Supplemental Cleaning Means Brought Into Surface Contact Patents (Class 15/250.4)
  • Patent number: 11834147
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper system (WWS) architecture is provided. The WWS architecture includes a wiper assembly and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to control operations of the wiper assembly. The ECU is configured to recognize that a command to engage a predefined wiper mode is received. The predefined wiper mode is characterized in that a windscreen is divided into sectors and the wiper assembly is controllably operated to sweep across one or more of the sectors in a predefined pattern with a predefined sweep speed. The ECU is further configured to control the wiper assembly to operate in the predefined wiper mode according to the command being received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Rameshkumar Balasubramanian, Cal Roeske
  • Patent number: 11685341
    Abstract: An aircraft windshield wiper system includes a wiper arm, a wiper blade coupled to a first end of the wiper arm, and an output shaft coupled to a second end of the wiper arm. The wiper blade includes a support member coupled to a blade element through a clip and a fastener extending through the blade element. The support member can be made from a composite material and the clip and fastener allow for attachment of the blade element to the support member without piercing the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Vishwanath Hitnalli, Venkata Anil Kumar Mothe, Jai Kumar Gowda, Kotturswamy Haluvagalu
  • Patent number: 11447102
    Abstract: An adaptive adjustment windshield wiper, comprising a wiper rubber body and an adaptive adjustment mechanism. The adaptive adjustment mechanism comprises an adjusting elastic piece, balance connectors and fixators; the adjusting elastic piece has elastic modulus, the balance connectors are arranged between the adjusting elastic piece and the wiper rubber body; elastic supporting parts are arranged on both sides of the balance connector, and the fixator is flexibly installed between supporting parts of the balance connector. The adaptive adjustment mechanism is installed on the wiper rubber body; elastic pressure of the adjusting elastic piece for the adaptive adjustment mechanism is transferred to the wiper rubber body through the balance connectors so that the wiper rubber body is bent to fit surface of the front windshield; the balance connectors flexibly connected with the adjusting elastic piece through the fixators can adjust balance during move to ensure wiping effects of the windshield wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: DANYANG HURST AUTO PARTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kongjin Hu
  • Patent number: 11400893
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wiper frame (10) comprising a resilient support rail (22) and a wiper blade (12) which is attached to the support rail (22). According to the invention, the wiper blade (12) has a wiper blade lip (44) having a substantially rigid cross-sectional structure, and the wiper blade lip (44) is mounted between a first bending region (32) and a second bending region (34) in a cross-sectional view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Adam Angyal, Thomas Belmans, Marcello Bubba, Peter Deak
  • Patent number: 11305741
    Abstract: Sensor cleaning apparatus, systems, and related methods for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a sensor of a vehicle. The apparatus also includes a motor operatively coupled to the sensor to enable the sensor to move within a cavity of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a wiper fixedly coupled to the vehicle and partially defining the cavity. An edge of the wiper is to engage the sensor when the sensor moves to remove debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Scott L. Frederick, Ryan C. Harris
  • Patent number: 11214238
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wiper blade, by balancing the opposite characteristics between the ease of operation and the cleaning force, the overall shape of the wiper blade is inclined laterally with elasticity in accordance with the moving direction of the blade mounting means for ease of operation, and the contact portion of the wiper blade for performing the cleaning is capable of maintaining an angle close to a right angle with respect to the cleaning surface, so that the wiper blade is also excellent in cleaning force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: KIMBLADE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyungwoo Kim
  • Patent number: 11040703
    Abstract: A multifunction windshield wiper includes a wiper arm, a wiper blade holder, and a wiper blade to facilitate, through channels, the direct distribution of the liquid or an air on the windshield surface. The direct distribution of the liquid and an air maximize the wiping effect and minimizes their usage. The wiper arm is assembled with wiper blade holder within the flexible spherical joints to refine the contact with a curved surface during the operational movement of the windshield wiper in the different weather conditions. The windshield wiper arm has a flexible joint with the link arm to facilitate the tension on the windshield surface during the wiping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Gregory Mark Adamczak
  • Patent number: 10836357
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle wiper blade having two or more edges, including: a pair of stopping parts coupled to a wiper body in such a manner as to be branched from the undersides thereof; bent parts disposed on the underside surfaces of the pair of stopping parts; and wiping parts disposed on the undersides of the bent parts to wipe a window glass surface of a vehicle, wherein the bent parts and the wiping parts are left and right symmetrical with each other around a center line of the blade, and each wiping part includes a wiping contact part disposed on the lower end thereof in such a manner as to come into contact with the window glass surface to wipe the window glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: SPARK CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Se-Heon Park
  • Patent number: 10414379
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wiper blade, by balacing the opposite characteristics between the ease of operation and the cleaning force, the overall shape of the wiper blade is inclined laterally with elasticity in accordance with the moving direction of the blade mounting means for ease of operation , and the contact portion of the wiper blade for performing the cleaning is capable of maintaining an angle close to a right angle with respect to the cleaning surface, so that the wiper blade is also excellent in cleaning force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: KIMBLADE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyungwoo Kim
  • Patent number: 9925957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a windscreen wiper strip support and a windscreen wiper blade having the windscreen wiper strip support. The windscreen wiper strip support includes a longitudinal slot for housing a windscreen wiper strip. The windscreen wiper strip support has a back plate, a plurality of first lugs and a plurality of second lugs. The longitudinal slot is formed by the space encircled by the back plate, the plurality of first lugs and the plurality of second lugs. The back plate, the plurality of first lugs and the plurality of second lugs are all made of a metallic material to ensure that the entire windscreen wiper strip support has better strength and the production cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Qinghuai Shen
  • Patent number: 9434354
    Abstract: A beam blade windshield wiper assembly having a universal coupler assembly including a carrier, a saddle that is removably received and retained by the carrier, and a coupler that is operatively mounted to the saddle. The carrier, saddle, and coupler cooperate to accommodate various sizes of “pinch-type” attachment members, “push-button-type” attachment members, as well as “side-pin-type” and “pin-and-bent-tab-type” attachment members that are used to connect the wiper arm and the windshield wiper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Trico Products Corporation
    Inventors: Valentin Avasiloaie, Dan Ehde
  • Patent number: 9403510
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wiper brush appendage that easily attaches to a wiper blade to aid in the removal of compacted solids, insect remains, light frost and the like. The wiper brush appendage is an elongated member of pliable plastic, such as one of the varieties of thermoplastics. The invention has a slot on the top side that runs the entire length that easily spreads to allow it to encompass a wiper blade, as well as multiple rows of brush hairs along the underside. It has a specific inside pocket with inturned flanges and small depressions that put pressure on the wiper blade and limits the movement of the invention while in use. Once installed over the wiper, the user turns on the wiper assembly and the brushes scrub against the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventors: Dean Randolph Ranucci, Peter William Ranucci
  • Patent number: 9102308
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper device (100) for the cleaning of vehicle windows (1), with a wiper blade (10) having a wiper rubber (12), which wiper blade is able to be fastened exchangeably on a wiper arm (2) by means of a wiper blade adapter (11), wherein between the wiper blade adapter (11) and the wiper arm (2) a detent connection (15) is constructed, which comprises a detent element which is arranged on the wiper blade adapter (11) and which engages in a form-fitting manner into a corresponding opening (16) or recess on the wiper arm (2). According to the invention, the wiper blade (10) has an ageing indicator element (21) for the wiper blade (10), said ageing element being covered by a protective element (25), wherein the protective element (25) is constructed such that, and/or is arranged on the wiper blade (10) such that a mounting of the wiper blade (10) on the wiper arm (2) is only possible after a removal of the protective element (25) from the ageing indicator element (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Bruno Egner-Walter, Michael Schaeuble
  • Patent number: 9061659
    Abstract: An adapter for a windshield wiper assembly includes a hooking portion adapted to receive a hook of a wiper aim, an attaching portion adapted to be connected to a wiper, and a connection portion attached to the hooking portion and the attaching portion at opposite ends. The hooking portion and the attaching portion are positioned in a side-by-side configuration and are parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ALBEREE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Albert Lee
  • Patent number: 8745814
    Abstract: A scrubber assembly includes a scrubber support structure, an elongated scrubber element and a motor. The scrubber support structure is configured to attach to a windshield wiper. The scrubber element is movably attached to the scrubber support structure and extends between a first end and a spaced apart second end along a central longitudinal axis. The motor is mounted to the scrubber support structure and is engaged with the scrubber element to reciprocally move the scrubber element along the central longitudinal axis. A portable power source mounted to the scrubber support structure may provide power to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nelson and Nelson Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: James Q. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8715421
    Abstract: A windshield wiper includes a wiper assembly, a scrubber assembly, and an engaging assembly. The wiper assembly includes a wiper support structure and a wiper blade attached to the wiper support structure. The scrubber assembly includes a scrubber support structure, an elongated scrubber element and a motor. The scrubber element is movably attached to the scrubber support structure and extends between a first end and a spaced apart second end along a central longitudinal axis. The motor is mounted to the scrubber support structure and is engaged with the scrubber element to reciprocally move the scrubber element along the central longitudinal axis. The engaging assembly is coupled with the wiper assembly and the scrubber assembly and is configured to raise and lower the scrubber assembly with respect to the wiper assembly. Also, an automated method of using a windshield wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Nelson and Nelson Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: James Q. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20130255025
    Abstract: A wiper blade assembly includes an adhesive member to remove foreign substances on a window, an elastic member supporting the adhesive member, and cover members, each including a first end portion to cover an end of the elastic member and extending in a longitudinal direction. The first end portion of the cover member includes a front and side portions located at both sides of the front portion. The front portion includes an entrance/exit portion allowing entrance and exit of the elastic member, and each of the side portions includes a prop portion to support the elastic member. The prop portion includes a vertical prop portion to support a side surface of the elastic member, and a horizontal prop portion to support a lower surface of the elastic member. The wiper blade assembly is capable of facilitating the deformation of the elastic member when a wiper is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: CAP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyoung Joon Song, Kyung Min Kim
  • Patent number: 8505153
    Abstract: A scrubber assembly includes a scrubber support structure, a scrubber element and a vibrating motor. The scrubber support structure is configured to attach to a windshield wiper. The scrubber element is movably attached to the scrubber support structure and extends between a first end and a spaced apart second end along a central longitudinal axis. The motor is mounted to the scrubber element so as to cause the scrubber element to vibrate when the vibrating motor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nelson and Nelson Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: James Q. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8468640
    Abstract: A scrubber assembly (14) for a windshield wiper (10) having a wiper arm (12) includes a scrubber housing (22) attached to the wiper arm. The scrubber housing (22) has an interior volume (66) and at least one opening (58). A rod (68) is at least partially disposed in the interior volume (66) and is displaceable from a first position to a second position. A brush assembly (42) is attached to the rod (68) with at least one flexible connecting member (76) that extends through the at least one opening (58) to the brush assembly. When the rod (68) is in the first position, a first portion of the flexible connecting member (76) protrudes from the opening (58), and when the rod is displaced to the second position, a second portion of the flexible connecting member that is larger than the first portion protrudes from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Chaise, Esther Chen, Robert Holop, Luke Xie
  • Patent number: 8327499
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device includes an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material. The wiper blade includes a wiping element which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes a central longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed. The windscreen wiper device includes a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end thereof. The wiping element is movable in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to a windscreen to be wiped, dependent on the pressure exerted by the longitudinal strip on the wiper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul S.A.
    Inventor: Xavier Boland
  • Patent number: 8281454
    Abstract: A multi-blade ice removing windshield wiper assembly has a support frame carrying an axially rotatable elongate body having three radially extending spacedly arrayed windshield engaging blades. A toothed blade having a plurality of teeth scores accumulated frost and ice on a windshield while windshield wiper arm moves in a first direction. Spacedly adjacent shaving blade clears away the scored frost and ice from the windshield as the windshield wiper arm moves in the second opposite direction. Third flexible wiper blade removes rain and water from the windshield and may be selectively engaged when the frost and ice removing blades are not needed. Locking mechanism positionally secures the elongate body within the support frame to prevent unwanted axial rotation of the body within the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Jordan
  • Patent number: 8234747
    Abstract: A vehicle windshield wiper blade having multiple cleaning elements which are rotatable to provide a new cleaning surface is herein disclosed. The wiper blade is arranged such that two (2) rubber blades and one (1) bristle brush are in contact with a windshield surface at all times during use. The wiper blade allows is rotatable and lockable in ninety degree (90°) increments as needed, thereby extending a useful life. The wiper blade is supported by a rod structure which is attached to an existing vehicle wiper arm in a conventional manner. As the wiper blade traverses the windshield, the brush scrubs the windshield, removing splattered and stuck-on debris, while the outer blades sweep water and residue away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Harold D. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20110197381
    Abstract: A scrubber assembly includes a scrubber support structure, an elongated scrubber element and a motor. The scrubber support structure is configured to attach to a windshield wiper. The scrubber element is movably attached to the scrubber support structure and extends between a first end and a spaced apart second end along a central longitudinal axis. The motor is mounted to the scrubber support structure and is engaged with the scrubber element to reciprocally move the scrubber element along the central longitudinal axis. A portable power source mounted to the scrubber support structure may provide power to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: NELSON AND NELSON ENTERPRISES, LLC.
    Inventor: James Q. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7900312
    Abstract: A scrubber assembly (14) for a windshield wiper (10) having a wiper arm (12) includes a scrubber housing (22) attached to the wiper arm. The scrubber housing (22) has an interior volume (66) and at least one opening (58). A rod (68) is at least partially disposed in the interior volume (66) and is displaceable from a first position to a second position. A brush assembly (42) is attached to the rod (68) with at least one flexible connecting member (76) that extends through the at least one opening (58) to the brush assembly. When the rod (68) is in the first position, a first portion of the flexible connecting member (76) protrudes from the opening (58), and when the rod is displaced to the second position, a second portion of the flexible connecting member that is larger than the first portion protrudes from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Truck Intelluctual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Chaise, Esther Chen, Robert Holop, Luke Xie
  • Patent number: 7596828
    Abstract: A windshield wiper blade assembly has a blade arm to which a blade subassembly is pivotally coupled. The blade subassembly includes a first blade, a second blade, and a third blade located side-by-side. The first and third blades are formed of a scrubbing material for debris and the second blade is formed of a rubber-like material. Movement in a first direction causes engagement with the windshield to exert a force that pivots the blade subassembly into a first position in which the first and second blades contact the windshield and the third blade is spaced from the windshield. Movement in an opposite second direction causes engagement with the windshield to exert another force which pivots the blade subassembly into a second position in which the second and third blades are in contact with the windshield and the first blade is spaced from the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Arnold W. Evdokimo
  • Publication number: 20090151106
    Abstract: A vehicle windshield wiper assembly for providing a vehicle user with a set of windshield wipers for removing grime, insect deposits and other debris off a front windshield of a vehicle. The invention includes a pair of spaced apart wiper blade elements (rubber squeegies) having thin flexible wiping edges with a nylon bristle brush occupying the space between the wiper blade elements said bristle brush making contact with the vehicle windshield as pressure is applied to the wiper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: VON STACH MARKETING GROUP INC.
    Inventor: John VON STACH
  • Patent number: 7523523
    Abstract: A windshield wiper for an automotive vehicle having an elongated base and an elongated flexible blade extending outwardly in a first direction from the base. The blade has a free edge adapted to contact a windshield on an automotive vehicle. An elongated scraper also extends outwardly from the base at an acute angle relative to the blade so that a free edge of the scraper is spaced from and generally parallel to the free edge of the blade. The scraper is constructed of a material more rigid than the blade to remove adhered debris from the windshield upon transverse movement of the windshield wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse John Shoup
  • Publication number: 20080276402
    Abstract: A scrubber assembly (14) for a windshield wiper (10) having a wiper arm (12) includes a scrubber housing (22) attached to the wiper arm. The scrubber housing (22) has an interior volume (66) and at least one opening (58). A rod (68) is at least partially disposed in the interior volume (66) and is displaceable from a first position to a second position. A brush assembly (42) is attached to the rod (68) with at least one flexible connecting member (76) that extends through the at least one opening (58) to the brush assembly. When the rod (68) is in the first position, a first portion of the flexible connecting member (76) protrudes from the opening (58), and when the rod is displaced to the second position, a second portion of the flexible connecting member that is larger than the first portion protrudes from the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Chaise, Esther Chen, Robert Holop, Luke Xie
  • Patent number: 7334288
    Abstract: A windshield wiper blade assembly having a plurality of wiper strips on a support, one of the wiper strips being normally positioned to engage a windshield while leaving non-engaged the remainder of the plurality of wiper strips, and rotation means for moving the engaged strip to a non-engaging position and for individually moving another of the plurality of the wiper strips to an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Winding Wipers, Co.
    Inventors: Dana R. Rudd, Louis J. Sigalos, Charles G. Spriggs
  • Publication number: 20080034529
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a windshield wiper comprising preferably of a dual blade design wherein a portion of the outside surface of each blades has a specific scrubbing configuration molded within or attached to outside surfaces of the one or more protruding blade components. The inside surface of each blade protruding component preferably has a smooth finish but for certain applications, may include the specific scrubbing configuration molded within or attached to one or more protruding blade components. The primary embodiment utilizes a plurality of triangular scrubbing configuration the projects from the outside surface of each blade. The triangular scrubbing configuration functions by engaging and impinging a piece of debris with the tip or point of the triangular configuration. The piercing small radius is followed by the wider section of the triangular configuration, which functions to split and shatter the engaged piece of debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Donald William Westbrook
  • Patent number: 7302732
    Abstract: A windshield wiper is provided which includes a wiper frame; a scraper having an upper and a lower surface defining opposite leading edges, the upper surface connected to the wiper frame, wherein the wiper frame and scraper form an assembly having a means for rotation about a fixed point relative to a wiper arm; and at least one wiping blade connected to the lower surface of the scraper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: David J. Alley
  • Patent number: 7140064
    Abstract: A disposable scrubber attachment for a windshield wiper effective in removing insect remains on a windshield glass is provided. The scrubber attachment is constructed by an elongated piece of a foam rubber wrapper in an elongated mesh netting. On one side of the foam rubber, a V-shaped channel is formed for intimately engaging a wiper blade. A fastening means, such as Velcro may be used to fasten the scrubber attachment to the wiper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin J. Woolstenhulme
  • Patent number: 7111355
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a windshield wiper assembly with an expandable scrubbing element capable of washing debris from a windshield. In one embodiment, the subject invention is comprised of a windshield wiper blade holder having a first and second blade retainer, and a scrubbing element and wiper blade respectively engaged to the blade retainers. In one embodiment, the scrubbing element is comprised of a spine portion and an expandable bladder depending therefrom. At least a portion of the external surface of the bladder may include a fibrous or lightly abrasive material, or a scrubbing pad or brush-like surface, or a plurality of grooves and/or sipings The interior volume of the bladder is surrounded by a resilient fluid tight material, which serves to retain fluid in a pressurized state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Joe V. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7013525
    Abstract: A wiper blade for cleaning the surface of glass in a vehicle utilizes a wiper-providing body including a spine portion and a wiping element for engaging the surface of glass to be cleaned and an elongated cleaning element which is mounted for movement relative to the spine portion. Juxtaposed magnetic devices are secured within the spine portion and the cleaning element for biasing the cleaning element away from the spine portion of the wiper-providing portion so that during use of the wiper blade, the cleaning element is biased toward the glass surface by the repelling forces of the magnetic devices and is maintained in a spaced relationship with the spine portion so that during use of the wiper blade, the cleaning element is permitted to shift in position relative to the wiper-providing element and the spine portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Jerry R. Meredith, Donna Sue Meredith
  • Patent number: 6892418
    Abstract: An improved windshield wiper is described having a pair of squeegees and a brush disposed between said squeegees. The single-piece molded frame of the wiper includes openings along the frame back that are adapted to create a vacuum when the vehicle is moving. The brush spine is preferably perforated such that fluid is drawn from the windshield, into the brush bristles and out through the brush spine perforations and openings, when air passing over the wiper causes a vacuum between said squeegees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Stouder, II
  • Publication number: 20040261210
    Abstract: An improved windshield wiper is described having a pair of squeegees and a brush disposed between said squeegees. The single-piece molded frame of the wiper includes openings along the frame back that are adapted to create a vacuum when the vehicle is moving. The brush spine is preferably perforated such that fluid is drawn from the windshield, into the brush bristles and out through the brush spine perforations and openings, when air passing over the wiper causes a vacuum between said squeegees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Stouder
  • Patent number: 6813803
    Abstract: A wiper strip (18) for windshield wipers includes a profile spine (20) and a function part (22) that is connected to the profile spine (20) via a tilting bridge piece (26) and that bears against it in the tilted position. The functional part (22) includes a supporting section (30) that is connected to the profile spine (20) via the first tilting bridge piece (26) and to a wiper wedge (32) via a second tilting bridge piece (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Leutsch
  • Patent number: 6799349
    Abstract: An improved windshield wiper is described having a pair of squeegees and a brush disposed between said squeegees. The frame of the wiper includes openings along the frame back and longitudinally extending members arm engaging members that are adapted to create a vacuum when the vehicle is moving. The brush spine is preferably perforated such that fluid is drawn from the windshield, into the brush bristles and out through the brush spine perforations and openings, when air passing over the wiper causes a vacuum between said squeegees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Stouder, II
  • Publication number: 20040177464
    Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly (20) is provided comprising a resilient wiper element (36) and a brush element (38). The wiper element (36) and brush element (38) are attached to the corresponding wiper lever (32) and wiper superstructure (30) through a plurality of mounting brackets (34). Mounting brackets (34) are equipped with a plurality of claws 56 which engage and secure the wiper and brush elements (36, 38). Mounting brackets (80) may also be configured to attach a cartridge (82) having wiper and brush elements (36, 38) secured thereto with the corresponding wiper lever (32) and wiper superstructure (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Sean Steffee, Laurie E. Steffee
  • Publication number: 20040177465
    Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly (20) is provided comprising a resilient wiper element (36) and a brush element (38). The wiper element (36) and brush element (38) are attached to the corresponding wiper lever (32) and wiper superstructure (30) through a plurality of mounting brackets (34). Mounting brackets (34) are equipped with a plurality of claws 56 which engage and secure the wiper and brush elements (36, 38). Mounting brackets (80) may also be configured to attach a cartridge (82) having wiper and brush elements (36, 38) secured thereto with the corresponding wiper lever (32) and wiper superstructure (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Sean E. Steffee, Laurie E. Steffee
  • Patent number: 6760951
    Abstract: A wiper blade for cleaning motor vehicle windows includes a wiper strip (12) which is held by a support bracket system (10) and is encompassed by a laterally closed protective profile (14, 22, 24). The protective profile (14, 22) is closed in the longitudinal direction (38, 40) on at least one end by a cover (16, 18, 20), which can be used to open and close the protective profile (14, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Wynen, Dirk Herinckx, Jurgen Roekens
  • Patent number: 6748621
    Abstract: A vehicle windshield wiper assembly for providing a user with a set of windshield wipers for motor vehicles designed to scrub insects off the glass. The vehicle windshield wiper assembly includes a bridge member that has a first end, a second end, and a medial portion. The first and second ends are for attachment to a plurality of attachment portions of a blade member. The medial portion of the bridge member is for attachment to a wiper arm of a vehicle. The blade member is for providing support to a plurality of cleaning members and a cleaning blade. The cleaning members and the cleaning blade are for facilitating cleaning of debris the windshield of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Ricky L. Root
  • Patent number: 6687946
    Abstract: A windshield wiper blade attachment with pressurized inflatable scrubbing member. The scrubbing member includes a sustained fluid release delivery system for dispersing a solvent through a polymer matrix or mixed fiber composite material. The scrubbing member further includes a polymeric abrasive textured surface element that aids in effectively scrubbing the windshield. Pressurization of the scrubber is achieved with fluid from the vehicle pressure washer system. System fluid pressure inflates the member in a manner whereby, when it contacts the windshield, the wiper blade is displaced until such time as the scrubbing member loses sufficient fluid by seepage to allow the wiper blade to again make contact with the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Reddoch
  • Publication number: 20030229960
    Abstract: An improved windshield wiper is described having a pair of squeegees and a brush disposed between said squeegees. The frame of the wiper includes openings along the frame back and longitudinally extending members arm engaging members that are adapted to create a vacuum when the vehicle is moving. The brush spine is preferably perforated such that fluid is drawn from the windshield, into the brush bristles and out through the brush spine perforations and openings, when air passing over the wiper causes a vacuum between said squeegees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Stouder
  • Patent number: 6505378
    Abstract: A wiper assembly for providing additional scrubbing surface area. The wiper assembly includes a wiper blade designed for coupling to a wiper arm of a vehicle and including an articulation, a blade which is comprised of an elastomeric material and is positionable in a groove in the wiper blade, a scrubbing member which is couplable to the wiper blade for removing debris from the windshield, and a plurality of clip members for coupling the scrubbing member to the wiper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: James W. Squires
  • Publication number: 20020092114
    Abstract: A windshield wiper blade attachment with pressurized inflatable scrubbing member. The scrubbing member includes a sustained fluid release delivery system for dispersing a solvent through a polymer matrix or mixed fiber composite material. The scrubbing member further includes a polymeric abrasive textured surface element that aids in effectively scrubbing the windshield. Pressurization of the scrubber is achieved with fluid from the vehicle pressure washer system. System fluid pressure inflates the member in a manner whereby, when it contacts the windshield, the wiper blade is displaced until such time as the scrubbing member loses sufficient fluid by seepage to allow the wiper blade to again make contact with the windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey Reddoch
  • Publication number: 20020083545
    Abstract: Pre-windshield wiper auxiliary device which is detachably parallelly mounted on the arched arm of the windshield wiper. The auxiliary device includes an auxiliary unit and connecting members. The auxiliary unit includes a seat body provided with a wiping member and brush hairs. Each connecting member includes an upper bracket one end of which is resiliently connected with the seat body of the auxiliary unit. The wiping member of the seat body is section by section connected with several arched arms which are pivotally connected with the seat body, whereby the wiping member can more resiliently snugly attach to the arched surface of the windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Wen Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 6343402
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly is provided for use on a vehicle which includes a rearview mirror and a wiper assembly. The wiper assembly includes a wiper arm base located behind the mirror assembly extending over the top of the mirror to attach to a resilient wiper arm having a wiper blade. The wiper blade is shaped or sectioned to substantially mate with mirrors having multiple surfaces or surface combined flat/convex mirrors. The wiper arm base is attached to a bi-directional driver system which causes the wiper arm base to laterally transverse across the mirror assembly, which in turn drives the wiper blade across the mirror. The bi-directional driver system preferably includes a uni-directional belt system, about two pulleys, connected to the wiper arm base with a unique linkage to allow the base to traverse back and forth as the belt is driven about the pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventors: Darrel L. Smith, Donnie Knight
  • Patent number: 6279193
    Abstract: A secondary wiper to a windshield wiper is provided. The secondary wiper is detachably connected through connectors to an arched arm of the windshield wiper to locate in front of the latter relative to a sweeping direction of the windshield wiper. The secondary wiper includes a hair holder to which multiple lines of hair and a long wiping element are held. When the windshield wiper and the secondary wiper are brought to sweep across a windshield, the multiple lines of hairs on the secondary wiper first sweep granular and/or powdered dust off the windshield, so that such dust would not be brought by the windshield wiper to scrape across and damage the windshield. When the wipers are brought to reversely sweep across the windshield, the long wiping element on the secondary wiper effectively scrape watermarks off the windshield to enhance an overall function of the windshield wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Wen Hao Chen
    Inventor: Wen Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 6233779
    Abstract: A multiple-bladed windshield wiper is disclosed in which a blade multiple edged is axially rotated in a support bracket to bring a fresh blade edge into use. The multi-edged blade has two edge elements which are received in a pair of U-shaped channels forming part of the bracket. A fresh blade may be brought into use by slidably removing the blade element from the channels in the bracket, rotating the blade, then reinserting the blade edges into the channels in the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Lenardo Nelson, Sr.