WO2001058332A1

WO2001058332A1 - A universal clip-on handle for a water wiper blade

Info

Publication number: WO2001058332A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/000412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald Dean Varner
Original assignee: Goldtime Products, Llc
Priority date: 2000-02-09
Filing date: 2001-01-03
Publication date: 2001-08-16
Also published as: AU2001226323A1

Abstract

A clip-on handle assembly for a water wiper blade (150) has a clip apparatus (101) with oppositely opposing curved wall regions forming an enclosed shape (104) open to one side and closed on the opposite side, attachable to a handle extension (129) through a rotatable interface (127), such that the handle may form a varying angle with the clip. The clip is shaped to engage a rigid handle (151, 152) of a water wiper blade by deforming the clip in engagement to squeeze the wiper blade rigid handle. In some embodiments the handle extension has a threaded bore (137) at one end to engage a male thread of a linearly extendible auxiliary handle.

Description

A Universal Clip-On Handle for a Water Wiper Blade

Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of car-wash accessories and pertains more particularly to hand-held devices used for removing standing water on automobiles, and to handles for such devices.

Cross-Reference to Related Documents

The present patent application is a Continuation-In-Part of copending patent application 09/059,661 filed on 04/13/98, which is a CD? of copending application 08/859,836, filed on 05/16/97. The prior applications are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

Background of the Invention

One of the largest and most lucrative product markets in the United States involves cosmetic accessories for automobiles and light trucks. There are literally thousands of products available that are dedicated to enhancing the cosmetic appearance of a consumer's pride and joy, namely, his automobile. From products that add luster to an expensive paint job, to products that add sparkle to chrome, all one has to do is visit a local parts store to see discover a broad range of such innovative products.

One category of products possibly containing the least variety from which to choose is car-wash products. Car-wash accessories known in the art include special towels for removing water and drying automobile finishes after a car-wash, or chamois cloths for absorption of excess water and the like. Other products in this category include automated hot-air blowers for quick drying the automobile finish, or various hand-held cloth or synthetic pads for rubbing excess water off of an automobiles finish. Bottled solutions or treatments are sometimes employed as aids to reducing spotting or staining of an automobiles finish often resulting from standing water. The type of water used in washing a car plays a part in possible spotting or staining that may be present on an automobiles finish after a wash. For example, if the water is very hard (has a lot of dissolved minerals) minerals, resultant spotting can be extreme; whereas, if the water is softer, spotting may be lessened. These bottled solutions or pastes are designed to reduce spotting via their interaction with the water itself.

At the time of this writing the most successful (least damaging) method known in the art for removing standing water from an automobile finish is likely the time-tested chamois cloth. The chamois is a highly flexible section of treated animal skin that has a large absorption capability. The chamois is typically used just after the automobile has been rinsed. It is laid out on a surface and pulled in the direction of the user.

Although the chamois cloth is widely accepted as a viable method for removing standing water, there are some inherent problems and limitations associated with it's use. Because of the chamois cloth's persistent adhesion to a wet surface, moving the chamois from side to side, or at directions away from the user, is difficult. The chamois cloth has a tendency to fold or roll under itself if it is not being pulled directly toward the user. This drawback limits accessibility to areas that may need to be wiped. Another problem is that, while a chamois is very successful in absorbing standing water, the chamois must be wrung out when it is loaded with water, a such cloths are difficult to wring.

Because of these difficulties several chamois cloths must often be used to completely remove standing water from an automobile finish.

Although the chamois is very soft and generally harmless to a paint job or finish, it is possible that unseen dirt or particles left over from the car-wash process get lodged in the chamois and can cause scratches when the chamois is pulled across the surface of an automobile. This can be particularly disturbing for those who own expensive show cars that support special auto paints that may be susceptible to scratching.

Other types of cloths are available and well known in the art, such as re-washable towels that are sold in most auto-care shops. The absorption qualities, as well as the scratch resistant properties of these products typically vary. These towel-type products are generally intended for users who expect marginal results and are not overly concerned with the cosmetic appearance of their automobiles. Similarly, hand-held pads of the type made out of synthetic fiber vary in their absorption quality, as well as scratch resistant properties. While hand-held pads provide a convenient place for a user's hand (usually straps on the top surface), they do little else to improve the technology of water removal.

It is well known in the art that some products with rubber-like blades, such as squeegees and windshield wipers, work fairly well removing water from a flat or slightly curved surface. These devices, however, are not well adapted to removal of standing water from automobile bodies, because they cannot conform to the sometimes radical and compound curvature of an automobile body. Moreover, many body panels for vehicles such as trucks and airplanes have uneven surfaces, such as broken by rivet heads and the like, and also by intentional functional or ornamental patterns. One such pattern is a diamond shape panel that is well-known in the art and used for truck trailers and the like. Wipers are not known in the art that are efficient in removing standing water from such surfaces.

Air blowers are sometimes employed to evaporate standing water droplets on a surface. This method is most used in automated car washes and the like; and it is well known in the art that an automobile owner concerned with the cosmetic appeal of his or her vehicle would not, under normal circumstances, patronize a commercial auto-wash. Moreover, air blowers of the type that are hand-held are typically difficult because they are cumbersome, awkward, and rather heavy to hold for the time it takes to dry a car body. Furthermore, power cords can get in the way while working on an automobile surface, and cause scratches and other damage as well. In addition, electricity and or batter costs may be a deterrent to those having to wash multiple automobiles such as would be the case with a car dealership, etc.

What is clearly needed is : method and apparatus for removing standing water from surfaces that - adapted to conform around the sometimes compound and radical urvature of automobile bodies, and around rivet heads and other proje :ions from surfaces to be dried, and is at the same time gentle to surface fir hes, easy to use, inexpensive, and durable. A removable and adjust:, le handle for such an apparatus is also desirable. It is to these objects an*. Dthers that the present invention is dedicated, and apparatus and meth is are taught herein in enabling detail for accomplishing these ends.

Summar f the Invention

In a preferred embodiment of the p -sent invention a clip-on handle assembly for a water wiper blade i_- provided, comprising a clip apparatus having oppositely opposing curved wall regions forming an enclosed shape open to one side and closed on the opposite side, the walls extending in a first direction; an appendage extending from the closed side of the clip and having a first circular interface surface in a plane at right angles to the first direction and a first through center hole orthogonal to the first surface; a handle extension with a long axis and having an appendage at one end with a circular interface surface at right angles to the direction of the long axis and having a second through center through hole orthogonal to the surface; and a fastener through the center holes urging the surfaces together and joining the clip apparatus and the handle extension in an assembly. The enclosed shape matches the shape of a rigid handle of a flexible water wiper blade, being somewhat smaller in area than the rigid handle, such that the clip must be expanded to engage the rigid handle. In some embodiments the interface surfaces are formed with radial ridges, such that the ridges of each surface engage the other in assembly, and the interface surfaces may be joined by the fastener in a broad range of rotary positions. The fastener may a bolt and wing nut, for easy disassembly and assembly into different rotary relationships. In some embodiments there is a threaded bore at an end of the handle extension opposite the appendage end, the threaded bore for joining to a linearly extendable handle. In some embodiments there is a non-slip traction surface around the diameter of the handle extension and for at least a portion of a length of the handle extension. Also in some embodiments the clip apparatus includes ridges on inside surfaces of the wall regions for engaging ridges of similar pattern on outside surfaces of the rigid handle of the water wiper blade.

In preferred embodiments of the invention taught in enabling detail below, for the first time, a water wiper blade with a rigid handle made to conform to a user's hand has a clip-on extension adjustable at various angles, which also may be adapted to a linearly extendable handle for presenting the wiper blade to hard-to-reach areas of a surface to be wiped.

Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a hand-held water blade in an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a broken view of a water blade insert in an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a cross section view of the water blade insert of Fig. 2 taken along section line 3-3 of Fig. 2 in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the water blade of Fig. 1 applied to a curved surface, with the blade just touching the surface. Fig. 4B is a view of the blade and surface of Fig. 4A from a different vantage.

Fig. 4C is a perspective view of the blade of Figs. 4a and 4B with the blade urged into the surface.

Fig. 4D is a view of the blade and surface of Fig. 4C from a different vantage.

Fig. 5 A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment according to the invention, mcluding a molded passage and insert for a rigid handle.

Fig. 5B is a perspective view of a two-part molded blade and handle according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is an end view of the lip area of the water blade of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the water blade of Fig. 1 displacing water from a diamond plate surface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7B is an elevation view of the water blade and diamond plate of Fig. 7A.

Fig. 8 A is an end view of a lip design according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8B is an end view of a lip design according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8C is an end view of a lip design according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an end view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig 10A is an elevation view of a handle clip used in a handle- extending method and apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 10B is an elevation view of the handle clip of Fig. 10A showing the side opposite to that shown in Fig. 10 A.

Fig IOC is a side view of the handle clip of Fig. 10 A. Fig 10D is a side view of the handle clip of Fig. 10A from a different vantage.

Fig. 11 is a side view of a wing nut and bolt used as a fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 12A is an elevation view of an extending handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 12B is an elevation view of the extending handle of Fig. 12A from a different vantage. Fig 12C is a bottom end view of the extending handle of Fig. 12A.

Fig. 13 is an end view of a hand-held water blade similar in form and function to that of Fig. 1.

Fig 14 is a view of a handle assembly including the clip of Fig. 10A assembled with the handle of Fig. 12A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 15 is a view of the water blade of Fig. 13 assembled with the handle assembly of Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a broken elevation view of the components of Fig 15 secured by the wing nut and bolt of Fig. 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a hand-held water blade 1 1 in an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating three main elements of the assembly of water blade 11. A two-part handle consists of a first section 15 adapted to fasten to a second section 17 with a blade insert 13 captured between the handle sections. With the handle sections joined and the blade captured, a functioning water blade 1 1 is formed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, handle sections 15 and 17 are molded from polypropylene in an injection molding process. Injection molding is well known in the art of fabricating various plastics and is considered by the inventor, in this instance, to be a preferred process for manufacturing water blade 1 1. In other embodiments, other fabrication methods may be employed such as gluing various parts together, or perhaps plastic welding techniques may be employed. It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that various materials may be used to fabricate handle sections 15 and 17 such as Delrin, nylon, and others. Metals, wood, and the like may be used in other embodiments.

A T-shaped top portion 18 is provided in blade insert 13 wherein opposite sides of the "T" fit snugly into opposite blade slots provided in handle sections 17 and 15. A blade retaining slot 12 is shown in handle section 15, and a similar slot is provided in section 17, though not shown in Fig. 1.

Handle sections 15 and 17 are designed to fit together to form a handle grip that retains the wiper blade, is comfortable to hold, and is of light weight. In a preferred embodiment, special texture areas are provided around the outer edges of each handle section , although this is not required. Recesses may be molded into handle sections 15 and 17 for the purpose of supporting decals, logos, and the like.

In the embodiment shown a method is provided for attachment of handle sections 15 and 17 whereby handle section 15 has assembly brackets such as bracket 14 that are designed to accept rivets such as rivet 19 that are to be inserted through access points shown in handle section 17, such as the access point shown roughly in line with rivet 19 and bracket 14 illustrated by the directional arrows. Bracket 14 may be formed in the molding process or may be mounted to handle section 15 after molding. Bracket 14 may be fabricated from aluminum, sheet metal, or any other suitable material known in the art and of suitable strength to provide a secure attachment.

In the embodiment shown by Fig. 1 the method of attachment is riveting. However, other methods of attachment may be used as well, such as screws, snap inserts and the like. In another embodiment there may be no brackets or recesses but rather grooves provided and adapted for the installation of outer snap rings. It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that many methods, well known in the art, may be employed for attaching handle sections together without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described above. In still other embodiments a one-piece handle may be provided with a T-slot adapted to engage T-section 18 of blade 13, wherein the blade may be threaded into the slot of the one-piece handle. .An advantage in this embodiment is that there is no need for separate secti ons or fasteners. In still other embodiments handles may be formed in other ways, ad some of these other ways are described in more detail below.

In a preferred embodimer of the present invention length dimension DI is aboutl2 inches, width dimension D2 is approximately 7/8 of an inch, and height dimension D3 is apprc imately 1 % of an inch. It will be apparent to one with skill in the ait that dimensions with respect to length, width, and height of the grip hancie formed by handle sections 15 and 17 may vary. For example, handles cf different sizes may be provided along with blades of different sizes for use under certain circumstances. Large sizes for large trucks and trailers, for example, and smaller models for such as compact cars

Fig. 2 is a broken elevation view of blade insert 13 of Fig. 1 in an embodiment of the present invention showing approximate dimensions and various molded features, some of which are important to unique functionality of wiper blades in embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a section view of blade insert 13 taken along section lines 3-3 of Fig. 2 wherein further dimensioning is illustrated. A lip region 21 is provided along the longitudinal bottom edge of blade insert 13 with lip elements extending laterally from the bottom edge. This lip region may be formed in several different ways in different embodiments of the invention. In a preferred embodiment the lip region is formed at an angle from the blade element as described below in more detail.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention blade insert 13 is molded from a silicon rubber material via injection molding process for similar reasons stated as stated above with respect to the molding of handle sections 17 and 15. It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that blade insert 13 may be molded from other materials known in the art and of suitable flexibility. In this instant embodiment, the inventor prefers silicon rubber with a flexibility rating of approximately 30 to 70 durometer, depending on thickness of the blade. The flexibility of blade insert 13 can be more or less than 30 to 70 durometer, depending on a number of factors that also affect functionality, such as blade thickness, taper, grooving, blade height, and the like.

A unique and critical function provided by unique characteristics of blade insert 13 is it's capability of conforming around sometimes compound and/or radical curves in the body of an automobile, such as in a fender section. It is an object of the present invention is to provide for eliminating standing water in these areas in a safe and efficient manner. This unique capability is made possible in part by the approximate dimensional proportions of blade insert 13 with respect to length and height. Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, blade 13 has a height D4 that is a significant fraction of length DI. The ability of blade 13 to form around curved surfaces in wiping water from such surfaces is largely due to the height of the blade relative to the length, and this feature is enlarged upon below. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, D 12, which is the effective height of the blade extending from a handle, is about 2¹/. inches. This dimension is the free flexible height from bottom of blade insert 13 to the bottom of the grip handle formed by handle sections 15 and 17 of Fig. 1. In this embodiment DI is about 12 inches. The ratio of free height to length in this case is about .21, or about 20 twenty percent. The inventor has discovered empirically that this ratio need to be about ten percent or more for the water blade to be really useful for automobiles with considerable curved surfaces.

It will be understood that DI is used in this embodiment both as the length of the handle sections and the wiper blade, as the lengths are substantially the same. In some other embodiments handle elements and wiper blades will be of different dimensions. It is been found by experiment that in this embodiment, the dimensions 2.5 inches for height D12 and 12 inches for D I, with a thickness of material of approximately 3/16 of an inch produces a useful and preferable result. In other embodiments wherein the overall dimensions of water blade 1 1 are larger or smaller, a material with a more suitable hardness and perhaps thickness may be employed to aid in achieving desirable flexing properties of water blade 1 1.

Providing a significant height for blade insert 13 increases the area of contact around a curved automobiles surface such as a fender, and the like. The ratio of height to length of blade insert 13 is important to the function of water blades in various embodiments of the present invention, and will be described in more detail in below.

Another important characteristic in blade insert 13 is a capability to direct standing water from a surface and to move it in an efficient manner whereby virtually no water residue remains behind on the automobile surface. This directing effect is accomplished by lip 21 which is formed along the longitudinal bottom edge of blade insert 13 and extends in the embodiment shown in the form of a tapered angle on either side. Angled lip 21 produces a rolling action to the water and forces it to ride up on the angled surface of the lip effectively separating the water from the surface of the automobile. It is known to the inventor that some windshield wiper blades incorporate a similar design, and it is well known in the art that this design is effective in removing standing water.

The angled lip characteristic is unique in conjunction with the height of the blade, in providing a lipped blade with an ability to conform to compound and radical curves in the surface of an automobile.

In the embodiment shown in the figures a series of molded indentions is provided along the length of blade insert 13. The object of these indentions is to minimize the amount of material required to mold blade insert 13. It is known in the art that silicon rubber is relatively expensive when compared to other materials, therefore, considerable savings can be realized by employing such material reducing techniques. In the embodiment shown these indentions are equally spaced approximately Vi inch (D13) from center line to center, for 24 indentions. The uniform height of these indentions is approximately 17/8 inches (DI 1), and the dimension from the bottom of the indentions to the bottom of blade insert

13 is approximately Vi of an inch (D10).

Even though indentions as described immediately above may be used for saving weight and material volume, in most preferred embodiments the sides of blade 13 are smooth, rather than grooved, and the inventor has found that the smooth embodiment actually provides enhanced water- wiping function compared to blades with the grooved surface.

A groove 25 is shown running the entire length of blade insert 13. Groove 25, described briefly with reference to Fig. 1, is formed around the perimeter of blade insert 13, providing the shape of T-section 18. These grooves provide a secure locking arrangement when handle sections 15 and

17 of Fig. 1 are closed, thereby stopping blade insert 13 from moving up or down with respect to the grip handle.

The overall thickness of blade insert 13 is approximately Vi of an inch (D5). A minor thickness of blade insert 13 shown from the inside diameter of T-slot 25 and extending down to the upper shoulder of angled lip 21 is approximately 3/16 of an inch (D6). Overall height of blade insert 13 is approximately 2 and 7/8 inches (D4). The width of grooves 25 of and the height of angled lip 21 are approximately 1/8 of an inch (D7 and D8 respectively). The approximate angle of angled lip 21 in the preferred embodiment shown is 30 degrees (Al). In some embodiments the angle at which lip 21 joins the body of the blade is different, and in some embodiments the lip may be on one side only. The inventor has found that a sharp edge 24 at the end of lip 21 provides a superior wiping action.

Various dimensions as described herein are approximate only and are meant to illustrate preferred size relationships of features of blade insert 13 in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that many changes can be made with respect to dimensioning water blade 11 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, a larger water blade may be used on a larger vehicle such as a semi-trailer rig and so on. In one embodiment a water blade with an added height to its blade insert may be used, for example, if a particular type of vehicle contains more curved features that are pronounced.

Figs. 4A-4C illustrate the unique action of water blade 13 in conforming to a curved surface 29. Fig. 4A illustrates a section view of a curved surface, which could be the curvature of a fender, and a water blade

11 including a rigid handle positioned so that lip 21 is just in contact with the curved surface, but flexible blade element 13 is not deformed. Fig. 4B is a view in the direction of arrow 27 of Fig. 4A, showing water blade 11 in contact with curved surface with blade element 13 not deformed. In this example, the contact of the blade element with the surface is just a narrow line. This is the situation that will always exist with a blade having little or no height D12 (Fig. 2).

Fig. 4C is the same section view of a curved surface 29 as shown in Fig. 4a, with water blade 11 in contact with surface 29, and Fig. 4D is a view in the direction of arrow 31. In this example, blade 11 has been rotated somewhat around the longitudinal axis of the handle, and the blade has been urged toward curved surface 29 in the direction of arrow 33. This movement is applied by a user holding the blade in his or her hand.

The result of moving the water blade into surface 29 is deformation of blade element 1 1, bringing the sharp edge of lip region 21 into contact with the surface, and causing flexible blade element 13 to wrap around the curvature of the surface to a significant degree. In this example, width of the contact area (Fig. 4C) is from point 35 to point 37. The significantly wide contact line around the curvature of the surface is a result of the height D12 (Fig. 2) of flexible blade element 13. The arc length that may be accomplished by blade element 13 around a curved surface in practicing the present invention is a function of both the height of the blade element and the curvature of the surface. As surface curvature may be varied and compound, rather than simple, the calculations can be complex. A simplified example is given here assuming that the curvature is circular of radius R.

Given radius R for the curvature of the surface, and a height H for dimension D12 of blade element 13, and assuming that the water blade is urged into the curved surface until the handle is proximate the surface (which is a max situation, not actually encountered in practice), the angle can be determined by the formula:

sin α = (R-H)/R

The potential length of the contact line to the curved surface from point 35 to point 37 in this situation can then be calculated as that portion of the circumference of a circle of radius R subtended by twice the angle α taken around the center of the curvature.

It is apparent in the above analysis that for the potential length of the contact line to be realized, the overall length of the flexible blade element must be at least equal to the potential length. If the length of the blade element is more than the potential contact length, then part of the blade element will not make contact, as is shown in Fig. 4C. As is described above, in the preferred embodiment shown, the height of the blade element is about 3 inches, and the length is about 12 inches. This relationship has been found by the inventor to be useful for most automobile bodies.

It will be apparent to those with skill in the art that there are many alterations that might be made in the embodiments shown and described without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the area of handle provision for water blades in particular, many variations have been developed. Fig. 5 A is a perspective view of one such alternative embodiment. In Fig. 5A a water blade 39 according to an embodiment of the present invention is molded from material such as silicone material of a single durometer, and a handle portion 41 is molded integrally from the same material. In the molding process a lengthwise passage 43 opening to either or both ends is molded into the water blade. After molding a rigid stiffener of about the length of the water blade is inserted into the lengthwise passage, and provides rigidity and the function of the rigid handle added according to Fig. 1.

Fig. 5B shows yet another handle alternative for a water blade 47. In the embodiment of Fig. 5B material of two different durometers are molded in one mold. A blade region 49 is molded of a material soft enough for the needed flexibility, and a more rigid material is molded as a handle region 51. Procedures for such molding are well-known I the art.

Effective Water Removal (Displacement) Over Rivets and Other Projections

In another aspect of the invention, the lip area of water blade insert

13, shown as element 21 in Fig. 1, is especially implemented to provide for effective water removal (displacement) when used on surfaces that have projections emanating from the surface, such as rivet heads, raised ornamental patterns, and the like. Fig. 6 is an exploded and broken view of lip 21 of water blade insert

13 of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein lip 21 is not orthogonal to the height of the blade, but at other than a right angle.

It was mentioned above that some windshield wiper blades, known to the inventor, have lip regions that are similar in design to lip 21 of Fig. 1, and are known to be effective for removing standing water. However, it is also known and accepted in the art that a windshield wiper is limited by design and rigidity of material in that it is effective for a slightly curved and smooth surface such as a windshield. It was also mentioned above that the shape of lip 21 combined with the he.ght of blade insert 13 is unique in it's ability to conform to and remove wati-r from compound and radical curves in the surface of an automobile. This unique capability of water removal inherent to lip 21, as previously taug r, is not limited only to contours and curves such as are common to surfac -s of automobiles, trucks and other vehicles, but also extends, in some er .bodiments, to projections from surfaces as found in rivets, diamond pi ate, and other ornamental features found on some automobile surfaces, : irplane surfaces, truck surfaces, and many other like surfaces that may or may not be associated with a type of vehicle, as is taught below.

The flexing capabilities of bla.Ie insert 13 and lip 21 also play a major roll in the ability of water blad- 11 to remove water from more difficult surfaces such as surfaces exl^" : biting rivet heads, diamond pattern, and so forth. For example, with the applied action of water blade 11 over a given surface that may be contoured z nd have a raised pattern such as a diamond head pattern, blade insert 13 will conform to the contour while the contact side of lip 21 will conform to and around the edges of the diamond pattern effectively removing water. Lip 21, for example, may be specially designed with the required length (extension from the body of blade 13) for extending more than the total raised height of an ornamental pattern or an array of rivets and so on. The inventor has discovered that an important factor in the ability of a lip, such as lip 21, to conform to raised elements in a surface to be wiped, such as rivet heads and diamond patterns mentioned, is the included angle of the lip at the apex of the lip. Depending on the nature of the raised surface to be wiped, the angle needs to be 30 degrees or less. In some cases the angle needs to be no more than 20 degrees. The actual angle that works in some cases is a function also of the length of the lip from the body of the wiper blade, and of the flexibility (softness) of the material of the lip. For a simple lip of substantially triangular shape, an extension from the body of about 3/16 inches, and a durometer of about 30, an angle of from between 10 and 20 degrees is best. An included angle of more than 30 degrees is not very useful, and the angle needs to be less than thirty degrees.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the water blade of Fig. 1 removing (displacing) water from a surface having rivet-head projections according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a user urges water blade 11 across a surface 61 having projecting rivet heads 63 in the direction of the arrows while, at the same time, keeping a sufficient downward force on surface 61 to cause the lip to conform to the shape of the raised rivet heads. As one side (contact side) of lip 21 passes over a rivet head 63, the flexible material conforms to the shape of each of the raised regions. In this fashion, water is displaced from all areas exposed to lip 21 including regions in between raised rivet heads of surface 61.

Fig. 7B is an elevation view of water blade 11 and rivet-studded surface 61 of Fig. 7A. When viewing water blade 11 and surface 61 in the direction of motion as indicated by the directional arrows of Fig. 7 A, one can see how tightly lip 21 conforms around raised regions such as those present on surface 61. This unique ability is due to the flexibility of the material and design of lip 21 wherein sufficient length and flexibility is provided for conforming around such shapes. It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that one angular side or potion of lip 21 may be formed of a substantially greater length than the opposing side so that dual use is provided to water blade 1 1 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, one side having a longer extension may be used for surfaces having raised regions while the opposing shorter side is used for smooth surfaces and so on. In alternative embodiments alternate designs are provided to the lip section of blade 1 1 to conform to even more complex surface features as taught below. Fig. 8A is an end view of a lip shape according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a lip section 65 is formed having a v shape configuration on each opposing end. As is the case with lip 21 of Fig. 1, the v form is made to extend along the longitudinal edge of blade insert 13 of Fig. 1. This v formation produces a double-edge effect providing a second swipe at a surface during one initial pass of water blade 1 1.

Fig. 8B is an end view of a lip design according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a lip section 67 is formed having a v shape similar to lip 65 of Fig. 8 A accept that the opposing formations are much closer together. Such a formation may be used, for example, when raised areas or portions of a surface are not particularly high therefore not requiring substantial length with regard to lip formation.

Fig. 8C is an end view of a lip design according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a lip 69 is formed having a half-moon shape on opposing ends and a substantially straight bridge connecting the half-moon shapes to each other. As with the previous two examples, there are now two swiping edges that are able to make contact with a surface during one pass with blade 1 1. A formation such as seen in this embodiment may be useful for a surface that has a series of rounded rows forming a ribbed surface. The formation shown here would allow bi-directional motion of water blade 1 1 such as across the rows and down the rows wherein water removal is successful in either direction.

Fig. 9 is an end view of yet another, and simpler, embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the lip is a simple straight projection forming an orthogonal T-bar at the bottom of blade 13, the T-bar having essentially constant wall thickness.

Universal Handle for Wiper Blade

In another aspect of the present invention, a universal handle is provided for use with the water-wiper blades described in various embodiments above. Figs. 10A-10D are various views of an expandable clip used in a handle-extending method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, clip 101 is provided as one component used in a method and apparatus extending the reach of a hand-held water blade such as previously described. In a preferred embodiment the material used in the manufacture of clip 101 is polypropylene or some other similar polymeric material that is both flexible and resilient providing a secure hold on a water blade handle when secured according to an embodiment of the invention. Many other materials could be used in other embodiments however, such as metals, wood, and the like. A preferred method of manufacture of clip 101 in this embodiment is injection molding, but many other fabrication methods may be employed such as gluing various parts together, welding and the like.

Opening 104 of the clip is formed by oval-shaped inner edge of clip 101, area 104 being of similar shape to the outer edge of a hand-held water blade such as previously described, thus providing a secure fit when assembled. Lips 102 are shown in this view to be positioned at the open end of clip 101 and are provided to ease the insertion of the handle of a hand-held water blade while providing an increased holding surface area. Ridges 103, the ends of which are shown in this view, are positioned along both sides of the inner edge of clip 101 and are provided in this embodiment to both provide for smoother insertion of a water blade handle and to prevent it from rotating within clip 101 once secured. The enhancements provided by ridges 103 are depicted and described below in greater detail. Ridges 113, the ends of which are also shown in this view and being similar in shape and orientation to ridges 103, are positioned along both outer edges of clip 101 as shown and are provided in this embodiment to improve the grip if a user wishes to use this area for gripping by hand. Appendage 107 is shown extending from an outer edge of clip 101 opposite to lips 102. Appendage 107 in this embodiment has a main body of circular shape and has a thickness of approximately Vi of one inch but can be of many different shapes and dimension in alternative embodiments. Hole 105 is provided in a center position within the circular portion of appendage 107, extending completely through and having a hexagonally shaped countersink 106 at both ends, also depicted and described below in greater detail.

Fig 10B is an elevation view of clip 101 of Fig. 10A showing the side opposite to that shown in Fig. 10A. Surface 111 is centered on appendage 107, comprising elongated protrusions of pyramidal shape arranged in a radial pattern. The purpose of these elements is also illustrated and described below in greater detail.

Fig 10C is a side view of clip 101 of Fig. 10A. The lengths of ridges 113 and lip 102 are shown in this view, as are the height and pyramidal shape of the protrusions of surface 11 1, and the thickness of circular appendage 107. The depths of hexagonal counter sinks 106 at both ends of hole 105 can also be seen in this view. The dimensions, shape and position of these and other elements described above can vary greatly or be omitted entirely in other alternative embodiments without departing from the overall scope and purpose of the present invention.

Fig 10D is a side view of clip 101 of Fig. 10A from a different vantage. The centered position of appendage 107 in relation to ridges 113 can be seen in this view.

Fig. 11 is a side view of a wing nut and bolt used as a fastener in assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fastener

125 is provided having a threaded bolt 127 and threaded wing-nut 126, elements used together in this embodiment as a standard method of attachment and each having qualities standard to common bolts and wing- nuts known in the art. The diameter and depth of the hexagonal cap of bolt 127 in a preferred embodiment is that of a standard size known in the art, being slightly less in both dimensions than those of countersinks 106 so as to provide a snug fit and secure hold, while forming a somewhat flush surface when bolt 127 is inserted.

Fig 12A is an elevation view of an extending handle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Handle 129 is provided in this embodiment as an element, when attached to clip 101 using fastener 125, for extending the reach of a hand-held water blade. Having such extended reach provides a user with an ability to displace water from various surfaces that are beyond the reach usually obtainable by a user holding a water blade without the use of such an extending handle assembly, surfaces such as the windshield or body surface of a large recreational vehicle, bus or the like.

Handle 129 has a grip 139, cylindrical in shape having a length nearly equal to the overall length of handle 129 in this embodiment. In other embodiments the length of grip 139 car vary greatly as can the circumference. Ridges 132 are provided in this embodiment evenly spaced and positioned laterally along the length of grip 139. The purpose of ridges

139 is to provide an improved gripping surface and to channel away water that may otherwise accumulate between grip 139 and a user's hand, further improving the grip when used in a wet environment. Many different gripping surfaces or textures may be used however in other alternative embodiments.

An appendage 138 in this embodiment is provided having an end that is circular in shape and of about the same circumference as that of appendage 107 of Fig. 10A, having a hole 135 similar in diameter to that of hole 105 of clip 101 and located in the center, extending completely through appendage 138, hole 135 provided as a means to accommodate a fastener such as faster 125 of Fig. 11. Hexagonal countersinks 143 are provided to secure the hexagonal cap of a bolt such as bolt 127 of Fig. 1 1, countersinks 143 being similar in size and shape to countersinks 106 of clip 101 and located at each end of hole 135.

Surface 140 is provided centered within the circular end of appendage 138 having elongated protrusions of the same size and shape and arranged in the same radial pattern as those of surface 1 1 1 of Fig. 10B, but arranged to provide a slight depression, conical in shape, formed in the center on the outer surface. The conical depression in this embodiment allows for a more secure fit when surface 140 is mated to matching surface 111 when assembled according to this embodiment of the invention, caused by the tendency of conical surface 140 to center its own position when contact is made with surface 111 and pressure is applied with a fastener. Brace 136 can be seen in this view as being somewhat pyramidal in shape and positioned at the base of appendage 138, providing additional rigidity to the confluence of grip 139 and appendage 138.

A circular hole 137 is provided in this embodiment, located at the bottom end of handle 129, being drilled, bored or created by some other method and having a threaded inner wall and a length extending nearly half the length of grip 139. The depth of hole 137 can vary in alternative embodiments. In a preferred embodiment the thread pitch and diameter of hole 137 matches that of a male threaded end of a standard extension handle such as those extension handles used by painters and well known in the art, which can be of many different lengths, readily available to most users and manufactured from a variety of materials such as wood, aluminum, nylon, plastics and the like. In this way, by screwing handle 129 onto the threaded male end of a standard extension handle a user can easily attain a reach required for displacing water from surfaces otherwise far out of reach using conventional methods.

Fig 12B is an elevation view of the extending handle of Fig. 12A from a different vantage, about ninety degrees rotated from the vantage of

Fig. 12A. In this view the depth of the protrusions of surface 140 can be seen as can the slight conical depression formed by the arrangement of the pyramidaly shaped protrusions. Surface 141 is provided in this embodiment and can be seen in this view positioned on the side of appendage 138 opposite to surface 140. The protrusions of surface 141 are identical in size, shape and arrangement to those of surface 140, allowing a user to choose either surface when mating to surface 1 1 1 of clip 101 during assembly. The depths of hole 135 and hexagonal countersinks 143 can also be seen in this view, hole 135 extending completely through appendage 138 as previously described. A brace 142, identical in size and shape to brace 136, can also be seen in this view positioned on the side of appendage 138 opposite to brace

136, and is provided in this embodiment to provide additional rigidity to the confluence of grip 139 and appendage 138.

Fig 12C is a view of the bottom end of the extending handle of Fig. 12 A. The pattern of ridges 132 can be clearly seen in this view, as can the diameter and circular shape of hole 137. As with many of the properties of the different elements of clip 101 of Fig. 10A, the elements of handle 129 can vary greatly in appearance, such as size and shape of braces 136 and 142, the length, thickness, shape or diameter of grip 139 or appendage 138, the properties of surfaces 140 or 141, and so on without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is an end view of a hand-held water blade similar in size, form and function to that of Fig. 1. Water blade 150 is shown in this view to have a rigid handle comprising a section 151 and a section 152 joined together in similar fashion to water blade 11 of Fig. 1. Ridges 152 are provided in this embodiment to improve the grip and are positioned laterally and evenly spaced, running lengthwise along the outer edge of both handle sections 151 and 152. The size of ridges 152 and the position of each ridge in relation to another coincides with size and position of ridges 103 of clip 101 of Fig 10 A. When water blade 150 is inserted into clip 101 during assembly according to this embodiment, ridges 103 of clip 101 act as a track into which the ridges 152 of water blade 150 slide, thus providing a more secure hold and preventing water blade 150 from rotating within clip 101 during use. Clip 101 is molded to require deflection of the elements of the clip to engage the handle formed by elements 151 and 153, so there is a positive force to hold the clip in position after insertion. Fig 14 is a view of the clip of Fig. 10A assembled with the handle of

Fig. 12A according to an embodiment of the present invention. For clarity, clip 101 is shown in this view assembled with handle 129 without the use of a fastener. The purpose of this view is to show the fit of the assembled clip 101 and handle 129. As can also be seen in this view the diameter of the circular appendages of both clip 101 and handle 129 are identical.

Fig 15 is a view of the water lade of Fig. 13 assembled with the clip of Fig. 10A and handle of Fig. 1 1A according to an embodiment of the present invention. A better view of t. e relationship between ridges 103 of clip 101 and ridges 152 of secured w .ter blade 150 is provided here, as is the hexagonal cap of bolt 127 of Fig. 1, shown inserted through the holes of the circular appendages of both cl: 101 and water blade 150. It can be assumed that wing nut 126 (not shov .) is attached to the threaded end of bolt 127 on the other side for the purr ose of securing clip 101 to handle 129, depicted later in greater detail, n Fig. 15 handle 129 is at about a right angle to the extended direction •. : the wiper blade of water blade 150.

This relation ship is determined by th : relative position of engagement of elements 140 or 141 (Fig. 12B) with .ements 11 (Fig. 10B).

Fig. 16 is a broken elevation * ew of the components of Fig 15 secured by wing nut 126 and bolt 127 of Fig. 1 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this view the relationship of surface 141 of handle 129 and surface 1 1 1 of clip 101 to each other once assembled can be clearly seen. A view is also provided of wing nut 126 attached to bolt 127 as used in this embodiment to secure clip 101 to handle 129. As is clearly illustrated here, the pyramidal protrusions of the surface 11 1 of clip 101 and those of surface 141 lock in place with each other, preventing slippage and maintaining the angle desired of clip 101 in relation to handle 129 once clip 101 and handle 129 are fastened together using a fastening device such as wing nut 126 and bolt 127. With this configuration a user can easily change the angle by simply unfastening clip 101 from handle 129, rotating the clip to the desired angle and reattaching clip 101 to handle 129 in the new position. The new angle is again locked in place when the protrusions of surfaces 111 and 141 interlock when re-fastened together. It can also be clearly seen in this view that handle 129 can be attached to clip 101 in either of two opposite positions 180 degrees apart as surfaces 140 and surface 141 are identical and hole 135 has identical hexagonal counter-sinks at both ends. Also shown are ridges 152 as they are positioned laterally along the edges of handle sections 151 and 153 of water blade 150.

It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that examples shown in Fig.'s 8A-C and 9 are merely a few of many possible lip-design variations that may be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention to provide for conforming to complicated shapes on surfaces to be processed with a wiper blade as taught herein.

In another example of alternative embodiments, larger or smaller water blades may be desirable for certain situations. For example, larger blades may be provided for use with large vehicles, such as tractor/trailer rigs and the like, or for vans and other trucks. In other embodiments especially for use with large vehicles or other entities with large body areas, some elements of handle-extending devices such as embodiments described herein, allowing a user to present the blade to otherwise hard-to-reach areas, can vary greatly in appearance, texture, dimensions, and other properties without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

As another example, many different materials could be used in the fabrication of a water blade or handle extending apparatus in different embodiments. In other embodiments blade inserts may be of differing heights and lengths and may be sold separately to be inserted into one handle grip and so forth. The breadth of the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A clip-on handle assembly for a water wiper blade, comprising: a clip apparatus having oppositely opposing curved wall regions forming an enclosed shape open to one side and closed on the opposite side, the walls extending in a first direction; an appendage extending from the closed side of the clip and having a first circular interface surface in a plane at right angles to the first direction and a first through center hole orthogonal to the first surface; a handle extension with a long axis and having an appendage at one end with a circular interface surface at right angles to the direction of the long axis and having a second through center through hole orthogonal to the surface; and a fastener through the center holes urging the surfaces together and joining the clip apparatus and the handle extension in an assembly; characterized in that the enclosed shape matches the shape of a rigid handle of a flexible water wiper blade, being somewhat smaller in area than the rigid handle, such that the clip must be expanded to engage the rigid handle.

2. The handle assembly of claim 1 wherein the interface surfaces are formed with radial ridges, such that the ridges of each surface engage the other in assembly, and the interface surfaces may be joined by the fastener in a broad range of rotary positions.

3. The handle assembly of claim 1 wherein the fastener is a bolt and wing nut, for easy disassembly and assembly into different rotary relationships.

4. The handle assembly of claim 1 further comprising a threaded bore at an end of the handle extension opposite the appendage end, the threaded bore for joining to a linearly extendable handle.

5. The handle assembly of claim 1 further comprising a non-slip traction surface around the diameter of the handle extension and for at least a portion of a length of the handle extension.

6. The handle assembly of claim 1 wherein the clip apparatus includes ridges on inside surfaces of the wall regions for engaging ridges of similar pattern on outside surfaces of the rigid handle of the water wiper blade.