CA2143721C - Electrically heated wiper blade utilizing spiral coiled resister wire - Google Patents
Electrically heated wiper blade utilizing spiral coiled resister wireInfo
- Publication number
- CA2143721C CA2143721C CA002143721A CA2143721A CA2143721C CA 2143721 C CA2143721 C CA 2143721C CA 002143721 A CA002143721 A CA 002143721A CA 2143721 A CA2143721 A CA 2143721A CA 2143721 C CA2143721 C CA 2143721C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wiper blade
- passageway
- heating element
- blade assembly
- wiper
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
- B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
- B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
- B60S1/32—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by constructional features of wiper blade arms or blades
- B60S1/38—Wiper blades
Abstract
A heated windshield wiper blade unit suitable for incorporating into existing or new windshield wiper assembly. The blade comprises a spiral coiled heating element of resistance wire, such as Nichrome, disposed in the blade substantially along its entire length within a passageway. A stranded copper live wire and a ground wire enter the blade to establish electrical contact with the respective first and second ends of spiral coiled heating element which serves to conduct heat to entire wiper blade assembly so as to prevent accumulation of ice, sleet or snow on the wiper blade. The ends are then sealed with a moisture proof sealant which also serves to maintain end connectors and wires intact.
Description
~1 ~ 3 7 2 ~
ELECTRICALLY HEATED WIPER BLADE UTILIZING SPIRAL COILED RESISTOR
WIRE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to heated wiper blade units. More particularly this invention relates to a wiper blade heating element suitable for incorporating into new or existing wiper blade.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When a vehicle is operated during blizzard, snow, sleet, or other icy conditions, precipitation may not be cleared away because the wiper blade becomes encrusted with ice and snow build-up, whereupon the blade is pushed away from the glass by said build-up. The vehicle defroster is incapable of heating the windshield sufficiently to melt the ice forming on the blade and its associated mountings. When ice builds upon the wiper blade, the wiper blade edge no longer has contact with the windshield. Thus the blade cannot perform the intended function of wiping precipitation from the windshield ultimately severally reducing visibility and safety.
There have been a variety of attempts to improve the wiping action of a windshield wiper to clean the outer surface of a windshield in cold weather.
U.S. Patent No. 4,1 52,808 discloses a heating element 0.125" wide and 0.005" thick embedded in the sides of a frame adapted to receive a wiper blade. In the upward direction, heat is transferred to the frame and linkage elements. In the downward direction, heat is transferred from the element to the frame, from the frame through a gap in the wiper body carrying the blade and finally down to the blade. In the outward lateral direction, heat is transferred to the surrounding air and essentially wasted. This indirect heating method is accordingly ineffective, inefficient and limits the flexibility of the blade, thereby inhibiting the blade wiping action.
U.S. Patent No. 4,497,083 discloses a heated windshield wiper blade having a resistance wire running along the length of the wiper arm, the blade carrier and the wiper blade to heat the blade and the carrier when it is connected to a vehicle's electrical system. The path through which the resistance wire travels and its various connections is quite complex in order to provide the bla~de with heat.
ELECTRICALLY HEATED WIPER BLADE UTILIZING SPIRAL COILED RESISTOR
WIRE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to heated wiper blade units. More particularly this invention relates to a wiper blade heating element suitable for incorporating into new or existing wiper blade.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When a vehicle is operated during blizzard, snow, sleet, or other icy conditions, precipitation may not be cleared away because the wiper blade becomes encrusted with ice and snow build-up, whereupon the blade is pushed away from the glass by said build-up. The vehicle defroster is incapable of heating the windshield sufficiently to melt the ice forming on the blade and its associated mountings. When ice builds upon the wiper blade, the wiper blade edge no longer has contact with the windshield. Thus the blade cannot perform the intended function of wiping precipitation from the windshield ultimately severally reducing visibility and safety.
There have been a variety of attempts to improve the wiping action of a windshield wiper to clean the outer surface of a windshield in cold weather.
U.S. Patent No. 4,1 52,808 discloses a heating element 0.125" wide and 0.005" thick embedded in the sides of a frame adapted to receive a wiper blade. In the upward direction, heat is transferred to the frame and linkage elements. In the downward direction, heat is transferred from the element to the frame, from the frame through a gap in the wiper body carrying the blade and finally down to the blade. In the outward lateral direction, heat is transferred to the surrounding air and essentially wasted. This indirect heating method is accordingly ineffective, inefficient and limits the flexibility of the blade, thereby inhibiting the blade wiping action.
U.S. Patent No. 4,497,083 discloses a heated windshield wiper blade having a resistance wire running along the length of the wiper arm, the blade carrier and the wiper blade to heat the blade and the carrier when it is connected to a vehicle's electrical system. The path through which the resistance wire travels and its various connections is quite complex in order to provide the bla~de with heat.
2 ~ , ~, U.S. Patent No. 4,360,941, discloses a second, rather complex windshield wiper assembly which incorporates a weather protective hood utilizingelectrical conductors affixed on the outer wall of the hood and other conductorsaffixed on the inner wall of the hood to heat the hood and frame to prevent the accumulation of ice.
U.S. Patent No. 5,325,561 discloses an unnecessarily complex and inefficient circuitry system. The heating element consists of straight wire which is less than 1/3 of the width of the passageway. Thus the heating element can lie on the passageway causing hot spots and decreasing efficiency and causing blade damage.The probability of a thin straight wire is more prone to breakage or failure.
The devices disclosed in the aforementioned patents leave much to be desired from the standpoint of simplicity of construction, or are not sufficiently flexible to be used with windshields of any desired lateral or longitudinal curvature; some blade designs cause extremely localized heating placing undue stress on the material of the blade. Some require specialized wiper blade frames andtor wiper arm assemblies.
Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a simple, low cost wiper blade assembly which is not fatigued by the repeated stresses of reciprocation and is easy to replace and install.
Further, this invention seeks to provide flexible heated wiper blade element suitable for incorporation into new or existing wiper assembles and able to adapt to use on windshields having most any lateral or longitudinal curvature.
Still further, this invention seeks to provide a heated wiper blade which permits the wiper blade to conform to the shape of the windshield under snow, sleet or other icy conditions. Thus providing satisfactory wiping performance, while simultaneously removing and keeping the wiper blade, frame and linkage free frominterference by ice and snow.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention primarily seeks to provide a sufficiently heated wiper blade adapted to be mounted on an existing or new wiper arm which sweeps across a windshield or other surface to be wiped clear, such as rear window or A
~ ~ 4 ~
headlight. The assembly includes an elongated wiper blade including heat resistant resilient material and a blade carrier.
The invention in one broad aspect provides an electrically heated wiper blade assembly comprising an elongated wiper blade adapted to be connected and supported by a wiper blade carrier which carrier is adapted to be connected to awindshield wiper arm. The elongated wiper blade comprises an elongate, resilient, flexible body having opposed first and second ends and having an elongated passageway extending therethrough between the first and second ends thereof. A
flexible, spiral coiled heating element has a hollow, open interior and first and second ends, the heating element being loosely received in the passageway of the wiper blade such that the first and second ends of the heating element lie within the passageway.
First and second lead wires each having an end extending inside the wiper blade passageway are electrically connected to respective first and second ends of theheating element within the passageway and waterproof sealant means sealingly close the ends of the passageway of the wiper blade to form a closed heatable air space therein, the first and second lead wires extending through respective sealed ends of the wiper blade.
More particularly, the wiper blade includes a hollow horizontal passageway extending the entire length of the wiper blade in which a spiral coiled heating element is placed. Each end of the spiral coiled heating element terminates at connectors located at ends of passageway within the wiper blade body. A live stranded copper wire is securely crimped to first end connector of the spiral coiled heating element and a stranded copper wire~is securely crimped to the second endconnector of the spiral coiled heating element. The passageway is sealed on each end with a waterproof sealant.
Electric power is supplied to the spiral coiled heating element from the vehicle's existing power supply in any currently known manner using a simple circuitry system. The circuitry is basically a positive lead wire connected to the heatingelement. The spiral coiled heating element also connects to a ground wire. Simply stated current passes through the heating element, the element heats and the heat is conducted into the body of the wiper blade thereby heating the blade assembly.
Field testing of this invention has proven successful in providing ~ ~ 4 ~ 7 2 ~ 4 ~ - ~
,.,_~
satisfactory wiping performance while simultaneously removing and keeping the wiper blade, frame and linkage free from interference by ice, sleet or snow with no apparent deterioration of the blade, wiping performance, or heating element. Secondarily field testing also indicates that road film in all weather is removed more effectively and thoroughly if the blade squeegee is heated when used in conjunction with a windshield solvent cleaner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is an exploded fragmentary view illustrating the live wire making electrical contact with the spiral coiled heating element within connector and sealant.
FIGURE 2 details an enlarged cross sectional view of wiper blade illustrating spiral coiled heating element within the passageway.
FIGURE 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an exposed portion of wiper blade unit exposing the passageway and its content.
FIGURE 4 illustrates position of lead and ground wires upon the support spine beneath the wiper blade carrier clips, after which the wires enter the passageway at wiper blade assembly ends.
FIGURE 5 is a schematic of heating element circuitry.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like parts. There is shown in FIGURE 4 a heated wiper blade. The complete system basically comprises a wiper blade assembly 60 fitted onto the blade carrier 90. As shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 passing through the wiper blade assembly 60 is a spiral coiled heating element 20 which heats the wiper blade assembly 60 and parts of the lower blade carrier 90.
The wiper blade carrier 90 is connected to a wiper arm (not shown) and motor (not shown) which causes the wiper blade edge 40 to squeegee across the windshield or area to be wiped clear in a conventional manner.
In FIGURE 4, the elongated support spine 45 is positioned upon the wiper blade assembly 60. The support spine 45 is part of the wiper blade assembly 60 that A
~ ~ ~ 3 ~
slides through the wiper assembly head clips 35 of wiper blade carrier 90 when assembling or removing wiper blade assembly 60.
The support spine 45 material is of a hard resilient plastic or metal as to prevent clips 35 of wiper blade carrier 90 from pulling free of wiper blade assembly 60. Live wire 10 and ground wire 30 are held upon the support spine 45 by positioning said wires under wiper blade assembly clips 35.
In FIGURE 2 a cross section of heated wiper blade assembly 60 connects to wiper blade top head 65 by a flexible integral hinge 55 constructed as one unit.
Wiper blade body 60 contains passageway 80. The passageway serves to entomb spiral coiled heating element 20.
The wiper blade assembly 60 comprises an elongated extrusion of a flexible resilient material which can withstand temperatures in excess of 200~F. Such materials may be neoprene or silicone rubbers, but other suitable materials may be used. The blade assembly 60 includes a hollow horizontal passageway 80 extendingthe entire length of the wiper blade assembly 60. As shown in FIGURE 3 the passageway 80 extends from one end to the other end of the wiper blade assembly 60.
The passageway 80 serves to receive the elongated spiral coiled heating element 20 which consists of resistance wire such as Nichrome. The passageway 80also serves as a means for inserting the spiral coiled heating element 20 into the body of the wiper blade assembly 60.
Live wire 10 and ground wire 30 consist of stranded copper wire.
The spiral coiled heating element 20 is positioned within the passageway along with identical end connectors 70 and 75, a live wire 10 and a ground wire 30 are securely crimped to end connectors 70 and 75 of the spiral coiled heating element 20.
FIGURES 1 and 3 show the passageway 80 sealed on both ends injected inward approximately 3/8 inch with a waterproof sealant 50 such as DAPTM
manufactured by Dow Chemical. The waterproof sealant 50 seals the passageway 80 so as to prevent movement of spiral coiled heating element 20, live wire 10, ground wire 30 and end connectors 70 and 75, at the ends of the passageway 80 and also allows for an airtight passageway 80 with spiral coiled heating element 20 to be ~ 1 ~ 3 ~
., moisture free. The spiraiing of the spiral coiled heating element 20 allows the wiper blade assembly 60 to remain sufficiently flexible to be used with windshields of any lateral or longitudinal curvature. The spiral coiled heating element 20 has enough spring elasticity as to not ailow it to suffer fatigue because of the stresses of the normal wiper operation.
The spiral coiled heating element 20 with an outside diameter of approximately 5/64 (0.078) inches and approximately ten coils per inch is positioned between connectors 70 and 75. Passageway 80 is about 1/8 (0.125) inches in diameter.
For example, the process of coiling sixty-six inches resistance wire of 0.0226 diameter inches with a total resistance of 7.25 OHMS t1.272 OHMS per foot) and a draw of 1.55 AMPS within the confines of a twenty inch blade provides sufficient even heating throughout the blade length in all directions including downward to wiper blade edge 40, outward to and including sealant 50 and upward into most lower parts of wiper blade carrier 90.
The length of Nichrome wire used during wiper blade manufacturing changes according to blade length. Total OHMS of resistance and amperage draw changes are necessary for each specified blade length to maintain the proper heating level of 100~F. - 130~F. However different gauge resistance wire can also be used with its own specific calculation to meet respective heating needs.
Electric power is supplied to the spiral coiled heating element 20 from the vehicles existing power supply. The heating assembly may be connected to the electrical system of the vehicle in any known manner which will direct electrical current into and through the spiral coiled heating element 20.
FIGURE 5 shows a simple wiring circuitry schematic. Power to live wire 10 can be provided by the live wire of another cold weather accessory such as a heated mirror. While driving during inclement weather a heated mirror and heatedwiper blade assembly 60 can be used simultaneously. Thereby utilizing the same on-off switch, light indicator and some of the same wiring.
Another source of power for live wire 10 is the cigarette lighter receptacle using an accessory plug adapter (not shown); or the live wire 10 could be wired directly to the vehicle power source using a separate on-off switch (not shown) ~1 ~ 3 ~
with or without a temperature sensor thermostat (not shown) located away from the heated wiper blade to monitor the outside air temperature and would automatically turn on when outside air temperature drops below 35~F. and would shut off when outside air temperature rises above 35~F. This air temperature on-off switch is wired directly into ignition switch.
FIGURE 5 illustrates the simplicity of the heating blade circuitry: a positive live wire 10 leads to a fuse holder 100 containing a 2 AMP fuse, leads to spiral coiled heating element 20 to ground wire 30.
A
U.S. Patent No. 5,325,561 discloses an unnecessarily complex and inefficient circuitry system. The heating element consists of straight wire which is less than 1/3 of the width of the passageway. Thus the heating element can lie on the passageway causing hot spots and decreasing efficiency and causing blade damage.The probability of a thin straight wire is more prone to breakage or failure.
The devices disclosed in the aforementioned patents leave much to be desired from the standpoint of simplicity of construction, or are not sufficiently flexible to be used with windshields of any desired lateral or longitudinal curvature; some blade designs cause extremely localized heating placing undue stress on the material of the blade. Some require specialized wiper blade frames andtor wiper arm assemblies.
Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a simple, low cost wiper blade assembly which is not fatigued by the repeated stresses of reciprocation and is easy to replace and install.
Further, this invention seeks to provide flexible heated wiper blade element suitable for incorporation into new or existing wiper assembles and able to adapt to use on windshields having most any lateral or longitudinal curvature.
Still further, this invention seeks to provide a heated wiper blade which permits the wiper blade to conform to the shape of the windshield under snow, sleet or other icy conditions. Thus providing satisfactory wiping performance, while simultaneously removing and keeping the wiper blade, frame and linkage free frominterference by ice and snow.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention primarily seeks to provide a sufficiently heated wiper blade adapted to be mounted on an existing or new wiper arm which sweeps across a windshield or other surface to be wiped clear, such as rear window or A
~ ~ 4 ~
headlight. The assembly includes an elongated wiper blade including heat resistant resilient material and a blade carrier.
The invention in one broad aspect provides an electrically heated wiper blade assembly comprising an elongated wiper blade adapted to be connected and supported by a wiper blade carrier which carrier is adapted to be connected to awindshield wiper arm. The elongated wiper blade comprises an elongate, resilient, flexible body having opposed first and second ends and having an elongated passageway extending therethrough between the first and second ends thereof. A
flexible, spiral coiled heating element has a hollow, open interior and first and second ends, the heating element being loosely received in the passageway of the wiper blade such that the first and second ends of the heating element lie within the passageway.
First and second lead wires each having an end extending inside the wiper blade passageway are electrically connected to respective first and second ends of theheating element within the passageway and waterproof sealant means sealingly close the ends of the passageway of the wiper blade to form a closed heatable air space therein, the first and second lead wires extending through respective sealed ends of the wiper blade.
More particularly, the wiper blade includes a hollow horizontal passageway extending the entire length of the wiper blade in which a spiral coiled heating element is placed. Each end of the spiral coiled heating element terminates at connectors located at ends of passageway within the wiper blade body. A live stranded copper wire is securely crimped to first end connector of the spiral coiled heating element and a stranded copper wire~is securely crimped to the second endconnector of the spiral coiled heating element. The passageway is sealed on each end with a waterproof sealant.
Electric power is supplied to the spiral coiled heating element from the vehicle's existing power supply in any currently known manner using a simple circuitry system. The circuitry is basically a positive lead wire connected to the heatingelement. The spiral coiled heating element also connects to a ground wire. Simply stated current passes through the heating element, the element heats and the heat is conducted into the body of the wiper blade thereby heating the blade assembly.
Field testing of this invention has proven successful in providing ~ ~ 4 ~ 7 2 ~ 4 ~ - ~
,.,_~
satisfactory wiping performance while simultaneously removing and keeping the wiper blade, frame and linkage free from interference by ice, sleet or snow with no apparent deterioration of the blade, wiping performance, or heating element. Secondarily field testing also indicates that road film in all weather is removed more effectively and thoroughly if the blade squeegee is heated when used in conjunction with a windshield solvent cleaner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is an exploded fragmentary view illustrating the live wire making electrical contact with the spiral coiled heating element within connector and sealant.
FIGURE 2 details an enlarged cross sectional view of wiper blade illustrating spiral coiled heating element within the passageway.
FIGURE 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an exposed portion of wiper blade unit exposing the passageway and its content.
FIGURE 4 illustrates position of lead and ground wires upon the support spine beneath the wiper blade carrier clips, after which the wires enter the passageway at wiper blade assembly ends.
FIGURE 5 is a schematic of heating element circuitry.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like parts. There is shown in FIGURE 4 a heated wiper blade. The complete system basically comprises a wiper blade assembly 60 fitted onto the blade carrier 90. As shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 passing through the wiper blade assembly 60 is a spiral coiled heating element 20 which heats the wiper blade assembly 60 and parts of the lower blade carrier 90.
The wiper blade carrier 90 is connected to a wiper arm (not shown) and motor (not shown) which causes the wiper blade edge 40 to squeegee across the windshield or area to be wiped clear in a conventional manner.
In FIGURE 4, the elongated support spine 45 is positioned upon the wiper blade assembly 60. The support spine 45 is part of the wiper blade assembly 60 that A
~ ~ ~ 3 ~
slides through the wiper assembly head clips 35 of wiper blade carrier 90 when assembling or removing wiper blade assembly 60.
The support spine 45 material is of a hard resilient plastic or metal as to prevent clips 35 of wiper blade carrier 90 from pulling free of wiper blade assembly 60. Live wire 10 and ground wire 30 are held upon the support spine 45 by positioning said wires under wiper blade assembly clips 35.
In FIGURE 2 a cross section of heated wiper blade assembly 60 connects to wiper blade top head 65 by a flexible integral hinge 55 constructed as one unit.
Wiper blade body 60 contains passageway 80. The passageway serves to entomb spiral coiled heating element 20.
The wiper blade assembly 60 comprises an elongated extrusion of a flexible resilient material which can withstand temperatures in excess of 200~F. Such materials may be neoprene or silicone rubbers, but other suitable materials may be used. The blade assembly 60 includes a hollow horizontal passageway 80 extendingthe entire length of the wiper blade assembly 60. As shown in FIGURE 3 the passageway 80 extends from one end to the other end of the wiper blade assembly 60.
The passageway 80 serves to receive the elongated spiral coiled heating element 20 which consists of resistance wire such as Nichrome. The passageway 80also serves as a means for inserting the spiral coiled heating element 20 into the body of the wiper blade assembly 60.
Live wire 10 and ground wire 30 consist of stranded copper wire.
The spiral coiled heating element 20 is positioned within the passageway along with identical end connectors 70 and 75, a live wire 10 and a ground wire 30 are securely crimped to end connectors 70 and 75 of the spiral coiled heating element 20.
FIGURES 1 and 3 show the passageway 80 sealed on both ends injected inward approximately 3/8 inch with a waterproof sealant 50 such as DAPTM
manufactured by Dow Chemical. The waterproof sealant 50 seals the passageway 80 so as to prevent movement of spiral coiled heating element 20, live wire 10, ground wire 30 and end connectors 70 and 75, at the ends of the passageway 80 and also allows for an airtight passageway 80 with spiral coiled heating element 20 to be ~ 1 ~ 3 ~
., moisture free. The spiraiing of the spiral coiled heating element 20 allows the wiper blade assembly 60 to remain sufficiently flexible to be used with windshields of any lateral or longitudinal curvature. The spiral coiled heating element 20 has enough spring elasticity as to not ailow it to suffer fatigue because of the stresses of the normal wiper operation.
The spiral coiled heating element 20 with an outside diameter of approximately 5/64 (0.078) inches and approximately ten coils per inch is positioned between connectors 70 and 75. Passageway 80 is about 1/8 (0.125) inches in diameter.
For example, the process of coiling sixty-six inches resistance wire of 0.0226 diameter inches with a total resistance of 7.25 OHMS t1.272 OHMS per foot) and a draw of 1.55 AMPS within the confines of a twenty inch blade provides sufficient even heating throughout the blade length in all directions including downward to wiper blade edge 40, outward to and including sealant 50 and upward into most lower parts of wiper blade carrier 90.
The length of Nichrome wire used during wiper blade manufacturing changes according to blade length. Total OHMS of resistance and amperage draw changes are necessary for each specified blade length to maintain the proper heating level of 100~F. - 130~F. However different gauge resistance wire can also be used with its own specific calculation to meet respective heating needs.
Electric power is supplied to the spiral coiled heating element 20 from the vehicles existing power supply. The heating assembly may be connected to the electrical system of the vehicle in any known manner which will direct electrical current into and through the spiral coiled heating element 20.
FIGURE 5 shows a simple wiring circuitry schematic. Power to live wire 10 can be provided by the live wire of another cold weather accessory such as a heated mirror. While driving during inclement weather a heated mirror and heatedwiper blade assembly 60 can be used simultaneously. Thereby utilizing the same on-off switch, light indicator and some of the same wiring.
Another source of power for live wire 10 is the cigarette lighter receptacle using an accessory plug adapter (not shown); or the live wire 10 could be wired directly to the vehicle power source using a separate on-off switch (not shown) ~1 ~ 3 ~
with or without a temperature sensor thermostat (not shown) located away from the heated wiper blade to monitor the outside air temperature and would automatically turn on when outside air temperature drops below 35~F. and would shut off when outside air temperature rises above 35~F. This air temperature on-off switch is wired directly into ignition switch.
FIGURE 5 illustrates the simplicity of the heating blade circuitry: a positive live wire 10 leads to a fuse holder 100 containing a 2 AMP fuse, leads to spiral coiled heating element 20 to ground wire 30.
A
Claims (13)
1. An electrically heated wiper blade comprising:
a. a wiper blade carrier adapted to be connected to a windshield wiper arm;
b. an elongated wiper blade assembly supported by and coupled to the wiper blade carrier, said wiper blade assembly comprising an elongate, resilient, flexible body having opposed first and second ends and having an elongated passageway extending therethrough between said first and second ends thereof;
c. a flexible, spiral coiled heating element having a hollow, open interior and first and second ends, said element being loosely received in the passageway of the wiper blade assembly such that said first and second ends thereof lie within said passageway;
d. first and second lead wires each having an end extending inside the wiper blade assembly passageway and electrically connected to respective first and second ends of said heating element within said passageway; and e. waterproof sealant means sealingly closing the ends of the passageway of the wiper blade assembly to form a closed heatable air space therein, the first and second wires extending through respective sealed ends of the bladeassembly.
a. a wiper blade carrier adapted to be connected to a windshield wiper arm;
b. an elongated wiper blade assembly supported by and coupled to the wiper blade carrier, said wiper blade assembly comprising an elongate, resilient, flexible body having opposed first and second ends and having an elongated passageway extending therethrough between said first and second ends thereof;
c. a flexible, spiral coiled heating element having a hollow, open interior and first and second ends, said element being loosely received in the passageway of the wiper blade assembly such that said first and second ends thereof lie within said passageway;
d. first and second lead wires each having an end extending inside the wiper blade assembly passageway and electrically connected to respective first and second ends of said heating element within said passageway; and e. waterproof sealant means sealingly closing the ends of the passageway of the wiper blade assembly to form a closed heatable air space therein, the first and second wires extending through respective sealed ends of the bladeassembly.
2. The electrically heated wiper blade of claim 1 wherein:
a. the passageway of the wiper blade assembly is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter of approximately 0.125 inches; and b. the coiled heating element has an outer diameter of approximately 0.078 inches, whereby the heating element provides maximum even heating to the wiper blade.
a. the passageway of the wiper blade assembly is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter of approximately 0.125 inches; and b. the coiled heating element has an outer diameter of approximately 0.078 inches, whereby the heating element provides maximum even heating to the wiper blade.
3. An electrically heated wiper blade assembly comprising:
a. an elongated wiper blade adapted to be connected and supported by a wiper blade carrier which carrier is adapted to be connected to a windshield wiper arm;
b. said elongated wiper blade comprising an elongate, resilient, flexible body having opposed first and second ends and having an elongated passageway extending therethrough between said first and second ends thereof;
c. a flexible, spiral coiled heating element having a hollow, open interior and first and second ends, said heating element being loosely received in the passageway of the wiper blade such that the first and second ends of said heating element lie within said passageway;
d. first and second lead wires each having an end extending inside the wiper blade passageway and electrically connected to respective first and second ends of said heating element within said passageway; and e. waterproof sealant means sealingly closing the ends of the passageway of the wiper blade to form a closed heatable air space therein, the first and second lead wires extending through respective sealed ends of the wiper blade.
a. an elongated wiper blade adapted to be connected and supported by a wiper blade carrier which carrier is adapted to be connected to a windshield wiper arm;
b. said elongated wiper blade comprising an elongate, resilient, flexible body having opposed first and second ends and having an elongated passageway extending therethrough between said first and second ends thereof;
c. a flexible, spiral coiled heating element having a hollow, open interior and first and second ends, said heating element being loosely received in the passageway of the wiper blade such that the first and second ends of said heating element lie within said passageway;
d. first and second lead wires each having an end extending inside the wiper blade passageway and electrically connected to respective first and second ends of said heating element within said passageway; and e. waterproof sealant means sealingly closing the ends of the passageway of the wiper blade to form a closed heatable air space therein, the first and second lead wires extending through respective sealed ends of the wiper blade.
4. The electrically heated wiper blade assembly of claim 3 wherein the heating element comprises spirally coiled Nichrome wire with about 10 coils per inch.
5. The electrically heated wiper blade assembly of claim 3 wherein the heating element comprises spirally coiled Nichrome wire wherein said wire is of about 0.0226 diameter.
6. An electrically heated wiper blade comprising the wiper blade assembly of claim 3 connected to a wiper carrier, which carrier is adapted to be connected to a wiper arm of a motorized vehicle.
7. In a motor vehicle having a source of electrical power, a wiper arm and the wiper blade of claim 6 connected to said wiper arm and including first meansconnecting said first lead to said source of power, second means connecting saidsecond lead to ground of said source of power and said first connector means including a fuse.
8. The motor vehicle of claim 7 wherein:
said first connector means includes adapter means for use with a lighter receptacle of said vehicle.
said first connector means includes adapter means for use with a lighter receptacle of said vehicle.
9. The motor vehicle of claim 7 wherein:
said first connector means includes an on-off switch operable from within said motor vehicle.
said first connector means includes an on-off switch operable from within said motor vehicle.
10. The motor vehicle of claim 7 wherein:
said first connector means includes an on-off switch and a temperature sensor thermostat adapted to monitor ambient temperature away from said wiper blade and adapted to activate said heating element of said wiper blade below a predetermined temperature.
said first connector means includes an on-off switch and a temperature sensor thermostat adapted to monitor ambient temperature away from said wiper blade and adapted to activate said heating element of said wiper blade below a predetermined temperature.
11. The motor vehicle of claim 10 wherein the on-off switch is an ignition switch of said vehicle.
12. An electrically heated wiper blade comprising:
a. a wiper blade carrier adapted to be connected to a windshield wiper arm;
b. an elongated wiper blade assembly supported by and coupled to the wiper blade carrier, said wiper blade assembly comprises an elongate, resilient, flexible body having opposed first and second ends, said elongated body has an elongated passageway extending therethrough between the opposed ends thereof, said body has an opening at said first and second ends communicating with said passageway;
c. a flexible spiral coiled heating element having a hollow, open interior and first and second longitudinally extending ends and being loosely received in the passageway of the wiper blade assembly such that said first and second ends thereof lie within said passageway;
d. a first elongate electrical wire having a first longitudinally extending end extending inside the wiper blade assembly passageway and lying laterally beside said first end of said heating element;
e. a second elongate electrical wire having a first longitudinally extending end extending inside the wiper blade assembly passageway and lying laterally beside said second end of said heating element;
f. a first end crimped connector securing the first end of the heating element to the first end of the first wire inside the wiper blade assembly passageway;
g. a second end crimped connector securing the second end of the heating element to the first end of the second wire inside the wiper blade assembly passageway;
h. first and second seals of waterproof adhesive sealing, respectively, the openings in the body at the first and second ends of the wiper blade assembly to form a closed heatable air space therein, the first and second wires extending through the first and second seals, respectively.
a. a wiper blade carrier adapted to be connected to a windshield wiper arm;
b. an elongated wiper blade assembly supported by and coupled to the wiper blade carrier, said wiper blade assembly comprises an elongate, resilient, flexible body having opposed first and second ends, said elongated body has an elongated passageway extending therethrough between the opposed ends thereof, said body has an opening at said first and second ends communicating with said passageway;
c. a flexible spiral coiled heating element having a hollow, open interior and first and second longitudinally extending ends and being loosely received in the passageway of the wiper blade assembly such that said first and second ends thereof lie within said passageway;
d. a first elongate electrical wire having a first longitudinally extending end extending inside the wiper blade assembly passageway and lying laterally beside said first end of said heating element;
e. a second elongate electrical wire having a first longitudinally extending end extending inside the wiper blade assembly passageway and lying laterally beside said second end of said heating element;
f. a first end crimped connector securing the first end of the heating element to the first end of the first wire inside the wiper blade assembly passageway;
g. a second end crimped connector securing the second end of the heating element to the first end of the second wire inside the wiper blade assembly passageway;
h. first and second seals of waterproof adhesive sealing, respectively, the openings in the body at the first and second ends of the wiper blade assembly to form a closed heatable air space therein, the first and second wires extending through the first and second seals, respectively.
13. The electrically heated wiper blade of claim 12 wherein:
a. the passageway of the wiper blade assembly is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter of approximately 0.125 inches; and b. the coiled heating element has an outer diameter of approximately 0.078 inches, so that the heating element provides maximum even heating to the wiper blade.
a. the passageway of the wiper blade assembly is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter of approximately 0.125 inches; and b. the coiled heating element has an outer diameter of approximately 0.078 inches, so that the heating element provides maximum even heating to the wiper blade.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002143721A CA2143721C (en) | 1995-03-01 | 1995-03-01 | Electrically heated wiper blade utilizing spiral coiled resister wire |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002143721A CA2143721C (en) | 1995-03-01 | 1995-03-01 | Electrically heated wiper blade utilizing spiral coiled resister wire |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2143721A1 CA2143721A1 (en) | 1996-09-02 |
| CA2143721C true CA2143721C (en) | 1999-05-04 |
Family
ID=4155340
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002143721A Expired - Fee Related CA2143721C (en) | 1995-03-01 | 1995-03-01 | Electrically heated wiper blade utilizing spiral coiled resister wire |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2143721C (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-03-01 CA CA002143721A patent/CA2143721C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2143721A1 (en) | 1996-09-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |