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.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/899,017, filed Jul. 27, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/463,412, filed on Jun. 18, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,349), the entire contents of each of said applications being hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present insertion relates to motor vehicle windshield wipers. In particular, the present invention relates to windshield wipers that incorporate brushes.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Windshield wipers are an important safety feature in automobiles, trucks, buses, trains, and any other vehicle that includes an windshield and is subject to rain, snow, ice, insects, tree sap, dirt, mud, and the like. Windshield wipers typically include a longitudinal frame and one or more flexible squeegees running along the length of the frame. The frame is usually held by a motorized arm that sweeps the wiper across the windshield with the squeegee in contact with the windshield surface in order to sweep away rain, snow, and other debris so that the driver has a clear view in front of their vehicle.  
         [0004]     Many vehicles also include a mechanism for providing cleaning fluid to the windshield. When the windshield becomes dirty, the driver causes cleaning fluid to be projected onto the windshield, and the wipers mechanically assist in the cleaning action. Cleaning fluid may be provided from a nozzle on or near the hood of the vehicle, or otherwise in proximity to the outside windshield surface. Or, some vehicles and after-market kits make it possible to provide cleaning fluid directly through the windshield wiper frame. In this way, the cleaning fluid is deposited directly to the windshield, and is less likely to be blown away from the vehicle by wind when the vehicle is moving, and is also advantageously distributed more widely across the windshield surface as the wipers sweep.  
         [0005]     However, even with today&#39;s windshield wipers, ice, dirt, insects and other debris can collect on the windshield despite the sweeping action of the windshield wiper, obscuring the driver&#39;s view. As a result, drivers occasionally are required to stop their vehicle, and clean stubborn debris from the windshield, in order to improve visibility through the windshield.  
         [0006]     Additionally, although some modern windshield wipers take advantage of aerodynamics in order to maintain contact between the windshield surface and the wiper blades, they do not take advantage of the wind available at moderate to high vehicle speeds to assist in the distribution of cleaning fluids and the removal of liquids from the windshield surface.  
         [0007]     The invention described herein provides an improved windshield wiper that more effectively removes solid and liquid debris from the windshield, allowing for improved visibility, and thereby increased safety.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Embodiments of the present invention include a windshield wiper comprising a longitudinal one-piece molded frame. The mold comprises at least two longitudinally extending flexible squeegees and a longitudinally extending brush channel between the two squeegees on a front side of the molded frame. The brush channel is adapted to engage a longitudinally extending brush having a perforated spine. The molded frame also comprises openings along the back of the frame adjacent to the perforations in the brush spine. An adapter collar is preferably provided to engage a groove incorporated into a back side of the molded frame, the adapter coller being adapted to engage a wiper arm of a vehicle. Vacuum pressure is generated by the openings in the molded frame. The vacuum pressure advantageously directs liquid from the windshield, through the brush bristles and out the opening in the back of the frame. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     The invention will be more readily understood with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, in which:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a cross section of a frame of a windshield wiper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a frame of a windshield wiper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a cross section of a frame of a windshield shown with two squeegees and brush inserted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a frame of a windshield shown with two squeegees and brush inserted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a windshield wiper in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a cross section of a frame of a windshield wiper showing the flow of air in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is an end view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is an end view of the frame with the brush injected according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the frame according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is a cutaway end view of an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  is a cutaway top view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0021]     In the drawing figures, it will be understood that like numerals refer to like features and structures.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]     The preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawing figures.  FIG. 1  shows a cross section of a frame  100  according to an embodiment of the invention. The frame is formed with two channels  102  in the bottom adapted to engage longitudinally disposed squeegees  104  (not shown). The frame as shown also has a third channel  106  between the first two channels adapted to engage a longitudinal brush  108 .  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the frame without the squeegees or brush. Frame  100  is preferably made of plastic, rubber, nylon, ABS, or any other suitable material. Frame  100  also preferably has a uniform cross section, advantageously enabling the frame to be manufactured using an extrusion process. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that any material capable of being formed into a frame is considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and plastic, nylon and the like are merely exemplary materials. Aluminum, steel and other metals could also be used.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a cross section of the frame  100  with squeegees  104  and brush  108  in place.  FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the frame  100  with squeegees  104  and brush  108  inserted. As shown, squeegees  104  and frame  100  define a space  110  when engages with the surface of a windshield  112 . Squeegees  104  are preferably flexible, and preferably made of rubber or silicon or the like. Brush  108  preferably has stiff, flexible bristles, and a perforated spine. Also, the spine of brush  108  is preferably flexible so that it can adapt to the shape of most windshields. The bristles of brush  108  are preferably selected so that they are several thousandths of an inch shorter than the squeegee blades. Thus, due the squeegees being flexible, brush  108  cones into contact with windshield  112  when the wiper is pressed against the windshield  112 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of a wiper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Frame  100  has openings  114  along the back side of the frame. Perforations  116  in the spine of brush  108  are revealed. Openings  114  are preferably located such that they are adjacent to the brush perforations  114  when the brush  108  is installed.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  also shows an optional end cap  118  that can be included with embodiments of the present invention. With an end cap, and preferably a constant cross section frame, wiper blades according to embodiments of the invention can be manufactured in one length, and cut to fit any vehicle. The end caps  118  are then used to retain squeegees  104  and brush  108 .  
         [0026]      FIGS. 5 and 6  also illustrate arm engaging members  120  disposed along the back of frame  100 . The arm engaging members perform two functions. First, they enable the wiper to be engaged by another assembly to allow installation with a variety of vehicles. Second, they help to create a vacuum when wind travels across the back of frame  100  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Due to the openings  114  in the back of frame  100 , a vacuum is created that draws liquid from the windshield  112 , up into the brush bristles, and out through the openings  114  as shown by the directional arrows in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0027]     The brush bristles are preferably thick and dense to allow easy removal of stubborn insect deposits, bird droppings, dirt, grime and the like. This prevents the driver&#39;s visibility from being obstructed and eliminates pulling over to the roadside to manually clean the windshield of debris. The specially designed wipers are also capable of removing stubborn tree sap, road salt film, leaves, and other debris that may collect on the outside of the glass.  
         [0028]     The windshield wipers of the present invention can have the same lengths as conventional wiper blades and can be attached into standard metal wiper arms. Unlike conventional rubber bladed wipers, however, each of the present wipers includes a brush  108  between two flexible wiper blades  104 . The brush  108  contains very stiff, thick and dense bristles that are preferably made of a nylon fibrous material. The brush  108  is preferably made pliable lengthwise so that it can self-adjust to the contour of the windshield. The brush  108  is used to work loose grime and stubborn deposits as the blades  104  sweep debris away. The wiper unit is also designed to allow water or windshield cleaning solution to flow through the perforated spine of the brush and, if at traveling speed, to create a “vacuum” effect, as the back of the frame has openings  114 , revealing the perforated spine on the brush  108 . It should be readily understood that the windshield wipers of the present invention can be installed on aftermarket vehicles as well as incorporated into new vehicle production.  
         [0029]     The advantages of the windshield wipers of the present invention are their ease of use, their effectiveness at cleaning, and the safety provided to motorists. Instead of being limited to standard rubber wiper blades with minimal scrubbing capabilities, the present wipers work loose stubborn insect and dirt deposits that would otherwise be bypassed. The stiff, dense nylon bristles scrub loose deposits without scratching the glass surface. This helps the driver maintain clear visibility and may even prevent accidents from occurring. Motorists can avoid continually pulling over to the roadside to manually wipe their windshields free of tough debris. This is especially helpful to commercial truck and bus drivers who operate on strict schedules and have little time for unexpected stops along the highway. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are also effective for boat, marine and aircraft applications.  
         [0030]     One of the novel features of embodiments of the present invention is the assembly&#39;s ability to advantageously utilize a vacuum effect, attracting water down into the brush. In addition, a polymer plastic channel brush is preferably used in the present design, enhancing flexibility and enabling the wiper assemblies to be manufactured in one length and cut to the end user&#39;s vehicle specifications by the end user. A cutting tool is preferably provided to the end user for after market applications. The present design preferably uses all plastic and nylon elements. After the appropriate length is cut and the unit is installed on the wiper arm, a molded frame end cap can be snapped onto the cut end of the installed wiper brush.  
         [0031]     The use of new plastic and polymer materials, as well as other current technology, can improve the present invention even further. New plastic technology can enable the brush to attract water, as well as to resist snow and ice buildup. Heat can be provided through the frame to insure against snow and ice buildup. Aftermarket kits can route fluid from the vehicle washer reservoir directly into the wiper assembly center cavity and down into the brush.  
         [0032]     The wiper assemblies of the present invention can be adapted to cars, SUVs, vans, pickup trucks, commercial trucks and buses, boats, aircraft, government and military vehicles, and, ultimately, any vehicle or other structure from which water and debris must be removed.  
         [0033]     Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described in connection with  FIGS. 7-11 .  FIG. 7  is an end view of the one piece molded rubber frame. The frame is preferably made of a flexible material such as rubber, silicon, or an appropriate polymer. Materials such as rubber are well known in the art, and can be manufactured inexpensively. Materials such as silicon, or advanced polymers can be selected to advantageously extend the life of the wiper blades, or to improve other qualities, such as the rigidity of the wiper blades. Such longer lasting materials also enhance safety for drivers by virtue of minimizing the wiper blade degredation process prior to wiper blade replacement. Thus, the blades work better for a longer period of time.  
         [0034]     The frame is preferably manufactured using an extrusion process. The one-piece molded frame includes at least two squeegees  104  on the front side, as well as a brush channel  126  adapted to accept a flexible brush. The frame also includes a groove  122  at the top of the frame along the back side, which is adapted to accept a hard plastic adapter collar  124 . The wiper arm blade slides or snaps onto the collar  124  to securely hold the wiper blades and to provide rigid support to the one-piece molded frame, particularly when the frame is constructed of a flexible material.  
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is an end view of the frame with the brush injected. The brush and one-piece mold can be manufactured using a coextrusion process. Alternately, the one-piece molded frame can be manufactured separately from the brush, by an extrusion process for example, and the brush can later be inserted into the brush channel.  FIG. 9  is a top view of the frame. The top of the molded frame is preferably perforated down to the brush channel.  FIG. 10  is a cutaway end view, showing the adapter collar  124  in place.  FIG. 11  is a cutaway top view showing notches and molded one piece snap tabs.  
         [0036]     While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations can be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.