U.S. patent application number 11/351494 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-30 for encapsulated beam with anti-rotation system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.. Invention is credited to Joseph C. Bacarella, Mark Boyle, David Hook, William McGinn, George Moser, Van T. Walworth.
Application Number | 20060265830 11/351494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36916782 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060265830 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walworth; Van T. ; et
al. |
November 30, 2006 |
Encapsulated beam with anti-rotation system
Abstract
An improved windshield wiper blade assembly having a resilient
windscreen wiping element and further comprising a longitudinal
passage there through. A support beam having a predetermined
curvature and shape is positioned there within the passage having a
generally complementary cross section to the longitudinal passage,
preventing the rotational twisting of the resilient element around
the beam. A further embodiment comprises a longitudinal fluid
passage along the support beam in fluid connection to a windshield
fluid supply. A plurality of apertures through the resilient member
in connection with the fluid passage provide for the selective
discharge of the fluid upon the windscreen. A still further
embodiment comprises a wind deflector portion running at least
partially along the resilient member for enhanced prevention of any
twisting of the resilient member around the beam and increased
downward force of the wiper assembly against the windscreen.
Inventors: |
Walworth; Van T.; (Lebanon,
TN) ; Boyle; Mark; (Ann Arbor, MI) ;
Bacarella; Joseph C.; (LaSalle, MI) ; Hook;
David; (Franklin, TN) ; McGinn; William;
(Paragould, AR) ; Moser; George; (Brighton,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Assignee: |
Tenneco Automotive Operating
Company Inc.
Lake Forest
IL
|
Family ID: |
36916782 |
Appl. No.: |
11/351494 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60652807 |
Feb 14, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/236.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60S 1/3808 20130101;
B60S 1/381 20130101; B60S 1/3862 20130101; B60S 2001/3817 20130101;
B60S 2001/3836 20130101; B60S 1/3856 20130101; B60S 1/3877
20130101; B60S 1/38 20130101; B60S 2001/382 20130101; B60S 1/524
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/236.02 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/02 20060101
A47L013/02 |
Claims
1. A windscreen wiping blade assembly for vehicles comprising: an
elongated, resilient wiping member having at least one continuous
wiping edge for uninterrupted contact with the surface of a
windscreen of a vehicle, said resilient member further comprising
at least one longitudinal passage, running through the length of
the wiping member; at least one elongated, semi-rigid beam member
for insertion within said longitudinal passage of said resilient
member, said beam member having a cross section complementary to
the cross section of said longitudinal passage, preventing said
resilient member from rotating independently from said beam member
when inserted; and an attachment means for detachably attaching the
windscreen wiping blade assembly to an selectively oscillating
wiper arm of a vehicle, said attachment means detachably attached
to said blade assembly proximal the mid point of the wiping blade
assembly, with or without direct contact with said beam member.
2. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said at
least one beam member has a rectangular cross section.
3. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said at
least one beam member has a spiral cross section.
4. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said at
least one beam member has a progressively twisting rectangular
cross section.
5. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said at
least one beam member has a triangular cross section.
6. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said at
least one beam member has a round cross section.
7. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said at
least one beam member has a half-round cross section.
8. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said at
least one beam member is of a one-piece construction.
9. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said at
least one beam member is of laminate construction.
10. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said
at least one beam member is assembled into said resilient member
after forming.
11. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said
at least one beam member is over molded with said resilient
member.
12. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said
at least one beam member is co-extruded with said resilient
member.
13. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, further
comprising a symmetrical, upward extending wind deflector portion
comprising a ridge running longitudinally at least a partial length
of said resilient member, positioned opposite said beam member from
said continuous wiping edge, said wind deflector portion utilizing
wind force to provide downward force, further preventing said
resilient member from rotating independently from said beam
member.
14. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 13, wherein said
wind deflecting portion is separate from said resilient member.
15. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 1, wherein said
wiping edge is a separate element, attached to said resilient
member after forming.
16. A windscreen wiping blade assembly for vehicles comprising: an
elongated, resilient wiping member having at least one continuous
wiping edge for uninterrupted contact with the surface of a
windscreen of a vehicle, said resilient member further comprising
at least one longitudinal passage, running through the length of
the wiping member; at least one elongated, semi-rigid beam member
for insertion within said longitudinal passage of said resilient
member, said beam member having a cross section complementary to
the cross section of said longitudinal passage, preventing said
resilient member from rotating independently from said beam member
when inserted, said cross section of said beam member selected from
one of the following groups: rectangular, spiral,
progressively-twisting rectangular, round, half-round, triangular;
an attachment means for detachably attaching the windscreen wiping
blade assembly to a selectively oscillating wiper arm of a vehicle,
said attachment means detachably attached to said blade assembly
proximal the mid point of the wiping blade assembly, with or
without direct contact with said beam member; and an upward
extending wind deflector portion comprising a ridge running
longitudinally at least a partial length of said resilient member,
positioned opposite said beam member from said continuous wiping
edge, said wind deflector portion utilizing wind force to further
prevent said resilient member from rotating independently from said
beam member.
17. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 16, wherein said
wind deflecting portion is formed in said resilient member.
18. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 16, wherein said
wind deflecting portion is separate from said resilient member.
19. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 16, wherein said
wind deflecting portion is separate from said resilient member.
20. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 16, wherein said
at least one beam member is assembled into said resilient member
after forming.
21. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 16, wherein said
at least one beam member is over molded with said resilient
member.
22. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 16, wherein said
at least one beam member is co-extruded with said resilient
member.
23. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 16, wherein said
wiping edge is a separate element attached to said resilient member
after forming.
24. A windscreen wiping blade assembly for vehicles comprising: an
elongated, resilient wiping member having at least one continuous
wiping edge for uninterrupted contact with the surface of a
windscreen of a vehicle, said resilient member further comprising
at least one longitudinal passage, running through the length of
the wiping member; at least one elongated, semi-rigid beam member
for insertion within said longitudinal passage of said resilient
member, said beam member having a cross section complementary to
the cross section of said longitudinal passage, preventing said
resilient member from rotating independently from said beam member
when inserted, said cross section of said beam member selected from
one of the following groups: rectangular, spiral,
progressively-twisting rectangular, round, half-round, or
triangular; an attachment means for detachably attaching the
windscreen wiping blade assembly to an selectively oscillating
wiper arm of a vehicle, said attachment means detachably attached
to said blade assembly proximal the mid point of the wiping blade
assembly, with or without direct contact with said beam member; and
a symmetrical, upward extending wind deflector portion comprising a
ridge running longitudinally at least a partial length of said
resilient member, positioned opposite said beam member from said
continuous wiping edge, said wind deflector portion utilizing wind
force to further prevent said resilient member from rotating
independently from said beam member; wherein said longitudinal
passage further comprises a channel means for selectively
transporting fluid from at least one input aperture having a fluid
connection with a remote source of fluid, throughout the entire
length of said longitudinal passage, wherein said fluid discharges
out one or more spaced discharge apertures along the length of the
resilient member onto the wind screen of the vehicle, said wiping
blade assembly comprising a sealing means to prevent fluid from
discharging from the ends of said longitudinal passage.
25. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 24, wherein said
channel means is a separate passage running parallel to said
longitudinal passage receiving said beam member.
26. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 24, wherein said
discharge apertures are positioned on at least one lateral side of
said resilient member.
27. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 24, wherein said
discharge apertures are positioned on a bottom side of said
resilient member proximal said wiping edge.
28. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 24, wherein said
wind deflecting portion is formed in said resilient member.
29. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 24, wherein said
wind deflecting portion is separate from said resilient member.
30. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 24, wherein said
at least one beam member is assembled into said resilient member
after forming.
31. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 24, wherein said
at least one beam member is over molded with said resilient
member.
32. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 24, wherein said
at least one beam member is co-extruded with said resilient
member.
33. The windscreen wiping blade assembly of claim 24, wherein said
wiping edge is a separate element attached to said resilient member
after forming.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/652,807, filed on Feb. 14, 2005. The disclosure
of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to windshield wiping blade
assemblies. More particularly this invention relates to resilient
windshield wiping blades having an encapsulated support beam
element.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A frequently encountered shortcoming in the design of
conventional automotive windshield wipers is observed when the
surface which has been wiped on the windshield is left with bands
or streaks. This problem is often at least partly due to the
failure of the wiper assembly to apply a uniform wiping force
against the length of the wiper blade and thus also to the surface
of the windshield. The lack of uniformity in the wiping force
applied to the wiper blade is characterized by conventional wiper
assemblies having superstructures which apply a force load upon the
wiper blade at only relatively widely spaced intervals. As a result
little, if any, force may be available at various locations between
these spaced intervals.
[0004] Although the field of windshield wipers encompasses a
relatively large number of issued patents depicting a variety of
different designs, it may be fairly said that windshield wiper
designs generally depict a commonality of approaches to their basic
function. Thus, most windshield wipers are characterized by a
superstructure which distributes the force applied by the central
wiper arm, an intermediate wiper blade support member, and a
flexible wiper blade insert which directly performs the function of
wiping the windshield. Just as the great variety of windshield
wiper designs share a certain commonality of structure, they also
share certain disadvantages in carrying out the basic task at hand.
For example, modern windshield wiper assembly designs must have
some type of force distributing means to distribute the force
applied by the wiper arm along the length of the flexible wiper
blade. This is necessary because the wiper blade needs to be able
to flex along its length in order to remain in wiping contact with
a windshield surface having a varying radius of curvature.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,104,412 to Hinder discloses a resilient
backing member or superstructure made of molded plastic having a
concave face with a curvature substantially equivalent to the
maximum curvature of the wiped windshield surface. The backing
member is directly attached to the flexible wiper blade. This
arrangement is believed to be inherently unable to provide equal
force distribution when the radius of curvature varies along the
length of the blade, not to mention the joint between the backing
member and the wiper blade is exposed to the elements.
[0006] One alternative type of conventional wiper assembly
comprises a support beam system along each side of the resilient
windshield wiping portion, as a means of both structural support
and downward wiping force. Often this support beam system consists
of a resilient wiping element having the support beam skewered
through it longitudinally from end to end.
[0007] A common problem of this design is the twisting of the
resilient portion around the support beam due to frictional forces
imposed upon the wiping blade during its oscillations. Therefore,
external devices such as clips or other means must be put into
place in order to prevent this detrimental condition to wiping
quality and blade longevity.
[0008] The present invention overcomes these and other shortcomings
by providing the art with a windshield wiper having an encapsulated
beam, while still providing for variability in design to provide a
windshield wiper for various applications.
[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore proposed herein that an object of the
present invention is to provide a windshield wiper having an
encapsulated beam for providing structure and uniform support for
the wiper blade throughout its various oscillations.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
wiper blade having an encapsulated beam which prevents the rotation
and twisting of the resilient wiper blade around the support
beam.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
wiper blade having an encapsulated beam further comprising a wind
deflector portion to further assist in preventing the twisting of
the resilient wiping blade around the beam.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
wiper blade having the encapsulated beam detachably attachable as a
unit to a connector system.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
wiper beam having a construction whereas the beam can be isolated
from the windshield wiper connector system, while still preventing
the rotation of the resilient portion relative to the beam.
[0015] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a wiper blade having an encapsulated beam further comprising a
fluid passage along the encapsulated beam member for allowing
washing/de-icing fluid to be dispersed along the length of the
wiper blade.
[0016] These and other objects will become more apparent, wherein
the present invention encompasses an improved windshield wiper
blade assembly, having a resilient windscreen wiping element and
further comprising a longitudinal passage there through. A support
beam having a predetermined curvature and shape complementary to
the longitudinal passage is inserted there within the passage in a
manner which prevents the rotational twisting of the resilient
element around the beam. A further embodiment comprises a
longitudinal fluid passage along the support beam, having a fluid
connection to a windshield fluid supply. A plurality of apertures
through the resilient member in connection with the fluid passage
provide for the selective discharge of the fluid upon the
windscreen. A still further embodiment comprises a symmetrical wind
deflector portion running at least partially along the top side of
the resilient member for enhanced prevention of any twisting of the
resilient member around the beam, and increased downward force of
the wiper assembly against the windscreen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0018] FIG. A-1 illustrates a cross section of a first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. A-2 illustrates a partial perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. A-1;
[0020] FIG. A-3 illustrates a cross section of a second embodiment
of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. A-4 illustrates a partial perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. A-3;
[0022] FIG. A-5 illustrates a cross section of a third embodiment
of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. A-6 illustrates a cross section of a fourth embodiment
of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. A-7 illustrates a cross section of a fifth embodiment
of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. A-8 illustrates a cross section of a sixth embodiment
of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. A-9 illustrates a partial perspective cross section of
an additional embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. A-10 illustrates a partial perspective cross section of
an additional embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. B-1 illustrates a partial perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention having the beam member
withdrawn;
[0029] FIG. B-2 illustrates a partial perspective view of an
additional embodiment of the present invention having the beam
member withdrawn;
[0030] FIG. B-3 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. B-4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. B-5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. B-6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. B-7 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0035] FIG. B-8 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0036] FIG. B-9 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0037] FIG. C-1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0038] FIG. C-2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0039] FIG. C-3 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0040] FIG. C-4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0041] FIG. C-5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0042] FIG. C-5a illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0043] FIG. C-6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0044] FIG. C-7 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention without a beam member;
[0045] FIG. C-8 illustrates an isolated partial perspective view of
a first embodiment of the encapsulated beam member;
[0046] FIG. C-9 illustrates an isolated partial perspective view of
a first embodiment of the encapsulated beam member;
[0047] FIG. C-10 illustrates an isolated partial perspective view
of a first embodiment of the encapsulated beam member;
[0048] FIG. C-11 illustrates an isolated partial perspective view
of a first embodiment of the encapsulated beam member;
[0049] FIG. D-1 is a cross sectional view of a further embodiment
of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. D-2 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0051] FIG. D-3 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of
the present invention showing the connector means;
[0052] FIG. D-3 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of the present invention showing the connector means;
[0053] FIG. E-1 is a partial perspective illustration of another
embodiment of the support beam of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. E-2 is a partial perspective illustration of another
embodiment of the support beam of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. E-3 is a partial perspective illustration of another
embodiment of the support beam of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. E-4 is a partial perspective illustration of another
embodiment of the support beam of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. E-5 is a partial perspective illustration of another
embodiment of the support beam of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. E-6 is a partial perspective illustration of another
embodiment of the support beam of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. E-7 is a partial perspective illustration of another
embodiment of the support beam of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. E-8 is a partial perspective illustration of another
embodiment of the support beam of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. F-1 is a partial perspective illustration of another
embodiment of the support beam of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. F-2 is a partial perspective illustration of another
embodiment of the support beam of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. G-1 is a cross sectional, assembled view of another
embodiment wherein the wiper blade and body are separate
elements;
[0064] FIG. G-2 is a partial perspective, disassembled view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. G-1;
[0065] FIG. G-3 is a cross sectional, assembled view of another
embodiment wherein the wiper blade and body are separate
elements;
[0066] FIG. G-4 is a partial perspective, disassembled view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. G-2;
[0067] FIG. H-1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0068] FIG. H-2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0069] FIG. H-3 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. H-4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0071] FIG. I-1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0072] FIG. I-2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0073] FIG. J-1 illustrates a partial perspective view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0074] FIG. J-2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the
embodiment of illustrated in FIG. J-1;
[0075] FIG. J-3 illustrates a cross section of a further embodiment
of the present invention;
[0076] FIG. J-5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention at the connector means;
[0077] FIG. J-6 is a partial top view of the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. J-5;
[0078] FIG. K-1 illustrates a partial perspective view of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0079] FIG. L-1 illustrates a cross section of a further embodiment
of the present invention;
[0080] FIG. L-2 illustrates a cross section of a further embodiment
of the present invention;
[0081] FIG. M-1 illustrates an additional perspective view of the
resilient wiper portion shown in FIG. K-1;
[0082] FIG. M-2 illustrates a cross section of a further embodiment
of the present invention;
[0083] FIG. M-3 illustrates a cross section of the embodiment shown
in FIG. K-1;
[0084] FIG. N-1 illustrates a cross section of a further embodiment
of the present invention;
[0085] FIG. N-2 illustrates a cross section of a further embodiment
of the present invention;
[0086] FIG. N-3 illustrates a cross section of a further embodiment
of the present invention;
[0087] FIG. O-1 illustrates a cross section of a further embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0088] FIG. O-2 illustrates a cross section of a further embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0089] The following description of the preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0090] Referring now to the figures, particularly FIGS. A-1 and
A-2, a first embodiment of the encapsulated beam assembly 10 of the
present invention is shown comprising elongated resilient member 12
having a body 13 and a windscreen wiping edge 14 pivotally attached
to a bottom side 15 thereof by a narrow flexible neck 16. The body
13 further comprises a longitudinal passage 18 through which an
elongated beam 19 of a predetermined stiffness is inserted, thereby
becoming encapsulated by the resilient member 12. The shape of the
passage 18 is generally complementary to the shape of the elongated
beam 19, thereby preventing the rotational twisting of the
resilient member 12 independently of the elongated beam 19.
[0091] FIGS. A-3 and A-4 illustrate an alternative embodiment of
the encapsulated beam assembly 10 of the present invention
comprising a similar elongated resilient member 22 having a body 23
and a windscreen wiping edge 24 attached to a bottom side 25
thereof by a narrow flexible neck 26. The shape of the resilient
member 22 and corresponding longitudinal passage 28 of this
embodiment, as shown, allows a minimal, predetermined amount of
flexing by the elongated beam 29 contained there within, while
still preventing extraneous twisting of the resilient member 22
independently of and around the elongated beam 29.
[0092] FIG. A-5 Illustrates a further embodiment of the
encapsulated beam assembly 10 of the present invention, wherein the
body 33 of the resilient member 32 is significantly thicker below
the beam 39 and corresponding passage 38 provides more rigidity to
the assembly.
[0093] Referring now to FIGS. A-6 thru A-10, variations to the
encapsulated beam assembly 10 are shown. Specifically, the body 33
of the resilient member 32 further comprises a resilient ridge 37
of various designs running longitudinally at least a partial length
of the resilient member 32 opposite the wiping edge 34. The purpose
of the ridge 37 is to form a wind deflector portion oriented so
that the wind force hitting the ridge 37 assists in preventing the
resilient member 32 from rotating around the elongated beam 39.
[0094] The elongated beam 39 is shown in these figures having
varying dimensions in comparison to the passages through the
resilient members 32 in which they reside. This provides the option
of having a small space around the beam 39 to allow for a varying
degree of flexation between the beam 39 and the resilient member 32
as mentioned above. In the alternative, and discussed in detail
further in, this space may also allow for the passage of fluid such
as washer fluid or de-icing fluid to be selectively disbursed upon
the windscreen as desired.
[0095] As an illustration for the primary means of assembly, FIGS.
B-1 and B-2 show the beam 39 separated from the passage 38 of the
resilient member 32. FIG. B-2 further illustrates an alternative
embodiment to the present invention, employing a wind deflector
ridge 37 comprising a separate element than the resilient member
32. The ridge 37 may be comprised of rigid or flexible material and
can be attached to the resilient member 32 after forming or, in the
alternative, can be over-molded or co-extruded with the resilient
member 32. FIGS. B-3 thru B-7 are examples which further illustrate
various means of attaching the wind deflector ridge 37 to the
resilient member 32 wherein variations that are not shown, but do
not depart from the gist of the invention, are also intended to be
within the scope of the invention. FIG. B-8 illustrates another
embodiment of the present invention wherein the wiping edge member
44 is comprised of a separate resilient element, attached by means
of a tongue 45 received in a lower groove 46 of the resilient
member 42 positioned below the passage 48 for receiving the
encapsulated beam. A similar tongue located on the deflector ridge
47 is received in an upper groove 49 of the resilient member 42
positioned above the passage 48 for receiving the encapsulated
beam.
[0096] FIG. B-9 illustrates a similar embodiment of the present
invention as FIG. B-8, with the exception that the resilient member
is comprised of two complementary C-channel shaped halves 51 and
52. Each half consists of an upper tab 53 and a lower tab 54 which
come together at the top, within a receiving groove 55 in the
deflector ridge 57, and at the bottom in receiving groove 56 in the
wiping edge member 58.
[0097] Referring now to FIGS. C-1 thru C-7, a plurality of
embodiments of a resilient member 60 are shown, each having
independent and distinct flexing properties through their
variations in cross section, as well as variable influences from
wind force against the top surface 62. FIG. C-4, in particular,
embodies dual, parallel passages 64 and 66 for receiving a
plurality of beam members, which could allow for the increase in
rigidity of the assembly, whereas FIG. C-5 comprises a secondary,
hollow passage 68 above the encapsulating beam receiving passage 65
which would make a lighter weight assembly with a more flexible
wind deflector ridge 6, while the embodiment in FIG. C-5a comprises
an inverted `T-shaped` passage 65. These embodiments allow for
common wall sections of similar thickness for ease of
manufacturing.
[0098] FIGS. C-8 thru C-11 illustrate various encapsulated beams,
generally shown by the number 70. FIG. C-8 illustrates plural,
parallel unitary beams 71 and 72 for implementation in an assembly
shown in FIG. C-4. Alternatively, FIGS. C-9 through C-11 show
composite beams comprising one or more laminate layers 73, 74, 75,
76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 of similar or various materials,
depending on the desired degree of rigidity needed for a given
application. As noted, these beams can be attached prior to or
during the forming of the resilient members or subsequently
inserted thereafter.
[0099] Referring now to FIGS. D-1 and D-2, the primary embodiment
of the present invention is shown comprising the encapsulated beam
assembly 10, having a one-piece resilient member 90 with a wind
deflector ridge 92 on a top portion thereof and a windscreen wiping
edge 94 attached to a bottom side 95 thereof by a narrow flexible
neck 96. The body 33 further comprises a longitudinal passage 98
through which an elongated beam 99 of a predetermined stiffness
passes, thereby becoming encapsulated by the resilient member 90.
The shape of the passage 98 is complementary to the shape of the
encapsulated beam 99, thereby preventing the rotational twisting of
the resilient member 90 independent of the encapsulated beam 99. As
shown, the encapsulated beam in FIG. D-2 fits snugly within the
passage 98, while in FIG. D-1 there is a space surrounding the beam
99, allowing a small amount of pivoting there within.
[0100] FIGS. D-3 and D-4 illustrate the embodiment in FIGS. A-1 and
A-2 at the location for attaching the connector system 100. The
connector system 100 can employ various means of attaching the
encapsulated beam assembly 10 to a wiper arm but, shown here, the
preferred embodiment comprises a U-shaped channel 102, having a
cross pin 104 for attaching the assembly to a wiper arm connector.
A plurality of downward oriented clamping legs 106 and 108 extend
out and down from the bottom of the channel 102 which wrap around
the sides 111 and bottom edges 112 of the resilient member 113
crimping the assembly together. Additional leg elements 109 and 110
extend down along the sides 111 of the resilient member 113 and
provide lateral support to prevent rotation of the encapsulated
beam 10.
[0101] An advantage of an attachment assembly, such as the one
described here within, is the lack of intimate contact between the
connector system 100 and the beam 99. This prevents frictional wear
of the beam 99 and further allows the option of a sealed passage 98
in the event fluid is utilized in a further embodiment. A clamp-on
assembly, such as this one, does not require the penetration and/or
puncture of an intermediate layer protecting the encapsulated beam
99.
[0102] Referring now to FIGS. E-1 through E-8, variations in the
encapsulated beam 99 are shown. As illustrated in these figures,
the beam 99 can be straight, arcuate or one of a multitude of
shapes including squiggles, circles, spirals, etc. Additionally,
the beam 99 can be made of most any structural material and can be
application specific. Furthermore, as mentioned, the beams 99 can
be formed as composites as shown in FIGS. F-1 and F-2, comprising
one or more laminate layers 115, 116, 117 of similar or various
materials, depending on the desired degree of rigidity needed for a
given application. Once the beam 99 is encapsulated within the
complementary shaped passage of the resilient member, they will
cooperate together to perform the functions and features listed
herein for the present invention.
[0103] As an alternative, it may be preferable to have a wiping
blade 120 of a softer or firmer material than that of the resilient
member 122, as shown in FIGS. G-1 thru G-3, providing a higher or
lower degree of flexibility, depending on the application. This is
accomplished easily through any number of attachment means
described in detail above for attaching a separate wind deflector
ridge 37 in FIGS. B-3 thru B-7. Herein shown, the blade 120
comprises a tongue 124 having an expanded head 125 received in a
complementary groove 126 located on the bottom side of the
resilient member 122.
[0104] FIGS. H-1 thru H-4 show additional embodiments of the
encapsulated beam assembly 10, having a unitary resilient member
130 with a wind deflector ridge 132 on a top portion thereof and a
wiping windscreen wiping edge 134 attached to a bottom side 135
thereof by a narrow flexible neck 136. The body further comprises
the longitudinal passage 140 through Which an elongated beam 142 of
a predetermined stiffness passes through, thereby becoming
encapsulated by the resilient member 130. The shape of the passage
140 is complementary to the shape of the encapsulated beam 142,
preventing the rotational twisting of the resilient member 130
independent of the encapsulated beam 142. As shown, the
encapsulated beam in FIG. H-2 fits snugly within the passage 98,
while in FIGS. H-1, H-3, and H-4 the passage 98 provides a space
surrounding the beam 142 allowing a small degree of pivotal freedom
there between.
[0105] The final embodiment of the present invention is covered in
the remaining FIGS. I-1 thru O-2 and entails only minor variations
in implementation of the prior embodiments and, therefore, remains
consistent with the aforementioned scope of the invention. This
embodiment takes advantage of the space within the passage 155 in
the resilient member 150 through which the encapsulated beam 152 is
positioned as shown in FIGS. I-1 and I-2. In this embodiment, the
space provides a fluid channel for allowing windshield washing
fluid and/or de-icing fluid to travel the length of the
encapsulated beam for discharge at various points along the entire
wiper blade assembly as herein described.
[0106] Best shown in FIGS. J-1 thru J-5, the resilient member 150
comprises a passage 155 through which the encapsulated beam 152 is
positioned, as well as provides a fluid channel for transporting
washing or de-icing fluids (herein FLUID). One or more fluid input
apertures 156 is formed through a top portion of the resilient
member and is in fluid communication with the passage 155 running
longitudinally through the member 150. A fitting 160 is received in
the aperture 156 and connects to a tube 162 leading from a remote
source of FLUID known in the art. As illustrated in FIG. J-2, once
assembled and operational, the FLUID, indicated by the directional
arrows shown, selectively flows from the source into the resilient
member 150 through fitting 160 and aperture 156. Alternatively, the
fluid inlet may also be positioned on the side of resilient member
150. As shown in FIGS. J-5 and J-6, the position of the aperture
156 and FLUID inlet can be positioned proximal the connector system
100 system thereby allowing the source tube 162 to be directly
routed down the wiper blade arm 170.
[0107] Referring in detail to FIG. K-1, once the FLUID is
communicated inside passage 155, it can travel the entire length of
the encapsulated beam, wherein it is permitted to flow out through
a plurality of apertures 168 positioned along the length of the
resilient member 150, onto the wiping surface. Alternatively, the
fluid inlet may also be positioned on the side, along the length of
the resilient member 150. End caps 163 or other similar sealing
means are sealed into position on the ends of the encapsulated beam
assembly 10 preventing the longitudinal discharge of the FLUID out
the ends of the encapsulated beam assembly.
[0108] The position and orientation of the apertures 168 along the
resilient member 150 can vary from application to application as
shown in comparison FIGS. M-2 and M-3, but generally are located
along the sides or lower portion thereof for direct application to
the windscreen surface.
[0109] The passage 155 can be varied in size, type and position, as
well, shown in FIGS. L-1, L-2 and N-1 thru O-2. Specifically, FIGS.
L-1 and L-2 show the passage 155 having a larger internal volume,
allowing a greater volume of fluid to be communicated through the
resilient member 150. In the alternative, FIGS. N-1 thru O-2
utilize passages 157 separate from the passage 155 through which
the beam 152 is positioned, allowing even greater flexibility as
far as embodiment design, FLUID delivery and dispersal. Lastly,
note FIGS. N-3 and O-2 utilize a combination of the various
embodiments discussed in detail herein, thereby exemplifying the
breadth of possibilities intended to fall within the scope of the
invention.
[0110] As noted throughout, the description of the invention is
merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart
from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope
of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *