US 7,350,259 B2
Relative axial translation prevention system for wiper blade assemblies
Van T. Walworth, Lebanon, Tenn. (US); David B. Hook, Franklin, Tenn. (US); Craig Whitaker, Fairfield, Ohio (US); Joseph C. Bacarella, LaSalle, Mich. (US); and George Moser, Brighton, Mich. (US)
Assigned to Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc., Lake Forest, Ill. (US)
Filed on Jul. 27, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/494,272.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/703281, filed on Jul. 28, 2005.
Prior Publication US 2007/0113366 A1, May 24, 2007
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B60S 1/38 (2006.01); B60S 1/40 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 15—250.201  [15/250.32; 15/250.43] 21 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A windshield wiper blade assembly comprising:
a resilient wiping element, said wiping element comprising a longitudinal passage therethrough;
a semi-rigid, encapsulated beam member, said encapsulated beam member positioned within said longitudinal passage;
a single windshield wiper connector element located at an approximate mid-point of said encapsulated beam member, said connector element universally detachably attaching said wiper blade assembly to at least one type of a windshield wiper arm attached to a motor vehicle, wherein
said wiper connector element is isolated from said encapsulated beam member;
the single wiper connection element is the only connection between said wiper blade assembly and said windshield wiper arm:
said connector element coupled by securement means to said resilient wiping element and said encapsulated beam member in such a way as to prevent the rotation and twisting of the resilient wiper blade around said encapsulated beam member, and further preventing longitudinal translation of said encapsulated beam member within said resilient wiping member.