Abstract:
A cover for windshield wiper blades having an elongate body with a central collar and first and second elongate portions extending from the central collar. The first and second elongate portions having outer ends, and the central collar defining an interior passageway having a snap-fit tongue. A channel is disposed along each of the first and second elongate portions extending from the central collar towards the outer ends; and an end retainer or other securing mechanism is located at the outer ends. Also, windshield wiper blades incorporating such covers.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/524,145 filed Aug. 16, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/561,098 filed Nov. 17, 2011 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/572,100 filed Aug. 10, 2012 now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/522,091 filed Aug. 10, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/560,977 filed Nov. 17, 2011 and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/453,601 filed Apr. 23, 2012 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/477,908 filed Apr. 21, 2011. The disclosures of each of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of windshield wiper blades having a covered portion. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Basic windshield wipers used on vehicles have a blade portion that contacts the windshield, a frame that supports the wiper strip, and a connection device for attaching the blade to a wiper arm. Presently, three principle styles of windshield wipers are in wide-scale use. The first style is the traditional frame windshield wiper, which implements a multi-piece frame that is directly connected to the wiper arm. The second style is the beam blade windshield wiper, which has a unitary beam that supports the wiper blade and is directly connected to the wiper arm. Wiper blades of this type are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/477,908, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The third style is the hybrid blade windshield wiper, which combines the multi-piece frame and the unitary beam frame. Wiper blades of this type are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2010/0236008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     One problem common among many windshield wipers is a tendency to separate from the windshield during use, thus resulting in an uneven or inconsistent clearing of the windshield. This happens when a windshield wiper encounters a vehicle&#39;s slipstream and downward force on the wiper blade is overcome by wind lift created by the wiper blade. The wind lift problem has been known in the wiper field for decades, and many attempts have been made to resolve it. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,056,991, 3,317,945, 3,879,793, 3,942,212, 6,292,974, 6,944,905, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     To minimize the wind lift problem, covers that create desired aerodynamic characteristics are added to the top of windshield wipers. Beam blade and hybrid blade windshield wipers generally incorporate three or more deflectors or covers. Specifically, a first cover is provided between one end of the windshield wiper and the central connection device. A second cover is provided between the other end of the windshield wiper and the central connection device. And a third cover is provided over the central connection device. 
     Despite the significant performance, aerodynamic and aesthetic improvements created by the use of covers, these windshield wipers still have significant shortcomings. One significant problem is that the use of covers increases the material and assembly costs for each windshield wiper. Another problem is that covers are prone to unwanted separation or detachment from the windshield wiper. Separation often occurs when the vehicle is moving through inclement weather and as a result covers are frequently lost. Once a cover is lost, the performance and aesthetic qualities of the windshield wiper are significantly impaired. 
     Yet another problem with windshield wipers, and in particular windshield wipers with covers, is that covers can result in high profile or interrupted profile regions. Such regions can create aerodynamic turbulence or vortices that result in wind noise. This occurs as wind contacts any high profile or interrupted profile regions of the covered windshield wiper. The wind noise created from wiper blades encountering the slip stream is distracting and makes for a less comfortable overall driving experience. Reduction of such wind noise is therefore a constant concern associated with wiper blade design. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The foregoing problems of prior windshield wipers are resolved or at least substantially reduced and a technical advance is achieved in a windshield wiper that reduces or eliminates windshield wiper cover separation, high profile or interrupted profile regions. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a windshield wiper having an elongate cover with an elastomeric region and a central collar is provided. The central collar is mounted over a mounting base, or other connection device of the windshield wiper. In addition, the elongate cover is provided with attachment mechanisms at its ends to secure the ends to corresponding ends of the windshield wiper. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a windshield wiper having aerodynamically contoured cover with an elastomeric region and an aerodynamically contoured central collar is provided. The central collar is mounted over a mounting base, or other connection device of the windshield wiper. In addition, the aerodynamically contoured cover is provided with contoured attachment mechanisms at its ends to secure the ends to corresponding ends of the windshield wiper. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a windshield wiper having a cover defining a substantially planar upper region and rectilinear seams connecting the upper region to a planar skirt. The cover is further provided with an elastomeric region and a central collar. The central collar is mounted over a mounting base, or other connection device of the windshield wiper. In addition, the cover is provided with chop attachment mechanisms at its ends to secure the ends to corresponding ends of the windshield wiper. 
     Exemplary embodiments of windshield wipers having an elongate cover with a central collar are attached hereto as examples of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a windshield wiper having an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a windshield wiper having an elongate windshield wiper cover illustrated without a wiper strip according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective side view of a first embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a first embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cutaway perspective bottom view of a first embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover having a collar according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cutaway perspective bottom view of a first embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover end according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a first embodiment of a windshield wiper having an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-section side view of a first embodiment of a windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a first embodiment of a windshield wiper having an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-section side view of a first embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a bottom view of a first embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective side view of a second embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of a first embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cutaway side view of a second embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cutaway top view of a second embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of a second embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a bottom view of a second embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a cutaway bottom view of a second embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a second embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a cutaway perspective bottom view of a second embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover end according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a perspective front view of a third embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a side view of a third embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a cutaway side view of a third embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a cutaway top view of a third embodiment of a windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a cutaway perspective view of a third embodiment of a windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a third embodiment of a windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a third embodiment of a hybrid windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective side view of a fourth embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a fourth embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a fourth embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  illustrates a perspective side view of a fourth embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a cutaway perspective bottom view of a fourth embodiment of an elongate windshield wiper cover end according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a side view of a fourth embodiment of a windshield wiper having an elongate windshield wiper cover according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 35  illustrates a cross-section side view of a fourth embodiment of a windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a cutaway perspective side view of a fourth embodiment of a windshield wiper having a collar according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37  illustrates a cutaway perspective bottom view of a fourth embodiment of a windshield wiper cover end according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a side view of a fourth embodiment of a windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 39  illustrates a cross-section side view of a fourth embodiment of a windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 40  illustrates a top view of a fourth embodiment of a windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 41  illustrates a bottom view of a fourth embodiment of a windshield wiper according to one aspect of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention solely for the purpose of enabling one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the invention. As such, the detailed description and illustration of these embodiments are purely exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, or its protection, in any manner. It should also be understood that the drawings are not to scale and in certain instances details have been omitted, which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly. 
     Referring to the drawings in general, a wiper blade  10  includes a unitary cover  22 , a wiper frame assembly  16 , a wiper strip  48 , mounting base, or other connection device  14 , and a raised portion  60 . At a central region of unitary cover  22 , an integrated collar  36  defines a passageway for receiving the mounting base or other connection device  14 . Collar  36  may also has recesses  114  or projections  110  for securing the collar to mounting base, or other connection device  14 . The mounting base or other connection device  14 , in turn, may secure the wiper blade to a connector  126  and/or adapter and driver arm (not shown) that actuates the wiper blade. Alternatively a connection device  14  may be designed to connect directly to a driver arm. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , unitary cover  22  is also provided with end retainers  78 . End retainers  78  are used to secure cover ends  26  to the wiper assembly frame  16 . As shown in  FIGS. 11-12  and  40 - 41 , unitary cover  22  forms a contiguous outer edge or perimeter  56  formed by front edge  32 , left end  40 , rear edge  34 , and right end  36 . 
       FIGS. 1-12  illustrate a low profile embodiment of a wiper blade having a wiper cover with a central collar. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 1 , windshield wiper  10  has an elongate windshield wiper cover  22  that extends along a longitudinal axis  52 . Between each end  26  and collar  36 , the upper surface of cover  22  is cambered along its width, thereby reducing or limiting the formation of air vortices, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  7 . Further, the cambered surface gently extends upwardly from a relatively low profile at the ends  26  to a steep upward slope  112  at collar  36 . 
       FIGS. 3-5  illustrate collar  36 , which is located at an approximate midpoint between ends  26 . In general, collar  36  has a rectangular exterior surface with curvilinear contours that limit the formation of wind vortices. Collar  36  forms an interior passageway  42 , which receives mounting base or other connection device  14  during assembly of the windshield wiper. In addition, the interior perimeter of collar  36  is provided with a permanent locking cantilevered snap-fit mechanism to partially secure cover  22  to the windshield wiper frame assembly  16 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , catches  110  may be designed to engage corresponding slots, recesses, or locators on mounting base or other connection device  14  ( FIG. 1 ). Locators  114  may likewise be provided on the interior perimeter of collar  36  to receive catches from mounting base or other connection device  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 16 . This snap-fit securing mechanism establishes a close fitting, semi-permanent and durable connection between collar  36  and mounting base or other connection device  14 . 
     Cover  22  may also be attached to wiper frame assembly  16  at cover ends  26  using an end securing mechanism  78 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , ends  26  are provided with cantilevered snap fit ends or protrusions  130  to secure the ends of cover  22  to the wiper frame assembly and limit axial movement of the wiper frame assembly. In addition, cover  22  is stretch-fit and friction fit over the ends of the wiper frame assembly  16 . That is, because cover  22  is formed from a polymeric, axially elastomeric material, it can be stretched axially and released over the ends of the wiper frame assembly. Persons of skill in the art will recognize that additional end securing mechanisms, including without limitation dovetails, or extended claws along the entire perimeter of the assembly, or any other suitable method may also be used. 
     Cover  22  is also attached to wiper frame assembly  16  by longitudinal grooves  102  provided on an interior portion of the wiper cover, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Grooves  102  are formed by parallel rails  104 , which are disposed axially along longitudinal axis  52 . During assembly, the longitudinal edges of the elongate beam  11  of the wiper frame assembly are mated in a friction fit relationship with longitudinal grooves  102 , thus preventing or limiting separation of cover  22  from the wiper frame assembly. The parallel rails  104  may have rail ends  122  which stop before reaching the ends of the cover  26 , thereby leaving a gap between the rail ends  122  and the end retainers  78 . 
     Accordingly, as discussed above, cover  22  is secured to the windshield wiper frame assembly  16  at or along three principle sections of the windshield wiper blade to avoid inadvertent detachment of the cover from the wiper frame assembly during use. These attachment sections are between the collar and the mounting base or other connecting device; between the ends of the cover and the ends of the beam or wiper blade frame assembly; and along the axial axis of the cover and the wiper frame assembly. 
       FIGS. 13-21  illustrate a second embodiment of a wiper blade having a wiper cover  22  with a central collar  36  and a wind deflector  60 . A steep upward slope  112  joins collar  36  to wind deflector  60 . Slope  112  reduces the formation of noisy wind vortices during operation. Wind deflector  60  is disposed along a central portion of the longitudinal axis of cover  22 . In addition, wind deflector  60  includes a sloped region  128  is provided to reduce the size of wind deflector  60  at approximately end  26 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , wind deflector  60  forms substantially similar sides  128 . As best shown in  FIG. 13 , sides  128  are provided with chamfers  132  that are joined at seams  94  to a skirt  90 . The securing mechanism of cover  22  is substantially identical to that of the embodiment described in detail above. 
       FIGS. 22-28  illustrate a third embodiment of a wiper blade having a wiper cover with a central collar. As best illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the wind deflector  60  is offset from a central, longitudinal axis of cover  22 . The offset wind deflector defines a windward surface  68  that provides a downward force on the wiper blade when in use. The downward force limits separation of the wiper strip from the window during operation. As in previously discussed embodiments, a steep upward slope  112  in collar  36  limits the formation of noisy wind vortices. The securing mechanism of cover  22  is substantially identical to that of the embodiment described in detail above, though again other securing mechanism known in the art may also be used. 
       FIGS. 29-41  illustrate a fourth embodiment of a wiper blade having a wiper cover  22  with a central collar  36 . Wiper cover  22  has a substantially planar skirt  90  that is joined to a planar upper surface  140 . Skirt  90  forms the exterior perimeter of cover  22 . In addition, chamfers  132  are provided to reduce or limit the formation of noisy air vortices. Steep upward slope  112  is also provided to reduce or limit the formation of noisy air vortices. The securing mechanism of cover  22  is substantially identical to that of the embodiment described in detail above. 
     It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.