Abstract: The present invention provides a connector assembly for electrically connecting to an electroconductive element having an electroconductive connector with a generally flat pad portion, a terminal portion capable of connecting the assembly to an external device and connecting portion interconnecting the pad and terminal portions, and a preformed plug member sized to a predetermined configuration and overlaying the pad portion such that a major surface of said pad portion is exposed along a first surface of the plug member. The exposed surface may be covered with an adhesive and in one embodiment of the invention, the connecting portion extends through the plug member. The plug member is preferably an electrically nonconductive and moisture impervious material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a windshield with a heating arrangement to heat the wiper rest area of the windshield. The windshield includes first and second glass sheets secured together by an interlayer. A single, continuous resistance heating wire is secured between the glass sheets and makes multiple passes through a predetermined portion of the windshield generally corresponding to the wiper rest area such that the wire generates a desired power density within the predetermined portion to heat the wiper rest area. Opposing first and second ends of the wire extend to common connection area along an edge of the windshield and a connector secured to the wire ends provides for external electrical access to the wire. The wire may also extend along a marginal edge portion of the windshield generally corresponding to its A-post area.

Abstract: The wiper rest area of an automotive windshield is heated by a heatable member optionally mounted on a polyester substrate or heating element. The windshield includes outer and inner glass sheets secured together by an interlayer. The heating element is positioned on inner surface of the outer glass sheet and held in position by the interlayer securing the inner and outer sheets together. The heating element or heatable member has extensions extending beyond the edge of the windshield to provide external electrical access to the heatable member to power the heating element to heat the wiper rest area or position.