ASSEMBLY FOR REMOVING DEBRIS FROM A WINDSHIELD

• US 20090241281A1
• Filed: 04/05/2007
• Published: 10/01/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: John H. Couch
• Original Assignee: John H. Couch
• Inventors: Couch, John H.
• Application Number:
  US12/296,194
• Publication Number:
  US 20090241281A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/250.190
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0477 Arrangement for deicing or for removing debris from wiper blades heated wiper blade B60S1/3805
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/3454 the joint being at end of mounting head furthest away from blade

Abstract

A wiper system for use with a windshield includes a wiper arm and a separator assembly. The wiper arm includes a wiper blade movable between a use position and a raised position. The wiper blade is in contact with the windshield in the use position and removed from the windshield in the raised position. The separator assembly includes a base and an air bladder secured to the base. The base is adapted to receive a source of pressurized air for selectively inflating the air bladder to toggle the wiper blade between the use position and the raised position.

Claims

1. A wiper system for use with a windshield, the wiper system comprising:

a wiper arm including a wiper blade movable between a use position and a raised position, the wiper blade in contact with the windshield in the use position and removed from the windshield in the raised position; and

a separator assembly including a base and an air bladder secured to the base, the base adapted to receive a source of pressurized air for selectively inflating the air bladder to toggle the wiper blade between the use position and the raised position.

2. The wiper system of claim 1, wherein the air bladder is operable in an extended position and a retracted position.

3. The wiper system of claim 1, wherein the air bladder is generally cylindrical.

4. The wiper system of claim 1, wherein the air bladder defines a recess, the recess having a first depth when the air bladder is uninflated and a second depth when the air bladder is inflated, the first depth being greater than the second depth.

5. The wiper system of claim 1, further comprising an intermediate member positioned between the air bladder and the wiper.

6. The wiper system of claim 5, wherein the intermediate member includes a lower portion received within a recess defined by the air bladder.

7. The wiper system of claim 5, wherein the intermediate member includes an upper convex surface for engaging the wiper arm.

8. The wiper system of claim 5, wherein the intermediate member is constructed of a substantially rigid material.

9. The wiper system of claim 1, wherein the an underside of the wiper arm proximate the air bladder defines a concave recess.

10. The wiper system of claim 1, wherein the base is adapted to rotate with a drive member.

11. The wiper system of claim 1, further comprising an air gate for maintaining the wiper blade in the raised position.

12. The wiper system of claim 1, further comprising a clamp including a ring substantially completely surrounding the air bladder for securing the air bladder to the base in an air-tight fashion.

13. The wiper system of claim 1, wherein the air bladder includes a circumferentially extending flange and the base defines a continuous groove for receiving the flange.

14. A wiper system for use with a windshield, the wiper system comprising:

a base member to be driven about an axis;

a wiper arm carrying a wiper blade, the wiper arm coupled to the base for movement between a normal use position in which the wiper blade is against the windshield and a raised position in which the wiper blade is displaced from the windshield;

an air bladder connected to the base in a fluid tight manner; and

a source of pressurized fluid in communication with the base for inflating the bladder to move the wiper arm from the normal use position to the raised position.

15. The wiper system of claim 14, wherein the source of pressurized fluid is pressurized air.

16. The wiper system of claim 14, further comprising an intermediate member positioned between the bladder and the wiper arm.

17. The wiper system of claim 16, wherein the intermediate member includes a substantially rigid convex portion for engaging the wiper arm.

18. The wiper system of claim 14, further comprising an air gate for maintaining the wiper arm in the raised position.

19. The wiper system of claim 14, further comprising a clamp including a ring substantially completely surrounding the air bladder

20. The wiper system of claim 19, wherein the bladder and the ring are cylindrical.