CN112533802A

CN112533802A - Windshield wiper connector

Info

Publication number: CN112533802A
Application number: CN201980051629.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: H.卡瓦希马
Original assignee: Pylon Manufacturing Corp
Current assignee: Pylon Manufacturing Corp
Priority date: 2018-06-11
Filing date: 2019-06-11
Publication date: 2021-03-19
Also published as: KR20210029774A; WO2019241310A1; EP3802237A4; EP3802237A1; CA3106349A1

Abstract

A connector for a windshield wiper and a wiper blade assembly including the connector, the connector being adaptable to a slotted receiving portion of a windshield wiper arm. The connector for connecting the windshield wiper assembly to the 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 guide pins aligned with one another and sized to slidably engage the slots of the windshield wiper arm.

Description

Windshield wiper connector

Reference to related applications

This application is a partial continuation of us application 15/600,254 filed on day 5, 19, 2017, which claims benefit of us provisional application 62/338,834 filed on day 5, 19, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to windshield wipers, and more particularly to an improved connector for windshield wipers that attaches the windshield wipers to a windshield wiper arm construction having a slotted receiving portion. The invention also relates to a windscreen wiper incorporating these novel connectors.

Background

The wiper blades as original plant equipment are provided on various wiper arms. These different wiper arms have hooks, pins or other configurations that may or may not be connected to the wiper blade by a connector. These different configurations pose problems in the replacement market, as wiper blade suppliers need to be provided with a variety of wiper blade configurations to accommodate all existing wiper arms. It is therefore desirable to have a connection structure that can accommodate a variety of wiper arms to reduce the complexity and cost associated with this problem.

The need to attach replacement windshield wiper blades to a variety of wiper arms has been addressed to some extent. For example, windshield wiper blades are designed to work in conjunction with various hook-type wiper arms having different sizes. The connector may also be configured to receive a pin-type arm or a hook-type arm. While these connectors may improve the usability of a given windshield wiper such that it may be used in conjunction with different types of wiper arms, these connectors are often expensive and have a complex structure that is difficult and time consuming to manufacture.

Therefore, there is a need for an inexpensive connector that can secure a windshield wiper blade to various arms. It is also desirable to have a windshield wiper connector that can be manufactured or integrally molded at low cost and that can accommodate a variety of wiper arms. The disclosed concept provides a low cost windshield wiper connector that can be attached to a variety of windshield wiper arms to reduce the number of inventory parts necessary to supply to the vehicle market that uses multiple types of windshield wiper arms.

Disclosure of Invention

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 not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosed embodiments or to 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.

The present disclosure generally relates to a novel connector for a windshield wiper blade. More particularly, the present disclosure relates in part to an integrated windshield wiper connector that is capable of accommodating a variety of windshield wiper arms having different slotted locking mechanisms.

In some embodiments, a 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 slidably engage a slot on the slotted receiver portion of the windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the connector may also have a locking tab on the top surface sized to engage a locking aperture on the top surface of the slotted receiver portion of the windshield wiper arm.

In some embodiments, a wiper blade assembly may include a wiper strip, a force distribution structure, and a connector having a peripheral wall with 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 slidably engage a slot on the slotted receiver portion of the windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the connector may also have a locking tab on the top surface sized to engage a locking aperture on the top surface of the slotted receiver portion of the windshield wiper arm.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a connector of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the connector shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the connector shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the connector shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the connector shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is an opposite side view of the connector shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a front end view of the connector shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a rear end view of the connector shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of the connector shown in fig. 1 attached to a windshield wiper blade.

Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of a windshield wiper arm for receiving a connector of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a top perspective view of the connector shown in fig. 1 engaged with the wiper arm of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a connector of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the connector shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a top view of the connector shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the connector shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 16 is a side view of the connector shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 17 is an opposite side view of the connector shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 18 is a front end view of the connector shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 19 is a rear end view of the connector shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 20 is a top perspective view of the connector shown in fig. 12 attached to a windshield wiper blade.

Fig. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 22 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a connector of the present disclosure.

Fig. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the connector shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is a top view of the connector shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 25 is a bottom view of the connector shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 26 is a side view of the connector shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 27 is a side view of the connector shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 28 is a front end view of the connector shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 29 is a rear end view of the connector shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 30 is a top perspective view of the connector shown in fig. 22 attached to a windshield wiper blade.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description and the annexed drawings set forth and illustrate certain exemplary embodiments and are intended only to enable one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the detailed description and illustrations of these embodiments are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or its protection in any way. It should also be understood that the figures are not drawn to scale and that in some instances details, such as conventional details of manufacture and assembly, which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention have been omitted.

In one aspect, the present invention generally relates to a connector 1 for a windshield wiper (or a windshield wiper incorporating the same) that enables the windshield wiper to be secured to a windshield wiper arm. In this aspect, the connector 1 may be designed for use in conjunction with a windshield wiper arm that uses a slotted receiving portion that secures a windshield wiper to the windshield wiper arm.

In some embodiments, a 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 slidably engage a slot on the slotted receiver portion of the windshield wiper arm.

In some embodiments, opposing sidewalls and/or a top surface of the connector may be raised along a portion of the front end. The raised side walls and/or the top surface may provide a structure for the windshield wiper arm receiving portion to abut when engaged with the connector. Furthermore, the raised side walls and/or the top surface of the connector may provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and the front end of the connector meet. In other embodiments, the connector slopes downwardly from near the location of abutment with the receiving portion of the wiper arm toward the front end, thereby further providing a streamlined appearance at the connector-wiper arm junction.

In some embodiments, the connector may also have a locking tab on the top surface sized to engage a locking aperture on the top surface of the slotted receiver portion of the windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the locking tab may be cantilevered. In some embodiments, the top of the locking tab may have a protruding lip extending outwardly 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 helping to maintain proper positioning of the connector while slidably engaging the wiper arm. The guide pin may also enable correct positioning of the connector when the guide pin is slidably placed in a receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm, on which the locking tab engages with the locking aperture to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

In some embodiments, the connector may have at least two longitudinal internal support walls extending downwardly from the top surface and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector, and at least one rivet channel and arcuate rivet clip in each internal longitudinal support wall for receiving and securing a rivet of the wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. In some of these embodiments, the connector may have a snap along rivet channel for further securing the connector to the wiper blade. In some of these embodiments, the connector can be secured to the mount of the windshield wiper blade assembly via a rivet passing through the mount. In some embodiments, the at least one rivet passage passes through one or both peripheral side walls. In further embodiments, the connector may have at least one transverse inner support wall connecting two longitudinal inner support walls and providing additional support and rigidity to the connector.

In some embodiments, the connector may be manufactured in one piece. In other embodiments, the front portion of the connector may be manufactured as one piece and the rear portion of the connector may be manufactured as one piece.

In some embodiments, opposing side walls and/or a 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 some embodiments, the raised sidewalls and/or the top surface of the connector may provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and the front end of the connector meet. In certain embodiments, the connector may slope downwardly from the vicinity of the abutment structure toward the front end, thereby further providing a streamlined appearance at the connector-wiper arm junction.

In certain embodiments, the locking tab in the top surface of the connector may be sized to engage 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, the top of the locking tab may have a protruding lip extending outwardly from the locking tab to further secure the locking tab in the locking aperture.

In some embodiments, guide pins on opposing peripheral side walls of the connector can help maintain proper positioning of the connector while slidably engaging the wiper arm, and can effect proper positioning of the connector when slidably disposed in a receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm where the locking tabs engage the locking holes to ultimately maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm. In certain embodiments, the connector of the wiper blade assembly may further comprise at least two longitudinal interior support walls extending downwardly from the top surface and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector.

In some embodiments, the connector of the wiper blade assembly may further include at least one rivet channel and arcuate rivet clip in each of the inner longitudinal support walls for receiving and securing a rivet of the wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. In some of these embodiments, the connector may have a snap along rivet channel for securing the connector to the wiper blade. The snap may provide a safer (semi-permanent) locking mechanism for securing the rivet. In certain embodiments, the connector may be manufactured in one piece.

In some embodiments, the connector may have a shelf along the rivet passage for further securing the connector to the wiper blade.

In some aspects, a wiper blade assembly of the present disclosure may have a wiper blade having a rivet and a connector having a peripheral wall including two opposing side walls; a top surface having a flat rear shelf and a sloped front shelf; a locking tab on a surface of the flat rear shelf engageable with the locking aperture of the receiving portion of the wiper arm; at least two inner support walls, each of the two inner support walls having a rivet channel and an arcuate rivet clip for receiving a rivet of a wiper blade; and a guide pin on a surface of each of the two opposing sidewalls.

Fig. 1 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of a connector 1 of the present disclosure. The connector 1 has a front end 2 and a rear end 3. For the purposes of this disclosure, the rear end 3 of the connector receives the wiper arm, and the front end 2 of the connector is opposite the rear end 3. The peripheral wall 4 may extend around the periphery of the connector 1. The peripheral wall 4 may include a front portion 42, a rear portion 43, and opposing side portions (referred to as a first side 17 and a second side 18) connecting the front and rear portions. The top surface 40 extends between the opposing

peripheral side walls

17, 18.

The opposing

peripheral side walls

17, 18 may each have a

guide pin

15a, 15b sized to slidably engage a slot on a slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the front of the opposing side walls 17a, 18b and/or the front of the top surface 40a of the connector may be elevated relative to the respective rear of the opposing

side walls

17, 18 and the top surface 40. In some embodiments, the front portions of the opposing

sidewalls

17a, 18a may define a width that is greater than the width of the opposing

sidewalls

17, 18 at the rear end of the connector 1. Similarly, in some embodiments, the front portions of the opposing

side walls

17a, 18a may define a width that is greater than the width of the opposing

side walls

17, 18 at the guide pins 15a, 15 b. The raised and/or

wider side walls

17a, 18a and/or the top surface 40a may provide a structure for the windshield wiper arm receiving portion to abut when engaged with the connector 1. Furthermore, 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 the front end of the connector 1 meet. In other embodiments, the connector 1 is angled downwardly from near the location of abutment with the receiving portion of the wiper arm toward the front end 2, thereby further providing a streamlined appearance at the connector-wiper arm junction.

The top face 40 of the connector 1 may also have a locking tab 5 in the top face 40, the locking tab 5 being dimensioned to engage a locking aperture LA (see fig. 10) on the top face of the slotted receiving portion SRP of the windscreen wiper arm. In some embodiments, the locking tab 5 is cantilevered. As shown in fig. 1, the locking tab may be configured to have a slope 5a so that the top surface of the slotted receiving portion SRP of the windshield wiper arm is more easily slid over the locking tab and pushes the locking tab downward when the slotted receiving portion SRP receives the connector. Once the connector 1 is pushed fully into the slotted receiving portion SRP, the locking tabs 5 project into locking apertures LA of the receiving portion (see fig. 11) to "lock" the connector 1 in place.

The guide pins 15a, 15b on the opposing peripheral side walls 4 may provide a structure for helping to maintain proper positioning of the connector 1 while slidably engaging the slotted receiving portion SRP of the wiper arm. The guide pins 15a, 15b also enable correct positioning of the connector 1 when slidably placed in a receiving portion of the windscreen wiper arm, where the locking tabs engage with the locking apertures to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

Fig. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the connector 1, wherein an internal support structure with at least two longitudinal

internal support walls

6a, 6b is shown, said

internal support walls

6a, 6b extending from the top surface downwards and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector 1. The connector 1 may also have at least one

rivet channel

7a, 7b and

arcuate rivet clips

8a, 8b (see fig. 5 and 6) in each of the inner

longitudinal support walls

6a, 6b for receiving and securing rivets of a wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. The support wall may extend continuously substantially along the length of the connector or intermittently with a gap along the direction. In particular, the

internal support walls

6a, 6b provide rigidity and structural strength to the connector 1. In some of these embodiments, the connector can be secured to the mount of the windshield wiper blade assembly via a rivet passing through the mount, as shown in fig. 9. In some embodiments, the at least one

rivet channel

7a, 7b can pass through one or both peripheral side walls, as shown in fig. 2. In further embodiments, the connector 1 may have at least one transverse internal support wall 9 (two

walls

9a, 9b are shown in fig. 2) that connects the two longitudinal

internal support walls

6a, 6b and provides additional support and rigidity to the connector.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the connector 1 may be made of any suitable material known in the art, including but not limited to rigid or resilient plastics, metals, synthetic and natural rubber compounds, and the like. However, certain embodiments contemplate moldable materials such that the connector 1 is manufactured as one piece. In other embodiments, the connector may be manufactured in multiple pieces. For example, the wider front portion of the connector 1 may be manufactured as a separate cap that engages and is secured to the rear portion of the connector by means of protrusions and recesses, catches that engage with shoulders, or by any other known method of securing the cap to the connector known in the art.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of the connector 1 shown in fig. 1 and 2. As shown, the opposing

side walls

17, 18 and/or the top surface 40 of the connector may be taller and/or wider at a portion of the front end 2 (labeled 17a, 18a, and 40a) than at the rear end 3 or the guide pins 15a, 15 b.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the connector 1 shown in fig. 1, 2 and 3. As shown, the internal support structure may have at least two longitudinal

internal support walls

6a, 6b, and may also have one or more transverse

internal support walls

9a, 9 b. Fig. 4 also shows raised opposite side walls 17a, 17b, which may be configured such that the front end 2 of the connector 1 is wider than the rear end 3.

Fig. 5 and 6 are opposite side views of the embodiment of the connector 1 shown in fig. 1-4. As shown, the opposing

side walls

17, 18 may have at least one

rivet channel

7a, 7b and

arcuate rivet clips

8a, 8b in each of the inner

longitudinal support walls

6a, 6b for receiving and securing rivets of a wiper blade mount to secure the connector 1 to a wiper blade. Fig. 5 and 6 also show the elevated portion of the top surface 40a towards the front end 2. As further shown, the elevated portion of the top surface 40a slopes downwardly toward the front end 2. Also as shown, the

bottom portions

20, 30 of the front and rear ends of the connector 1 may be respectively inclined upward toward the top surface 40. This allows a certain freedom of movement of the wiper blade along the axis of the rivet when the wiper blade is pivoted on the rivet.

Fig. 7 shows a front view of one embodiment of the connector 1 as seen from the front end shown in fig. 1-6. Fig. 8 shows a rear view of one embodiment of the connector 1 as seen from the distal end shown in fig. 1-6. Fig. 7 and 8 show the locking tab 5 extending upwardly from the top surface 40 of the connector 1.

Fig. 9 shows a configuration of one embodiment of the connector 1 of the present disclosure when attached to the mount MB of the wiper blade WB. The wiper blade may be a conventional wiper blade having a tournament-type holder as a force distribution structure. Alternatively, the wiper blade may be a beam wiper blade using one or more spring-elastic beams as the force distribution structure. Alternatively, a hybrid wiper blade that distributes force to the wiper blade using one or more beams and one or more brackets may also be used.

Fig. 10 shows a slotted receiving portion SRP of a windscreen wiper arm for engaging with the connector 1 of the present disclosure. The slotted receiving portion SRP has slots S on opposite sides for engagement with the guide pins 15a, 15b of the connector 1 of the present disclosure. The slotted receiving portion SRP may also have locking apertures LA for engagement with the locking tabs 5 of the connector 1 described herein.

Fig. 11 shows the slotted receiving portion SRP of the windscreen wiper arm, wherein the connector 1 is pushed completely into the slotted receiving portion SRP. The guide pins 15a, 15b on the opposing peripheral side walls 4 provide a structure for helping to maintain proper positioning of the connector 1 while slidably engaging the slots S of the slotted receiving portion SRP of the wiper arm. The guide pins 15a, 15b also enable correct positioning of the connector 1 when slidably placed in a receiving portion of the windscreen wiper arm, where the locking tabs engage with the locking apertures to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm. The locking tabs 5 project into the locking apertures LA of the receiving portion to "lock" the connector 1 in place.

Fig. 12 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the connector 1 of the present disclosure. The connector 1 has a front end 2 and a rear end 3. For the purposes of this disclosure, the rear end 3 of the connector receives the wiper arm, and the front end 2 of the connector is opposite the rear end 3. The peripheral wall 4 may extend around the periphery of the connector 1. The peripheral wall 4 may include a front portion 42, a rear portion 43, and opposing side portions (referred to as a first side 17 and a second side 18) connecting the front and rear portions. The top surface 40 extends between the opposing

peripheral side walls

17, 18.

The opposing

peripheral side walls

17, 18 may each have a

guide pin

15a, 15b sized to slidably engage a slot on a slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the front of the opposing

side walls

17a, 18a and/or the front of the top surface 40a of the connector may be elevated relative to the respective rear of the opposing

side walls

17, 18 and the top surface 40. Further, in some embodiments, at least a portion of top surface 40 may be lower relative to opposing sidewalls 117, 118 of rear portion 43. The front of opposing

side walls

17a, 18a define a front width, which in some embodiments may be greater than the width of opposing

side walls

17, 18 at the rear end of 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 15a, 15 b. The raised and/or

wider side walls

17a, 18a and/or the top surface 40a may provide a structure for the windshield wiper arm receiving portion to abut when engaged with the connector 1. Furthermore, 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 the front end of the connector 1 meet. In other embodiments, the connector 1 is angled downwardly from near the location of abutment with the receiving portion of the wiper arm toward the front end 2, thereby further providing a streamlined profile at the connector-wiper arm junction.

The top face 40 of the connector 1 may also have a locking tab 5 in the top face 40, the locking tab 5 being dimensioned to engage a locking aperture LA (see fig. 10) on the top face of the slotted receiving portion SRP of the windscreen wiper arm. In some embodiments, the locking tab 5 is cantilevered. The locking tabs 5 may sit above the locking tab ledges 11. The locking tab 5 may be configured 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 help lock the connector 1 in place. The locking tab lip 5a may extend in the direction of the front 2 of the connector 1. Once the connector 1 is pushed fully into the slotted receiving portion SRP, the locking tabs 5 project into the locking apertures LA of the receiving portion and the locking tab lips 5a abut the top surface of the slotted receiving portion SRP to help "lock" the connector 1 in place. In some embodiments, the locking tab ledge 11 is raised relative to the top surface 40 of the rear end of the connector 1.

The guide pins 15a, 15b on the opposing peripheral side walls 4 may provide a structure for helping to maintain proper positioning of the connector 1 while slidably engaging the slotted receiving portion SRP of the wiper arm. The guide pins 15a, 15b also enable correct positioning of the connector 100 when slidably placed in a receiving portion of the windscreen wiper arm, where the locking tabs engage with the locking apertures to finally maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

Fig. 13 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the connector 1, wherein an internal support structure is shown that may have at least three longitudinal

internal support walls

6a, 6b, 6c, said

internal support walls

6a, 6b, 6c extending from the top surface downwards and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector 1. The connector 1 may also have at least one

rivet channel

7a, 7b and

arcuate rivet clips

8a, 8b (see fig. 16 and 17) in each of the inner

longitudinal support walls

internal support walls

6a, 6b provide rigidity and structural strength to the connector 1. In some of these embodiments, the connector can be secured to the mount of the windshield wiper blade assembly via rivets that pass through the mount, as shown in fig. 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 fig. 15) that connects the three longitudinal

internal support walls

6a, 6b, 6c and provides additional support and rigidity to the connector.

In some embodiments, the connector 1 may also have a rivet buckle 11 along the at least one rivet channel 7, and also have an arcuate rivet clip 8 (see fig. 16 and 17) in the inner support wall for receiving and semi-permanently securing a rivet of a wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. Fig. 16 and 17 also show a rivet button 11 for semi-permanently fixing the rivet of the wiper blade mount to the connector 1.

Fig. 14 is a top view of the embodiment of the connector 1 shown in fig. 12 and 13. As shown, the opposing

side walls

17, 18 and/or the top surface 40 of the connector may be taller and/or wider at a portion of the front end 2 (labeled 17a, 18a, and 40a) than at the rear end 3 or the guide pins 15a, 15 b. Further, as shown, the top surface 40 (labeled 40b) may be lower at a portion of the rear end 3 of the connector than at the front end 2.

Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the connector 1 shown in fig. 12, 13 and 14. As shown, the internal support structure may have at least two longitudinal

internal support walls

6a, 6b, 6c, and may also have one or more transverse

internal support walls

9a, 9b, 9c, 9 d. At least one of the longitudinal inner support walls 6c may not extend completely over the entire length of the connector 1. For example, the inner support wall 6c may extend from the lateral inner support wall 9a to the lateral inner support wall 9 d. Fig. 15 also shows raised opposite side walls 17a, 17b, which may be configured such that the front end 2 of the connector 1 is wider than the rear end 3.

Fig. 16 and 17 are opposite side views of the embodiment of the connector 1 shown in fig. 12-15. As shown, the opposing

side walls

17, 18 may have at least one

rivet channel

7a, 7b and

arcuate rivet clips

8a, 8b in each of the inner

longitudinal support walls

6a, 6b, 6c for receiving and securing rivets of a wiper blade mount to secure the connector 100 to a wiper blade. Fig. 16 and 17 also show the elevated portion of the top surface 40a towards the front end 2. As further shown, the elevated portion of the top surface 40a slopes downwardly toward the front end 2. Also as shown, the bottom 20 of the front end of the connector 1 may be sloped upward toward the top surface 40. Similarly, as also shown, the bottom 30 of the rear end of the connector 1 may curve as it extends from the bottom to the top surface 40. This allows a certain freedom of movement of the wiper blade along the axis of the rivet when the wiper blade is pivoted on the rivet.

Fig. 18 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the connector 100 as viewed from the front end shown in fig. 12-17. Fig. 19 shows a rear view of one embodiment of the connector 1 as seen from the distal end shown in fig. 12-18. Fig. 18 and 19 show the locking tab 5 extending upwardly from the top surface 40 of the connector 1.

Fig. 20 shows a configuration of one embodiment of the connector 1 of the present disclosure when attached to the mount MB of the wiper blade WB. The wiper blade may be a known wiper blade having a tournament-type holder as a force distribution structure. Alternatively, the wiper blade may be a beam wiper blade using one or more spring-elastic beams as the force distribution structure. Alternatively, a hybrid wiper blade that distributes force to the wiper blade using one or more beams and one or more brackets may also be used.

Fig. 21 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the connector 1 of the present disclosure, showing the cantilevered rivet button 11 for receiving and semi-permanently securing a rivet of a wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. Fig. 21 also shows a locking tab 5 with a locking tab lip 5a, which locking tab 5 is also configured as a cantilevered element.

Fig. 22 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the connector 1 of the present disclosure. The connector 1 has a front end 2 and a rear end 3. For the purposes of this disclosure, the rear end 3 of the connector receives the wiper arm, and the front end 2 of the connector is opposite the rear end 3. The peripheral wall 4 may extend around the periphery of the connector 1. The peripheral wall 4 may include a front portion 42, a rear portion 43, and opposing side portions (referred to as a first side 17 and a second side 18) connecting the front and rear portions. The top surface 40 extends between the opposing

peripheral side walls

17, 18.

The opposing

peripheral side walls

17, 18 may each have a

guide pin

15a, 15b sized to slidably engage a slot on a slotted receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm. In some embodiments, the front of the opposing side wall 17a, 218a and/or the front of the top surface 40a of the connector may be raised relative to the opposing

side wall

17, 18 and the corresponding rear of the top surface 40. Further, in some embodiments, the top surface 40b may be lower relative to the opposing side walls 17b, 18b of the rear portion 43. In some embodiments, the front portions of the opposing

sidewalls

17a, 18a may define a width that is greater than the width of the opposing

sidewalls

side walls

17a, 18a may define a width that is greater than the width of the opposing

side walls

17, 18 at the guide pins 15a, 15 b. The raised and/or

wider side walls

The top face 40 of the connector 1 may also have a locking tab 5 in the top face 40, the locking tab 5 being dimensioned to engage a locking aperture LA (see fig. 10) on the top face of the slotted receiving portion SRP of the windscreen wiper arm. In some embodiments, the locking tab 5 is cantilevered. The locking tabs 2 sit above the locking tab ledges 10. The locking tab 5 may be configured 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 help lock the connector 1 in place. The locking tab lip 5a may extend in the direction of the front 2 of the connector 1. Once the connector 1 is pushed fully into the slotted receiving portion SRP, the locking tab 205 projects 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 in place. In some embodiments, the locking tab ledge 10 is raised relative to the top surface 40b of the rear end of the connector 1.

Fig. 23 shows a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the connector 200 showing an internal support structure having at least three longitudinal

internal support walls

6a, 6b, 6c, the

internal support walls

6a, 6b, 6c extending downwardly from the top surface and substantially along the longitudinal length of the connector 200. The connector 200 may also have at least one rivet channel 207a, 207b and an arcuate rivet clip 8 (see fig. 26 and 27) in the rivet holder for receiving and securing a rivet of a wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade. The support wall may extend continuously substantially along the length of the connector or intermittently with a gap along the direction. In particular, the

internal support walls

6a, 6b, 6c provide rigidity and structural strength to the connector 1. In some of these embodiments, the connector can be secured to the mount of the windshield wiper blade assembly via rivets that pass through the mount, as shown in fig. 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 fig. 23) that connects the three longitudinal

internal support walls

6a, 6b, 6c and provides additional support and rigidity to the connector.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the connector 1 may be made of any suitable material known in the art, including but not limited to rigid or resilient plastics, metals, synthetic and natural rubber compounds, and the like. However, certain embodiments contemplate moldable materials such that the connector 200 is manufactured as one piece. In other embodiments, the connector may be manufactured in multiple pieces. For example, the wider front portion of the connector 1 may be manufactured as a separate cap that engages and is secured to the rear portion of the connector by means of protrusions and recesses, catches that engage with shoulders, or by any other known method of securing the cap to the connector known in the art.

Fig. 24 is a top view of the embodiment of the connector 1 shown in fig. 22 and 23. As shown, the opposing

side walls

Fig. 25 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the connector 1 shown in fig. 22, 23 and 24. As shown, the internal support structure may have at least two longitudinal

internal support walls

6a, 6b, and may also have one or more transverse

internal support walls

9a, 9 b. Fig. 24 also shows raised opposite side walls 17a, 17b, which may be configured such that the front end 2 of the connector 1 is wider than the rear end 3.

Fig. 26 and 27 are opposite side views of the embodiment of the connector 1 shown in fig. 22-25. As shown, the opposing

side walls

17, 18 may have at least one

rivet channel

7a, 7b and

arcuate rivet clips

8a, 8b for receiving and securing a rivet of a wiper blade mount to secure the connector 1 to a wiper blade. Fig. 26 and 27 also show the elevated portion of the top surface 40a towards the front end 2. As further shown, the elevated portion of the top surface 40a slopes downwardly toward the front end 2. Also as shown, the

bottom portions

20, 30 of the front and rear ends of the connector 1 may be respectively inclined upward toward the top surface 40. Similarly, as also shown, the bottom 30 of the rear end of the connector 1 may curve as it extends from the bottom to the top surface 40. This allows a certain freedom of movement of the wiper blade along the axis of the rivet when the wiper blade is pivoted on the rivet.

Fig. 28 shows a front view of one embodiment of the connector 1 as seen from the front end shown in fig. 22-27. Fig. 29 illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of the connector 200 as viewed from the distal end shown in fig. 22-28. Fig. 28 and 29 show the locking tab 5 extending upwardly from the top surface 40 of the connector 1.

Fig. 30 shows a configuration of one embodiment of the connector 1 of the present disclosure when attached to the mount MB of the wiper blade WB. The wiper blade may be a conventional wiper blade having a tournament-type holder as a force distribution structure. Alternatively, the wiper blade may be a beam wiper blade using one or more spring-elastic beams as the force distribution structure. Alternatively, a hybrid wiper blade that distributes force to the wiper blade using one or more beams and one or more brackets may also be used.

In some embodiments, the connector 1 may be connected to the wiper blade before being connected to the wiper arm. In some embodiments, the connector 1 may be connected to the wiper arm before being connected to the wiper blade. In some embodiments, the connector 1 may be connected to the wiper arm first or to the wiper blade first.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that while the present invention is most likely to be used in conjunction with an automobile, it is also applicable to any vehicle. For example, any other type of vehicle that uses windshield wipers other than automobiles, trucks, buses, locomotives, airplanes may benefit from the present invention.

While specific embodiments have been discussed above to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the description herein is by way of example only and not by way of limitation, and that various changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.

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

Claims

1. A connector, comprising:

a front end and a longitudinally opposed rear end;

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

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

wherein the pin is sized to slidably engage a slot on a slotted receiving portion of a windshield wiper arm.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein opposing side walls and/or a 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 that is 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 the top surface of the connector provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and the front end of the connector meet.

4. The connector of claim 2, wherein the connector slopes downwardly from the vicinity of the abutment structure toward the front end, thereby further providing a streamlined appearance at the connector-wiper arm junction.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the locking tab is engageable with a locking aperture on a top surface of the slotted receiver portion of the windshield wiper arm.

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

7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the guide pins on the opposing peripheral side walls can help maintain proper positioning of the connector while slidably engaging the wiper arm and can effect proper positioning of the connector when slidably disposed in a receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm where the locking tabs engage the locking holes to ultimately maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

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

9. The connector of claim 8, further comprising at least one rivet channel and arcuate rivet clip in each of the inner longitudinal support walls for receiving and securing a rivet of the wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade.

10. The connector of claim 8, further comprising at least one rivet channel, a rivet holder, and an arcuate rivet clip within the rivet holder for receiving and securing a rivet of the wiper blade to secure 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 opposite rear end, and comprising:

12. The wiper blade assembly of claim 11, wherein opposing side walls and/or a top surface of the connector can be raised along a portion of the front end, wherein the raised side walls and/or top surface can provide an abutment structure that can abut 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 sidewalls and/or the top surface of the connector provide a streamlined transition surface where the receiving portion of the wiper arm and the front end of the connector meet.

14. The wiper blade assembly according to claim 12, wherein the connector slopes downwardly from the vicinity of the abutment structure toward the front end, thereby further providing a streamlined appearance at the connector-wiper arm junction.

15. The wiper blade assembly of claim 11, wherein the locking tab is engageable with a locking aperture on a top surface of the slotted receiver portion of the windshield wiper arm.

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

17. The wiper blade assembly of claim 10, wherein the guide pins on the opposing peripheral side walls can help maintain proper positioning of the connector while slidably engaging the wiper arm and can effect proper positioning of the connector when the guide pins are slidably disposed in a receiving portion of the windshield wiper arm where the locking tabs engage the locking holes to ultimately maintain the position of the connector on the wiper arm.

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

19. The wiper blade assembly of claim 18, further comprising at least one rivet channel and arcuate rivet clip in each of the inner longitudinal support walls for receiving and securing a rivet of the wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade.

20. The connector of claim 18, further comprising at least one rivet channel, a rivet holder, and an arcuate rivet clip within the rivet holder for receiving and securing a rivet of the wiper blade to secure the connector to the wiper blade.