Wiper system double ball joint
AssigneeFord Motor Company
InventorAndrew E. Stinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A double ball joint assembly for use with a windshield wiper system. The double ball joint assembly includes a first ball affixed to a second ball such that a first drive link is retained between them. A first socket is coupled to the first ball and includes an annular groove for retaining a second drive link about its circumference. A second socket is coupled to the second ball and includes an annular groove for retaining a motor crank arm that is coupled to a wiper motor assembly. This double ball assembly produces a shorter overall double ball joint.
Claims12
A double ball joint assembly and drive links for use in a vehicle wiper system comprising:
- a double ball member including a first and a second ball portion;
- a first drive link;
- means for coupling the first drive link approximately midway between the first and second ball portions;
- a second drive link;
- a first socket having an internal cavity that receives and retains the first ball portion and means for receiving and retaining the second drive link;
- a motor crank arm;
- and
- a second socket having an internal cavity that receives and retains the second ball portion and means for receiving and retaining the motor crank arm.
A wiper system for a motor vehicle comprising:
- a first drive link having a first and a second end;
- a second drive link having a first and a second end;
- a wiper support module adapted to be mounted to the motor vehicle and coupled to the first ends of the first and second drive links;
- a wiper motor mounted to the wiper support module;
- a double ball member including a first and second ball portion;
- means for coupling the second end of the first drive link approximately midway between the first and second ball portions;
- a first socket having an internal cavity that receives and retains the first ball portion and means for receiving and retaining the second end of the second drive link;
- a motor crank arm having a first and a second end;
- and
- a second socket having an internal cavity that receives and retains the second ball portion and means for receiving and retaining the second end of the motor crank arm, where the first end of the motor crank arm is coupled to the wiper motor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.