CA2212090C - Windshield wiper lifting device - Google Patents
Windshield wiper lifting device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2212090C CA2212090C CA 2212090 CA2212090A CA2212090C CA 2212090 C CA2212090 C CA 2212090C CA 2212090 CA2212090 CA 2212090 CA 2212090 A CA2212090 A CA 2212090A CA 2212090 C CA2212090 C CA 2212090C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- windshield
- wiper
- component
- shaft
- abutment
- 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
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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
- B60S1/0452—Position of the wipers relative to the vehicle
- B60S1/0455—Device for lifting the wipers off the screen in its parking position or at extremes of wipe
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- 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
- B60S1/34—Wiper arms; Mountings therefor
-
- 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
- B60S1/0475—Cleaning of wiper blades
- B60S1/0477—Arrangement for deicing or for removing debris from wiper blades
-
- 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
- B60S1/34—Wiper arms; Mountings therefor
- B60S1/3422—Means arranged in the wiper structure to lift the arm at extremes of wipe
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
- Transmission Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A windshield wiper lifting device allowing an intended user to selectively lift the wiper blade away from the windshield and then allow the windshield wiper blade to impact the windshield so as to dislodge snow, ice, insects or any particle that may have adhered to the windshield wiper blade.
The windshield wiper lifting device includes an abutment component that is configured in size for abuttingly contacting the wiper arm when the latter is in a proximal relationship relative to the lower edge of the windshield. The abutment component is mounted on a moving assembly that is adapted to move the abutment component up and down between an abutment component first position wherein the abutment component is spaced from the windshield wiper arm and an abutment component second position wherein the abutment component abuttingly contacts the wiper arm so as to lift the latter away from the windshield. The windshield wiper lifting device is mounted on the windshield frame adjacent the peripheral edge of the windshield. The moving component includes a shaft slidably mounted within a solenoid component.
The windshield wiper lifting device includes an abutment component that is configured in size for abuttingly contacting the wiper arm when the latter is in a proximal relationship relative to the lower edge of the windshield. The abutment component is mounted on a moving assembly that is adapted to move the abutment component up and down between an abutment component first position wherein the abutment component is spaced from the windshield wiper arm and an abutment component second position wherein the abutment component abuttingly contacts the wiper arm so as to lift the latter away from the windshield. The windshield wiper lifting device is mounted on the windshield frame adjacent the peripheral edge of the windshield. The moving component includes a shaft slidably mounted within a solenoid component.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Windshield wiper lifting device.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of vehicle accessories and is particularly concerned with a windshield wiper lifting device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that when a vehicle is driven in inclement winter conditions such as during a snow fall or freezing rain, the windshield wiper blades tend to become coated or clogged with snow or ice.
Clogging of the windshield wiper blades reduces their wiping efficiency and, hence, their capacity to adequately clear the windshield.
Consequently, safety is compromised by obstruction of the vision through the windshield.
In such instances, vehicle operators must resort to periodically stopping the vehicle and stepping out of the latter to dislodge snow or ice accumulations from the blades prior to proceeding. This practice in itself can be quite dangerous as following drivers will most likely have similar obstructed vision and may not see a stopped vehicle or vehicle operator adjacent thereby in the process of cleaning windshield wiper blades.
The prior art discloses various structures addressing the problem of windshield wiper blades clogged with snow or ice.
For example, U.S. Patents 5,458,690 and 5,513,412 both naming Thomas W. Longazet as inventor and issued respectively October 17, 1995 and May 7, 1996 both disclose a rumble strip.
One of the main drawbacks associated with such a rumble strip is that the windshield wiper blade will flex or bump against it even if it is not clogged with snow or ice. In other words, the rumble strip does not allow for selective activation of its lifting function. The repetitive and unnecessary flexing or bumping of the windshield wiper blade against the strip can prove to be both annoying and distracting. Furthermore, the strip being mounted on the windshield, it creates a visual obstruction.
U.S. Patent 5,487,204 naming Steven M. Nelson as inventor and issued January 30, 1996 discloses a windshield wiper assembly that includes a built-in wiper deicer. The assembly includes a first support bracket secured to the windshield wiper and a second support bracket having a spline thereon. The assembly also includes a support rod having a first end secured to the first support bracket. A second end of the support rod is received within a hollow electrical solenoid casing. A wiper seal and a scraper are both secured within the casing adjacent the second end of the support rod. A pivot rod is pivotally secured to the second support bracket. An electrical solenoid is secured within the hollow electrical solenoid casing. The electrical solenoid is secured o the second end of the support rod. The solenoid is electrically coupled so as to be activated by a pushbutton-type mechanism. Activation of the solenoid raises the first support bracket upwards. Consequently, the wiper bracket and the wiper blade are lifted off the surface of the windshield. The retention spring of the windshield retracts the wiper bracket back into its prone position thereby ridding the blade of any snow or ice accumulated thereon. The procedure is repeated until the user is satisfied with the removal of snow and ice.
Although providing a selective lifting function, the structure disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,487,204 presents major drawbacks. Indeed, the lifting components being built in the windshield wiper, they inherently increase its mechanical complexity. The cost of the windshield wiper is thus unnecessarily increased. Furthermore, since the windshield wiper is subjected to a harsh environment, the built-in lifting components are susceptible to break down.
Also, the components electrically linking the lifting components to the pushbutton-type actuator must be oversized in order to allow the conventional reciprocating pivoting movement of the windshield wiper. These oversized linking components are therefore voluble to becoming tangled during operation of the windshield wiper.
Furthermore, the positioning of the lifting components on the windshield wiper creates levering forces such that a relatively strong solenoid component must be used. The relatively large solenoid component, in turn, necessitates a relatively strong electrical current. Also, the structure disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,487,204 does not allow for customization of the relative distance between the windshield wiper blade and the windshield when the device is activated. Furthermore, since the lifting components are mounted on the windshield wiper, they obstruct the visual field of the vehicle operator.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved windshield lifting device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved windshield wiper lifting device. Advantages of the present invention include that the lifting device can be readily mounted on conventional vehicles without the need for replacing the conventional windshield wiper assembly. Another advantage of the present invention resides in that the components of the invention most subject to break down upon exposure to harsh weather are protectively enclosed within the vehicle.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a windshield wiper lifting device for selectively lifting a windshield wiper away from the windshield, the windshield wiper having a wiper blade attached to a wiper arm, the wiper arm being pivotally mounted on a windshield frame, the windshield frame defining a frame inner surface and a frame outer surface, the windshield wiper being pivotable between a wiper first position wherein the wiper blade is in a proximal relationship with the lower section of the windshield frame and a second wiper position wherein the wiper blade is in a proximal relationship relatively to a side section of the windshield frame, the lifting device comprising:
- an abutment component, the abutment component being configured in size for abuttingly contacting the wiper arm;
- a moving means for selectively moving the abutment component between a first abutment component between a first abutment component position wherein the abutment component is in a spaced relationship relative to the wiper arm and an abutment component second position wherein the abutment component abuttingly contacts the wiper arm causing the wiper blade to be lifted from the windshield, the moving means being mechanically coupled to the abutment component;
- a mounting means for mounting the abutment component on the lower section of the windshield frame adjacent the wiper arm when the windshield wiper is in the windshield wiper second position.
Preferably, the lifting means include:
- a solenoid component mounted to the windshield frame, the solenoid component having an inner channel formed therein;
- a shaft slidably mounted within the inner channel, the shaft defining a shaft first end and a shaft second end;
the abutment component being attached to the shaft first end.
Windshield wiper lifting device.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of vehicle accessories and is particularly concerned with a windshield wiper lifting device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that when a vehicle is driven in inclement winter conditions such as during a snow fall or freezing rain, the windshield wiper blades tend to become coated or clogged with snow or ice.
Clogging of the windshield wiper blades reduces their wiping efficiency and, hence, their capacity to adequately clear the windshield.
Consequently, safety is compromised by obstruction of the vision through the windshield.
In such instances, vehicle operators must resort to periodically stopping the vehicle and stepping out of the latter to dislodge snow or ice accumulations from the blades prior to proceeding. This practice in itself can be quite dangerous as following drivers will most likely have similar obstructed vision and may not see a stopped vehicle or vehicle operator adjacent thereby in the process of cleaning windshield wiper blades.
The prior art discloses various structures addressing the problem of windshield wiper blades clogged with snow or ice.
For example, U.S. Patents 5,458,690 and 5,513,412 both naming Thomas W. Longazet as inventor and issued respectively October 17, 1995 and May 7, 1996 both disclose a rumble strip.
One of the main drawbacks associated with such a rumble strip is that the windshield wiper blade will flex or bump against it even if it is not clogged with snow or ice. In other words, the rumble strip does not allow for selective activation of its lifting function. The repetitive and unnecessary flexing or bumping of the windshield wiper blade against the strip can prove to be both annoying and distracting. Furthermore, the strip being mounted on the windshield, it creates a visual obstruction.
U.S. Patent 5,487,204 naming Steven M. Nelson as inventor and issued January 30, 1996 discloses a windshield wiper assembly that includes a built-in wiper deicer. The assembly includes a first support bracket secured to the windshield wiper and a second support bracket having a spline thereon. The assembly also includes a support rod having a first end secured to the first support bracket. A second end of the support rod is received within a hollow electrical solenoid casing. A wiper seal and a scraper are both secured within the casing adjacent the second end of the support rod. A pivot rod is pivotally secured to the second support bracket. An electrical solenoid is secured within the hollow electrical solenoid casing. The electrical solenoid is secured o the second end of the support rod. The solenoid is electrically coupled so as to be activated by a pushbutton-type mechanism. Activation of the solenoid raises the first support bracket upwards. Consequently, the wiper bracket and the wiper blade are lifted off the surface of the windshield. The retention spring of the windshield retracts the wiper bracket back into its prone position thereby ridding the blade of any snow or ice accumulated thereon. The procedure is repeated until the user is satisfied with the removal of snow and ice.
Although providing a selective lifting function, the structure disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,487,204 presents major drawbacks. Indeed, the lifting components being built in the windshield wiper, they inherently increase its mechanical complexity. The cost of the windshield wiper is thus unnecessarily increased. Furthermore, since the windshield wiper is subjected to a harsh environment, the built-in lifting components are susceptible to break down.
Also, the components electrically linking the lifting components to the pushbutton-type actuator must be oversized in order to allow the conventional reciprocating pivoting movement of the windshield wiper. These oversized linking components are therefore voluble to becoming tangled during operation of the windshield wiper.
Furthermore, the positioning of the lifting components on the windshield wiper creates levering forces such that a relatively strong solenoid component must be used. The relatively large solenoid component, in turn, necessitates a relatively strong electrical current. Also, the structure disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,487,204 does not allow for customization of the relative distance between the windshield wiper blade and the windshield when the device is activated. Furthermore, since the lifting components are mounted on the windshield wiper, they obstruct the visual field of the vehicle operator.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved windshield lifting device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved windshield wiper lifting device. Advantages of the present invention include that the lifting device can be readily mounted on conventional vehicles without the need for replacing the conventional windshield wiper assembly. Another advantage of the present invention resides in that the components of the invention most subject to break down upon exposure to harsh weather are protectively enclosed within the vehicle.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a windshield wiper lifting device for selectively lifting a windshield wiper away from the windshield, the windshield wiper having a wiper blade attached to a wiper arm, the wiper arm being pivotally mounted on a windshield frame, the windshield frame defining a frame inner surface and a frame outer surface, the windshield wiper being pivotable between a wiper first position wherein the wiper blade is in a proximal relationship with the lower section of the windshield frame and a second wiper position wherein the wiper blade is in a proximal relationship relatively to a side section of the windshield frame, the lifting device comprising:
- an abutment component, the abutment component being configured in size for abuttingly contacting the wiper arm;
- a moving means for selectively moving the abutment component between a first abutment component between a first abutment component position wherein the abutment component is in a spaced relationship relative to the wiper arm and an abutment component second position wherein the abutment component abuttingly contacts the wiper arm causing the wiper blade to be lifted from the windshield, the moving means being mechanically coupled to the abutment component;
- a mounting means for mounting the abutment component on the lower section of the windshield frame adjacent the wiper arm when the windshield wiper is in the windshield wiper second position.
Preferably, the lifting means include:
- a solenoid component mounted to the windshield frame, the solenoid component having an inner channel formed therein;
- a shaft slidably mounted within the inner channel, the shaft defining a shaft first end and a shaft second end;
the abutment component being attached to the shaft first end.
Conveniently, the lifting means further includes a guiding sleeve mounted to the windshield frame adjacent the solenoid component, the guiding sleeve defining a sleeve channel extending longitudinally there through, the shaft slidably extending through at least a section of both the inner channel and the sleeve channel.
Preferably, the mounting means includes a windshield frame aperture extending through the windshield frame; the guiding sleeve being inserted through the windshield frame aperture.
Conveniently, the guiding sleeve is provided with an external thread formed thereon and protrudes through both the windshield frame outer and inner surfaces; the mounting means further including a fixing ring threadably connected to the external thread adjacent both the windshield frame outer and inner surfaces.
Preferably, the solenoid component is mounted underneath the frame inner surface.
Conveniently, the solenoid component is mounted underneath the frame inner surface; the solenoid component having a threaded chamfer recess formed therein, the chamfer recess threadably engaging the external thread of the guiding sleeve for threadably attaching the solenoid component to the guiding sleeve.
Preferably, the mounting means includes a windshield frame aperture extending through the windshield frame; the guiding sleeve being inserted through the windshield frame aperture.
Conveniently, the guiding sleeve is provided with an external thread formed thereon and protrudes through both the windshield frame outer and inner surfaces; the mounting means further including a fixing ring threadably connected to the external thread adjacent both the windshield frame outer and inner surfaces.
Preferably, the solenoid component is mounted underneath the frame inner surface.
Conveniently, the solenoid component is mounted underneath the frame inner surface; the solenoid component having a threaded chamfer recess formed therein, the chamfer recess threadably engaging the external thread of the guiding sleeve for threadably attaching the solenoid component to the guiding sleeve.
Preferably, the solenoid component further comprises at least one fixing bracket attached to both the solenoid component and the inner surface of the windshield frame.
Conveniently, the abutment component has an elongated configuration defining an abutment component first end and an opposed abutment component second end, the abutment component being pivotally connected to the lifting means and the abutment component second end abuttingly contacting the windshield.
Preferably, the abutment component second end is provided with a cushioning means for cushioning the contact between the abutment component second end and the windshield.
Conveniently, the abutment component has an elongated configuration defining an abutment component first end and an opposed abutment component second end, the abutment component being pivotally connected to the shaft first end and the abutment component second end abuttingly contacting the windshield.
Preferably, the abutment component second end is provided with a cushioning means for cushioning the contact between the abutment component second and the windshield.
Conveniently, the cushioning means includes a cushioning component having a generally dome-shaped contacting surface.
_7_ Preferably, the solenoid component is protectively enclosed within a housing unit, the housing unit being rigidly mounted on the windshield frame upper surface.
Conveniently, the abutment component includes an abutment pad, the abutment pad having a pad main panel and a pair of pad flanges extending substantially perpendicularly from opposed peripheral edges of the pad main panel.
Preferably, the windshield wiper lifting device includes an actuating means for allowing an intended user to selectively activate the lifting means.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for lifting the windshield wiper blade away from the windshield, the windshield wiper blade being fixed to a wiper arm, the wiper arm having an arm first end and an arm second end, the windshield wiper blade being fixed to the wiper arm adjacent the arm first end, the arm second end being fixed to a windshield frame and to a windshield motor, the windshield motor being adapted to reciprocate the windshield wiper blade over a wiping section of the windshield between a wiper blade lower reciprocating position and a wiper blade upper reciprocating position, the windshield wiper being biased against the windshield by a wiper biasing means, the device comprising:
- a shaft, the shaft having a shaft first end and a shaft second end;
_g_ - an abutment component, the abutment component being fixed to the shaft first end, the abutment component being configured in size so as to selectively abut against the wiper arm when the windshield wiper blade is in the wiper lower reciprocating position;
- a shaft biasing means for selectively biasing the shaft between a shaft's retracted position and a shaft's protracted position;
- a switch means for selectively actuating the shaft biasing means;
the device being configured in size so that when the shaft is in the shaft protracted position and the windshield wiper blade is in the wiper blade lower reciprocating position, the abutment component abuts against the wiper arm and lifts the wiper arm so that the windshield wiper blade is lifted away from the windshield whereby the windshield wiper blade is adapted to being lifted away from the windshield and then biased against the windshield by the wiper blade biasing means so as to impact the windshield in order to dislodge any particle that may have adhered to the windshield wiper blade.
Preferably, the shaft biasing means include a solenoid type component, the solenoid type component defining a solenoid inner channel, the shaft being slidably inserted in the solenoid inner channel.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a windshield wiper lifting device for selectively lifting a windshield wiper away from a windshield, the windshield wiper being mounted on the windshield frame, the _g_ windshield frame having a frame inner surface and a frame outer surface; the windshield being pivotable between a wiper first position and a wiper second position wherein the wiper arm is in a proximal relationship with a lower edge of the windshield, the windshield wiper including a wiper blade attached to a wiper arm, the lifting device comprising:
- a lifting component, the lifting component being mounted on the windshield frame so as to be adjacent to the wiper arm when the windshield wiper is in the windshield wiper second position;
the lifting component being selectively movable between a lifting component first position wherein the lifting component is spaced from the wiper arm and a lifting component second position wherein the lifting component abuttingly contacts the wiper arm so as to lift the wiper blade away from the windshield;
- an activating means for selectively activating the lifting component.
Preferably, the lifting means includes a solenoid component mounted to the windshield frame, the solenoid component having an inner channel formed therein;
- a shaft slidably mounted within the inner channel, the shaft defining a shaft first end and a shaft second end;
- an abutment component attached to the shaft first end.
A further advantage of the present invention resides in that since the device is independent of the windshield wiper, it does not hinder in any way movement of the windshield wiper when not in use.
A still further advantage of the present invention resides in that the strategic positioning of the device allows for the use of relatively small components since the strategic positioning of the device optimizes the use of levering forces for raising the windshield wiper away from the windshield.
Another advantage of the present invention resides in that the lifting device allows for customization of the height at which the windshield wiper blade is lifted from the windshield depending on the need. Consequently, the windshield wiper blade can be raised at a height sufficient to clear the blade of any clogging without the need for raising the blade at a height which may damage the latter when it is biased back against the windshield.
A still further advantage of the present invention resides in that the device can be positioned at a location such that it does not obstruct the visual field of the vehicle operator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which:
Figure 1, in a perspective view with sections taken out, illustrates a windshield wiper lifting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a vehicle adjacent a conventional windshield wiper assembly;
Figure 2, in a partial cross-sectional view, illustrates the windshield wiper device of Figure 1 in a lowered position;
Figure 3, in a partial cross-sectional view, illustrates the windshield wiper lifting device of Figure 2 in a raised position;
Figure 4, in a partial elevational view, illustrates the windshield wiper lifting device of Figure 1 mounted on a conventional vehicle with a conventional windshield wiper assembly pivoting about its pivoting axis, the pivoted windshield wiper assembly being shown in phantom lines;
Figure 5, in a cross-sectional view, taken along arrows 5-5 of Figure 4, illustrates the relationship between a conventional windshield wiper assembly and a windshield wiper lifting device when the latter is in its lowered position;
Figure 6, in a cross-sectional view, taken along arrows 5-5 of Figure 4, illustrates the relationship between a conventional windshield wiper assembly and a windshield wiper lifting device when the latter is in its raised position;
Figure 7, in a perspective view, illustrates a windshield wiper lifting device in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8, in an elevational view, illustrates the windshield wiper lifting device of Figure 7;
Figure 9, in an elevational view, illustrates the windshi~id wiper lifting device of Figure 7 mounted adjacent a conventional windshield wiper assembly, movement of the windshield wiper assembly being shown in phantom lines;
Figure 10, in an electric diagram, schematically illustrates part of an activating circuit that can be used for activating a windshield wiper lifting device in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a windshield wiper lifting device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 is shown mounted on a conventional windshield assembly including a transparent windshield 12 secured to a frame (not shown) by a peripherally disposed window frame 14.
A ceiling strip 16 is interposed between the windshield 12 and the windshield frame 14. The windshield 12 is typically made of a sheet of glass or other suitable transparent material such as a polymeric resin. The windshield frame 14 is typically made of a sheet of metallic alloy having a windshield receiving aperture extending there through. The device 10 is mounted on the windshield assembly adjacent a conventional windshield wiper 18.
In the illustrative embodiment disclosed herein, the conventional windshield wiper 18 includes a generally elongated and bow-shaped blade support member 20. The blade support member 20 is adapted to support at both longitudinal ends thereof a windshield wiper blade 22. The windshield wiper blade 22 is typically made of an elastomeric material.
A reinforcing bracket 24 having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration is mounted on the blade support member 20. The reinforcing bracket 24 straddles the blade support member 20 and is substantially centrally disposed relative to the latter.
The reinforcing bracket 24 has a pivoting pin 26 extending there through. A substantially bow-shaped and elongated intermediate support member 28 is pivotally mounted to the supporting bracket 24. The longitudinal ends of the intermediate support member 28 are attached to the windshield wiper blade 22.
An arm distal connector 30 is pivotally attached to the reinforcing bracket 24. The arm distal connector 30 has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional configuration allowing it to straddle the reinforcing bracket 24. A
substantially elongated wiper arm 32 having an arm first end 34 and an arm second end 36 is solidly attached at its arm first end 34 to the arm distal connector 30.
The wiper arm 32 is solidly attached at its arm second end 36 to an arm proximal connector 38. The arm proximal connector 38 has a proximal connector pivoting pin 40 extending there through. The arm proximal connector 38 is pivotally attached to a spline or shaft cap 42. The shaft cap 42 is, in turn, attached to a wiper shaft 44.
As illustrated more specifically in Figures 5 and 6, the wiper shaft 44 extends through the windshield frame 14 and is mechanically coupled to a wiper motor 46 positioned underneath the windshield frame 14. The wiper motor 46 is adapted to rotate the wiper shaft 44 about a wiper shaft rotational axis indicated by the reference character A in Figure 5. Rotation of the wiper shaft 44 about its wiper shaft rotational axis A is transmitted to the wiper assembly 18, causing the wiper blade 22 to wipe the windshield glass 12 over a wiping area defined between a wiper blade lower reciprocating position and a wiper blade upper reciprocating position as is well-known in the art.
It should be understood that the wiper assembly herein above disclosed is only used as an example and that any type of wiper assembly, including the wiper blade attached to the wiper arm, the wiper arm being adapted to rotate so as to wipe a windshield, could be used in association with the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Typically, when the wiper blade 22 is in the wiper blade lower reciprocating position, it lies in a position substantially adjacent a peripheral edge of the hood of the vehicle while when the wiper blade 22 is in its wiper blade upper reciprocating position, it lies in a position substantially parallel and adjacent to a side edge of the windshield 12.
A windshield wiper biasing means for biasing the wiper arm 22 downwardly towards the windshield 12 is attached to the wiper arm 32. The windshield wiper biasing mechanism is adapted to maintain a contacting pressure between the windshield wiper blade 22 and the windshield 12. The windshield wiper biasing mechanism is also adapted to prevent the windshield wiper blade 22 from being lifted away from the windshield 12 and to bias the wiper arm 32 and its attached windshield wiper blade 22 towards the windshield 12 when the windshield wiper blade 22 is lifted away from the windshield 12.
The windshield wiper biasing mechanism typically takes the form of an helicoidal spring nested in the arm proximal connector 38, attached at one of its ends to the wiper arm 32 and at its other end to the connector pivoting pin 40.
The device 10 includes an abutment component generally designated by the reference numeral 78. The abutment component 78 is configured and sized for abuttingly contacting the wiper arm 32 preferably against a lower surface thereof.
The device 10 also includes a moving means for selectively moving the abutment component 78. The moving means is generally designated by the reference numeral 79. The moving means 79 is adapted to move the abutment component 78 between a first abutment position illustrated in Figures 2 and 5 wherein the abutment component 78 is in a spaced relationship relative to the wiper arm 32 and an abutment component second position illustrated in Figures 3 and 6 wherein the abutment component 78 abuttingly contacts the wiper arm 32. In the abutment component second position, the abutment component 78 causes the wiper blade 22 to be lifted away from the windshield 12. The moving means 79 is mechanically coupled to the abutment component 78 as will be hereinafter disclosed. The device 10 further includes a mounting means for mounting the abutment component on a lower section of the windshield frame 14 adjacent the wiper arm 32 when the latter is in the windshield wiper second position.
The lifting means preferably includes a solenoid component 64 mounted to the windshield frame 14. The solenoid component has an inner channel 65 formed therein. The lifting means also preferably includes a shaft slidably mounted within the inner channel 65. The shaft 72 defines a shaft first end and a shaft second end. The abutment component 78 is attached to the shaft first end.
Preferably, the lifting means 79 further includes a guiding sleeve 50 mounted to the windshield frame 14 adjacent the solenoid component 64.
The guiding sleeve 50 has a substantially elongated tubular wall 52 defining a guiding sleeve channel 61 extending longitudinally there through. The shaft 72 slidably expands through at least a section of both the inner channel 65 and the sleeve channel 61.
In a preferred embodiment, the mounting means includes a windshield frame aperture 48 expanding through the windshield frame 14. The guiding sleeve 50 is inserted through the windshield frame aperture 48. The guiding sleeve 50 is provided with an external thread 54 formed on its outer surface. The guiding sleeve 50 protrudes through both the windshield frame outer surface and the windshield frame inner surface 58. A pair of fixing rings 60 and 62 is adapted to secure the guiding sleeve 50 inside the windshield frame aperture 48. The fixing rings 60 and 62 each have a substantially flat and annular-shaped body defining an inner ring aperture. Each inner ring aperture has a ring thread formed thereon. The ring thread is configured and sized so as to threadably engage the sleeve threads 54 formed on the outer surface of the guiding sleeve 50.
The solenoid component 64 is preferably mounted underneath the windshield frame inner surface 58. The solenoid component 64 is provided with a threaded chamfer recess 66. The chamfer recess 66 is adapted to threadably engage a segment of the threaded guiding sleeve outer surface 52 that protrudes underneath the fixing ring 62. The solenoid component 64 is thus threadably attached to the guiding sleeve 50.
A set of substantially L-shaped fixing brackets 68 is attached both to the outer peripheral edge of the solenoid component 64 and to the windshield frame 14 by conventional fastening means such as a set of bracket fixing bolts 70.
The abutment component 78 preferably has a substantially elongated configuration defining an abutment component first end 80 and an opposed abutment component second end 82. The abutment component 78 is preferably pivotally attached about its abutment component first end 80 to the shaft 72 adjacent the shaft first end 74.
The abutment component 78 typically has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining an abutment component top wall 84 and a pair of opposed abutment component flanges 86 depending integrally and substantially downwardly from the longitudinal edges of the abutment component top wall 84.
Typically, an abutment component pivoting pin 88 extends through both the abutment component flanges 86 and through the abutment component 78 adjacent its abutment component first end for pivotally connecting the abutment component 78 through the shaft 72.
A cushioning means for cushioning the contact between the abutment component 78 and the windshield 12 is preferably mounted on the abutment component 78 adjacent its abutment component second end 82. The cushioning means preferably takes the form of a cushioning component 90 typically having a substantially dome-shaped contacting surface. The cushioning component 90 is preferably made of a relatively resilient material such as an elastomeric resin. The cushioning component 90 is adapted to prevent scratching of the windshield 12 during operation of the device 10.
An actuating means for allowing an intended user to selectively activate the lifting means 79 is preferably provided. The actuating means typically includes a switch (not shown) positioned inside the vehicle's cabin adjacent the dashboard. The switch is electrically coupled to a pair of wires 92.
The wires 92 are also electrically coupled to the solenoid component 64 and to a suitable power source such as the vehicle's battery (not shown). The switch thus enables an intended user to selectively send current from the power source to the solenoid component 64.
In use, the device 10 can be used to momentarily and selectively lift the windshield wiper blade 22 away from the windshield 12 and then allow the windshield wiper biasing means to biase the windshield wiper blade 22 towards the windshield 12 so that the windshield wiper blade 22 impacts the windshield 12 and consequently dislodges residues such as snow, ice, insects or the like.
To lift the windshield wiper blade 22 away from the windshield 12, the intended user merely needs to use the switch positioned inside the vehicle's cabin. The switch allows current emanating from the power source to be sent to the solenoid component 64. The solenoid component 64 creates an electromagnetic force which biases the shaft 72 upwardly, as indicated by arrow D in Figure 6. The upward movement of the shaft first end 74, in turn, raises the abutment components first end 80. Movement of the abutment components first end 80 causes the abutment components 78 to pivot relative to the shaft 72 about the abutment component pivoting pin 88.
The abutment components first end 80 is raised until it contacts the wiper arm 32 sufficiently so as to raise the windshield wiper blade 22 away from the windshield 12. The windshield wiper blade 22 is raised sufficiently away from the windshield 12 so that when the windshield wiper biasing component biases the windshield wiper blade 22 towards the windshield 12, the windshield wiper blade 22 will impact the windshield 12 with sufficient force to dislodge the particle that may have adhered to the latter.
Typically, the dome-shaped configuration of the cushioning component 90 allows the latter to remain in contact with the windshield 12 throughout pivoting of the abutment component 78. The constant contact between the cushioning component 90 and the windshield 12 increases the stability of the abutment component 78. Furthermore, it prevents scratching of the windshield 12.
One of the advantages of the device 10 is that it can be used either when the conventional windshield wiper 18 is immobile with its wiper blade 22 in the wiper blade lower reciprocating position or when the windshield wiper 18 is actually in use and thus reciprocating between the wiper blade upper reciprocating position and the wiper blade lower reciprocating position.
Also, the height at which the wiper blade 22 is raised away from the windshield 12 may be readily adjusted. Furthermore, the solenoid component 64 is positioned underneath the windshield frame 14 and is thus protected by the latter from rain, snow, dirt and the like.
Figure 3 illustrates movement of the wiper arm 32 when the latter reaches a position adjacent the device 10 during its motion towards the wiper blade lower reciprocating position. With the shaft 72 in its raised configuration, the abutment component 78 is in angled configuration relatively to the windshield 12. This angled configuration of the abutment component 78 allows the wiper arm 32 to be smoothly raised upwardly so as to gently lift the wiper blade 22 away from the windshield 12. The angled configuration of the abutment component 78 relative to the windshield 12 thus minimizes wear on the conventional windshield wiper 18.
The device 10 may also include an electronic, electrical or mechanical device that will cyclically produce an upward movement of the shaft 72 and a downward movement of the latter for a predetermined number of cycles. With such a device, the activation of the switch inside the vehicle's cabin causes the windshield wiper 22 to impact the windshield 12 a predetermined number of times.
Referring to Figure 9, there is shown lifting device 10' in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The lifting device 10' is shown positioned adjacent a conventional windshield wiper 94. The conventional windshield wiper 94 is substantially similar in construction to the conventional windshield wiper 18 illustrated in Figures 1-6 and that is also includes a wiper arm 96 pivotally connected at a first end thereof to the windshield wiper spline 98 and having a wiper blade 100 fixed at a second end thereof through a set of wiper blade attachment components 102.
The lifting device 10' includes an abutment pad 104. The abutment pad 104 typically has a substantially flat abutment pad main panel 106. A pair of abutment pad flanges 108 extend integrally and substantially perpendicularly from a corresponding pair of longitudinal edges of the abutment main panel 106.
The abutment main panel 106 is mounted to a lifting shaft 110.
The lifting shaft 110 is slidably inserted into a lifting shaft channel 112 formed by a substantially cylindrically-shaped solenoid component 114. The solenoid component 114 is protectively enclosed into a substantially bell-shaped housing unit 116. The housing unit 116 has a housing unit lower flange 118. The housing unit lower flange 118 defines a housing unit lower flange abutment surface 120. The housing unit lower flange 118 is provided with a set of housing unit fixing apertures 122 extending therethrough. The housing unit fixing apertures 122 is configured in size so as to receive a corresponding set of conventional fastening means such as fixing bolts 124.
Figure 10 illustrates an electrical circuit that can be used for activating the lifting device 10'. The solenoid component 114 is electrically coupled to a pair of solenoid component electrical wires 126. The solenoid component electrical wires 126 are, in turn, electrically coupled to a conventional power source 128 such as the battery of a vehicle. A fuse 130 is electrically connected between the conventional power source 128 and the solenoid component 114. A selector switch 132 is electrically connected between the fuse 130 and the solenoid component 114. The selector switch 132 is adapted to be used for sending current emanating from the conventional power source 128 either to a first contact component 134, a second contact component 136 or a third contact component 138. When the selector switch 132 sends current to the first contact component 134, the current is then sent over by conventional connecting means to the conventional wiper (not shown). When the current is sent to the third contact component 138, it is then also sent to the solenoid component 114 through the solenoid component electrical wires 126. When the current is sent to the second contact component 136, both the conventional wiper motor and the solenoid component 114 are fiddled.
In use, the lifting device 10' is mounted on the outer surface of the windshield frame so as to be in a substantially underlying relationship relative to the wiper arm when the wiper blade is in the wiper blade lower reciprocating position. The lifting device 10' is mounted on the windshield frame with the housing unit lower flange abutment surface 120 abutting against the outer surface of the windshield frame and the housing unit fixing bolts 124 fixing the housing unit lower flange 118 to the vehicle. The solenoid component electrical wires 126 extend through the windshield frame to the selector switch 132 preferably positioned inside the vehicle's cabin adjacent the dashboard.
When an intended user manipulates the selector switch 132 so that current is sent to the third contact component 138, the solenoid component 114 generates an electromagnetic force which biases the lifting shaft 110 upwardly.
The abutment pad main panel 106 abuts against the wiper arm 96 and raises the latter upwardly as indicated by arrow D in Figure 9. The solenoid component 114 then allows or helps the wiper arm 96 to slide back into the housing unit 116. The windshield wiper biasing mechanism forces the wiper blade 110 to impact the windshield, causing the particles which may have adhered to be dislodged.
As with the previous embodiment, the selector switch 132 may incorporate a device that makes the wiper arm 96 move up and down a predetermined cycle when the selector switch 132 sends current to the third contact component 138.
Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention hereinabove described without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Conveniently, the abutment component has an elongated configuration defining an abutment component first end and an opposed abutment component second end, the abutment component being pivotally connected to the lifting means and the abutment component second end abuttingly contacting the windshield.
Preferably, the abutment component second end is provided with a cushioning means for cushioning the contact between the abutment component second end and the windshield.
Conveniently, the abutment component has an elongated configuration defining an abutment component first end and an opposed abutment component second end, the abutment component being pivotally connected to the shaft first end and the abutment component second end abuttingly contacting the windshield.
Preferably, the abutment component second end is provided with a cushioning means for cushioning the contact between the abutment component second and the windshield.
Conveniently, the cushioning means includes a cushioning component having a generally dome-shaped contacting surface.
_7_ Preferably, the solenoid component is protectively enclosed within a housing unit, the housing unit being rigidly mounted on the windshield frame upper surface.
Conveniently, the abutment component includes an abutment pad, the abutment pad having a pad main panel and a pair of pad flanges extending substantially perpendicularly from opposed peripheral edges of the pad main panel.
Preferably, the windshield wiper lifting device includes an actuating means for allowing an intended user to selectively activate the lifting means.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for lifting the windshield wiper blade away from the windshield, the windshield wiper blade being fixed to a wiper arm, the wiper arm having an arm first end and an arm second end, the windshield wiper blade being fixed to the wiper arm adjacent the arm first end, the arm second end being fixed to a windshield frame and to a windshield motor, the windshield motor being adapted to reciprocate the windshield wiper blade over a wiping section of the windshield between a wiper blade lower reciprocating position and a wiper blade upper reciprocating position, the windshield wiper being biased against the windshield by a wiper biasing means, the device comprising:
- a shaft, the shaft having a shaft first end and a shaft second end;
_g_ - an abutment component, the abutment component being fixed to the shaft first end, the abutment component being configured in size so as to selectively abut against the wiper arm when the windshield wiper blade is in the wiper lower reciprocating position;
- a shaft biasing means for selectively biasing the shaft between a shaft's retracted position and a shaft's protracted position;
- a switch means for selectively actuating the shaft biasing means;
the device being configured in size so that when the shaft is in the shaft protracted position and the windshield wiper blade is in the wiper blade lower reciprocating position, the abutment component abuts against the wiper arm and lifts the wiper arm so that the windshield wiper blade is lifted away from the windshield whereby the windshield wiper blade is adapted to being lifted away from the windshield and then biased against the windshield by the wiper blade biasing means so as to impact the windshield in order to dislodge any particle that may have adhered to the windshield wiper blade.
Preferably, the shaft biasing means include a solenoid type component, the solenoid type component defining a solenoid inner channel, the shaft being slidably inserted in the solenoid inner channel.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a windshield wiper lifting device for selectively lifting a windshield wiper away from a windshield, the windshield wiper being mounted on the windshield frame, the _g_ windshield frame having a frame inner surface and a frame outer surface; the windshield being pivotable between a wiper first position and a wiper second position wherein the wiper arm is in a proximal relationship with a lower edge of the windshield, the windshield wiper including a wiper blade attached to a wiper arm, the lifting device comprising:
- a lifting component, the lifting component being mounted on the windshield frame so as to be adjacent to the wiper arm when the windshield wiper is in the windshield wiper second position;
the lifting component being selectively movable between a lifting component first position wherein the lifting component is spaced from the wiper arm and a lifting component second position wherein the lifting component abuttingly contacts the wiper arm so as to lift the wiper blade away from the windshield;
- an activating means for selectively activating the lifting component.
Preferably, the lifting means includes a solenoid component mounted to the windshield frame, the solenoid component having an inner channel formed therein;
- a shaft slidably mounted within the inner channel, the shaft defining a shaft first end and a shaft second end;
- an abutment component attached to the shaft first end.
A further advantage of the present invention resides in that since the device is independent of the windshield wiper, it does not hinder in any way movement of the windshield wiper when not in use.
A still further advantage of the present invention resides in that the strategic positioning of the device allows for the use of relatively small components since the strategic positioning of the device optimizes the use of levering forces for raising the windshield wiper away from the windshield.
Another advantage of the present invention resides in that the lifting device allows for customization of the height at which the windshield wiper blade is lifted from the windshield depending on the need. Consequently, the windshield wiper blade can be raised at a height sufficient to clear the blade of any clogging without the need for raising the blade at a height which may damage the latter when it is biased back against the windshield.
A still further advantage of the present invention resides in that the device can be positioned at a location such that it does not obstruct the visual field of the vehicle operator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which:
Figure 1, in a perspective view with sections taken out, illustrates a windshield wiper lifting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a vehicle adjacent a conventional windshield wiper assembly;
Figure 2, in a partial cross-sectional view, illustrates the windshield wiper device of Figure 1 in a lowered position;
Figure 3, in a partial cross-sectional view, illustrates the windshield wiper lifting device of Figure 2 in a raised position;
Figure 4, in a partial elevational view, illustrates the windshield wiper lifting device of Figure 1 mounted on a conventional vehicle with a conventional windshield wiper assembly pivoting about its pivoting axis, the pivoted windshield wiper assembly being shown in phantom lines;
Figure 5, in a cross-sectional view, taken along arrows 5-5 of Figure 4, illustrates the relationship between a conventional windshield wiper assembly and a windshield wiper lifting device when the latter is in its lowered position;
Figure 6, in a cross-sectional view, taken along arrows 5-5 of Figure 4, illustrates the relationship between a conventional windshield wiper assembly and a windshield wiper lifting device when the latter is in its raised position;
Figure 7, in a perspective view, illustrates a windshield wiper lifting device in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8, in an elevational view, illustrates the windshield wiper lifting device of Figure 7;
Figure 9, in an elevational view, illustrates the windshi~id wiper lifting device of Figure 7 mounted adjacent a conventional windshield wiper assembly, movement of the windshield wiper assembly being shown in phantom lines;
Figure 10, in an electric diagram, schematically illustrates part of an activating circuit that can be used for activating a windshield wiper lifting device in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a windshield wiper lifting device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 is shown mounted on a conventional windshield assembly including a transparent windshield 12 secured to a frame (not shown) by a peripherally disposed window frame 14.
A ceiling strip 16 is interposed between the windshield 12 and the windshield frame 14. The windshield 12 is typically made of a sheet of glass or other suitable transparent material such as a polymeric resin. The windshield frame 14 is typically made of a sheet of metallic alloy having a windshield receiving aperture extending there through. The device 10 is mounted on the windshield assembly adjacent a conventional windshield wiper 18.
In the illustrative embodiment disclosed herein, the conventional windshield wiper 18 includes a generally elongated and bow-shaped blade support member 20. The blade support member 20 is adapted to support at both longitudinal ends thereof a windshield wiper blade 22. The windshield wiper blade 22 is typically made of an elastomeric material.
A reinforcing bracket 24 having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration is mounted on the blade support member 20. The reinforcing bracket 24 straddles the blade support member 20 and is substantially centrally disposed relative to the latter.
The reinforcing bracket 24 has a pivoting pin 26 extending there through. A substantially bow-shaped and elongated intermediate support member 28 is pivotally mounted to the supporting bracket 24. The longitudinal ends of the intermediate support member 28 are attached to the windshield wiper blade 22.
An arm distal connector 30 is pivotally attached to the reinforcing bracket 24. The arm distal connector 30 has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional configuration allowing it to straddle the reinforcing bracket 24. A
substantially elongated wiper arm 32 having an arm first end 34 and an arm second end 36 is solidly attached at its arm first end 34 to the arm distal connector 30.
The wiper arm 32 is solidly attached at its arm second end 36 to an arm proximal connector 38. The arm proximal connector 38 has a proximal connector pivoting pin 40 extending there through. The arm proximal connector 38 is pivotally attached to a spline or shaft cap 42. The shaft cap 42 is, in turn, attached to a wiper shaft 44.
As illustrated more specifically in Figures 5 and 6, the wiper shaft 44 extends through the windshield frame 14 and is mechanically coupled to a wiper motor 46 positioned underneath the windshield frame 14. The wiper motor 46 is adapted to rotate the wiper shaft 44 about a wiper shaft rotational axis indicated by the reference character A in Figure 5. Rotation of the wiper shaft 44 about its wiper shaft rotational axis A is transmitted to the wiper assembly 18, causing the wiper blade 22 to wipe the windshield glass 12 over a wiping area defined between a wiper blade lower reciprocating position and a wiper blade upper reciprocating position as is well-known in the art.
It should be understood that the wiper assembly herein above disclosed is only used as an example and that any type of wiper assembly, including the wiper blade attached to the wiper arm, the wiper arm being adapted to rotate so as to wipe a windshield, could be used in association with the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Typically, when the wiper blade 22 is in the wiper blade lower reciprocating position, it lies in a position substantially adjacent a peripheral edge of the hood of the vehicle while when the wiper blade 22 is in its wiper blade upper reciprocating position, it lies in a position substantially parallel and adjacent to a side edge of the windshield 12.
A windshield wiper biasing means for biasing the wiper arm 22 downwardly towards the windshield 12 is attached to the wiper arm 32. The windshield wiper biasing mechanism is adapted to maintain a contacting pressure between the windshield wiper blade 22 and the windshield 12. The windshield wiper biasing mechanism is also adapted to prevent the windshield wiper blade 22 from being lifted away from the windshield 12 and to bias the wiper arm 32 and its attached windshield wiper blade 22 towards the windshield 12 when the windshield wiper blade 22 is lifted away from the windshield 12.
The windshield wiper biasing mechanism typically takes the form of an helicoidal spring nested in the arm proximal connector 38, attached at one of its ends to the wiper arm 32 and at its other end to the connector pivoting pin 40.
The device 10 includes an abutment component generally designated by the reference numeral 78. The abutment component 78 is configured and sized for abuttingly contacting the wiper arm 32 preferably against a lower surface thereof.
The device 10 also includes a moving means for selectively moving the abutment component 78. The moving means is generally designated by the reference numeral 79. The moving means 79 is adapted to move the abutment component 78 between a first abutment position illustrated in Figures 2 and 5 wherein the abutment component 78 is in a spaced relationship relative to the wiper arm 32 and an abutment component second position illustrated in Figures 3 and 6 wherein the abutment component 78 abuttingly contacts the wiper arm 32. In the abutment component second position, the abutment component 78 causes the wiper blade 22 to be lifted away from the windshield 12. The moving means 79 is mechanically coupled to the abutment component 78 as will be hereinafter disclosed. The device 10 further includes a mounting means for mounting the abutment component on a lower section of the windshield frame 14 adjacent the wiper arm 32 when the latter is in the windshield wiper second position.
The lifting means preferably includes a solenoid component 64 mounted to the windshield frame 14. The solenoid component has an inner channel 65 formed therein. The lifting means also preferably includes a shaft slidably mounted within the inner channel 65. The shaft 72 defines a shaft first end and a shaft second end. The abutment component 78 is attached to the shaft first end.
Preferably, the lifting means 79 further includes a guiding sleeve 50 mounted to the windshield frame 14 adjacent the solenoid component 64.
The guiding sleeve 50 has a substantially elongated tubular wall 52 defining a guiding sleeve channel 61 extending longitudinally there through. The shaft 72 slidably expands through at least a section of both the inner channel 65 and the sleeve channel 61.
In a preferred embodiment, the mounting means includes a windshield frame aperture 48 expanding through the windshield frame 14. The guiding sleeve 50 is inserted through the windshield frame aperture 48. The guiding sleeve 50 is provided with an external thread 54 formed on its outer surface. The guiding sleeve 50 protrudes through both the windshield frame outer surface and the windshield frame inner surface 58. A pair of fixing rings 60 and 62 is adapted to secure the guiding sleeve 50 inside the windshield frame aperture 48. The fixing rings 60 and 62 each have a substantially flat and annular-shaped body defining an inner ring aperture. Each inner ring aperture has a ring thread formed thereon. The ring thread is configured and sized so as to threadably engage the sleeve threads 54 formed on the outer surface of the guiding sleeve 50.
The solenoid component 64 is preferably mounted underneath the windshield frame inner surface 58. The solenoid component 64 is provided with a threaded chamfer recess 66. The chamfer recess 66 is adapted to threadably engage a segment of the threaded guiding sleeve outer surface 52 that protrudes underneath the fixing ring 62. The solenoid component 64 is thus threadably attached to the guiding sleeve 50.
A set of substantially L-shaped fixing brackets 68 is attached both to the outer peripheral edge of the solenoid component 64 and to the windshield frame 14 by conventional fastening means such as a set of bracket fixing bolts 70.
The abutment component 78 preferably has a substantially elongated configuration defining an abutment component first end 80 and an opposed abutment component second end 82. The abutment component 78 is preferably pivotally attached about its abutment component first end 80 to the shaft 72 adjacent the shaft first end 74.
The abutment component 78 typically has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining an abutment component top wall 84 and a pair of opposed abutment component flanges 86 depending integrally and substantially downwardly from the longitudinal edges of the abutment component top wall 84.
Typically, an abutment component pivoting pin 88 extends through both the abutment component flanges 86 and through the abutment component 78 adjacent its abutment component first end for pivotally connecting the abutment component 78 through the shaft 72.
A cushioning means for cushioning the contact between the abutment component 78 and the windshield 12 is preferably mounted on the abutment component 78 adjacent its abutment component second end 82. The cushioning means preferably takes the form of a cushioning component 90 typically having a substantially dome-shaped contacting surface. The cushioning component 90 is preferably made of a relatively resilient material such as an elastomeric resin. The cushioning component 90 is adapted to prevent scratching of the windshield 12 during operation of the device 10.
An actuating means for allowing an intended user to selectively activate the lifting means 79 is preferably provided. The actuating means typically includes a switch (not shown) positioned inside the vehicle's cabin adjacent the dashboard. The switch is electrically coupled to a pair of wires 92.
The wires 92 are also electrically coupled to the solenoid component 64 and to a suitable power source such as the vehicle's battery (not shown). The switch thus enables an intended user to selectively send current from the power source to the solenoid component 64.
In use, the device 10 can be used to momentarily and selectively lift the windshield wiper blade 22 away from the windshield 12 and then allow the windshield wiper biasing means to biase the windshield wiper blade 22 towards the windshield 12 so that the windshield wiper blade 22 impacts the windshield 12 and consequently dislodges residues such as snow, ice, insects or the like.
To lift the windshield wiper blade 22 away from the windshield 12, the intended user merely needs to use the switch positioned inside the vehicle's cabin. The switch allows current emanating from the power source to be sent to the solenoid component 64. The solenoid component 64 creates an electromagnetic force which biases the shaft 72 upwardly, as indicated by arrow D in Figure 6. The upward movement of the shaft first end 74, in turn, raises the abutment components first end 80. Movement of the abutment components first end 80 causes the abutment components 78 to pivot relative to the shaft 72 about the abutment component pivoting pin 88.
The abutment components first end 80 is raised until it contacts the wiper arm 32 sufficiently so as to raise the windshield wiper blade 22 away from the windshield 12. The windshield wiper blade 22 is raised sufficiently away from the windshield 12 so that when the windshield wiper biasing component biases the windshield wiper blade 22 towards the windshield 12, the windshield wiper blade 22 will impact the windshield 12 with sufficient force to dislodge the particle that may have adhered to the latter.
Typically, the dome-shaped configuration of the cushioning component 90 allows the latter to remain in contact with the windshield 12 throughout pivoting of the abutment component 78. The constant contact between the cushioning component 90 and the windshield 12 increases the stability of the abutment component 78. Furthermore, it prevents scratching of the windshield 12.
One of the advantages of the device 10 is that it can be used either when the conventional windshield wiper 18 is immobile with its wiper blade 22 in the wiper blade lower reciprocating position or when the windshield wiper 18 is actually in use and thus reciprocating between the wiper blade upper reciprocating position and the wiper blade lower reciprocating position.
Also, the height at which the wiper blade 22 is raised away from the windshield 12 may be readily adjusted. Furthermore, the solenoid component 64 is positioned underneath the windshield frame 14 and is thus protected by the latter from rain, snow, dirt and the like.
Figure 3 illustrates movement of the wiper arm 32 when the latter reaches a position adjacent the device 10 during its motion towards the wiper blade lower reciprocating position. With the shaft 72 in its raised configuration, the abutment component 78 is in angled configuration relatively to the windshield 12. This angled configuration of the abutment component 78 allows the wiper arm 32 to be smoothly raised upwardly so as to gently lift the wiper blade 22 away from the windshield 12. The angled configuration of the abutment component 78 relative to the windshield 12 thus minimizes wear on the conventional windshield wiper 18.
The device 10 may also include an electronic, electrical or mechanical device that will cyclically produce an upward movement of the shaft 72 and a downward movement of the latter for a predetermined number of cycles. With such a device, the activation of the switch inside the vehicle's cabin causes the windshield wiper 22 to impact the windshield 12 a predetermined number of times.
Referring to Figure 9, there is shown lifting device 10' in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The lifting device 10' is shown positioned adjacent a conventional windshield wiper 94. The conventional windshield wiper 94 is substantially similar in construction to the conventional windshield wiper 18 illustrated in Figures 1-6 and that is also includes a wiper arm 96 pivotally connected at a first end thereof to the windshield wiper spline 98 and having a wiper blade 100 fixed at a second end thereof through a set of wiper blade attachment components 102.
The lifting device 10' includes an abutment pad 104. The abutment pad 104 typically has a substantially flat abutment pad main panel 106. A pair of abutment pad flanges 108 extend integrally and substantially perpendicularly from a corresponding pair of longitudinal edges of the abutment main panel 106.
The abutment main panel 106 is mounted to a lifting shaft 110.
The lifting shaft 110 is slidably inserted into a lifting shaft channel 112 formed by a substantially cylindrically-shaped solenoid component 114. The solenoid component 114 is protectively enclosed into a substantially bell-shaped housing unit 116. The housing unit 116 has a housing unit lower flange 118. The housing unit lower flange 118 defines a housing unit lower flange abutment surface 120. The housing unit lower flange 118 is provided with a set of housing unit fixing apertures 122 extending therethrough. The housing unit fixing apertures 122 is configured in size so as to receive a corresponding set of conventional fastening means such as fixing bolts 124.
Figure 10 illustrates an electrical circuit that can be used for activating the lifting device 10'. The solenoid component 114 is electrically coupled to a pair of solenoid component electrical wires 126. The solenoid component electrical wires 126 are, in turn, electrically coupled to a conventional power source 128 such as the battery of a vehicle. A fuse 130 is electrically connected between the conventional power source 128 and the solenoid component 114. A selector switch 132 is electrically connected between the fuse 130 and the solenoid component 114. The selector switch 132 is adapted to be used for sending current emanating from the conventional power source 128 either to a first contact component 134, a second contact component 136 or a third contact component 138. When the selector switch 132 sends current to the first contact component 134, the current is then sent over by conventional connecting means to the conventional wiper (not shown). When the current is sent to the third contact component 138, it is then also sent to the solenoid component 114 through the solenoid component electrical wires 126. When the current is sent to the second contact component 136, both the conventional wiper motor and the solenoid component 114 are fiddled.
In use, the lifting device 10' is mounted on the outer surface of the windshield frame so as to be in a substantially underlying relationship relative to the wiper arm when the wiper blade is in the wiper blade lower reciprocating position. The lifting device 10' is mounted on the windshield frame with the housing unit lower flange abutment surface 120 abutting against the outer surface of the windshield frame and the housing unit fixing bolts 124 fixing the housing unit lower flange 118 to the vehicle. The solenoid component electrical wires 126 extend through the windshield frame to the selector switch 132 preferably positioned inside the vehicle's cabin adjacent the dashboard.
When an intended user manipulates the selector switch 132 so that current is sent to the third contact component 138, the solenoid component 114 generates an electromagnetic force which biases the lifting shaft 110 upwardly.
The abutment pad main panel 106 abuts against the wiper arm 96 and raises the latter upwardly as indicated by arrow D in Figure 9. The solenoid component 114 then allows or helps the wiper arm 96 to slide back into the housing unit 116. The windshield wiper biasing mechanism forces the wiper blade 110 to impact the windshield, causing the particles which may have adhered to be dislodged.
As with the previous embodiment, the selector switch 132 may incorporate a device that makes the wiper arm 96 move up and down a predetermined cycle when the selector switch 132 sends current to the third contact component 138.
Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention hereinabove described without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (17)
1. A windshield wiper lifting device for selectively lifting a windshield wiper away from the windshield, said windshield wiper having a wiper blade attached to a wiper arm, said wiper arm being pivotally mounted on a windshield frame, said windshield frame defining a frame inner surface and a frame outer surface, said windshield wiper being pivotable between a wiper first position wherein said wiper blade is in a proximal relationship with a lower section of said windshield frame and a second wiper position wherein said wiper blade is in a proximal relationship relatively to a side section of said windshield frame, said lifting device comprising:
- an abutment component, said abutment component being configured and size for abuttingly contacting said wiper arm;
- a moving means for selectively moving said abutment component between an abutment component first position wherein said abutment component is in a spaced relationship relative to said wiper arm and an abutment component second position wherein said abutment component abuttingly contacts said wiper arm causing said wiper blade to be lifted from said windshield, said moving means being mechanically coupled to said abutment component;
- a mounting means for mounting said abutment component on said lower section of said windshield frame adjacent said wiper arm when said windshield wiper is in said windshield wiper first position;
- wherein said moving means includes - a solenoid component mounted to said windshield frame, said solenoid component having an inner channel formed therein;
- a shaft slidably mounted within said inner channel, said shaft defining a shaft first end and a shaft second end; said abutment component being attached to said shaft first end.
- an abutment component, said abutment component being configured and size for abuttingly contacting said wiper arm;
- a moving means for selectively moving said abutment component between an abutment component first position wherein said abutment component is in a spaced relationship relative to said wiper arm and an abutment component second position wherein said abutment component abuttingly contacts said wiper arm causing said wiper blade to be lifted from said windshield, said moving means being mechanically coupled to said abutment component;
- a mounting means for mounting said abutment component on said lower section of said windshield frame adjacent said wiper arm when said windshield wiper is in said windshield wiper first position;
- wherein said moving means includes - a solenoid component mounted to said windshield frame, said solenoid component having an inner channel formed therein;
- a shaft slidably mounted within said inner channel, said shaft defining a shaft first end and a shaft second end; said abutment component being attached to said shaft first end.
2. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 1, wherein said moving means further includes a guiding sleeve mounted to said windshield frame adjacent said solenoid component, said guiding sleeve defining a sleeve channel extending longitudinally therethrough, said shaft slidably extending through at least a section of both said inner channel and said sleeve channel.
3. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 2, wherein said mounting means includes a windshield frame aperture extending through said windshield frame; said guiding sleeve being inserted through said windshield frame aperture.
4. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 3, wherein said guiding sleeve is provided with an external thread formed thereon and protrudes through both said windshield frame outer and inner surfaces; said mounting means further including a fixing ring threadably connected to said external thread adjacent both said windshield frame outer and inner surfaces.
5. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 1, wherein said solenoid component is mounted underneath said frame inner surface.
6. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 4, wherein said solenoid component is mounted underneath said frame inner surface; said solenoid component having a threaded chamfer recess formed therein, said chamfer recess threadably engaging said external thread of said guiding sleeve for threadably attaching said solenoid component to said guiding sleeve.
7. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 6, further comprising at least one fixing bracket attached to both said solenoid component and said inner surface of said windshield frame.
8. A windshield wiper lifting device for selectively lifting a windshield wiper away from the windshield, said windshield wiper having a wiper blade attached to a wiper arm, said wiper arm being pivotally mounted on a windshield frame, said windshield frame defining a frame inner surface and a frame outer surface, said windshield wiper being pivotable between a wiper first position wherein said wiper blade is in a proximal relationship with a lower section of said windshield frame and a second wiper position wherein said wiper blade is in a proximal relationship relatively to a side section of said windshield frame, said lifting device comprising:
- an abutment component, said abutment component being configured and size for abuttingly contacting said wiper arm;
- a moving means for selectively moving said abutment component between an abutment component first position wherein said abutment component is in a spaced relationship relative to said wiper arm and an abutment component second position wherein said abutment component abuttingly contacts said wiper arm causing said wiper blade to be lifted from said windshield, said moving means being mechanically coupled to said abutment component;
- a mounting means for mounting said abutment component on said lower section of said windshield frame adjacent said wiper arm when said windshield wiper is in said windshield wiper first position;
- wherein said abutment component has an elongated configuration defining an abutment component first end and an opposed abutment component second end, said abutment component being pivotally connected to said lifting means and said abutment component second end abuttingly contacting said windshield.
- an abutment component, said abutment component being configured and size for abuttingly contacting said wiper arm;
- a moving means for selectively moving said abutment component between an abutment component first position wherein said abutment component is in a spaced relationship relative to said wiper arm and an abutment component second position wherein said abutment component abuttingly contacts said wiper arm causing said wiper blade to be lifted from said windshield, said moving means being mechanically coupled to said abutment component;
- a mounting means for mounting said abutment component on said lower section of said windshield frame adjacent said wiper arm when said windshield wiper is in said windshield wiper first position;
- wherein said abutment component has an elongated configuration defining an abutment component first end and an opposed abutment component second end, said abutment component being pivotally connected to said lifting means and said abutment component second end abuttingly contacting said windshield.
9 9. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 8, wherein said abutment component second end is provided with a cushioning means for cushioning the contact between said abutment component second end and said windshield.
10. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 1, wherein said abutment component has an elongated configuration defining an abutment component first end and an opposed abutment component second end, said abutment component being pivotally connected to said shaft first end and said abutment component second end abuttingly contacting said windshield.
11. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 10, wherein said abutment component second end is provided with a cushioning means for cushioning the contact between said abutment component second end and said windshield.
12. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 11, wherein said cushioning means includes a cushioning component having a generally dome-shaped contacting surface.
13. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 1, wherein said solenoid component is protectively enclosed within a housing unit, said housing unit being rigidly mounted on said windshield frame upper surface.
14. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 13, wherein said abutment component includes an abutment pad, said abutment pad having a pad main panel and a pair of pad flanges extending substantially perpendicularly from opposed peripheral edges of said pad main panel.
15. A windshield wiper lifting device as recited in claim 2, further comprising an actuating means for allowing an intended user to selectively activate said lifting means.
16. A device for lifting the windshield wiper blade away from the windshield, said windshield wiper blade being fixed to a wiper arm, said wiper arm having an arm first end and an arm second end, said windshield wiper blade being fixed to said wiper arm adjacent said arm first end, said arm second end being fixed to a windshield frame and to a windshield motor, said windshield motor being adapted to reciprocate said windshield wiper blade over a wiping section of said windshield between a wiper blade lower reciprocating position and a wiper blade upper reciprocating position, said windshield wiper being biased against said windshield by a wiper biasing means, said device comprising:
- a shaft, said shaft having a shaft first end and a shaft second end;
- an abutment component, said abutment component being fixed to said shaft first end, said abutment component being configured and sized so as to selectively abut against said wiper arm when said windshield wiper blade is in~
said wiper lower reciprocating position;
- a shaft biasing means for selectively biasing said shaft between a shaft's~
retracted position and a shaft's protracted position;
- a switch means for selectively actuating said shaft biasing means;
- said device being configured and sized so that when said shaft is in said shaft protracted position and said windshield wiper blade is in said wiper blade lower reciprocating position, said abutment component abuts against said wiper arm and lifts said wiper arm so that said windshield wiper blade is lifted away from said windshield whereby said windshield wiper blade is adapted to being lifted away from said windshield and when biased against said windshield by said wiper blade biasing means so as to impact said windshield in order to dislodge any particle that may have adhered to said windshield wiper blade;
- wherein said shaft biasing means include a solenoid type component, said solenoid type component defining a solenoid inner channel, said shaft being slidably inserted in said solenoid inner channel.
- a shaft, said shaft having a shaft first end and a shaft second end;
- an abutment component, said abutment component being fixed to said shaft first end, said abutment component being configured and sized so as to selectively abut against said wiper arm when said windshield wiper blade is in~
said wiper lower reciprocating position;
- a shaft biasing means for selectively biasing said shaft between a shaft's~
retracted position and a shaft's protracted position;
- a switch means for selectively actuating said shaft biasing means;
- said device being configured and sized so that when said shaft is in said shaft protracted position and said windshield wiper blade is in said wiper blade lower reciprocating position, said abutment component abuts against said wiper arm and lifts said wiper arm so that said windshield wiper blade is lifted away from said windshield whereby said windshield wiper blade is adapted to being lifted away from said windshield and when biased against said windshield by said wiper blade biasing means so as to impact said windshield in order to dislodge any particle that may have adhered to said windshield wiper blade;
- wherein said shaft biasing means include a solenoid type component, said solenoid type component defining a solenoid inner channel, said shaft being slidably inserted in said solenoid inner channel.
17. A windshield wiper lifting device for selectively lifting a windshield wiper away from a windshield, said windshield wiper being mounted on the windshield frame, said windshield frame having a frame inner surface and a frame outer surface; said windshield being pivotable between a wiper first position and a wiper second position wherein said wiper arm is in a proximal relationship with a~
12~
lower edge of said windshield, said windshield wiper including a wiper blade attached to a wiper arm, said lifting device comprising:
- a lifting means, said lifting means being mounted on said windshield frame so as to be adjacent to said wiper arm when said windshield wiper is in said windshield wiper second position;
- said lifting means being selectively movable between a lifting means first position wherein said lifting means is spaced from said wiper arm and a lifting means second position wherein said lifting means abuttingly contacts said wiper arm so as to lift said wiper blade away from said windshield;
- an activating means for selectively activating said lifting means;
- wherein said lifting means includes a solenoid component mounted to said windshield frame, said solenoid component having an inner channel formed therein;
- a shaft slidably mounted within said inner channel, said shaft defining a sheft first end and a shaft second end;
- an abutment component attached to said shaft first end.
12~
lower edge of said windshield, said windshield wiper including a wiper blade attached to a wiper arm, said lifting device comprising:
- a lifting means, said lifting means being mounted on said windshield frame so as to be adjacent to said wiper arm when said windshield wiper is in said windshield wiper second position;
- said lifting means being selectively movable between a lifting means first position wherein said lifting means is spaced from said wiper arm and a lifting means second position wherein said lifting means abuttingly contacts said wiper arm so as to lift said wiper blade away from said windshield;
- an activating means for selectively activating said lifting means;
- wherein said lifting means includes a solenoid component mounted to said windshield frame, said solenoid component having an inner channel formed therein;
- a shaft slidably mounted within said inner channel, said shaft defining a sheft first end and a shaft second end;
- an abutment component attached to said shaft first end.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2212090 CA2212090C (en) | 1997-09-05 | 1997-09-05 | Windshield wiper lifting device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2212090 CA2212090C (en) | 1997-09-05 | 1997-09-05 | Windshield wiper lifting device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2212090A1 CA2212090A1 (en) | 1999-03-05 |
| CA2212090C true CA2212090C (en) | 2005-12-27 |
Family
ID=4161171
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2212090 Expired - Fee Related CA2212090C (en) | 1997-09-05 | 1997-09-05 | Windshield wiper lifting device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2212090C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7703169B2 (en) | 2005-05-23 | 2010-04-27 | Ertan Cakmak | Snow removal and deicing device for windshield wiper |
| DE102008051550B4 (en) * | 2007-10-17 | 2015-03-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) | Dirt removing device for a wiper system |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10576937B2 (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2020-03-03 | The Boeing Company | Aircraft windshield wiper installation system |
| US10696276B2 (en) * | 2018-06-26 | 2020-06-30 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Wiper blade lift system |
-
1997
- 1997-09-05 CA CA 2212090 patent/CA2212090C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7703169B2 (en) | 2005-05-23 | 2010-04-27 | Ertan Cakmak | Snow removal and deicing device for windshield wiper |
| DE102008051550B4 (en) * | 2007-10-17 | 2015-03-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) | Dirt removing device for a wiper system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2212090A1 (en) | 1999-03-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20130905 |