GB2432109A

GB2432109A - A segemented wiping blade

Info

Publication number: GB2432109A
Application number: GB0523240A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mathew Lawrence Dixon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-11-15
Filing date: 2005-11-15
Publication date: 2007-05-16
Also published as: GB0523240D0

Abstract

A wiping blade for removing water from a surface comprises a plurality of wiping blade segments, which ensure that the blade makes optimum contact with the surface being cleaned. The blade may be used individually or as part of a multi-blade arrangement. The wiping blade may be operated by hand for example a squeegee, or by mechanical means for example in a windscreen wiper of a vehicle. In the case of the wiper being operated mechanically a stopper system may be incorporated to avoid clashing. The gap between segments is preferably at least 1mm.

Description

-Page 1 Water Removing Wiping Element Poor contact to glass and/or

ceramic surfaces when removing water is a key issue in performing a wiping motion, especially on multi-planar surfaces. Factors leading to poor wipe quality include particle build up, distribution of points of contact, material selection and (at travelling speeds) uplift.

This invention offers improvements to streaking and contact phenomenon, water trailing and aerodynamic performance associated with flexible blades.

The pre-treating capabilities of the additional blade(s) while working in a segmented fashion ensure optimum contact with glass curvature, thereby improving wipe quality and coverage.

Segmentation reduces puckering phenomena caused by compressive stresses evident with current blades.

Aerodynamic profile helps rectify the proven high-force uplift that occurs on existing blades when used in conjunction with a wiper arm at high speed.

Key elements of the said product include: a) Pre-treating multiple blades b) Segmented patterning of blade(s) position c) Optional function of third party friction reducing coating d) Cross-sectional profile geometry e) Aerodynamic form Element (b) is a variable to suite contact surface, as outlined in drawing MDI. The alternating pattern covers all variations of stagger (symmetrical and non-symmetrical offsets, gap and blade breadth (DFOOIJ, multiples of blade line fDFOO2J).

MD2.A illustrates the cross-section geometry (d) and terminology of the invention. The base support [I] forms the upper part of the Element; the widened waist [2] and shoulder [3] support the multi-blades fDFOO4) in their off-set position. The neck [4] allows flexible movement as blade(s) come into contact with surface.

Reference DFOO3 (MD2.A) indicates a stopper system. The design of the individual blades (DFOO4J and stopper perform a specific function of the invention. DFOO5 notes the geometry of the base grip (variable for third-party product fitting, [5], E.g. fitting to a third-party mechanical arm).

-Page 2 Drawings [MD3.A, MD3.B, MD3.C, MD3.D] indicate alternate types of geometric solutions which adhere to the same principles as the said invention. These include the positioning and number of blade(s), varying the attack angles and scaling. Numbering refers to the multiple of blade line.

Element (e) relates to the unique geometric formation of (b) which aids down-force.

The design of the blade head [DFOO6) is adaptable to fit all variations of base geometry (DFOO5J, for standardised fitting to any vertebral support, as shown in MD2.B.

As stated, the said segmentation of the blades while lying on multiple lines of origin [DFOO2J form an improved level of contact along the acting surface. The pattern of this system covers all variations of stagger and segment offset.

Patent should include changes to scale and blade angle. Single-mould parts and separately moulded elements (for multiple vertebrae systems [DFOO7]) if segmented, are all considered variations of the same design.

Materials of the invention should include all known elastomers (natural rubber, synthetic compounds, silicones), which allow flexible mapping of a surface plane (Both flat and other). Element (c) is optional.

Action of said invention may be performed by hand in a wiping motion, or by that of a mechanical arm performing a uniform, repeated action.

Claims

-Page 3 Claims 1. A multiple segmented blade to remove moisture and

debris from a surface compromising one or more blade alignments in said segmented pattern.

2. Operated according to claim 1, by hand or via a mechanical wiper arm.

3. An arm according to claim 2, in which a motor driven system repeats a uniform action to maintain a clear surface.

4. The multiple blade element according to claim 1 is fitted with a stopper system to relieve distortion and avoid clash phenomena. - 5. The multiple blade element according to I and 4 in which the pattern of the segmented blades are at least 1mm apart, and follow at least one origin of alignment.

6. A multiple segmented blade according to any of the preceding claims in which the adjacent blades act as a pre-treating wipe action to the subsequent wipe action(s). LI,

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A multiple segmented wiper blade to remove moisture and debris from a surface, that comprises of: a) two or more alternating alignments of the said segmented pattern, to improve contact between the blade and contacting surface; b) a structure according to (a), which functions when formed into the regular and/or irregular curvature of the contacting windshield or surface.

2 A curve, according to claim 1, which allows each individual blade segment to overlap when formed, increasing curvature complexity and accuracy along the contacting surface(s) of the blade.

3 Individual blade segments, according to claim 2, which are spaced parallel by a calculated distance whilst overlapping the adjacent segments.

4 A space according to claim 3, no less than 1mm apart.

5. A space according to claim 3, which relieves stress and puckering phenomena during formation of the aforementioned curve.

6. A curve according to claims 1 & 2, formed by the addition of a third-party frame or skeleton.

7. A frame or skeleton according to claim 6, which is attached in a fashion required by such devices.

8. Blade segments according to claims 1 & 2, numbering two or more, protruding from the device in an alternating manor.

9. Operated according to claim 1, by hand or via a mechanical wiper arm.

10. An arm according to claim 9, in which a motor driven system repeats a uniform action to maintain a clear surface.

11. The blade device according to claim 1, is fitted with a stopper system to relieve distortion and avoid clash phenomena between blade alignments.

12. The blade device, according to any of the above claims, where at least one element is made from a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber and urethane.

13. The multiple segmented wiper blade according to claims 1-3 in which the adjacent blades act as a pre-treating wipe action to the subsequent wipe action 14. The blade device according to claims 1-3 which has an effect on the acting uplift at travelling speeds.