INCORPORATING THE SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wiper assemblies for wiper systems, and more specifically, to wiper adapters for wiper assemblies.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Conventional automotive wiper systems known in the art include some type of wiper assembly (sometimes referred to as a wiper blade) mounted to a wiper arm which, in turn, is mounted adjacent to a surface to be wiped, such as a windshield of a vehicle, and pivotally driven to impart reciprocal motion to the wiper assembly across the windshield. The wiper assembly typically includes a rubber wiping element that contacts the windshield across the surface to be wiped. The wiper assembly often incorporates one or more metal strips that act to reinforce the wiping element and facilitate wiping contact by the wiping element across what is typically a curved glass surface. The wiper assembly also typically includes a coupler that attaches to and supports the one or more metal strips, and an adapter attached to the coupler. The adapter allows the wiper assembly to be releasably attached to the wiper arm. In this context, the wiper arm delivers a downward force to the wiper assembly that is distributed thereacross, pressing the wiper assembly into contact with the windshield. The wiper assembly may also include additional components, such as an airfoil and a pair of end caps located at distal ends of the wiper assembly.

[0003] Each of the components of a wiper assembly of the type described above must cooperate to effectively clean a surface to be wiped. In addition, each of the components must be designed not only to facilitate an improved wipe quality, but also so as to simplify the process of manufacturing the wiper assembly. Further, each of the components must cooperate to provide a wiper assembly that can be releasably attached to the wiper arm in a simple way and, at the same time, provide a reliable connection. While the wiper systems known in the related art have generally performed well for their intended purpose, there remains a need in the art for a wiper system that has superior operational characteristics, reduces the cost of manufacturing the assembly, and provides simple and releasable attachment with reliable retention between the wiper assembly and the arm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages in the related art in an adapter for use in releasably attaching a wiper assembly to a wiper arm having an attachment member. The attachment member has a track extending to a terminal edge. The track is defined by a base and walls depending therefrom. The attachment member also has fins that extend from the walls. The adapter has a body with a first end and a second end, a pair of opposing sidewalls extending longitudinally between the ends. Each of the sidewalls has an inside surface and an outside surface. The adapter also has a strap connecting the sidewalls, for engaging the base of the attachment member of the wiper arm. The adapter has at least one resilient locking tab disposed adjacent to the second end, which extends from at least one of the inside surfaces of the sidewalls, for engaging at least one of the fins of the attachment member of the wiper arm. The adapter also has a stop disposed between the sidewalls, adjacent to the first end, for abutting the terminal edge of the track of the attachment member of the wiper arm.

[0005] In addition, the present invention is a wiper assembly that includes a wiping element adapted to contact the surface to be wiped, at least one elongated spline acting to support the wiping element, a coupler operatively attached to the spline, and an adapter pivotally attached to the coupler for use in releasably attaching the wiper assembly to a wiper arm having an attachment member including a track extending to a terminal edge and defined by a base and walls depending therefrom and having fins that extend from the walls. The adapter includes a body having a first end and a second end, a pair of opposing sidewalls extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end and each of the sidewalls having an inside surface and an outside surface, a strap connecting the sidewalls for engaging the base of the attachment member of the wiper arm, at least one resilient locking tab disposed adjacent to the second end and extending from at least one of the inside surfaces of the sidewalls for engaging at least one of the fins of the attachment member of the wiper arm, and a stop disposed between the sidewalls adjacent to the first end for abutting the terminal edge of the track of the attachment member of the wiper arm. [0006] In this way, the adapter of the present invention attaches the wiper assembly to the wiper arm. The adapter of the present invention improves retention between the wiper assembly and the wiper arm and, at the same time, provides simple, reliable, releasable attachment therebetween. Further, the adapter of the present invention provides advantages related to manufacturing and component assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a front of a vehicle having a pair of wiper assemblies pivotally mounted for reciprocal movement across a windshield of the vehicle.

[0009] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a wiper assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the wiper assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention, of Figure 2.

[0011] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an adapter, according to one embodiment of the present invention, of the wiper assembly of Figures 2 and 3.

[0012] Figure 5 is an enlarged top view of the adapter of Figure 4.

[0013] Figure 6 is an enlarged bottom view of the adapter of Figure 4.

[0014] Figure 7 is as an enlarged partial left side view of the adapter of Figure 4 and a wiper arm attachment member aligned with the adapter in a pre-assembled position.

[0015] Figure 8 is an enlarged partial left side view of the adapter and wiper arm of Figure 7 in a partially-assembled position.

[0016] Figure 9 is an enlarged partial left side view of the adapter and wiper arm of Figure 7 in a fully-assembled position.

[0017] Figure 10 is an enlarged partial bottom view of the adapter and wiper arm of Figure 9.

[0018] Figure 11 is an enlarged partial top view of the adapter and wiper arm of Figure 9. [0019] Figure 12 is an enlarged partial bottom view of the adapter and wiper arm of Figure 7, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a partially- disassembled locking position.

[0020] Figure 13 is an enlarged partial top view of the adapter and wiper arm of Figure 12.

[0021] Figure 14 is an enlarged perspective of the wiper arm attachment member of Figure 7.

[0022] Figure 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 of Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0023] With reference to the Figures, where like numerals are used to designate like structure throughout the several views, a portion of a vehicle is schematically illustrated at 20 in Figure 1. The vehicle 20 includes a cowl 22, a roof 24, and a pair of laterally spaced front A-pillars 26 extending between the roof 24 and the cowl 22. The A-pillars 26, roof 24, and cowl 22 cooperate to define a generally rectangular opening 28 in which is supported a curved or "swept back" glass windshield 30. As illustrated, the vehicle 20 is an automobile, but may be any type of vehicle, such as heavy-duty trucks, trains, airplanes, ships, construction vehicles and equipment, military vehicles, or any other type of vehicle that contains surface wiper systems.

[0024] A wiper system is generally indicated at 32 in Figure 1 and is employed to clean the windshield 30. The wiper system 32 includes a pair of wiper arms, generally indicated at 34, and a pair of generic wiper assemblies, generally indicated at 36, which correspond to the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle 20. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wiper system 32 could employ a single wiper arm 34 and single wiper assembly 36, or more than two wiper arms 34 and more than two wiper assemblies 36 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0025] In the representative example illustrated herein, each wiper assembly 36 is carried by a corresponding wiper arm 34. The wiper system 32 also includes an electrical motor (not shown, but generally known in the art) to move the wiper assemblies 36 in an oscillating manner across the surface of the windshield 30. [0026] While the wiper assembly 36 illustrated in Figure 1 is shown in connection with the front windshield 30 of the vehicle 20, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that wiper assemblies 36 may be employed in other areas of the vehicle 20 that employ a wiper system 32, such as a rear window (not shown) or a head lamp (not shown). Thus, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited for use solely in connection with wiper arms 34 adapted for use on a vehicle's windshield 30, but for use in all applications where wiper systems 32 are employed.

[0027] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the wiper assembly 36 includes a wiping element 38 that is adapted to contact a surface of the vehicle 20 to be wiped, in this representative example, the windshield 30. The wiper assembly 36 also includes at least one support member 40 that defines a longitudinal axis and that acts to reinforce or support the wiping element 38. In the representative embodiment illustrated herein, the support member 40 is a pair of splines 40A that operatively reinforce or support the wiping element 38. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from the description that follows that the support member 40 may be either monolithic or defined by a pair of splines 40A. The wiper assembly 36 also includes a coupler 42 operatively attached to the support member 40. As is described in detail below, the coupler 42 is configured to attach to an adapter 44 which, in turn, is adapted to connect to the wiper arm 34. The wiper assembly 36 may also include an airfoil assembly, generally indicated at 46, to prevent the wiper assembly 36 from lifting away from the surface of the windshield 30. The wiper assembly 36 may still further include one or more end caps, generally indicated at 48, to prevent the airfoil assembly 36 from disengaging the support member 40. Each of the above components will be described in greater detail below.

[0028] The wiping element 38 is configured to a predetermined length corresponding to a particular application, and is often manufactured through an extrusion process which enables the length of the wiping element 38 to be easily adjusted without a substantial increase in manufacturing expense. Furthermore, while the wiping element 38 utilized in one embodiment of the present invention is constructed from a flexible rubber, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it may be constructed from any flexible material, such as silicone or another polymer, without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0029] In the embodiment illustrated herein, the wiping element 38 has opposing grooves (not shown in detail, but generally known in the art) extending laterally therein and longitudinally therealong between the longitudinal ends of the wiping element 38. The grooves receive the splines 40A of the support member 40. This configuration is referred to in the art as a "twin rail" beam blade. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the support member 40 could be operatively attached to the wiping element 38 in other ways, such as by gluing, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0030] The support member 40 may be constructed from a resiliently flexible material, such as spring steel or a polymer, and is adapted to apply force from an intermediate position between its longitudinal ends. More specifically, the support member 40 receives force from the spring loaded wiper arm 34 at an intermediate position and distributes this force across the span of the support member 40 toward its longitudinal ends. To that end, the support member 40 may be curved longitudinally with a predetermined radius of curvature. In the related art, this predetermined radius of curvature is sometimes referred to as a "free form" radius of curvature. Accordingly, the curvature of the support member 40 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, depending on the force requirements of the application and the contour of the windshield 30. The flexible, free form, pre-curved support member 40 straightens out when the wiper arm 34 applies a force thereto to flatten the support member 40, and directs the wiping element 38 to contact the windshield 30. Thus, the elongated support member 40 includes a free-form curvature that ensures force distribution on windshields having various curvatures and that effects proper wrapping about the windshield 30.

[0031] As illustrated in Figure 3, the splines 40A of the support member 40 may have a substantially constant width and a constant thickness throughout the length between the longitudinal ends of the support member 40. The constant width and thickness are adapted to provide high lateral and torsional stiffness so as to avoid lateral and torsional deflections, which cause the wiping element 38 to stick/slip ("chatter") on the windshield 30 during operation. Thus, the cross-section of the support member 40 has a generally rectangular outer profile that makes the support member 40 easier to manufacture. More specifically, where the support member 40 is constructed from metal, such as spring steel, the tools and machinery used to manufacture the support member 40 are less complicated than that required to manufacture one having varying widths and/or thickness. Furthermore, where the support member 40 is constructed from a polymer, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, the tools and extrusion process machinery are also less complicated than those employed to manufacture varying widths and/or thicknesses. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the support member 40 illustrated herein may include a varying thickness and/or width without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, as mentioned above, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the support member 40 could be monolithic or a plurality of splines 40A.

[0032] The support member 40 may include one or more notches (not shown, but generally known in the art) located near the longitudinal ends of the splines 40A of the support member 40, that are generally trapezoidal or rectangular in shape, but may be any shape suitable to cooperate with the end caps 48 to retain the end caps 48 to the support member 40. Additionally, the support member 40 may include one or more securing features 50 for cooperating with the coupler 42 to operatively attach the support member 40 to the coupler 42. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the securing features 50 are formed as a plurality of rectangular notches that cooperate with the coupler 42 to secure the splines 40A of the support member 40 to the coupler 42. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the securing features 50 could be of any suitable shape or configuration, or be omitted entirely, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Specifically, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the coupler 42 could be fixed to the support member 40 in several different ways. By way of non-limiting example, the coupler 42 could be glued, welded, crimped, bolted, riveted, formed-over, locked, or otherwise fixed to the support member 40, without departing from the scope of the present invention

[0033] As discussed above, in one embodiment, the wiper assembly 36 may include an airfoil assembly 46 operatively mounted to the support member 40. The airfoil assembly 46 extends along the length of the wiping element 38 and the support member 40 and acts to reduce the likelihood of wind lift by allowing air to flow over the wiper assembly 36. More specifically, and in the embodiment illustrated herein, the airfoil assembly 46 is formed as two individual components operatively mounted to the support member 40 with the coupler 42 extending therebtween. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the airfoil assembly 46 could be defined by a single unitary component, or be omitted entirely, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the wiper assembly 36 may include a pair of end caps, generally indicated at 48. The end caps 48 are adapted to be disposed adjacent to the distal ends of the support member 40. The end caps 48 are secured to the support member 40 and may have a profile that substantially mimics the contours of the airfoil assembly 46 to maintain the wind lift characteristics of the wiper assembly 36 and to provide an increased aesthetic value. The end caps 48 also provide a mass increase adjacent to the distal ends of the support member 40 that helps prevent localized chatter along the extremities of the wiping element 38 caused by a combination of wind lift and a decrease in the force distributed to this area from the wiper arm 34 via the splines 40A, as described above. It should be appreciated that the end caps 48 may include a locking arm (not shown, but generally known in the art) or other features that engage notches (not shown) in the splines 40A of the support member 40 so as to secure the end caps 48 thereto.

[0035] As previously noted, in one embodiment of the present invention, the wiper assembly 36 includes a coupler 42 operatively attached to the support member 40. As illustrated in Figure 3, the coupler 42 includes a base portion 52 and a saddle 54 extending therefrom. The saddle 54 includes opposing cylindrical recesses 56 configured to pivotally engage the adapter 44, as is discussed more thoroughly below. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the coupler 42 could be connected to the adapter 44 in any suitable way without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the coupler 42 is a unitary, one piece component. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the coupler 42 could be designed as a plurality of components that interlock or otherwise cooperate to operatively attach to the support member 40, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The coupler 42 of one embodiment of the present invention is constructed from plastic and is formed using an injection molding process. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the coupler 42 could be constructed from any suitable material formed using any suitable process without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0036] Referring now to Figures 7-9 and 14, the adapter 44 of the present invention is configured to releasably attach to the wiper arm 34. Specifically, the adapter 44 releasably attaches the wiper assembly 36 to a wiper arm 34 having a specific attachment member 58, which is described more thoroughly below. As illustrated, the attachment member 58 is formed separately from the wiper arm 34 and then operatively attached thereto. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the attachment member 58 could be formed integrally with the wiper arm 34 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The attachment member 58 includes a track, generally indicated at 60, that is defined by a base 62 and a pair of walls 64 depending therefrom. The track 60 extends to an isolated terminal edge 66 located at the far end of the wiper arm 34 (see Figure 14). The attachment member 58 also includes a pair of fins 68 (sometimes referred to in the art as "rear locking tabs" or "rear locks") that extend from the walls 64. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the attachment member 58 described herein is a modified version of what is typically referred to in the art as a "pinch tab" arm. Specifically, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the modified "pinch tab" arm illustrated herein lacks the so-called "bent tab" (not shown, but known in the art) typically located at the far end of the wiper arm 34. It will be appreciated that omitting the "bent tab" from the well known "pinch tab" arm attachment member 58 provides advantages related to manufacturing wiper arms 34, but at the same time necessitates using a new adapter 44 design configured to properly secure the modified attachment member 58 to the wiper assembly 36. The adapter 44 of the present invention is configured thusly, as is discussed more thoroughly below. In addition, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from the discussion that follows that the wiper arm 34 and attachment member 58 described above form no part of the present invention.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4-13, the adapter 44 of the present invention includes a body, generally indicated at 70, that has a first end 72 and a second end 74. The adapter 44 also includes a pair of opposing sidewalls 76 that extend longitudinally between the first end 72 and the second end 74. The sidewalls 76 each have an inside surface 78 and an outside surface 80. The adapter 44 further includes a strap, generally indicated at 82, connecting the sidewalls 76. The adapter 44 still further includes at least one resilient locking tab, generally indicated at 84, disposed adjacent to the second end 74 of the body 70 and extending from at least one of the inside surfaces 78 of the sidewalls 76. The adapter 44 also includes a stop 86 disposed between the sidewalls 76, adjacent to the first end 72 of the body 70. Each of the above components will be described in greater detail below.

[0038] As best shown in Figures 4 and 7, the sidewalls 76 have a generally arcuate lower edge 88 extending longitudinally between the first end 72 and second end 74 of the body 70 of the adapter 44. Further, as is discussed in greater detail below, the sidewalls 76 have an upper edge 90 spaced from the lower edge 88 that merges seamlessly with the strap 82. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the lower edge 88 and the upper edge 90 of the sidewalls 76 could have any suitable shape or configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the adapter 44 also includes a nose 92 connecting the sidewalls 76 at the first end 72 of the body 70. The nose 92 merges seamlessly with the upper edge 90 of the sidewalls 76. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the nose 92 could be configured differently, or omitted, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to Figures 4, 5, and 7, the strap 82 is configured to engage the base 62 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. In one embodiment, the strap 82 is spaced longitudinally along the body 70 of the adapter 44 such that it is between the stop 86 and the at least one locking tab 84. As illustrated, the strap 82 has a middle section 94 and a pair of supports 96 depending therefrom. The supports 96 have a tapered profile and merge the middle section 94 of the strap 82 with the outside surfaces 80 of the sidewalls 76. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the middle section 94 and the supports 96 of the strap 82 could have any suitable shape, size, or configuration sufficient to engage the base 62 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, as best illustrated by Figure 7, in one embodiment of the present invention, the middle section 94 of the strap 82 is spaced vertically above the nose 92. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the strap 82 and nose 92 could be spaced or configured differently without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0040] Referring to Figures 4-6, in one embodiment, the adapter 44 includes a pair of rails 98 spaced inwardly from the inside surfaces 78 of the sidewalls 76. The rails 98 extend longitudinally within the body 70 of the adapter 44 for a predetermined longitudinal extent of the body 70. Specifically, the rails 98 extend under the strap 82. As shown best by Figure 4, the rails 98 extend to and merge with the nose 92. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the rails 98 could extend to different longitudinal positions without departing from the scope of the present invention. The rails 98 have a generally rectangular profile and include friction pads 100 formed therein. The friction pads 100 cooperate with the saddle 54 of the coupler 42 so as to provide a slight interference between the coupler 42 and the adapter 44 to dampen rotation therebetween, which helps eliminate chatter of the wiping element 38 on the windshield 30 during operation. In the embodiment illustrated throughout the figures, the friction pads 100 are formed as a plurality of indents and protrusions spaced along the rails 98. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the friction pads 100 could be configured differently, have different geometry, or be omitted partially or entirely without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, as shown best by Figure 10, the rails 98 have cylindrical protrusions 102 extending into the body 70 of the adapter 44 toward each other. The cylindrical protrusions 102 of the adapter 44 are configured to cooperate with the cylindrical recesses 56 of the coupler 42 (discussed above) to provide a pivoting connection between the adapter 44 and the coupler 42. However, it should be appreciated that the adapter 44 and coupler 42 could be pivotally coupled in different ways. By way of non-limiting example, the geometry could be inverted such that the adapter 44 could have recesses and the coupler 42 could have protrusions. Thus, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the coupler 42 could be connected to the adapter 44 in any suitable way without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0041] As shown best in Figures 5 and 6, in one embodiment, the adapter 44 includes a pair of shelves 104. The shelves 104 connect the inside surfaces 78 of the sidewalls 76 to the rails 98. The shelves 104 extend longitudinally within the body 70 of the adapter 44 for a predetermined longitudinal extent of the body 70. The shelves 104 are spaced vertically below the strap 82 so as to receive the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. Further, in one embodiment, as shown best in Figures 5 and 6, the inside surfaces 78 of the sidewalls 76 cooperate with the rails 98 to define a pair of channels 106 therebetween. The channels 106 are configured to receive the walls 64 of the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34.

[0042] Referring to Figures 4, 5, and 7-9, the adapter 44 may include an alignment guide 108 extending from the rails 98 along the second end 74 of the body 70. The alignment guide 108 has an upwardly opening U-shaped profile (see Figure 4). The alignment guide 108 provides rigidity along the second end 74 of the body 70 and cooperates with the rails 98 and the strap 82 so as to vertically align the track 60 of the of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34 during attachment of the wiper arm 34 attachment member 58 with the adapter 44, such that the track 60 is guided into the channels 106 and is aligned vertically between the strap 82 and the shelves 104. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the alignment guide 108 could be configured differently, or be omitted, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0043] As best shown in Figures 4-6, 10, and 11, the adapter 44 includes at least one resilient locking tab 84 configured to engage at least one of the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. As shown throughout the figures, the locking tab 84 extends from the inside surface 78 of at least one of the sidewalls 76 of the adapter 44 at least partially into one of the channels 106 of the adapter 44.

[0044] In the embodiment illustrated throughout the figures, adapter 44 includes a pair of locking tabs 84, with each of the locking tabs 84 disposed adjacent to the second end 74 of the body 70 of the adapter 44 and extending from each of the inside surfaces 78 of each respective sidewall 76. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the adapter 44 of the present invention could include any suitable number of locking tabs 84 disposed adjacent to the second end 74 of the body 70 of the adapter 44, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As best shown in Figures 4 and 5, in one embodiment, the locking tabs 84 are integrated with the sidewalls 76 such that the sidewalls 76 are at least partially resilient along the second end 74 of the body 70 of the adapter 44. Specifically, the locking tabs 84 each have a shoulder 110 for engaging the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34, a distal end 112 spaced from the shoulder 110, and a tapered wall 114 extending between the shoulder 110 and the distal end 112. As shown best in Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the shoulders 110 extend from each of the inside surfaces 78 of the sidewalls 76. Further, the distal ends 112 merge the outside surfaces 80 of the sidewalls 76 with each of the tapered walls 114 of the locking tabs 84. It will be appreciated that the tapered wall 114 eases installation of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34 to the adapter 44, whereby the locking tabs 84 can be displaced outwardly when the tapered wall 114 contacts the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34, and whereby the locking tabs 84 resiliently return once installation with the adapter 44 is complete, thereby engaging the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34 so as to secure the attachment member 58 to the adapter 44. While the locking tabs 84 illustrated throughout the figures include a shoulder 110, distal end 112, and tapered wall 114 as described above, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the adapter 44 of the present invention could utilize any number of locking tabs 84 of any suitable configuration, size, or shape, disposed adjacent to the second end 74 of the body 70 of the adapter 44 and configured to engage at least one of the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0045] Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 10-14, in one embodiment, the adapter 44 includes a pair of resilient links 116 extending between the locking tabs 84 and the rails 98. The links 116 each have a first leg 118 extending from the distal end 112 of a locking tab 84, a second leg 120 extending from the rail 98 adjacent to the respective locking tab 84, and an apex 122 connecting the first leg 118 to the second leg 120. The first leg 118, second leg 120, and apex 122 cooperate to define a retention pocket 124 for accommodating the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34 in the event that the shoulders 110 of the locking tabs 84 disengage from the same. In one embodiment, the retention pocket 124 has a substantially triangular profile. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the links 116 act as a safety mechanism so as to prevent the wiper assembly 36 from becoming completely disconnected from the wiper arm 34 in operation, in the event that the locking tabs 84 fail due to weakness or cracking, which can be caused by improper installation of the wiper assembly 36 to the wiper arm 34. Further, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the links 116 could have any size, shape, or configuration extending between the rails 98 and locking tabs 84 suitable to accommodate the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34 in the event the locking tabs 84 disengage from the same, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to figures 10-13, in one embodiment, the locking tabs 84 have a first position 126 (see Figures 10 and 11) wherein the locking tabs 84 are substantially parallel with respect to each other. Specifically, the locking tabs 84 are in the first position 126 when the locking tabs 84 engage the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. Further, the locking tabs 84 have a second position 128 (see Figures 12 and 13) wherein the locking tabs 84 define a transverse angle 130 therebetween. The locking tabs 84 are movable from the first position 126 to the second position 128 in response to disengagement from the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. Further, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the retention pockets 124 of the links 116 capture the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34 when the locking tabs 84 move from the first position 126 to the second position 128.

[0047] As mentioned above, the adapter 44 of the present invention includes a stop 86 configured to abut the terminal edge 66 of the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. As shown best in Figures 4 and 15, in the embodiment illustrated throughout the figures, the stop 86 is a retention surface 132 extending between the inside surfaces 78 of the sidewalls 76 (see Figure 15), where the retention surface 132 abuts the terminal edge 66 of the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the stop 86 could be of any suitable form or configuration sufficient to abut the terminal edge 66 of the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0048] In one embodiment, the retention surface 132 is at least partially formed with the nose 92. Specifically, as shown best in Figure 4, the nose 92 extends longitudinally from the first end 72 of the body 70 of the adapter 44 to the retention surface 132. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the retention surface 132 could be disposed in any suitable location adjacent to the first end 72 of the body 70 of the adapter 44 without departing from the scope of the present invention. As illustrated, the retention surface 132 includes an upper part 134 and a pair of lower parts 136 depending therefrom. The upper part 134 and lower parts 136 cooperate to define a profile that substantially mirrors the profile of the terminal edge 66 of the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. It should be appreciated, however, that the retention surface 132 could have any configuration or profile suitable to abut the terminal edge 66 of the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0049] In one embodiment, at least one of the sidewalls 76 and rails 98 extends from the retention surface 132. Specifically, the sidewalls 76 and the rails 98 are shown in Figure 4 as extending longitudinally from the retention surface 132 toward the second end 72 of the body 70, wherein the nose 92 merges with the outside surfaces 80 of the sidewalls 76 along the first end 72 of the body 70. Further, in one embodiment, the retention surface 132 is perpendicular to at least one of the sidewalls 76, the rails 98, and the shelves 104 (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0050] Thus, it will be appreciated that the adapter 44 of the present invention can be attached securely to a modified version of what is typically referred to in the art as a "pinch tab" attachment member 58. Specifically, the adapter 44 of the present invention retains the attachment member 58 longitudinally, laterally, and vertically. The adapter 44 of the present invention retains the attachment member 58 laterally with, at a minimum, the spacing of the sidewalls 76. Specifically, the distance between the inside surfaces 78 of the sidewalls 76 is configured to be substantially equal to the width of the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. Further, the rails 98 are spaced with respect to the inside surfaces 78 of the sidewalls 76 such that the channels 106 are substantially the same with as the walls 64 of the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. Thus, the rails 98 engage the inside of the track 60, and the inside surfaces 78 of the sidewalls 76 engage the outside of the track 60. It will be appreciated that this spacing effects lateral retention of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34 within the adapter 44. Further, the adapter 44 of the present invention retains the attachment member 58 vertically with, at a minimum, the spacing of the strap 82 with respect to the shelves 104. Specifically, the distance between the shelves 104 and the strap 82 is substantially equal to the height of the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. Further, the rails 98 are spaced with respect to the strap 82 such that the distance therebetween is substantially equal to the thickness of the base 62 of the track 60 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm. Thus, the shelves 104 engage the bottom of the walls 64 of the track 60, the strap 82 engages the top of the base 62 of the track 60, and the rails 98 engage the underside of the base 62 of the track 60. It will be appreciated that this spacing effects vertical retention of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34 within the adapter 44. Further still, the adapter 44 of the present invention retains the attachment member 58 longitudinally with the spacing of the stop 86 with respect to the locking tabs 84. Specifically, the distance between the retention surface 132 and the shoulder 110 is substantially equal to the distance between the terminal edge 66 and the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. It will be appreciated that this spacing effects longitudinal retention of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34 within the adapter 44. Taken together, the lateral, vertical, and longitudinal retention discussed above provides a strong, stable, releasable connection of the attachment member 58 to the adapter 44 of the present invention.

[0051] In this way, the adapter 44 of the present invention attaches the wiper assembly 36 to the wiper arm 34. The adapter 44 of the present invention improves retention between the wiper assembly 36 and wiper arm 34 and, at the same time, provides simple, reliable, releasable attachment. Specifically, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the adapter 44 of the present invention enables installation with a modified "pinch tab" style wiper arm 34 attachment member 58 in a parallel fashion (see Figures 7-9). Thus, the wiper arm 34 and adapter 44 do not pivot with respect to each other during installation.

[0052] Further, one embodiment of the adapter 44 of the present invention provides an additional safety mechanism in that the links 116 prevent the wiper assembly 36 from becoming completely disconnected from the wiper arm 34 in the event that the locking tabs 84 disconnect from the fins 68 of the attachment member 58 of the wiper arm 34. Specifically, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the safety mechanism created by the links 116 prevents a wiper assembly 36 from detaching from the vehicle 20 in operation.

[0053] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.