Abstract: A test fixture facilitates the laboratory testing of windshield wiper blades for vehicles. The test fixture includes a base frame on which are mounted a number of windshield wiper arms oriented generally parallel for engagement with a stainless steel test surface. Positionally adjustable supports are mounted on the base frame to configure the test surface by varying the curvature of the test surface, as well as the overall length thereof, to permit simulation of a large variety of automotive windshields for test purposes. The test fixture also includes a wiper arm mounting device that can be manipulated to vary the wiper arm load to the wiper blade on the test surface. Adjustments in the spring force exerted on the wiper blade allow variances in the application of a biasing force on the wiper blade in conjunction with changes in the attack angle.

Abstract: A crushable windshield wiper pivot is provided. The crushable wiper pivot includes a pivot base, a hollow sleeve, and a cap. The pivot base is driven by a windshield wiper motor and adaptable to reciprocate the windshield wiper arm and its components across the windshield. The pivot base is disposed partially in a vehicle cowl. The hollow sleeve includes a first end mounted on the pivot base, a middle section adaptable to crush outwardly and vertically, and a second end. The cap of the present invention is mounted on the second end of the hollow sleeve. The cap has a surface adaptable to mate with a base of a wiper arm whereby the cap is vertically displaced and the hollow sleeve crushes outwardly and vertically at the middle section when subjected to a pedestrian impact.

Abstract: A crushable windshield wiper pivot is provided. The crushable wiper pivot includes a pivot base, a hollow sleeve, and a cap. The pivot base is driven by a windshield wiper motor and adaptable to reciprocate the windshield wiper arm and its components across the windshield. The pivot base is disposed partially in a vehicle cowl. The hollow sleeve includes a first end mounted on the pivot base, a middle section adaptable to crush outwardly and vertically, and a second end. The cap of the present invention is mounted on the second end of the hollow sleeve. The cap has a surface adaptable to mate with a base of a wiper arm whereby the cap is vertically displaced and the hollow sleeve crushes outwardly and vertically at the middle section when subjected to a pedestrian impact.

Abstract: A vehicle closure latch mechanism that prohibits relative movement between a latch bolt and a latch assembly so as to prohibit the creation of noise during random vibration caused by the operation of the vehicle. The closure latch mechanism restrains the latch bolt from moving in any lateral direction relative to its longitudinal axis and also restrains axial movement outwardly toward the open position, as well as resisting axial movement inwardly toward the closed position.