Abstract: A rail forming part of a backing strip for a windshield wiper squeegee is formed from a blank comprising a flat metal strip of narrow width. The metal strip is deformed to create an offset portion that extends transversely on a longitudinal axis of the strip so as to protrude on one side of the flat metal strip and a claw retention notch is edge-punched from the offset portion. At least one pair of rubber squeegee-retaining barb elements is formed from the flat metal strip on the side opposite from the offset portion proximate to the claw retention notch, the barb elements being longitudinally spaced from each other on the metal strip with the claw retention notch disposed between at least two barb elements so that pressure applied to the windshield wiper through the superstructure and transmitted by a claw retained in the claw retention notch to the rail urges the outwardly extending barb elements into engagement with the squeegee.

Abstract: A retainer clip comprising a hollow body or cap for receiving the end portion of an associated backing strip. The body is formed with flanges which locate in respective grooves of the backing strip. Legs with a latch portion to locate a claw termination of a windshield wiper superstructure extend from the flanges in a longitudinal direction and are also received in the longitudinally-extending grooves of the backing strip.

Abstract: A modular support frame for a windshield wiper drive having integrally formed mounting brackets for securing the frame to a vehicle body, and integrally formed pivot bosses for pivot drive shafts connected to windshield wiper arms. A motor carrier for supporting a motor drive coupled to a linkage for rotating the wipers is integrated into the frame. The motor carrier has an end plate integrally formed with the frame which is transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the motor shaft and which is apertured for receiving the motor shaft. An integrally formed splash cover extends outwardly on one side of the end plate, so as to partly cover a housing for the motor drive, the splash cover defining a longitudinally-extending opening adapted to axially receive the motor drive for assembly into the support frame. The arrangement facilitate assembly of the motor drive directly into the support frame where it can easily be accessed for servicing.

Abstract: A rail forming part of a backing strip for a windshield wiper squeegee is formed from a blank comprising a flat metal strip of narrow width which is formed with an offset portion that extends transversely on a longitudinally axis of the strip so as to protrude on one side, a claw retention slot being edge-punched from the offset portion and a pair of rubber squeegee-retaining barb elements being formed opposite from the offset portion so as to retain the squeegee to the backing strip.

Abstract: A windshield wiper superstructure of which the primary yoke has transversely spaced leeward and windward sides extending along the length thereof and transversely extending alignment means adapted to maintain a predetermined distance between said sides, the inner surface of the leeward side adjacent the windward side being inclined toward the windward side to define a ramp for directing air flow through the primary yoke.

Abstract: An adaptor having first coupling means adapted to receive and retain the free end of a wiper arm which may be of the side pin, shepherd's crook or bayonet style and second coupling means adapted to secure the adaptor to the primary yoke. The adaptor has transversely spaced walls for insertion between parallel walls of the yoke, and the walls of the adaptor each have a downwardly extending slot for engaging support means extending transversely between the walls of the yoke. The slots have first and second enlargements longitudinally spaced from each other on the slots, the first enlargement being adapted to retain the adaptor on the support means in a pre-assembled position with the adaptor partially inserted in the yoke and the resulting yoke and adaptor assembly adapted to receive the free end of a wiper arm. The second enlargement is adapted to retain the adaptor on the support means in a fully assembled position with the adaptor fully inserted in the yoke and the wiper arm secured to the yoke.