Patent Publication Number: US-2009217477-A1

Title: Auxiliary wiper blade apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to wiper blades and, more particularly, to a replacement wiper blade assembly configured to be applied over, and secured to, a worn out or damaged wiper blade attached to a wiper blade assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A wiper blade is a device used to wipe rain and debris from a windscreen. Almost all motor vehicles, trains, aircraft, and watercraft incorporate wiper blades. Wiper blades are attached to a wiper blade assembly fastened to a wiper arm that is, in turn, operatively coupled to a wiper motor, which, when activated, oscillates the wiper blade assembly moving the wiper blade across the windscreen to wipe away rain and debris. Because wiper blades can become damaged, and are constantly exposed to sun, moisture, and extreme changes in temperature, wiper blades wear out and must be replaced periodically. Unfortunately, wiper blades tend to wear out or become damaged at times when a replacement wiper blade is not available. Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus that may be installed over a worn-out or damaged wiper blade until the worn-out or damaged wiper blade may be replaced or repaired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the principle of the invention, an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus includes substantially rigid segments detachably interconnected to form an elongate member having opposed first and second ends, and, extending between the opposed first and second ends, a length, opposed upper and lower sides, and opposed first and second sides. A wiper is formed in the lower side of the elongate member extending from the first end of the elongate member to the second end of the elongate member. The upper side of the elongate member is constructed and arranged or otherwise adapted to receive and detachably secure a wiper blade attached to a wiper blade assembly. An engagement assembly is formed in and detachably interconnects each interconnected pair of the segments. The engagement assembly includes an engagement element and a complemental engagement element formed in and detachably interconnecting each detachably interconnected pair of the segments. The engagement element includes at least one male engagement element, such as a lug or a plurality of lugs, received by at least one female engagement element, such as a socket or a plurality of sockets, constituting the complemental engagement element. In one embodiment, each of the segments is formed with a foil segment, and the foil segments cooperate to form a foil in the first side of the elongate member. In another embodiment, a joint is formed between a detachably interconnected pair of the segments, a spade is formed in one of the corresponding pairs of segments extending into a recess formed in the elongate flexible member, and the spade and the recess together relate to the joint. In yet a further embodiment, a joint is formed between each detachably interconnected pair of the segments, cuts are formed partially severing the elongate flexible member at spaced intervals along the length of the elongate flexible member between the opposed first and second ends of the elongate flexible member, and the cuts each relate to one of the joints. In yet still another embodiment, the wiper is formed with a bumper located at, and extending outwardly with respect to, each of the opposed first and second sides of the elongate member along the lower side of the elongate member and extending along the length of the elongate member from the first end to the second end, and the cuts are formed in one of the bumpers. In yet still a further embodiment of the invention, the wiper is formed with a bumper located at, and extending outwardly with respect to, the first side of the elongate member along the lower side of the elongate member and extending along the length of the elongate member from the first end to the second end, and the first side of the elongate member and the bumper at the first side of the elongate member cooperate to form a foil extending from the first end of the elongate member to the second end of the elongate member. 
     According to the principle of the invention, an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus includes substantially rigid segments detachably interconnected to form an elongate member having opposed first and second ends, and, extending between the opposed first and second ends, a length, opposed upper and lower sides, and opposed first and second sides. A wiper is formed in the lower side of the elongate member extending from the first end of the elongate member to the second end of the elongate member. A valley is formed in each of the segments that cooperate to form a channel in the upper side of the elongate member extending along the length of the elongate member from the first end of the elongate member to the second end of the elongate member, and the channel is to receive a wiper blade attached to a wiper blade assembly. Clips are formed in the segments to clip onto a wiper blade received in the channel to detachably secure the elongate member to the wiper blade received in the channel. An engagement assembly is formed in and detachably interconnects each interconnected pair of the segments. The engagement assembly includes lugs formed in a first one of the segments of each interconnected pair of segments detachably received in corresponding sockets formed in a second one of the segments of each interconnected pair of segments. In one embodiment, each of the segments is formed with a foil segment, and the foil segments cooperate to form the foil in the first side of the elongate member. In another embodiment, a joint is formed between each detachably interconnected pair of the segments, cuts partially sever the elongate flexible member at spaced intervals along the length of the elongate flexible member between the opposed first and second ends of the elongate flexible member, and the cuts each relate to one of the joints. Further to this embodiment, the wiper is formed with a bumper located at, and extending outwardly with respect to, each of the opposed first and second sides of the elongate member along the lower side of the elongate member and extending along the length of the elongate member from the first end to the second end, and the cuts are formed in one of the bumpers. In yet a further embodiment, the wiper is formed with a bumper located at, and extending outwardly with respect to, the first side of the elongate member along the lower side of the elongate member and extending along the length of the elongate member from the first end to the second end, and the first side of the elongate member and the bumper at the first side of the elongate member cooperate to form a foil extending from the first end of the elongate member to the second end of the elongate member. 
     According to the principle of the invention, an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus includes an elongate, flexible member having opposed first and second ends, and extending between the opposed first and second ends a length, opposed upper and lower sides, opposed first and second sides, and a wiper blade formed in the lower side between the opposed first and second sides. Substantially rigid segments are formed in the upper side of the elongate flexible member extending along the length of the elongate flexible member from the first end of the elongate flexible member to the second end of the elongate flexible member. The segments are constructed and arranged or otherwise adapted to receive and detachably secure a wiper blade attached to a wiper blade assembly. A joint is formed between each pair of the segments, cuts partially sever the elongate flexible member at spaced intervals along the length of the elongate flexible member between the opposed first and second ends of the elongate flexible member, and the cuts each relate to one of the joints. The cuts are formed in one of the first and second sides of the wiper. A gutter is formed on either side of the wiper blade between the wiper blade and the lower side of the wiper extend along the length of the wiper from the first end of the wiper to the second end of the wiper. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       Referring to the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus shown installed with respect to a wiper blade carried by a wiper blade assembly, the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus including segments interconnected to form an elongate member and a wiper formed in the elongate member; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side elevation view of the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus as it would appear in an operative position in contact with a part of a vehicle windscreen, shown in section; 
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus of  FIG. 1  shown as it would appear being pulled apart in a process of severing the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus to adjust the length of the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus; 
         FIG. 3B  is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus of  FIG. 1  similar to  FIG. 3A  shown as it would appear being further pulled apart in a process of severing the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus to adjust the length of the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmented perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 3  illustrating the auxiliary wiper blade as it would appear having been severed to detach a portion of the auxiliary wiper blade to adjust the length of the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a generalized perspective view of a vehicle shown as it would appear with an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus installed onto each of opposed wiper assemblies; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of a segment of the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the segment of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the segment of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a right side elevation view of the segment of  FIG. 6 , the opposed right side elevation view being the mirror image thereof; 
         FIG. 10  is rear elevation view of the segment of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevation view of the segment of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an end elevation view of auxiliary wiper blade apparatus installed with respect to the wiper blade carried by the wiper blade assembly of  FIG. 1  and shown in an operative position in contact with a part of a vehicle windscreen, shown in section; 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus shown installed with respect to a wiper blade carried by a wiper blade assembly, the auxiliary wiper blade apparatus including segments interconnected to form an elongate member and a wiper formed in the elongate member, and the segments each formed with a foil segment that cooperate to form a foil in the elongate member; 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view of yet another alternate embodiment of an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus; 
         FIG. 17  is a fragmented perspective view of an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged vertical section view of a portion of an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to  FIG. 1  in which there is seen a perspective view of an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus  20  shown installed with respect to a wiper blade  21  carried by a wiper blade assembly  22 . Apparatus  20  is constructed and arranged to be applied over a worn-out or damaged wiper blade, and attached to the worn-out or damaged wiper blade attached to a wiper blade assembly and used on a temporary basis until the worn-out or damaged wiper blade can be replaced or repaired. In  FIG. 5 , wiper blade assembly  22  is shown connected conventionally to a wiper arm  23  of a vehicle  24 , which is, in turn, operatively connected to the wiper motor (not shown) near the base of a windscreen or windscreen  25  of vehicle  24  and which, when activated, draws apparatus  20  back and forth across windscreen  25  to wipe away debris and water as is the case with a conventional wiper blade. As a matter of illustration, there are two wiper blade assemblies  22  each having apparatus  20  installed therewith and each coupled to a corresponding wiper arm  23 . In the present example, windscreen  25  is the front windshield of vehicle  24 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 1 and 2 , apparatus  20  includes a plurality of segments  30  attached to, or otherwise formed with, a wiper  31 . Segments  30  are interconnected to form an elongate member  32  having opposed ends  33  and  34 . Extending between end  33  of elongate member and end  34  of elongate member  32 , elongate member  32  has a length, opposed upper and lower sides  35  and  36 , and opposed first and second sides  37  and  38 . In a further and more specific aspect, segments  30  are detachably interconnected. As such, each interconnected pair of segments  30  are separable from each other. 
     Preferably, an engagement assembly is formed in and detachably interconnects each interconnected pair of segments  30 . Wiper  31  is applied to lower side  36  of elongate member  32  across the plurality of segments  30  securing together segments  30  forming elongate member  32 , and extends from end  33  of elongate member  32  to end  34  of elongate member  32  and between opposed first and second sides  37  and  38  of elongate member  32 . Upper side  35  of elongate member  32  formed by interconnected segments  30  is constructed and arranged to receive and detachably secure wiper blade  21  attached to wiper blade assembly  22 . 
     Segments  30  are identical to each other. The details with respect to one segment  30  will now be discussed in detail in conjunction with  FIGS. 6-11 , with the understanding that the ensuing discussion applies to each segment  30 . Referencing  FIGS. 6-11  in relevant part, segment  30  consists of an elongate substantially rigid and resilient body  40  formed preferably of resilient and substantially rigid material, such as plastic, nylon, or the like. Body  40  has opposed proximal and distal ends  41  and  42 , opposed upper and lower ends  43  and  44 , and opposed sides  45  and  46 . A central depression or valley  47  is formed in body  40 . Valley  47  extends downwardly into body  40  toward lower end  43  of body  40  from opposed, parallel edges  50  and  51  formed in upper end  43  of body  40 , and extends longitudinally through body  40  from proximal end  41  to distal end  42  between opposed sides  45  and  46  of body  40 . In the present embodiment, valley  47  is substantially V-shaped to conform to the shape of a wiper blade, and it is to be understood that valley  47  may be of any suitable shape and size to accommodate a corresponding shape and size of a wiper blade. A clip  52  is formed in side  45  of body  40  at upper end  43  of body  40 , and a clip  53  is formed in side  46  of body  40  at upper end  43  of body  40 . Clips  52  and  53  oppose one another, extend upwardly from opposed edges  50  and  51 , respectively, formed in upper end  43  of body  40 , and are directed or otherwise project inwardly with respect to and overlying valley  47 . Clips  52  and  53  cooperate to clip segment  30  onto a wiper blade set into valley  47 . As such, segment  30  can be considered a clip segment. 
     As previously mentioned, an engagement assembly is formed in, between, and detachably interconnects, each opposed interconnected pair of segments  30 . Corresponding engagement pairs are formed in each segment  30  as illustrated in segment  30  depicted in  FIG. 6 , and includes opposed sockets  60 , and opposed lugs  61 . In the present embodiment, sockets  60  formed in proximal end  41  on either side of valley  47 , and opposed lugs  61  are formed in distal end  42  on either side of valley  47 . Sockets  60  extend into proximal end  41  of body  40  and are substantially equal in size and shape, and lugs  61  extend outwardly and away from distal end  42  of body  40  and are substantially equal in size and shape. Moreover, sockets  60  and lugs  61  are of comparable or cooperating size, such that sockets  60  in proximal end  41  of one segment  30  are sized to accept or otherwise mate with lugs  61  in distal end  42  of another segment  30 . Sockets  60  formed in proximal end  41  of body  40  are each exemplary of a female engagement element, and together cooperate as a female engagement element. Lugs  61  formed in distal end  42  of body  40  are each exemplary of a male engagement element, and together cooperate as a male engagement element. Although two sockets  60  are formed in proximal end  41  of body  40  together forming the female engagement element of the engagement pair formed in body  40 , less or more sockets may be used. Moreover, although two lugs  61  are formed in distal end  42  of body  40  together forming the male engagement element of the engagement pair formed in body  40 , less or more lugs may be used, and the respective positioning of sockets  60  and lugs  61  may mixed-and-matched. Other comparable complementing engagement elements can be used for the engagement assembly to provide the detachable engagement, including other forms of male and female engagement pairs or elements, such as mutual snap fasteners, detent engagement assemblies, and the like. 
     And so segments  30  forming elongate member  32  are located proximal end  41  to distal end  42 , which is an end-to-end attachment configuration, and lugs  61  of each segment  61  are fitted into and detachably received by the corresponding sockets  60  of the next or adjacent segment  30  to form elongate member  32  of interconnected segments  30  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Lugs  61  and sockets  60  between each interconnected pair of segments  30  form an engagement assembly between each interconnected pair of segments  30 . Elongate member  32  is thus formed by interconnected segments  30 , and a joint  65  denoted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is formed between the proximal and distal ends  41  and  42  of each detachably interconnected pair of segments  30 . 
       FIG. 13  is a sectional view taken alone line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 2A  illustrating lugs  61  of one segment  30  received by sockets  60  of an adjacent segment  30 . With segments  30  detachably interconnected forming elongate member  32 , the proximal end  41  of the innermost one of segments denoted at  30 A forms end  33  of elongate member  32 , the distal end  42  of the outermost one of segments denoted at  30 B forms end  34  of elongate member  32 , upper ends  43  of segments  30  cooperate to form upper side  35  of elongate member  32 , lower ends  44  of segments  30  cooperate to form lower side  36  of elongate member  32 , sides  45  of segments  30  cooperate to form second side  38  of elongate member  32 , sides  46  of segments  30  cooperate to form first side  37  of elongate member  32 , and depressions or valleys  47  of segments  30  cooperate to form a channel  68  in upper side  35  of elongate member  32  located between first and second sides  37  and  38  of elongate member  32  and which extends along the entire length of elongate member  32  from the innermost one of segments  30 A to the outermost one of segment  30 B. The cross-sectional shape of channel  68  is the same along the entire length of channel  68 . 
     As previously mentioned, wiper  31  is formed in lower side  36  of elongate member  32  across the plurality of segments  30 , and extends from end  33  of elongate member  32  to end  34  of elongate member  32  and between opposed first and second sides  37  and  38  of elongate member  32 . Referencing  FIGS. 1 and 2 , wiper  31  consists of an elongate, flexible strip or member  70  having opposed ends  71  and  72 . End  71  of elongate flexible member  70  is located at the proximal end  41  of the innermost one of segments  30 A, and end  72  of elongate flexible member  70  is located at the distal end  42  of the outermost one of segments  30 B. Extending between end  71  of elongate flexible member  70  and end  72  of elongate flexible member  70 , elongate flexible member  70  has a length that is equal to the length of elongate member  32 , and with additional reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13  opposed upper and lower sides  73  and  74 , opposed first and second sides  75  and  76 , and a wiper blade  77  formed in lower side  74  between opposed first and second sides  75  and  76 . Lower ends  44  of segments  30  cooperating to form lower side  36  of elongate member  32  are applied and affixed to upper side  73  of elongate flexible member  70 . 
     Upper side  73  of elongate flexible member  70  is formed on lower side  36  of elongate member  32 , and is affixed to the lower ends  44  of the plurality of segments  30  of, and forming, the lower side  36  of elongate member  32  with an adhesive, such as an aggressive, water-resistant adhesive, or by over molding wiper  31  onto the lower ends  44  of the plurality of segments  30  of, and forming, the lower side  36  of elongate member  32 . Upper side  73  of elongate flexible member  70  may be affixed to lower side  36  of elongate member  32  with fasteners in other embodiments, such as rivets or the like. Looking to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , upper side  73  of elongate flexible member  70  extends across lower side  36  of elongate member  32  from first side  75  of elongate flexible member  70  at and extending along first side  37  of elongate member  32 , to second side  76  of elongate flexible member  32  at and extending along second side  38  of elongate member  32 . First side  75  of elongate flexible member  70  extends somewhat outboard with respect to, or otherwise outwardly with respect to, first side  37  of elongate member  32  and somewhat upwardly there-along side  37  of elongate member  32  formed by sides  46  of the plurality of segments  30 . Second side  76  of elongate flexible member  32  likewise extends somewhat outboard with respect to, or otherwise outwardly with respect to, second side  38  of elongate member  32  and somewhat upwardly there-along side  38  of elongate member  32  formed by sides  45  of the plurality of segments  30 . As such, the first and second sides  75  and  76  of elongate flexible member constitute bumpers on the respective sides  37  and  38  of lower side  36  of elongate member  32  extending along the entire length of elongate member  32  from end  33  to end  34  thereby protecting elongate member  32  from damage from impacting forces, such as by oncoming debris and the like, at the first and second sides  37  and  38  of elongate member  32  extending along lower side  36 . 
     Wiper blade  77  formed in lower side  74  of elongate flexible member  70  between opposed first and second sides  75  and  76  of elongate flexible member  70  extends outwardly and away from lower side  74  of elongate flexible member  70  and lower side  36  of elongate member  32  as illustrated. Wiper blade  77  can take on any configuration, and may be configured with any number of windscreen engagement points. Although on wiper blade  77  is formed with elongate flexible member  70 , more can be used if desired. 
     Apparatus  20  is installed onto wiper blade  21  attached to wiper blade assembly  22  to essentially substitute or otherwise relieve wiper blade  21  with wiper blade  77  as the operative wiper blade. This is beneficial when wiper blade  21  is damaged or worn rendering it ineffective, such that installation of apparatus  20  provides wiper blade assembly with the new wiper blade  77  of apparatus  20  to be used temporarily until wiper blade  21  can be replaced or repaired. The structure of upper side  35  of elongate member  32  of apparatus  20  formed by interconnected segments  30 , namely, channel  68  and clips  52  and  53  formed in the plurality of segments  30 , is adapted to receive and detachably secure wiper blade  21  attached to wiper blade assembly  22  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  12 , and  13 . Referencing  FIGS. 12 and 13 , wiper blade  21  has an upper end  21 A conventionally coupled to wiper blade assembly  22 , and an opposed lower blade end  21 B that is normally applied against the windscreen of a vehicle. To install apparatus  20  to temporarily replace or relieve wiper blade  21  with wiper blade  77  of apparatus  20  in the case of wiper blade  21  being damaged or worn, wiper blade  21  is placed into channel  68  lower blade end  21 B first, and is applied downwardly into channel  68  in the direction indicated by the arrowed line A in  FIGS. 12 and 13  until clips  52  and  53  of the plurality of segments  30  snap engage over upper end  21 A of wiper blade  21  on either side of wiper blade  21  thereby embracing and securing apparatus  20  onto wiper blade  21 . Channel  68 , formed by the cooperation of the valleys  47  of the plurality of interconnected segments  30 , and wiper blade are longitudinally substantially comparably sized allowing wiper blade  21  to fit longitudinally in channel  68  while allowing clips  52  and  53  of the plurality of segments  30  to clip onto upper end  21 A of wiper blade  21  to clippingly secure or otherwise embrace wiper blade  21 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the length of apparatus  20  is provided to be generally equal to the length of wiper blade  21 , and apparatus  20  is located on wiper blade  21  such that the length of apparatus  20  extends concurrently along the length of wiper blade  21 . To detach apparatus  20  from wiper blade  21 , the foregoing operation for installing apparatus  20  with respect to wiper blade  21  need only be reversed. 
     The final installation of apparatus  20  is illustrated in  FIG. 2A , which is a side elevation view of apparatus  20  as it would appear in an operative position in contact with a part of windscreen  25 , shown in section. Windscreen  25  may be substantially flat, but is curved in this illustration, and this is typical with conventional vehicle windshields. In the operative position of apparatus  20  in contact with windscreen  25 , wiper blade  77  is in contact with windscreen  25  and wiper blade  21  and apparatus  20  are together being flexed being inwardly so as to be inwardly curved allowing wiper blade  77  to contact windscreen  25  along the entire length of wiper blade  77 . The flexibility of elongate flexible member  70 , and the detachably engagement between the plurality of segments  30  allows segments  65  to separate at the joints  65  to permit elongate flexible member  70  to flex and curve inwardly toward windscreen  25  to allow wiper blade  77  to contact windscreen  25  along the entire length of wiper blade  77 . Although segments  30  are free to separate at joints  65  when apparatus  20  is so inwardly flexed toward windscreen  25 , the mutual engagement between the lugs  61  and the corresponding sockets  60  remains substantially in place with only a partial separation occurring between the lugs  61  and sockets  60  between the plurality of segments  30  thus maintaining the continuity and engagement between the plurality of detachably interconnected segments  30  to ensure elongate member  32  provides a firm and reliable connection and supporting platform between wiper blade  21  and wiper blade  77 . 
     In the present example, apparatus  20  is installed onto wiper blade  21  such that first sides  37  and  75  of elongate member  32  and elongate flexible member  70 , respectively, are directed downwardly and forwardly toward the hood of the vehicle facing a forward direction of travel of the vehicle, and second sides  38  and  76  of elongate member  32  and elongate flexible member  70  face the opposing direction. Installation of apparatus  20  onto wiper blade  21  may be reversed such that such that second sides  38  and  76  of elongate member  32  and elongate flexible member  70 , respectively, are directed downwardly and forwardly toward the hood of the vehicle facing a forward direction of travel of the vehicle, and first sides  37  and  75  of elongate member  32  and elongate flexible member  70  face the opposing direction. In this latter installation, apparatus  20  will work equally as well as in the former installation. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 12 and 13 , first side  75  of elongate flexible member  70  extending somewhat upwardly there-along side  37  of elongate member  32  formed by sides  46  of the plurality of segments  30  cooperates with side  37  of elongate member  32  formed by sides  46  of the plurality of segments  30  to form an inwardly curved or concave face in apparatus  20  constituting a foil along one side or apparatus  20  that when facing the direction of travel of a vehicle functions to deflect oncoming water and debris, and that interacts with the oncoming wind to force apparatus  20  against the windscreen to ensure that wiper blade  77  remains in good operative contact with the windscreen. Likewise, the second side  76  of elongate flexible member  32  extending somewhat upwardly there-along side  38  of elongate member  32  formed by sides  45  of the plurality of segments  30  cooperates with side  38  of elongate member  32  formed by sides  45  of the plurality of segments  30  to form an inwardly curved or concave face in apparatus  20  constituting a foil at the opposing side of apparatus  20  that when facing the direction of travel of a vehicle functions to deflect oncoming water and debris, and that interacts with the oncoming wind to force apparatus  20  against the windscreen to ensure that wiper blade  77  remains in good operative contact with the windscreen. 
       FIG. 12  is an end elevation view of apparatus  20  installed with respect to wiper blade  21  carried by wiper blade assembly  22  and shown in an operative position in contact with a part of windscreen  25 , shown in section, and  FIG. 13  is a sectional view taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 2A . In the operative installation of apparatus  20  as depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , lower side  74  of elongate flexible member  70  is substantially parallel with respect to windscreen  25 , and opposed gutters  80  and  81  are formed in apparatus  20  on either side of wiper blade  77  between wiper blade  77  and lower side  74  of elongate flexible member  70 . Gutter  80  extends along lower side  74  from wiper blade  77  to side  75  of elongate flexible member  70 , and the opposing gutter  81  extends along lower side  74  from wiper blade  77  to side  76  of elongate flexible member  70 . Gutters  80  and  81  extend along the entire length of apparatus from end  33  of apparatus  20  to end  34  of apparatus  20  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , receive and channel water outwardly from either end  33  and  34  of apparatus  20 , and prevent water from spraying outwardly and upwardly away from the windscreen as apparatus  20  is drawn back and forth across the windscreen during normal use. Gutters  80  and  81  also function to receive and channel ice, snow, and debris outwardly from the respective ends  33  and  34  of apparatus  20  to keep such material out of the field of view across the area of the windscreen that apparatus  20  is being moved across. 
     Although it is preferred that the length of apparatus  20  be generally equal to the length of wiper blade  21 , there may be in instance where the length of apparatus  20  may be longer than the length of the wiper blade onto which it is to be installed. In such a case, the length of apparatus may be adjusted as needed to adjust its length to meet or substantially meet the length of the wiper blade onto which it is to be installed by detaching a predetermined length of apparatus  20 . To adjust the length of apparatus  20 , wiper  31  of apparatus  20  may be cut or severed at a joint  65  between adjacent, interconnected segments  30 . After cutting wiper  31 , the two, detachably interconnected segments  30  may simply be pulled apart as illustrated in  FIG. 4  detaching lugs  61  of one segment  30  from sockets  60  of the other segment  30 . The detachably engagement between the adjacent segments  30  permits segments to be easily separated after cutting wiper  31 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , elongate flexible member  70  forming wiper  31  is partially severed with cuts  84  formed in elongate flexible member  70  at points located at spaced intervals along the length of elongate flexible member  70  between ends  71  and  72  of elongate flexible member  70 . Cuts  84  each form a weak point in elongate flexible member  70 . The points at which cuts  84  are formed each partially severing elongate flexible member  70  are each located substantially at the intersection between each interconnected pair of segments  30 , namely, each joint  65 . As such, cuts  84  each relate to or otherwise correspond to one of joints  65 . Cuts  84  are formed in first side  75  of elongate flexible member  32 , which is one of the bumpers of elongate flexible member  32  as previously discussed. Because cuts  84  each relate or otherwise correspond to one of joints  65 , this allows a user to take up apparatus  20  by hand on either side of a particular cut  84  at which apparatus  20  is desired to be separated to size apparatus  20  to a desired length, and to divide apparatus  20  simply by bending apparatus  20  at the selected joint  65  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A  so as to initially open the corresponding cut  84 . By then continuing to bend apparatus  20  to further open cut  84  while concurrently applying a pulling force across the selected joint  65  and corresponding cut  84 , elongate flexible member  70  will eventually tear at the corresponding cut  84  as substantially illustrated in  FIG. 3B  and the engagement assembly between the opposed pair of segments  30 , i.e., the corresponding lugs  61  and sockets  60 , will separate. Then in response to a continued pulling and shearing force applied to apparatus  20  across the particular joint  65 , elongate flexible member  70  is torn in two at the corresponding joint  65  to detach the pair segments  30  corresponding to the particular joint  65  to thereby remove a predetermined length of apparatus  20  from apparatus  20  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Cuts  84  initiate and help to guide the required tearing of elongate flexible member  70  at the respective joints  65 , and thus permit elongate flexible member  70  to be torn apart at joints  65  to form apparatus  20  at a predetermined length without having to use a knife or other tool to cut elongate flexible member  70 . In the present embodiment, cuts  84  are slits, but may be perforate cuts or slits if desired. Although cuts  84  are formed in the bumper formed by first side  75  of elongate flexible member  32 , cuts  84  may alternatively be formed in the bumper formed by second side  76  of elongate flexible member  70 . If desired, cuts  84  may be formed in the bumpers formed by both first and second sides  75  and  76  of elongate flexible member  70 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus  100  shown installed with respect to wiper blade  21  carried by wiper blade assembly  22 . Although somewhat different in design, apparatus  100  is identical in structure and function in every respect to apparatus  20 , and shares segments  30 , wiper  31 , and all associated components. Unlike apparatus  30 , side  46  of each segment  30  is formed with a foil segment  101 . With segments  30  of apparatus  100  detachably interconnected forming elongate member  32 , foil segments  101  formed in sides  46  of segments  30  cooperate to form a foil  102  in first side  37  of elongate member  32  extending along the entire length of apparatus  100  from end  33  to end  34 . The side profile of foil  102  is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . So formed in first side  37  of elongate member  32 , when apparatus  100  is installed with respect to wiper blade  21  attached to wiper blade assembly  22  as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15  and is facing the direction of travel of a vehicle, foil  102  operates to deflect oncoming water and debris, and that interacts with the oncoming wind to force apparatus  100  against the windscreen to ensure that wiper blade  77  remains in good operative contact with the windscreen. 
       FIG. 16  is a sectional view of yet another alternate embodiment of an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus  110  that is common in every respect to apparatus  100 , with the exception that in apparatus  110  a pair of opposed male engagement elements  111  formed in upper side  73  of elongate flexible member  70  are fitted in corresponding opposed female engagement elements  112  formed in lower side  36  of elongate member  32  to secure elongate flexible member  70  to elongate member  32 . Each corresponding pair of male and female engagement elements  111  and  112  is exemplary of a tongue-and-groove attachment, and any suitable configuration can be used according to specific needs. The positioning of male and female engagement elements  111  and  112  can be reversed, if desired. Although in apparatus  110  two corresponding pairs of male and female engagement elements  111  and  112  are illustrated, less or more can be used without departing from the invention. The configuration of wiper blade  77  in elongate flexible member  70  in apparatus  100  has a somewhat different configuration as compared to prior embodiments, and this is shown merely for illustration. Any suitable mechanical attachment can be formed between elongate member  32  and elongate flexible member  70 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 17 , which is a fragmented perspective view of an auxiliary wiper blade apparatus  120  constructed and arranged in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, and to  FIG. 18 , which is an enlarged vertical section view of a portion of apparatus  120 . In common with the previously described auxiliary wiper blade apparatus designated at  20 , apparatus  120  shares segments  30  interconnected to form elongate member  32 , wiper  31  including elongate flexible member  70  having upper side  73  affixed or otherwise formed in lower side  36  of elongate member  32  formed by lower end  44  of the interconnected segments  30 , opposed first and second sides  75  and  76 , and all related components. The views in  FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate a pair of interconnected segments  30 . For clarity, one segment is denoted with a prime (“′”) and the other segment  30  is denoted with a double prime (“″”), and the segment formed between the two is denoted with a prime (“′”). Also, although in  FIGS. 17 and 18  only two segments  30  are illustrated, this is shown only by way of illustration and that more can be used to form apparatus  120  of a selected length. 
     The instruction provided by apparatus  120  is that segment  30 ′ is formed with a spade  121 . Spade  121  is located in lower end  44  of segment  30 ′ at proximal end  41 . Spade  121  extends downwardly into upper side  73  of elongate flexible member  70  forming wiper  31  between the opposed first and second sides  75  and  76 . Spade  121  is a sharp projection. Spade  121  encounters and extends into elongate flexible member  70  forming wiper  31 , and, moreover, extends into a corresponding cut or recess  122  formed into or otherwise extending into elongate flexible member  70  through upper side  73  of elongate flexible member  70  located between opposed sides  75  and  76  of elongate flexible member  70 . In  FIG. 18 , an exaggerated space is formed between spade  121  and recess  122  simply for illustrative purposes so as to clearly illustrate spade  121  and recess  122  and the relationship therebetween. Because spade  121  is located at proximal end  41  of segment  30 ′, the extension of spade  121  into elongate flexible member  70  relates to joint  65 ′ formed between proximal end  41  of segment  30 ′ and distal end  42  of adjacent segment  30 ″. Recess  122  also relates to joint  65 ′. As such, spade  121  carried by segment  30 ′ and recess  122  formed in wiper  31  together relate or otherwise correspond to joint  65 ′. 
     Spade  121  and recess  122  are provided to together assist a user in severing apparatus  120  to adjust the length of apparatus  120  to meet a particular installation as discussed above in conjunction with apparatus  20 . To separate segment  30 ′ formed with spade  121  from segment  30 ′′ and the remaining length of apparatus  120 , one need only take up apparatus  120  and pull and twist apparatus  120  across joint  65 ′ relating to spade  121 . In so doing or otherwise in response to such action, spade  121  will act against and cut into elongate flexible member  70  to cut into elongate flexible member  70  to thereby assist a user in severing elongate flexible member  70  at joint  65 ′ to, in turn, separate segment  30 ′ formed with spade  121  from segment  30 ″ at the corresponding joint  65 ′ to separate segment  30 ′ and the attached section of wiper  31  from the remaining length of apparatus  120 . A user may act on segment  30 ′ to actually saw elongate flexible member  70  with spade  121  to cut segment  30 ′ and its corresponding length of wiper  31  away. Recess  122  formed in elongate flexible member  70  partially severs elongate flexible member  70  and constitutes a weakened point formed in elongate flexible member  70  that also helps to initiate the tearing of elongate flexible member  70  and guide the tearing of elongate flexible member  70  at the corresponding joint  65 ′, as with cuts  84  formed in apparatus  20 . 
     It is to be understood that in apparatus  120  each segment  30  may be provided with such a spade and corresponding recess each located so as to together correspond or otherwise relate to a corresponding joint  65  such that there are corresponding spade  121  and recess  122  pairs formed at spaced intervals along the length of apparatus  120  between its opposed ends that each relate or otherwise correspond to a respective one of the joints  65 . Although spade  121  is formed in proximal end  41  of segment  30 ′, spade  121  and a corresponding recess  122  can be similarly located at distal end  42  of segment  30 ′. In apparatus  120 , it is to be understood that a spade received in a corresponding recess in wiper  31  is preferably formed at each joint  65 , in which the spade can be located at either the proximal end  41  or the distal end  42  of the corresponding pair of segments  30  forming the corresponding joint  65 . If desired, the proximal and distal ends  41  and  42  of each segment  30  may be furnished with a spade extending into a common or corresponding recess. 
     The invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof. 
     Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is: