Patent ID: 9003595
Filing Date: 2015-04-14
Classification: B60S

Abstract:
1. A frameless heated wiper blade assembly for vehicle windshields, comprising: at least one elongated curved beam comprising a flexible material suitable for conforming to a curved windshield, the curved beam defining oppositely facing upper and lower sides, a central portion, first and second opposite ends, first and second opposite end portions that are directly adjacent the first and second opposite ends, respectively, a first intermediate portion extending between the first opposite end portion and the central portion and a second intermediate portion extending between the central portion and the second end portion; an elongated flexible squeegee attached to the elongated curved beam; a bracket connected to the central portion of the elongated curved beam, wherein the bracket is configured to releasably connect the heated wiper blade assembly to an arm of a vehicle windshield wiper system; an electrical resistance heater comprising an elongated electrical conductor that produces heat when electrical current is passed through the electrical conductor, wherein the electrical resistance heater is disposed along the elongated curved beam directly adjacent the upper side thereof, the electrical resistance heater defining a heat output per unit length of the electrical resistance heater, wherein the heat output per unit length of the electrical resistance heater is substantially greater directly adjacent at least one of the central portion, the first opposite end, and the second opposite end than is the heat output per unit length directly adjacent the first and second intermediate portions; a cover extending over portions of the electrical resistance heater that are directly adjacent the first and second opposite ends and the first and second intermediate portions of the beam to thereby prevent direct exposure of the electrical resistance heater to air moving adjacent a vehicle in use.