Window wiper assembly with lateral motion

A window wiper assembly for cleaning a surface of a vehicle window, which includes a guide rail mountable to a frame member supporting the window, a wiper arm having an elongate body configured with an opening and integrally connecting to a head portion for mounting thereto wheel assemblies capable of traversing interiorly within the guide rail, a glide post having a wheeled portion for slidably interacting with an integrated rail associated with the opening, a wiper blade assembly mounted to a bottom side of the elongate body, and a pivot arm equipped with first and second mount fittings respectively connecting to a shaft of the glide post and an output shaft of a wiper drive motor, whereby rotation of the output shaft aptly acts on the pivot arm to advance lateral movement of the wiper arm along the guide rail with that of the wiper blade assembly to effect entire surface cleaning of the window.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a window wiper assembly for fulfilling expanded cleaning of vehicular windows. More particularly, the wiper assembly operates laterally from side to side to fulfill entire surficial cleaning of window glass generally associated, for example, with an automobile, sports utility vehicle (SUV), recreational vehicle (RV), heavy equipment, tractors, and like vehicles, particularly in such manner to establish full and unobstructed viewing through the window that consequentially advances safe operation of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motor vehicles, such as automobiles and heavy equipment, for example, typically accommodate an operator and one or more passengers in a passenger compartment that is commonly equipped with multiple windows to advance safe operation of the vehicle while protecting the occupants from the outside elements or climatic conditions. Most vehicle passenger compartments will incorporate within each of their structures a front windshield and rearward and sideward windows to primarily establish an opportunity to view outwardly 360 degrees around the vehicle. Because of the necessity to view outside the front windshield at all times for safe operation of the vehicle, even under the harshest of conditions, the vehicle ubiquitously employs use of a front window wiper assembly generally incorporated into a vehicle's cowling. In some instances, a separate, secondary wiper assembly positioned at the rearward window, as in the case of a SUV, for example, may be associated with the vehicle to establish enhanced rearward visibility. Commonly, the wiper assembly associated with most vehicles will include a wiper drive motor having an output shaft possessing capabilities to pivotally operate at least one wiper, generally being applicably suited for a front windshield associated with heavy equipment or a rearward window of a SUV, and possibly a second wiper conventionally linked to the output shaft with that of the first wiper to synchronically operate together to fulfill extended cleaning of the window, such as a front windshield of an automobile, albeit to a limited degree.

Despite the usefulness of the modern-day window wiper assembly commonly associated with most vehicle types, there is an inherent drawback: the inability to effectively clean the entire surface of the window. For example, it is well known and understood within the art that dual-acting wipers effect partial cleaning of the window, one that particularly forms an arc-shaped cleaning pattern. Even more apparent, use of a singular wiper of the type typically associated with the rearward window wiper assembly of most SUV's offers limited cleaning of the window. Although straight-on viewing through the window in each of these applications is permissible to a certain degree, unclean surficial portions of the window can detrimentally interfere with full observation of surrounding areas outside the vehicle, possibly to the extent of contributing to formation of blind spots or distorted viewing that may provide for unsafe operation of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the particular case of operating heavy machinery or equipment generally equipped with a single wiper, the operator may be disadvantaged by the limited viewing existing outwardly beyond the frontal area of the vehicle in order to fulfill operational tasks, such as moving or plowing soil, and/or avoiding obstacles and the like that may be encountered in the field from time to time.

In addressing this oddity, most, if not all, vehicle operators will resort to usage of a hand-held squeegee or like device with application of washing fluid or equivalent to effect cleaning of the window in its entirety, which on some occasions may not necessarily be all at that inviting due to adverse climatic conditions outside the vehicle, issues of accessibility or inability to fulfill extended reach relatively about the span of the window.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a window wiper assembly that adaptively connects to and conjunctively operates with a variety of vehicle types and offers expanded, automated cleaning of the window in its entirety to advance safe operation of the vehicle without having to resort to manual cleaning of the window that may arise to a relative degree of inconvenience and difficulty.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the numerous drawbacks apparent in the prior art, a window wiper assembly has been devised for readily attaching to and conjunctively operating with a variety of vehicle types that generally incorporate as part of its operative features a wiper motor assembly.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a window wiper assembly that advances cleaning of the window in its entirety to effectively eliminate blind spots and distorted viewing that may be otherwise present with usage of a modern-day window wiper assembly that typically forms an arc-shaped cleaning pattern.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a window wiper assembly that facilitates use of conventional wiper blades of the type generally made available and offered in the art for use with modern-day vehicles.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a window wiper assembly that is relatively simple in terms of design and construction and can be readily incorporated for use with most vehicle types without deleteriously impacting their inherent structural features, including SUVs′, heavy equipment, tractors, and the like.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a window wiper assembly that consists of modular components for readily effecting repair and replacement of damaged or failed components.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a window wiper assembly that offers a variety of design characteristics to coincide with most vehicle styles.

In accordance with the present invention a window wiper assembly has been devised to effect entire surface cleaning of a window, such as those commonly associated with a vehicle, the window wiper assembly principally comprising a guide rail mountable to a frame member supporting the window, generally by end caps or a spoiler; a wiper arm having an elongate body integrally connecting and transitioning to a head portion and being configured with an opening for accepting a glide post for travel relatively therewithin; one or more wheel assemblies mountable to the head portion of the elongate body and housed within an interior chamber of the guide rail for traversing therewithin; a wiper blade assembly mountable to a bottom side of the elongate body and incorporating a wiper blade capable of acting upon the window's surface; and a pivot arm having a wiper arm end and a drive end respectively connecting to first and second mount fittings, each of the mount fittings having an opposing end configured with a bore respectively suited to slidably accept therein a shaft of the glide post and an output shaft of a wiper drive motor of the type typically associated with the vehicle, whereby the forward and reverse rotational movement of the output shaft aptly acts on the pivot arm to advance lateral movement of the wiper arm with that of the connected wiper blade assembly to effect entire surface cleaning of the window.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals depict the same parts in the various views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of being embodied in many different forms, the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail hereinafter with the understanding that the present disclosure purposefully exemplifies the principles of the present invention and is not intended to unduly limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated and presented herein. The present invention has particular utility as a window wiper assembly that readily adapts to and operates conjunctively with existing wiper motor assemblies commonly associated with modern-day vehicles to effect cleaning of the entire surficial area of a window, such as a front windshield of a vehicle or a rearward window of a sport utility vehicle (SUV), for example.

Referring now toFIG.1, there is shown generally at10a window wiper assembly comprising a guide rail12for guiding and carrying a wiper arm14relatively about the length of the guide rail generally in a perpendicular manner thereto and a pivot arm16connecting the wiper arm to an output shaft18of a wiper drive motor20for operably effecting lateral motion of the wiper arm, the wiper drive motor being of the type commonly available and associated with most modern-day vehicles. The guide rail, generally formed as an extrusion, is shown to comprise a length substantially equivalent to the span or dimensional width of a window22commonly associated with the vehicle, such as a front windshield of a tractor or a rearward window of a SUV, for example. As indicated inFIG.1, the guide rail is mounted to a frame member22astructurally supporting the window by mounting means, preferably in the form of a pair of end caps24mounted a predetermined distance above the window. Each end cap is shown inFIG.2to include an outwardly extending insert26having an overall geometric configuration substantially coinciding with an internal cross-sectional profile28of the guide rail so as to slidably and tightly fit within each end12aof the guide rail, particularly allowing exterior sides of the end cap24ato exist relatively flush with outer sidewalls12bof the guide rail, as generally depicted inFIG.3. Mounting of each of the end caps24to the vehicle may be advanced by a mount flange30orientated inwardly below the guide rail and having apertures30afor accepting therethrough an equal number of mount screws32. Alternatively, adhesive or double-face tape applied to a bottom side30bof the mount flange may be appropriately used in lieu of screws to serve as a less intrusive mounting option.

In an alternative form of mounting means, as generally depicted inFIG.4, the guide rail12may be held in place and encased within an elongate socket34aof a spoiler34, whereby the overall geometric shape of the spoiler may stylistically conform to or coincide with the outward body style of the vehicle to yield streamline appearance, such in the instance of utilizing the window wiper assembly10in connection with a rearward window of a SUV, for example. Like the end caps24, mounting of the spoiler to the vehicle may involve application of adhesive or double-side tape or other conventional forms of fasteners particularly suited to offer secure support of the spoiler and accompanying guide rail12during operative conditions. Other design aspects of the spoiler, as shown inFIGS.5and6, may include stylistic conforming ends34band a converging overhang34cthat extends outwardly from the vehicle, beyond the elongate socket34a, to further protect the guide rail from the elements and limit intrusion of debris and like matter into an elongate opening12cstructurally associated with the guide rail.

Now in reference toFIGS.7-9, the wiper arm14is shown therein to comprise a head portion36integrally connecting to an elongate body38for supporting a wiper blade assembly40that purposely interacts with the surficial area of the window22to effect cleaning thereof in its entirety. An opening42extending through the elongate body, relatively about its the length, is illustrated inFIG.7to include a perimeter wall42aconfigured in part as an integrated rail42bfor interactively engaging with a wheeled portion44of a glide post46. As generally depicted inFIGS.7-20, the integrated rail may comprise varying cross-sectional profiles to effect a secure relationship with an equally configured wheeled portion while it glidingly traverses relatively about the length of the opening42during operation.

In a first form of the integrated rail, as shown inFIGS.7-11, the integrated rail may incorporate within its profiled structure a rectangular inward slot48having upper and lower walls48a,48bsubstantially existing parallel with one another and terminating at an inner wall48c, whereby the wheeled portion44geometrically conforms to the rectangular inward slot so as to advance travel along the integrated rail without deleteriously separating from the opening42. In an alternative, second form of the integrated rail, as shown inFIGS.12-16, the integrated rail42bmay incorporate within its profiled structure an angular inward slot50having upper and lower walls50a,50bangularly orientated inward from the perimeter wall42aa predetermined distance to converge at an inward wall50c, whereby the wheeled portion44geometrically conforms to the angular inward slot so as to equally advance travel along the integrated rail without deleteriously separating from the opening. In a third and final form of the integrated rail, as shown inFIGS.17-20, the integrated rail42bmay incorporate within its profiled structure an angular outward member52having upper and lower walls52a,52bangularly orientated outward from the perimeter wall a predetermined distance to converge at an outward wall52c, whereby the wheeled portion44geometrically conforms to the angular outward member so as to equally advance travel along the integrated rail without deleteriously separating from the opening.

It is generally understood within the context of the window wiper assembly10that the integrated rail42bmay incorporate within its overall functional design other geometric arrangements and profiles than those provided and discussed above to advance desirable operation in securing the glide post's relationship with the integrated rail while traversing along the opening42. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the integrated rail, regardless of its geometric profile, will in all instances geometrically coincide with the outward profile of the wheeled portion44such to satisfy the requisite amount of hold yet permit free rotation thereof while traversing the length of the opening during operation.

As generally represented inFIGS.11,16, and20, the glide post46is of the particular type generally offered and available in the art for the purposes disclosed herein, one that characteristically includes a shaft54incorporating an adaptive end56with an effective diameter slightly less than the width of the opening and a mount end58for accepting and mounting a shaft bearing60configured with a predetermined outward profile, of which aptly constitutes the wheeled portion44of the glide post. As shown inFIG.11, a first outward profile60aof the shaft bearing is primarily formed by a flat ring bearing62that adaptively fits within the rectangular inward slot48, whereas a bare cylindrical portion58aof the mount end58, as existing above and below the flat ring bearing and generally having a diameter approximating the width of the opening, slidably engages and rides against a portion of the perimeter wall42a. Similarly, as shown inFIG.16, the second outward profile60bof the shaft bearing60is formed by an exterior beveled ring bearing64that adaptively fits within the angular inward slot50, whereas the third outward profile60cof the shaft bearing, as depicted inFIG.20, is formed by an interior beveled ring bearing66that adaptively mates with the angular outward member52. As further observed inFIGS.11and16, the adaptive end56of the glide post46incorporates within its structure varying profiles to correspond and mate with a first mount fitting68associated with the pivot arm16, particularly of which may include splines68a, notches, keys and other geometric configurations that mainly inhibits unwanted rotation while the pivot arm movably acts on the wiper arm14to advance lateral motion thereof.

As further illustrated inFIGS.17and18, the elongate body38of the wiper arm is shown therein as comprising a detachable section70to accommodate placement of the wheeled portion44of the glide post into the opening42under certain circumstances of design. It is generally understood that the wheeled portion may be incapable by design or manufacture of being disassembled and re-assembled to accommodate its overall placement within the opening to interactively engage with the integrated rail42bfor the purposes described herein. For example, the flat ring bearing62constituting the wheeled portion is inherently incapable of being placed with the rectangular inward slot48without some aspect of disassembly. Conversely, the interior beveled ring bearing66may be fabricated as two separable components that can be disassembled from the mount end56of the shaft54with each being placed relatively about the angular outward member52of the integrated rail and reassembled onto to the mount end. In accommodating its connection with a remaining portion38aof the elongate body, a pair of free ends70aof the detachable section individually includes a prong72capable of being placed within an equally configured socket74present about a mating end38bassociated with the remaining portion. One or more fasteners76, such as screws and the like, threadably fitted into cross bores72a,74aextending through the prong and into a wall74bof the equally configured socket fulfills to secure the connection.

InFIGS.1and7, the head portion36of the wiper arm14is generally featured with a tapered neck78integrally extending from the elongate body38to a widened section80to substantially form an overall configuration or shape resembling a T that is suitable to pass through the elongate opening12cfor partial placement within an interior chamber12dof the guide rail12. A pair of apertures80apresent about and extending through the widened section individually accommodates a wheel assembly82that is equally housed within the interior chamber. As generally shown inFIGS.21-23, each wheel assembly preferably comprises a shaft84configured to pass through the aperture with a pair of ends84aeach being adaptably fitted with a wheel86. Each wheel is further shown to include a raised hub portion86athat aptly sits against and engages an outer surface80bof the widened section80to elevate the wheel predetermined distance above the head portion to yield free rotational movement. A retaining ring88placed into an annular groove84bpresent about the shaft's end secures the wheel to the shaft. It is further observed inFIG.24that each of the wheels86comprises an effective diameter that allows a circumferential surface portion86bof the wheel to rotationally engage with an upper interior wall12eof the guide rail12simultaneously with that of interior leading edges12fextending parallel to one another, generally of which defines the construct of the elongate opening12c. Accordingly, it is desirable that the wheel assemblies connectively associated with the head portion36include a dimensional relationship, both in terms of width and depth, to occupy the interior chamber of the guide rail12to the extent of mitigating occurrences of racking and other undesirable movements that may deleteriously impact free movement of the wiper arm14relatively about the length of the guide rail12.

In further reference toFIGS.21-24and25-28, the wiper arm is associated with wiper attachment means for attaching to the elongate body first and second forms of a wiper blade assembly90,92. Wiper attachment means, as associated with the first form of the wiper blade assembly, comprises a mount block94connecting to and extending downwardly from a bottom side38cof the elongate body38to slidably fit within a four-sided opening96of a conventional wiper blade98, primarily as shown inFIGS.21and22Other features associated with the conventional wiper blade include a pair of arcuate-shaped arms98awith each being pivotally attached to a body98band having ends98ccapable of slidably accepting a flexible wiper blade98d. The mount block in this regard is depicted inFIGS.22and24as being secured to the conventional wiper blade by a fastener or lock pin100suited to slidably fit within an arrangement of cross bores102extending through the mount block94and sidewalls96aof the four-sided opening96.

Alternatively, wiper attachment means, as associated with the second form of the wiper blade assembly, comprises at least one pair of receptacles104connecting to and extending downwardly from the bottom side38cof the elongate body38and generally spanning across the opening42, whereby each of the receptables slidably accepts therewithin a receiving block106integrally connecting to and extending upwardly from a top side108aof a linear body108. Each receiving block is shown inFIG.25as having a cavity110configured to accept and hold therewithin biasing means, preferably in the form of a spring112. Other mechanical, spring-like devices in the form of a bent metallic plate (not shown) with resiliency characteristics, for example, may equally serve as biasing means. As generally illustrated inFIGS.25and26, biasing means is configured to simultaneously engage with a top interior wall104aof the receptacle and a bottom wall110aof the cavity and will undergo an incremental amount of compression and expansion from time to time as the wiper arm14moves laterally and assumes the shape of the vehicle's window, whether it be structurally flat or curved. Securement of the receptacle with that of the receiving block is advanced by a pair of fasteners114that pass through an equal number of elongate apertures104bextending through end walls104cof the receptacle and into apertures106aextending into the receiving block, whereby the elongate apertures aptly provide for upward and downward movement of the receiving block.

The linear body108of the second form of the wiper blade assembly is further shown inFIGS.27and28as comprising a lengthwise slot108bpresent about a bottom surface108cthereof for accommodating therein a top section116aof a wiper blade116. The top section in particular is configured with a linear groove116bfor slidably accepting therewithin edges108dassociated with the bottom surface108cand forming the lengthwise slot and a top thickness116cthat spatially occupies the lengthwise slot so as to form a tight bond and mitigate occurrences of slippage therefrom while moving with the wiper arm14to effect cleaning of the window22, mainly with a leading edge116dof the wiper blade.

InFIGS.29-40, the pivot arm16of the window wiper assembly10is generally represented by three embodiments with each thereof having a wiper arm end118suited to attach to the wiper arm14and a drive end120attached to the output shaft18of the wiper motor assembly20to assistively advance lateral motion of the wiper arm relatively about the entire span of the vehicle's window. As largely illustrated inFIGS.29-32, the first embodiment of the pivot arm is shown therein as comprising a tapered body122of fixed length and configured with wiper arm end118and drive end120respectively attaching to the first mount fitting68and a second mount fitting124. Each of the mount fittings in particular includes a threaded stem68b,124afor threadably engaging with an equally configured threaded bore118a,120agenerally associated with the wiper arm and drive ends of the tapered body. Further shown inFIGS.29and30, each mount fitting68,124includes an opposing end68c,124bsubstantially extending perpendicular to the orientation of the threaded stem, with each of the opposing ends having a bore68d,124cinternally featured with splines68a,124d, notches and other geometric configurations that lockingly mate with the adaptive end56of the glide post's shaft54as well as the output shaft18of the wiper motor assembly. The tapered body122, as inFIG.29, shows the wiper arm end118thereof having a reduced diameter comparatively to the drive end120thereof to effectively establish a reduction of weight at and near the glide post46that may ultimately result in a reduced amount of torsional shear stress relatively about the output shaft18of the wiper motor assembly20.

The second embodiment of the pivot arm is particularly shown inFIGS.33-36as comprising means for adjustability with respect to its overall length so as to accommodate varying dimensional heights associated with the vehicle's window22. In this regard, the second embodiment employs use of an extension rod126having a threaded portion126asuited to threadably mate with an internal threaded bore128aof a cylindrical body128. A locking nut130threadably attached to the threaded portion inFIGS.35and36is threadably advanced to the extent of engaging a circumferential edge128bof the cylindrical body, an assembly of which secures the position of the extension rod relative to the cylindrical body to achieve the desirable overall length of the pivot arm16. Similar to the first embodiment of the pivot arm, the extension rod126, as generally depicted inFIGS.35and35, includes a threaded bore126bat the wiper arm end118to threadably accept the threaded stem68bof the first mount fitting68, while the drive end120of the cylindrical body includes a threaded bore128cto threadably accept the threaded stem124aof the second mount fitting124.

The third embodiment of the pivot arm is generally illustrated inFIGS.37-40as possessing capabilities to dynamically adjust the overall length of the pivot arm16for certain applications that require an extended reach laterally more so than vertically, such as a vehicle window22having a width modestly greater than its height. In this instance, the third embodiment includes a plunger132that slidably fits within a tubular body134, where a predetermined portion thereof is shown extending outwardly beyond an external threaded end134aof the tubular body. A portion of the tubular body is further shown inFIGS.39and40to house a linear bearing136of the type conventionally configured with multiple rows of bearings136aintegrated within an inner lining136bof a shell136c, whereby the linear bearing functionally advances concentricity and sliding action of the plunger with respect to the tubular body134. Ring clips137fitted within annular slots134b,136drespectively formed within a cylindrical wall134cof the tubular body and an outer surface136eof the shell appropriately secures and prevents linear movement of the linear bearing with respect to the tubular body. An internal end138of the plunger is depicted inFIGS.39and40as being configured with an extended threaded stem138athat threadably accepts a pair of lock nuts140each engaging with one another to lock their relative position so as to assistively hold in place a spring142. Movement of the lock nuts along the extended threaded stem138aprovide for adjustability of the spring's compression to the extent of accommodating the pivot arm's maximum and minimum reach during operation, generally being dictated by the dimensional relationship of the vehicle's window22. Similar to the first and second embodiments of the pivot arm, the plunger132, as generally shown inFIG.39, includes a threaded bore132aat the wiper arm end118suited to threadably accept the threaded stem68bof the first mount fitting68, while the drive end120of the tubular body134inFIG.40includes a threaded bore134dto threadably accept the threaded stem124aof the second mount fitting124. However, in the case of the third embodiment of the pivot arm, the threaded stem of the second mount fitting may comprise a dimensional length greater than that associated with the first and second embodiments of the pivot arm such to allow an extended reach interiorly into the tubular body and fit within and engage the spring142to concentrically stabilize its position during compressive cycles. InFIGS.37-39, a cap144is shown therein as being threadably engaged to the external threaded end134aof the tubular body and comprising an opening144ato accommodate passing of the plunger so as to assistively maintain its concentricity with regard to the tubular body134. An O-ring seal146embedded within a circumferential edge144bforming the opening144aserves to mitigate entry of dirt, debris and like matter into the tubular body that may otherwise detrimentally compromise functionality of the linear bearing136and consequently the sliding action of the plunger132.

Now by way of briefly describing the assembly and operation of the window wiper assembly10, one may appreciably gain further insight into the relatedness and interaction of the operative components discussed thus far that principally fulfill the utilitarian objects of the present invention.

Initially, the guide rail12is desirably positioned two to four inches above the window22and fastened to the vehicle by means of the end caps24. It is generally understood that the window configuration can vary significantly among vehicle types, such as having a more flattened surface while others having a pronounced curvature that may typically coincide with the vehicle's overall style and shape. Accordingly, it is desirable that the guide rail set forth herein be fabricated geometrically straight or include a predetermined amount of curvature to accommodate varying window configurations available in the art, such as shown inFIG.1. Further, in some applications, a minimal amount of space may be available near the window to accommodate the guide rail, which, in this instance, the guide rail12may be dimensionally altered to the extent of having a higher profile, such as shown inFIGS.41and42. Consequently, the head portion36is re-orientated to exist perpendicularly to the elongate body38, while the circumferential surface portion86bof each of the wheels86engages with inner sidewalls12gof the guide rail. Likewise, each of the shafts84associated with the wheels will be perpendicularly orientated to and conventionally attached to the widen section80of the head portion36.

In a preferred approach for assembly, one end cap is mounted at the desirable location, whereby the outwardly extending insert of the end cap is fitted within the internal cross-sectional profile of the guide rail12. The head portion36of the wiper arm14, as equipped with the wheel assemblies82, is slidably placed within the interior chamber12dof the guide rail, particularly in such manner where the individual wheels86engage with the upper interior wall12eand interior leading edges12fof the guide rail. Subsequently, the outwardly extending insert26of the second end cap24is slidably positioned within the opposing, second end of the guide rail with the mount flange30of the second end cap being fastened to the frame member22aof the vehicle. The wiper arm is then prepared with the glide post46, whereby the wheeled portion44of the glide post is slidably positioned within the opening42of the elongate body38of the wiper arm, which, in some instances, may require separation and re-attachment of the detachable section70. As shown inFIGS.21-28, the wiper arm is further prepared with either the first form or second form of the wiper blade assembly. In exemplarily case of adapting use of the first form of a wiper blade assembly90, the mount block94, as attaching to and extending downwardly from the elongate body38of the wiper arm14, is simply inserted within the four-sided opening96of the conventional wiper blade98and affixed thereto by way of the lock pin100, substantially as shown inFIGS.23and24. Alternatively, the second form of the wiper blade assembly, as generally represented inFIGS.25and26, may be prepared for use with the window wiper assembly10by initially placing springs112into the cavities110present within the receiving blocks106that attach to and extend upwardly from the top side of the linear body108. Receptables104associated with the elongate body38aptly accept the receiving blocks, whereby fasteners114advance a secured relationship. Consummating the assembly includes fitment of the wiper blade116within the lengthwise slot108bof the linear body. Further assembly of the window wiper assembly10includes removal of the existing wiper blade assembly associated with the vehicle, whereby the exposed output shaft18of the wiper motor assembly20slidably accepts the second mount fitting124of the pivot arm. In finalizing assembly, the first mount fitting68is slidably positioned to the adaptive end56of the glide post46. In some instances of assembly, as it particularly concerns the third embodiment of the pivot arm16, it may be desirable to interchange mounting of the first mount fitting to the output shaft18of the wiper motor assembly20rather than that of the shaft of the glide post46to re-orientate the pivot arm in an inverse or upside down orientation to mitigate water intrusion into the cylindrical body128that may otherwise hamper sliding movement of the plunger, notably during cold climatic conditions.

In operation, the pivot arm16, as connected to the wiper motor assembly20, acts on and moves the wiper arm14along the length of the guide rail12and consequently, laterally about the window22in the direction A-A′ inFIG.43, whereby on or off activation and speed of the pivoting motion of the pivot arm remains under the control an integrated control system (not shown) associated with the wiper motor assembly20of the vehicle. The extent by which the wiper arm can move laterally is primarily dictated by the dimensional length of the pivot arm, with exception of the third embodiment of the pivot arm. In this regard, the pivot arm at its vertical or upward position in relation to the window will incrementally compress the spring as the glide post46engages a top end42cof the opening42and will gradually release to dimensionally lengthen the pivot arm as the pivot arm rotates along path B-B′ inFIG.43and correspondingly moves the wiper arm laterally back and forth in the direction A-A′.

It is obvious that the components comprising the window wiper assembly10may be fabricated from a variety of materials, providing such selection or use of materials possess the capacity to withstand forces acting thereon throughout its duration of use as well as limiting occurrences of premature failure due to repeated forces acting thereon during vehicle window cleaning operations. Accordingly, it is most desirable, and therefore preferred, to construct the window wiper assembly10, namely, the guide rail12, wiper arm14, pivot arm16from aluminum, carbon fiber, or an equivalent type of material that meaningfully offers reasonable structural strength for its weight, while limiting the extent by which the components may unacceptably fail due to applied stresses and exposure from the elements and environmental conditions.

In some application, there may be a need to mitigate occurrences of debris buildup into the interstitial areas of the integrated rail42bof the opening42that may otherwise compromise smooth gliding motion and operation of the glide post relatively about the length of the opening. Accordingly, it is desirable that the elongate body38be fitted with a protective boot148of the type shown inFIGS.44-47that aptly covers the opening yet allows for free operation of the glide post46. As shown inFIGS.45and46, an integrated slot150positioned relatively about the perimeter of the opening is configured to accept a leading edge148aof the protective boot, whereby a slit148bsufficiently allows passage of the shaft54of the glide post. Compressive fitment, adhesive and the like may be used to secure the leading edge of the protective boot to the elongate body.

While there has been shown and described a particular embodiment of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and alterations can be made therein without departing from the invention and, therefore, it is aimed in the appended claims to cover all such changes and alterations which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.