A predictive performance indicator based on the actual use and performance of any individual wiper blade element. This predictive performance indicator further provides visual feedback to the user that is independent of the user's location, UV exposure, climate and the like. The predictive performance indicator is adaptable and variable based solely on the actual use of the wiper blade element, and may be used to accurately provide feedback to the user regarding reduced performance and replacement of the blade element before performance degradation and/or failure of the blade element.
A predictive performance indicator based on the actual use and performance of any individual wiper blade element. This predictive performance indicator further provides visual feedback to the user that is independent of the user's location, UV exposure, climate and the like. The predictive performance indicator is adaptable and variable based solely on the actual use of the wiper blade element, and may be used to accurately provide feedback to the user regarding reduced performance and replacement of the blade element before performance degradation and/or failure of the blade element.
A stepped-designed beam arm wiper assembly has a beam arm that locks into a mounting head such that the beam arm can be disconnected from the mounting head for servicing a wiper blade attached to the beam arm. A head cover is attached to the mounting head via hinges on either side of the head cover which allow the head cover to open off the head on either pin hinges of the head, and can be pressed onto the head and retained on. The other end of the beam arm is inserted into an adapter which snaps onto a rear wiper blade coupler via lead-in hole and trunnion connection. The beam arm has an airfoil with a stepped design to match the head cover, adapter, and blade assembly stepped design.
A windshield wiper system has an articulating pivot for wiping a curved glass surface of a vehicle. The articulating pivot has a pivot shaft assembly (64) having a first pivot ball (160) separated by a distance from a second pivot ball (166). The pivot shaft assembly is encased in an outer housing (158) and each pivot ball is supported by a bearing. A pinion gear is integrated with one of the first pivot ball, the second pivot ball, and/or the pivot shaft. A rack gear is integrated into one of the bearings and/or the housing. Rotational movement of the pinion gear along the rack gear articulates the pivot shaft as the pivot shaft is rotated.
A wiper system and, more specifically, wiper adapters are provided for wiper assemblies. The adapter engages retention features formed on the front end of the wiper arm, and the blade assembly is equipped with an adapter that mates with the arm geometry to secure itself together. The adapters mount to a common arm geometry and allow for ready, direct connection of the wiper arm to the adapter, which in turn connects to a wiper assembly.
A wiper system and, more specifically, wiper adapters are provided for wiper assemblies. The adapter engages retention features formed on the front end of the wiper arm, and the blade assembly is equipped with an adapter that mates with the arm geometry to secure itself together. The adapters mount to a common arm geometry and allow for ready, direct connection of the wiper arm to the adapter, which in turn connects to a wiper assembly.
A windshield wiper system has an articulating pivot for wiping a curved glass surface of a vehicle. The articulating pivot has a pivot shaft assembly (64) having a first pivot ball (160) separated by a distance from a second pivot ball (166). The pivot shaft assembly is encased in an outer housing (158) and each pivot ball is supported by a bearing. A pinion gear is integrated with one of the first pivot ball, the second pivot ball, and/or the pivot shaft. A rack gear is integrated into one of the bearings and/or the housing. Rotational movement of the pinion gear along the rack gear articulates the pivot shaft as the pivot shaft is rotated.
An adapter is provided to attach a non-original wiper blade assembly to a wiper arm of a vehicle which is usable with an existing sliding latch and other aesthetic and functional components of the wiper arm to maintain the original aesthetics of the wiper system while allowing installation of non-original wiper blade assemblies.
12 - Véhicules; appareils de locomotion par terre, par air ou par eau; parties de véhicules
Produits et services
(1) Windshield wiper blades; windscreen wiper blades; wiper blades; windshield and windscreen wipers; automotive accessories, namely, windshield wiper blade kits comprising blades with couplers and adapters enabling blades to be used with a variety of automobiles
12 - Véhicules; appareils de locomotion par terre, par air ou par eau; parties de véhicules
Produits et services
(1) Windshield wiper blades; windscreen wiper blades; wiper blades; windshield and windscreen wipers; automotive accessories, namely, windshield wiper blade kits comprising blades with couplers and adapters enabling blades to be used with a variety of automobiles
52.
Windshield wiper arm adapter, coupler and assembly
An adapter that connects with a coupler for a wiper element is configured to connect with a plurality of different wiper arms each having a different wiper arm style. The adapter can be a one-piece body or a multi-piece body having a cavity and openings for receiving distal ends or distal end features of each of the plurality of different wiper arms. The adapter can also include different tabs for engaging with openings, notches or other components on distal ends of each of the plurality of different wiper arms.
An adapter that connects with a coupler for a wiper element is configured to connect with a plurality of different wiper arms each having a different wiper arm style. The adapter can be a one-piece body or a multi-piece body having a cavity and openings for receiving distal ends or distal end features of each of the plurality of different wiper arms. The adapter can also include different tabs for engaging with openings, notches or other components on distal ends of each of the plurality of different wiper arms.
A windscreen wiper device includes an elongated wiper blade, a spoiler, and a connector assembly. The spoiler is coupled to and extends between opposite ends along the longitudinal length of the wiper blade. The connector assembly is operably attached to the spoiler and detachably connects the windscreen wiper device to an oscillating wiper arm adapted to oscillate the wiper blade along the surface of a curved windshield of a vehicle.
Providing an online computer database featuring information about pricing and specifications for vehicle parts, excluding windshield wipers; arranging and conducting incentive reward programs to promote the sale of automotive parts, excluding windshield wipers; providing an online computer database in the field of customer service; arranging and conducting incentive reward programs to promote the sale of automotive goods, excluding windshield wipers
12 - Véhicules; appareils de locomotion par terre, par air ou par eau; parties de véhicules
Produits et services
automobile and vehicle parts and accessories, namely, automobile and vehicle parts and accessories, namely, gas powered springs, lift supports, lift struts, and gas struts, gas operated springs for use on hatch, trunk and hood doors for motor vehicles
12 - Véhicules; appareils de locomotion par terre, par air ou par eau; parties de véhicules
Produits et services
Windshield wiper blades; windscreen wiper blades; wiper blades; windshield and windscreen wipers; automotive accessories, namely, windshield wiper blade kits comprising blades with couplers and adapters enabling blades to be used with a variety of automobiles
A connector for attaching a vehicle wiper arm and blade to a shaft allows the wiper arm to be rotated away from a wiping surface to a service up position. The connector has an internal component which can be rotated to one or more positions within an external component. Further, the connector can be latched into an in-use position.
An adapter that connects with a coupler for a wiper element is configured to connect with a plurality of different wiper arms each having a different wiper arm style. The adapter can be a one-piece body or a multi-piece body having a cavity and openings for receiving distal ends or distal end features of each of the plurality of different wiper arms. The adapter can also include different tabs for engaging with openings, notches or other components on distal ends of each of the plurality of different wiper arms.
A stepped-designed beam arm wiper assembly has a beam arm that locks into a mounting head such that the beam arm can be disconnected from the mounting head for servicing a wiper blade attached to the beam arm. A head cover is attached to the mounting head via hinges on either side of the head cover which allow the head cover to open off the head on either pin hinges of the head, and can be pressed onto the head and retained on. The other end of the beam arm is inserted into an adapter which snaps onto a rear wiper blade coupler via lead-in hole and trunnion connection. The beam arm has an airfoil with a stepped design to match the head cover, adapter, and blade assembly stepped design.
The windscreen wiper device includes a wiper element and a carrier element. A base of a connecting device is fixedly attached with the carrier element, and a joint part is pivotably attached with the base. The joint part has a top wall and a pair of side walls and a button configuration for locking attachment with different types of oscillating arms. The button configuration includes a first button and a pair of resilient strips that extend from the side walls to the first button and bias the first button into a raised position. The resilient strips also allow the first button to move to a pressed position. A second button is attached with the first button, and the second button is pivotable about a living hinge from a first position, wherein the second button projects above the top wall, to a second position wherein the second button is recessed.
The windscreen wiper device includes a wiper element and a least one carrier element. The wiper device also includes a connecting device, which includes a base and a joint part. The joint part has a top wall that extends in a lateral direction between a pair of side walls. The joint part also has a button configuration for lockingly attaching the connecting device with at least two different types of oscillating wiper arms. The button configuration includes first and second buttons, each of which is attached with the side walls via resilient strips. The resilient strips extend directly from the side walls to the buttons. The resilient strips bias the buttons into raised positions wherein the buttons project above the top walls. The resilient strips also allow the buttons to move to a pressed position wherein a top surface of the respective button is generally flush with the top wall.
The windscreen wiper device includes a wiper element and a carrier element. The windscreen wiper device also includes a connecting device which has a base and a joint part. The joint part has a top wall that extends in a lateral direction between a pair of side walls. The joint part also includes a button configuration for lockingly attaching the connecting device with at least two different types of oscillating wiper arms. The button configuration includes a first button and a second button. The button configuration also includes a pin that is spaced below the top wall and that extends in the lateral direction between the side walls. The first button is attached with the pin on one longitudinal side of the pin, and the second button is attached with the pin on an opposite longitudinal side of the pin.
An adapter (124) for attaching to an attachment member (138) of a wiper arm (114) extending to an terminal end (140) with an upper wall (142) and a pair of side walls (144) depending from the upper wall. The side walls each have an inward protrusion (146) and a U-shaped cutout (148) formed at the end defining upper (150) and lower cutout (152) edges. The upper wall has an aperture (156). The adapter has a body (158) with first (160) and second (162) ends. A stop (164) formed at the first end abuts the attachment member end. A slot (166) formed at the second end receives one of the protrusions. A resilient finger (168) attached to the body has a tooth (170) engaging the aperture to prevent longitudinal movement between the attachment member and adapter. A brace (172) formed at the first end is received in one of the cutouts when the tooth engages the aperture. The brace at least partially abuts the lower cutout edge and remains spaced from the upper cutout edge.
An adapter is provided to attach a non-original wiper blade assembly to a wiper arm of a vehicle which is usable with an existing sliding latch and other aesthetic and functional components of the wiper arm to maintain the original aesthetics of the wiper system while allowing installation of non-original wiper blade assemblies.
An adapter for attaching to a wiper arm attachment member having a track defined by a base and walls depending therefrom, a bent tab extending outwardly from the base, and fins that extend from the walls. The adapter has a body with a first and second ends. A stop wall formed at the first end abuts the track. A pair of outer walls extend between the first and second ends. A strap connects the outer walls for engaging the base. A pair of inner walls are spaced laterally between the outer walls and are arranged at least partially under the strap. A cantilevered finger extends from each of the inner walls with a tab formed adjacent to the second end. The tabs extend away from each other and are arranged to engage respective fins to prevent movement between the adapter and the attachment member when the stop wall abuts the track.
A refillable wiper blade (36) including a refill subassembly (38) and a coupler (48) adapted for releasable attachment thereto. The refill subassembly includes a wiping element (42), an elongated spline (44) supporting the element, and a retention clip (46) operatively attached to the spline. The clip has a body (58) and an upwardly-biased cantilevered finger (60) extending from the body. The coupler has a first end (62A) shaped to receive the body of the clip, and a relief (64) defined adjacent to the first end and shaped to accommodate the finger of the clip. The refill subassembly and the coupler cooperate such that predetermined movement of the coupler with respect to the refill subassembly brings the body into engagement with the first end of the coupler such that the finger deflects downwardly until subsequent movement of the coupler along the spline releases the finger upwardly and into the relief of the coupler thereby securing the refill subassembly to the coupler.
The windscreen wiper device includes an elastomeric wiper blade that extends in a longitudinal direction. At least one pre-curved longitudinal strip is operably attached with the wiper blade and biases the wiper blade into a curved shape. A connecting device is secured with the at least one strip. The at least one strip includes a pair of tabs that extend longitudinally towards one another and project vertically. The tabs cooperate with the connecting device to secure the connecting device with the at least one longitudinal strip.
The windscreen wiper device includes a wiper blade that is made of an elastomeric material and extends in a longitudinal direction. The windscreen wiper device also includes a joint part with a U-shaped cross-section that includes a top wall and a pair of side walls. At least one of the side walls has a spring loaded interference finger which projects outwardly for engaging an inner surface of a wiper arm to reduce side to side play between the joint part and the wiper arm.
An adapter for attaching to a wiper arm attachment member having a track defined by a base and walls depending therefrom, a bent tab extending outwardly from the base, and fins that extend from the walls. The adapter has a body with a first and second ends. A stop wall formed at the first end abuts the track. A pair of outer walls extend between the first and second ends. A strap connects the outer walls for engaging the base. A pair of inner walls are spaced laterally between the outer walls and are arranged at least partially under the strap. A cantilevered finger extends from each of the inner walls with a tab formed adjacent to the second end. The tabs extend away from each other and are arranged to engage respective fins to prevent movement between the adapter and the attachment member when the stop wall abuts the track.
An adapter (124) for attaching to an attachment member (138) of a wiper arm (114) extending to an terminal end (140) with an upper wall (142) and a pair of side walls (144) depending from the upper wall. The side walls each have an inward protrusion (146) and a U-shaped cutout (148) formed at the end defining upper (150) and lower cutout (152) edges. The upper wall has an aperture (156). The adapter has a body (158) with first (160) and second (162) ends. A stop (164) formed at the first end abuts the attachment member end. A slot (166) formed at the second end receives one of the protrusions. A resilent finger (168) attached to the body has a tooth (170) engaging the aperture to prevent longitudinal movement between the attachment member and adapter. A brace (172) formed at the first end is received in one of the cutouts when the tooth engages the aperture. The brace at least partially abuts the lower cutout edge and remains spaced from the upper cutout edge.
A refillable wiper blade (36) including a refill subassembly (38) and a coupler (48) adapted for releasable attachment thereto. The refill subassembly includes a wiping element (42), an elongated spline (44) supporting the element, and a retention clip (46) operatively attached to the spline. The clip has a body (58) and an upwardly-biased cantilevered finger (60) extending from the body. The coupler has a first end (62A) shaped to receive the body of the clip, and a relief (64) defined adjacent to the first end and shaped to accommodate the finger of the clip. The refill subassembly and the coupler cooperate such that predetermined movement of the coupler with respect to the refill subassembly brings the body into engagement with the first end of the coupler such that the finger deflects downwardly until subsequent movement of the coupler along the spline releases the finger upwardly and into the relief of the coupler thereby securing the refill subassembly to the coupler.
An adapter (34) for use in attaching a wiper assembly (26) to a wiper arm (24) hook (58) including a top (60) and a bottom (62) with an aperture (66). The adapter (34) includes a body (68), a deck (70), a tab (72), a tooth (74), and a biasing element (76). The body (68) has sides (78) to accommodate the hook (58). The deck (70) engages the top (60). The tab (72) is spaced from the deck (70), is disposed between the sides (78), and extends to a distal end (92). The tooth (74) depends from the tab (72) and engages the aperture (66). The biasing element (76) depends from the tab (72), is disposed between the tooth (74) and the distal end (92), and engages the bottom (62) such that the tab (72) is displaced upwardly toward the top (60) when the tooth (74) engages the aperture (66).
A wiper assembly (36) having a wiping element (38), a pair of splines (42), and a pair of end caps (48). The wiping element (38) has a head portion (50) and a wiping portion (52). The splines (42) support the wiping element (38) and each has opposing longitudinal ends (58), lateral sides (60), top and bottom surfaces (62, 64), first notches (66) at the ends (58), and second notches (68) along the sides (60). The end caps (48) are mounted to the ends (58) and have a body (76) defined by a shell (78) extending from a distal surface (80), lower shelves (82) extending from the surface, a valley (84) between the shelves (82), mounts (86) extending from the surface and engaging the first notches, and resilient tabs (88) extending from the mounts (86) with hook sections (92) disposed within each of the second notches of the splines (42).
The wiper device includes a connecting assembly with a base and a joint part. The joint part is made as one integral piece and includes a main body portion and a nose portion. The main body portion is generally extends longitudinally from a front end to a back end and has a top and a pair of sides. A resilient tongue is formed into the top and has a button. The nose portion is connected with the front end of the main body portion at a resilient hinge and includes a pair of locking tangs that are spaced vertically from the resilient hinge. A pair of locking lugs extend from the back end of the main body portion opposite of the nose portion. The sides of the main body portion present a pair of ledges which are spaced vertically from one another to present a groove between said ledges.
A method of biasing a worm shaft (22) of a motor assembly (10) including the steps of: providing a motor assembly (10) having a housing (14) defining an inner chamber (16), an access aperture (28) spaced therefrom, and a shaft aperture (32) in communication with both the chamber and access aperture (28), and supporting the shaft (22); providing an ultrasonic device for producing vibrations; providing a slug (48) having a body (50) defining a first shape (52) for being disposed in the access aperture (28), transformable to a second shape (54) whereby the slug (48) melts in response to predetermined vibrations; placing the slug (48) in the access aperture (28); actuating the ultrasonic device so as to transform the slug (48) to the second shape (54) such that the slug (48) melts and at least partially flows into the shaft aperture (32) to abut the terminal portion (36).
A wiper assembly (36) including a wiping element (38) having head (38a) and a wiping portion (38b), a pair of elongated splines (42a) each having at least one aperture (48), and a coupler (41) with a base (50), a pair of walls (52), at least one pair of claws (54) facing each other that have an upper element (54a) extending laterally inwardly terminating to define a channel (56) between the claws (54) to receive the head (38a) of the wiping element (38), a lower element (54b) spaced below the upper element (54a), and a retention gap (58) defined therebetween with the splines (42a) at least partially disposed therein, and at least one pair of tabs (60) extending laterally inwardly from the walls (52) and disposed in the apertures (48) so as to independently retain the splines (42a) to the coupler (41) and space the splines (42a) from each other.
An adapter (44) for attaching a wiper assembly (36) to a wiper arm (34) having an attachment member (58) including a track (60) defined by a base (62) and walls (64) depending therefrom, a bent tab (66) extending outwardly from the base (62), and fins (68) that extend from the walls (64). The adapter (44) includes a body (72) having first and second ends (74, 76), a pair of opposing sidewalls (78) extending longitudinally therebetween and having an inside and outside surface (80, 82) each, a nose (84) connecting the sidewalls (78) at the first end (74) for receiving the bent tab (66), a strap (86) connecting the sidewalls (78) for engaging the base (62), and at least one resilient locking tab (88) disposed adjacent to the second end (76) and extending from at least one of the inside surfaces (80) for engaging at least one of the fins (68).
A wiper assembly (26) including a support element (30), a wiping element (28), and an airfoil (36). The wiping element (28) has a head portion (40) attached to the support element (30), a wiping portion (42), and a pair of opposed grooves (44) between the head portion (40) and the wiping portion (42). The airfoil (36) has a body (60) with a lower surface (62) and a slot (74) spaced therefrom for accommodating the support element (30). The body (60) has a channel (76) extending from the lower surface (62) to the slot (74), thereby defining a pair of opposed shelves (78). The body (60) includes a pair of concealing members (80) depending from the shelves (78) that are at least partially disposed in the grooves (44) of the wiping element (28) so as to substantially conceal the support element (30) within the body (60) of the airfoil (36).
An adapter (44) for attaching a wiper assembly (36) to a wiper arm (34) having an attachment member (58) including a track (60) extending to a terminal edge (66) and defined by a base (62) and walls (64) depending therefrom and having fins (68) that extend from the walls (64). The adapter (44) includes a body (70) having first and second ends (72, 74), a pair of opposing sidewalls (76) extending longitudinally therebetween and having an inside and outside surface (78, 80) each, a strap (82) connecting the sidewalls (76) for engaging the base (62), at least one locking tab (84) disposed adjacent to the second end (74) and extending from at least one of the inside surfaces (78) for engaging at least one of the fins (68), and a stop (86) disposed between the sidewalls (76) adjacent to the first end (72) for abutting the terminal edge (66).
An end cap (36) for a wiper assembly (26) includes a body (58) adapted to be disposed over a portion of a plurality of splines (32) of the wiper assembly. The body (58) includes a separator (80) adapted to cooperate with the splines (32) of the wiper assembly to separate and retain the splines laterally from movement for a wiping element (30) of the wiper assembly (26) disposed between the splines.
A wiper coupler assembly (53) for releasably attaching a wiper assembly (26) to a wiper arm (24) includes a wiper coupler (54) adapted for connection to the wiper assembly and a wiper coupler adaptor (58) connected to the wiper coupler (54) and adapted for connection to an attachment member of the wiper arm. The wiper coupler adaptor (58) includes a pair of sidewalls (100) extending longitudinally and a deck (117) disposed between the sidewalls (100) to define a rest that is adapted to operatively receive a track between rails of the attachment member. Each of the sidewalls (100) includes a post (110) that extends laterally toward the other and disposed in bores (90) of the wiper coupler (54). Each of the sidewalls (110) includes a retention member (136) extending outwardly and longitudinally there along adapted to operatively engage a corresponding retention guide (44) in the rails of the attachment member (34).
A coupler assembly (32) for a wiper assembly includes a coupler (58) adapted to be attached to at least one support member (34) of the wiper assembly (26) and a retention clip (86) cooperating with the coupler (58) and adapted to engage the at least one support member to retain the at least one support member (34) and the coupler (58) together and prevent longitudinal movement therebetween.
