Vehicle wiper apparatus with energy absorption collapsible pivot shaft

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.