Abstract: A wiper apparatus for a vehicle window has a wiper arm pivot rotatably mounted in a pivot holder fixedly securable to vehicle structure. An end portion of the wiper arm pivot normally extends exteriorly of an impact line defined by vehicle structure. The wiper arm pivot includes an inner pivot shaft telescopingly displacable with respect to an outer pivot shaft upon the imposition of an impact load on the exterior end of the wiper arm pivot. A first pin separably holds the inner pivot shaft to the outer pivot shaft at a first position. An energy absorption material mass is disposed between the inner pivot shaft and the outer pivot shaft to control the telescoping movement of the inner pivot shaft in the outer pivot shaft and to absorb impact forces acting on the inner pivot shaft. A second fixed pin is carried by the outer pivot shaft and limits movement of the inner pivot shaft to a second position adapted for temporary operation of the wiper apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method associated with a ball socket joint in a windshield wiper drive module system of a motor vehicle includes a body having a ball socket portion and a tenon portion extending outwardly from the ball socket portion. The ball socket portion of the body defines at least a portion of a ball socket aperture, either an open-socket configuration or closed-socket configuration. A shaped surface, defined by at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the tenon portion of the body, is provided for dramatically increasing static load capability of a crimped joint to be formed in cooperation with the tenon portion of the body.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus for a vehicle window has a wiper arm pivot rotatably mounted in a pivot holder fixedly securable to vehicle structure. An end portion of the wiper arm pivot normally extends exteriorly of an impact line defined by vehicle structure. The wiper arm pivot includes an inner pivot shaft telescopingly displacable with respect to an outer pivot shaft upon the imposition of an impact load on the exterior end of the wiper arm pivot. A first pin separably holds the inner pivot shaft to the outer pivot shaft at a first position. An energy absorption material mass is disposed between the inner pivot shaft and the outer pivot shaft to control the telescoping movement of the inner pivot shaft in the outer pivot shaft and to absorb impact forces acting on the inner pivot shaft. A second fixed pin is carried by the outer pivot shaft and limits movement of the inner pivot shaft to a second position adapted for temporary operation of the wiper apparatus.