5a such that the locking aperture LA of the slotted receiving portion SRP receives the locking tab and abuts the locking tab lip 5a to assist in locking the connector 1 into place. The locking tab lip 5a may extend in the direction of the front portion 2 of the connector 1. Once the connector 1 is pushed completely into the slotted receiving portion SRP, the locking tab 5 protrudes into the locking aperture LA of the receiving portion and the locking tab lip 5a abuts the top surface of the slotted receiving portion SRP to help“lock” the connector 1 into place. In some embodiments, the locking tab ledge 11 is elevated relative to the top surface 40 of the back end of the connector 1.

[0070] The guide pins l5a, 15b on the opposing peripheral side walls 4 may provide a structure for assisting in maintaining proper positioning of the connector 1 while slidably engaging the wiper arm’s slotted receiving portion SRP. The guide pins l5a, 15b also provide proper positioning of the connector 100 as it is slidably placed into the receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm, upon which the locking tab engages the locking aperture to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

[0071] Figure 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the connector 1 that shows the internal support structure may have at least three longitudinal internal support walls 6a, 6b, 6c extending downward from the top surface, and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector 1. The connector 1 may also have at least one rivet passage 7a, 7b and arcuate rivet clip 8a, 8b (see Figures 16 and 17) in each of the internal longitudinal support walls 6a, 6b for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. The support walls can extend substantially along the length of the connector continuously, or intermittently, having gaps along the way. In particular, internal support walls 6a, 6b provide rigidity and structural strength to the connector 1. In some of these embodiments, the connector may be capable of being secured to the mounting base of a windshield wiper blade assembly via the rivet through the mounting base, as shown in Figure 20. In some embodiments, the connector 1 may have at least one transverse internal support wall 109 (four walls 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are shown in Figure 15) connecting the three longitudinal internal support walls 6a, 6b, 6c and providing additional support and rigidity to the connector.

[0072] In some embodiments, the connector 1 may also have a rivet clasp 11 along the at least one rivet passage 7 and also an arcuate rivet clip 8 (see Figures 16 and 17) in the internal support walls for accepting and semi-permanently securing a rivet of a wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. Figures 16 and 17 further illustrate a rivet clasp 11 for semi permanently securing the rivet of a wiper blade mount to the connector 1.

[0073] Those skilled in the art will recognize that connector 1 can be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art, including without limitation, rigid or elastic plastics, metals, synthetic and natural rubber compounds, etc. However, certain embodiments contemplate materials that can be molded such that connector 1 is fabricated as a single piece. In other embodiments the connector can be fabricated in multiple pieces. For instance the wider front portion of the connector 1 may be fabricated as a separate cap which engages and is secured to the back portion of the connector through projections and recesses, detents that engage shoulders, or through any other known method of securing a cap to a connector known in the art.

[0074] Figure 14 is a top view of the embodiment of a connector 1 illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. As illustrated, the opposing side walls 17, 18 and/or the top surface 40 of the connector may be raised and/or wider along a portion of the front end 2 (designated as l7a, l8a, and 40a) than they are at the back end 3 or at the guide pins l5a, 15b. Further, as illustrated, the top surface 40 (designated 40b) may be lower along a portion of the back end 3 of the connector than at the front end 2.

[0075] Figure 15 is a bottom view of the embodiment of a connector 1 illustrated in Figures 12, 13, and 14. As illustrated, the internal support structure may have at least two longitudinal internal support walls 6a, 6b, 6c and may further have one or more transverse internal support walls 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. At least one of the longitudinal internal support walls 6c may not fully extend the entire length of the connector 1. For example, internal support wall 6c may extend from transverse internal support wall 9a to transverse internal support wall 9d. Figure 15 also illustrates the raised opposing side walls l7a, l7b that may be configured such that the front end 2 of the connector 1 is wider than the back end 3.

[0076] Figures 16 and 17 are opposing side views of the embodiment of a connector 1 illustrated in Figures 12-15. As illustrated, the opposing side walls 17, 18 may have at least one rivet passage 7a, 7b and arcuate rivet clip 8a, 8b in each of the internal longitudinal support walls 6a, 6b, 6c for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade mount to secure the connector 100 to a wiper blade. Figures 16 and 17 also illustrate the raised portion of the top surface 40a towards the front end 2. As further illustrated, the raised portion of the top surface 40a slopes downwards towards the front end 2. As also illustrated, the bottom portion 20 of the front end of the connector 1 may be sloped upwards towards the top surface 40. Likewise, as also illustrated, the bottom portion 30 of the back end of the connector 1 may curve as it extends from the bottom to the top surface 40. This may allow for some freedom of movement of the wiper blade along the axis of the rivet as it pivots thereon.

[0077] Figure 18 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of a connector 100 from the front end illustrated in Figures 12-17. Figure 19 illustrates a back view of the embodiment of a connector 1 from the distal end illustrated in Figures 12-18. Figures 18 and 19 show the locking tab 5 extending upwards from the top surface 40 of the connector 1.

[0078] Figure 20 illustrates an embodiment of a connector 1 of the disclosure as attached to a mounting base MB of a wiper blade WB. The wiper blade may be a known wiper blade having tournament style brackets that act as a force distribution structure. Alternatively the wiper blade may be a beam blade, which uses one or more spring-elastic beams as a force distribution structure. Alternatively, a hybrid wiper blade which uses one or more beams and one or more brackets to distribute force to a wiper blade may also be used.

[0079] Figure 21 illustrates a longitudinal section view of a connector 1 of the disclosure showing a cantilevered rivet clasp 11 for accepting and semi-permanently securing a rivet of a wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. Figure 21 also illustrates the locking tab 5 with a locking tab lip 5a, the locking tab 5 also structured as a cantilevered element.

[0080] Figure 22 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a connector 1 of the disclosure. The connector 1 has a front end 2 and a back end 3. For purposes of this disclosure, the back end 3 of the connector receives the wiper arm, and the front end 2 of the connector is opposite the back end 3. A peripheral wall 4 may extend around the periphery of the connector 1. The peripheral wall 4 may include a front portion 42, a back portion 43, and opposing side portions that connect the front and back portions, referred to as a first side 17 and a second side 18. A top surface 40 extends between opposing peripheral side walls 17, 18.

[0081] The opposing peripheral side walls 17, 18 may each have a guide pin l5a, 15b, the pins are sized to be capable of slidably engaging slots on slotted receiving portions of a windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the front portions of the opposing side walls l7a, 218a and/or the front portions of the top surface 40a of the connector may be raised relative to the respective back portions of the opposing side walls 17, 18, and top surface 40. Further, in some embodiments, the top surface 40b may be lower relative to the opposing side walls l7b, 18b of the back portion 43. In some embodiments, the front portions of the opposing side walls l7a, l8a, may define a width which is greater than the width of the opposing side walls 17, 18 at the back end of the connector 1. Similarly, in some embodiments the front portions of the opposing side walls l7a, l8a, may define a width which is greater than the width of the opposing side walls 17, 18 at the guide pins l5a, 15b. The raised and/or wider side walls l7a, l8a and/or top surface 40a may provide a structure for the windshield wiper arm receiving portion to abut when engaged with the connector 1. Further, the raised and/or wider side walls and/or top surface 40a of the connector may provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and front end of the connector 1 meet. In further embodiments, the connector 1 slopes downward from the proximity of the abutment with the receiving portion of the wiper arm towards the front end 2, further providing a streamlined profile at the connector- wiper arm junction.

[0082] The top surface 40 of the connector 1 may also have a locking tab 5 in the top surface 40 sized such that it is capable of engaging a locking aperture LA (see Figure 10) on the top surface of the slotted receiving portion SRP of a windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the locking tab 5 is cantilevered. The locking tab 2 sits atop a locking tab ledge 10. The locking tab 5 may be structured with a locking tab lip 5a such that the locking aperture LA of the slotted receiving portion SRP receives the locking tab and abuts the locking tab lip 5a to assist in locking the connector 1 into place. The locking tab lip 5a may extend in the direction of the front portion 2 of the connector 1. Once the connector 1 is pushed completely into the slotted receiving portion SRP, the locking tab 205 protrudes into the locking aperture LA of the receiving portion and the locking tab lip 5a abuts the top surface of the slotted receiving portion SRP to help“lock” the connector 1 into place. In some embodiments, the locking tab ledge 10 is elevated relative to the top surface 40b of the back end of the connector 1.

[0083] The guide pins l5a, 15b on the opposing peripheral side walls 4 may provide a structure for assisting in maintaining proper positioning of the connector 1 while slidably engaging the wiper arm’s slotted receiving portion SRP. The guide pins l5a, 15b also provide proper positioning of the connector 1 as it is slidably placed into the receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm, upon which the locking tab engages the locking aperture to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

[0084] Figure 23 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the connector 200 that shows the internal support structure having at least three longitudinal internal support walls 6a, 6b, 6c extending downward from the top surface, and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector 200. The connector 200 may also have at least one rivet passage 207a, 207b and an arcuate rivet clip 8 (see Figures 26 and 27) in the rivet shelf for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. The support walls can extend substantially along the length of the connector continuously, or intermittently, having gaps along the way. In particular, internal support walls 6a, 6b, 6c provide rigidity and structural strength to the connector 1. In some of these embodiments, the connector may be capable of being secured to the mounting base of a windshield wiper blade assembly via the rivet through the mounting base, as shown in Figure 30. In some embodiments, the connector 1 may have at least one transverse internal support wall 9 (four walls 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are shown in Figure 23) connecting the three longitudinal internal support walls 6a, 6b, 6c and providing additional support and rigidity to the connector.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will recognize that connector 1 can be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art, including without limitation, rigid or elastic plastics, metals, synthetic and natural rubber compounds, etc. However, certain embodiments contemplate materials that can be molded such that connector 200 is fabricated as a single piece. In other embodiments the connector can be fabricated in multiple pieces. For instance the wider front portion of the connector 1 may be fabricated as a separate cap which engages and is secured to the back portion of the connector through projections and recesses, detents that engage shoulders, or through any other known method of securing a cap to a connector known in the art.

[0086] Figure 24 is a top view of the embodiment of a connector 1 illustrated in Figures 22 and 23. As illustrated, the opposing side walls 17, 18 and/or the top surface 40 of the connector may be raised and/or wider a long a portion of the front end 2 (designated as l7a, l8a, and 40a) than they are at the back end 3 or at the guide pins l5a, 15b.

[0087] Figure 25 is a bottom view of the embodiment of a connector 1 illustrated in Figures 22, 23, and 24. As illustrated, the internal support structure may have at least two longitudinal internal support walls 6a, 6b, and may further have one or more transverse internal support walls 9a, 9b. Figure 24 also illustrates the raised opposing side walls l7a, l7b that may be configured such that the front end 2 of the connector 1 is wider than the back end 3.

[0088] Figures 26 and 27 are opposing side views of the embodiment of a connector 1 illustrated in Figures 22-25. As illustrated, the opposing side walls 17, 18 may have at least one rivet passage 7a, 7b and arcuate rivet clip 8a, 8b for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade mount to secure the connector 1 to a wiper blade. Figures 26 and 27 also illustrate the raised portion of the top surface 40a towards the front end 2. As further illustrated, the raised portion of the top surface 40a slopes downwards towards the front end 2. As also illustrated, the bottom portions 20, 30 of the front and back ends, respectively, of the connector 1 may be sloped upwards towards the top surface 40. Likewise, as also illustrated, the bottom portion 30 of the back end of the connector 1 may curve as it extends from the bottom to the top surface 40. This may allow for some freedom of movement of the wiper blade along the axis of the rivet as it pivots thereon.

[0089] Figure 28 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of a connector 1 from the front end illustrated in Figures 22-27. Figure 29 illustrates a back view of the embodiment of a connector 200 from the distal end illustrated in Figures 22-28. Figures 28 and 29 show the locking tab 5 extending upwards from the top surface 40 of the connector 1.

[0090] Figure 30 illustrates an embodiment of a connector 1 of the disclosure as attached to a mounting base MB of a wiper blade WB. The wiper blade may be a traditional wiper blade having tournament style brackets that act as a force distribution structure. Alternatively the wiper blade may be a beam blade, which uses one or more spring-elastic beams as a force distribution structure. Alternatively, a hybrid wiper blade which uses one or more beams and one or more brackets to distribute force to a wiper blade may also be used.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the connector 1 may be connected to the wiper blade prior to connecting to the wiper arm. In certain embodiments, the connector 1 may be connected to the wiper arm prior to being connected to the wiper blade. In certain embodiments, the connector 1 may either be first connected to the wiper arm or to the wiper arm.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will recognize that while the invention will most likely be used in conjunction with automobiles, it is suitable for use with any vehicle. For example, in addition to automobiles, trucks, buses, locomotives, aircrafts, or any other vehicle type that uses a windshield wiper can benefit from the invention.

[0093] While specific embodiments have been discussed to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the descriptions herein are intended as illustrative, and not as limiting, and that variations in the embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0094] For example, any suitable material can be used to manufacture the connectors of the present disclosure. The number or position of the locking tabs, guide pins, or other mechanisms can vary so long as they are capable of performing their intended function.

Claims

We claim:

1. A connector comprising:

a front end and a longitudinally opposed back end;

a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls and a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other, the opposing peripheral side walls each comprising a guide pin; and

a locking tab in the top surface having a lip extending outward therefrom,

wherein the pins are sized to be capable of slideably engaging slots on slotted receiving portions of a windshield wiper arm.

2. The connector of claim 1 wherein the opposing side walls and/or the top surface of the connector may be raised along a portion of the front end, wherein the raised side walls and/or top surface may provide an abutment structure capable of abutting the windshield wiper arm receiving portion when the arm is engaged with the connector.

3. The connector of claim 2 wherein the raised side walls and/or top surface of the connector may provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and front end of the connector meet.

4. The connector of claim 2 wherein the connector slopes downward from the proximity of the abutment structure towards the front end, further providing a streamlined look at the connector-wiper arm junction.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the locking tab is capable of engaging a locking aperture on a top surface of the slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm.

6. The connector of claim 5 wherein the lip extends over a portion of the top surface of the slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm when engaged in a locking aperture.

7. The connector of claim 1 wherein the guide pins on the opposing peripheral side walls are capable of assisting in maintaining proper positioning of the connector while slideably engaging the wiper arm and providing proper positioning of the connector as it is slideably placed into the receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm, upon which the locking tab engages the locking aperture to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

8. The connector of claim 1 further comprising at least two longitudinal internal support walls extending downward from the top surface, and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector.

9. The connector of claim 8 further comprising at least one rivet passage and arcuate rivet clip in each of the internal longitudinal support walls for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade, thereby securing the connector to the wiper blade.

10. The connector of claim 8, further comprising at least one rivet passage, rivet shelf and arcuate rivet clip within the rivet shelf for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade, thereby securing the connector to the wiper blade.

11. A wiper blade assembly comprising:

a wiper strip;

a force distribution structure; and

a connector having a front end and a longitudinally opposed back end, and comprising: a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls and a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other, the opposing peripheral side walls each comprising a guide pin; and

a locking tab in the top surface having a lip extending outward therefrom, wherein the pins are sized to be capable of slideably engaging slots on slotted receiving portions of a windshield wiper arm.

12. The wiper blade assembly of claim 11 wherein the opposing side walls and/or the top surface of the connector may be raised along a portion of the front end, wherein the raised side walls and/or top surface may provide an abutment structure capable of abutting the windshield wiper arm receiving portion when the arm is engaged with the connector.

13. The wiper blade assembly of claim 12 wherein the raised side walls and/or top surface of the connector may provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and front end of the connector meet.

14. The wiper blade assembly of claim 12 wherein the connector slopes downward from the proximity of the abutment structure towards the front end, further providing a streamlined look at the connector-wiper arm junction.

15. The wiper blade assembly of claim 11 wherein the locking tab is capable of engaging a locking aperture on a top surface of the slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm.

16. The connector of claim 15 wherein the lip extends over a portion of the top surface of the slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm when engaged in a locking aperture.

17. The wiper blade assembly of claim 10 wherein the guide pins on the opposing peripheral side walls are capable of assisting in maintaining proper positioning of the connector while slideably engaging the wiper arm and providing proper positioning of the connector as it is slideably placed into the receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm, upon which the locking tab engages the locking aperture to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

18. The wiper blade assembly of claim 10 further comprising at least two longitudinal internal support walls extending downward from the top surface, and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector.

19. The wiper blade assembly of claim 18 further comprising at least one rivet passage and arcuate rivet clip in each of the internal longitudinal support walls for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade, thereby securing the connector to the wiper blade.

20. The connector of claim 18, further comprising at least one rivet passage, rivet shelf and arcuate rivet clip within the rivet shelf for accepting and securing a rivet of a wiper blade, thereby securing the connector to the wiper blade.