Tridon Limited

Peter C Norris

Edward G Kimber

A windshield wiper comprises a pressure-applying superstructure and a squeegee assembly releasably mounted on the superstructure to permit replacement of the squeegee when worn. Releasable retaining means comprise a projection on one of the superstructure yokes adjacent to an endmost pair of the claws thereof that retain the squeegee assembly and a cooperating recess on the backing member of the squeegee assembly. The retaining means thus uses the flexibility of the backing member to provide the necessary retention. The projection may have a ramp shape to facilitate the latching action as the squeegee assembly is mounted. The invention is applied to a wiper structure for winter conditions in which the superstructure and backing member are completely enclosed by a thin flexible enclosure against the entry of ice and snow, the retaining means being surrounded by an integral shroud that serves as an end closure for the respective end of the flexible enclosure, such a construction requiring also a separate shrouded end clip of comparable structure to the retaining means to close the other end of the flexible enclosure.

Retaining systems for squeegee assemblies in windshield

The invention provides a retainer clip for holding the backing member of a windshield wiper assembly against longitudinal movement in the claws of a superstructure in which it is mounted. In a first embodiment a claw-like body has a resilient tongue formed on its upper wall by two parallel slots, the tongue having on its underface a projection that cooperates with a recess in the backing member to retain them against relative movement. A longitudinally-extending transverse flexible integral arm has a hook portion at its end that can embrace a superstructure mounting claw, so that the claw is trapped between the clip body and the hook portion against longitudinal movement, and the backing member is thereby retained in the superstructure. A preferred backing member is provided with a number of the above-mentioned cooperating recesses spaced longitudinally from one another, each of which is designated to make the combination suitable for a replacement wiper blade assembly of a different size and/or a different manufacturer. In an alternative clip structure two opposed hook portions are provided for claw embracement by a thin metal U-shaped member that is interposed between the clip body and the backing member.

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Oakville, Canada

Peter C Norris