GB2574657A

GB2574657A - Wiper apparatus and mount

Info

Publication number: GB2574657A
Application number: GB1809784.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Wheeler Rhys
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-14
Filing date: 2018-06-14
Publication date: 2019-12-18
Also published as: GB201809784D0

Abstract

A wiper apparatus 10 for clearing protective eyewear comprising a wiper blade 12; a housing 14 comprising at least one retractable mechanism 16; and at least one elongate flexible member 18. The elongate flexible member is coupled to the retractable mechanism at a first end, and attached to the wiper blade at a second end; the retraction mechanism being biased to retract the elongate flexible member from an extended position. Preferably, the wiper blade comprises a grip portion and a resilient blade member. The grip portion may have a first and second face, the first face having a ridge adjacent a recess or embossed portion. The second face may also have a recess or embossed portion, and a linear ridge that comprises a magnet of a first polarity, the housing having a magnet of the opposite polarity. Also claimed is a wiper mount for such a wiper apparatus, and a wiper blade for clearing protective eyewear, the blade portion comprising a region which a user can cut away to size the blade.

Description

WIPER APPARATUS AND MOUNT

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wiper apparatus for clearing protective eyewear and a wiper mount for mounting said wiper apparatus. The invention also relates to a wiper blade for use with the wiper apparatus for clearing the protective eyewear. The invention further relates to a system for clearing protective eyewear, and a handlebar of a motorbike, bicycle, an article of clothing, goggles or a helmet comprising said system.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Protective eyewear is typically used to shield one's eyes during a potentially hazardous activity, for example riding a bike, such as a motorbike, racing a car without a windshield, and skiing or snowboarding. Protective eyewear often comes in the form of goggles or a visor, such as a helmet visor.

During these activities, the normally transparent goggles or visor can become more opaque due to, for example, dust, dirt, insects, and water accumulating on the surface. Obscured vision can be very dangerous, particularly when moving at speed, and can potentially result in fatal accidents. It is therefore desirable to keep the user's vision clear at all times, particularly during use.

Examples of known methods for clearing visors include tear-off strips, where the user's helmet comprises multiple individual transparent layers on top of the visor. The individual layers are typically made of thin and flexible material. When the top layer becomes dirty to the point that the user's vision is dangerously obscured, the user can remove, or tear-off, the top layer to reveal a clean and clear layer below. This process can continue until the user runs out of layers to remove. It is necessary to replenish the tear-off strips frequently, so that a clear layer is always available during use of the visor. This can be cumbersome and costly over the life of the helmet, not to mention wasteful and harmful to the environment.

European patent no. EP2648559 describes a fluid delivery device for a visor cleaner. The fluid delivery device includes a fluid reservoir, which contains cleaning fluid when ready for use. The fluid delivery device also includes an absorbent cleaning element that is arranged to take in fluid from the reservoir by capillary action. In use, the fluid in the reservoir and the absorbent cleaning element are arranged to be in permanent fluid communication. The fluid delivery device can be integrated into a glove. In practice, the user must always make sure that the fluid reservoir is topped-up with cleaning fluid, as a lack of fluid will make it difficult to completely clear the visor when required.

Various other solutions involve mounting a wiper to a visor, which can be activated by the user to clear the visor. Such solutions however are intrusive as they take up a lot of room on the helmet, and often require a power source, such as a battery. Such devices are also typically controlled via a switch mechanism or are remotely controlled (such as via Bluetooth). However, if the power source fails during use or if the signal fails to activate the wiper, then the device will not function as intended to clear the visor.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a wiper blade which overcomes one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages. For example, the present invention seeks to provide a simple and unobtrusive wiper for clearing protective eyewear, with an improved reliability over the prior art solutions.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a wiper apparatus for clearing protective eyewear, the apparatus comprising:

a wiper blade;

a housing, the housing comprising at least one retractable mechanism; and at least one elongate flexible member;

wherein the at least one elongate flexible member is coupled to the respective at least one retractable mechanism at a first end and attached to the wiper blade at a second end; and wherein in a first configuration the at least one elongate flexible member is in a retracted position, such that the at least one elongate flexible member is at least partially wound around the respective at least one retractable mechanism, and the wiper blade is located proximal to the housing;

wherein in a second configuration, the at least one elongate flexible member is in an extended position, such that the at least one elongate flexible member is radially extended away from the respective at least one retractable mechanism, and the wiper blade is located distal to the housing; and, wherein the retraction mechanism is biased such that, the at least one retractable mechanism acts to retract the at least one elongate flexible member from its extended position such that the wiper blade is automatically returned from the second configuration to the first configuration.

The protective eyewear may be, for example, a pair of goggles, such as snowboarding or skiing goggles, or a visor on a helmet, such as a motorbike or a motorsport helmet.

In the second configuration, the at least one retractable mechanism may be configured to allow a user to hold the wiper blade distal to the housing for a period of time. In this configuration, the user may use the wiper blade to clear their protective eyewear, such as a visor, or a pair of goggles, by moving the wiper blade side to side or upwards and downwards over the eyewear. Such a motion can help to remove drops of water, such as rain drops, or particles of dirt, which can obscure a user's vision. This is particularly important when travelling at speed, such as on a motorbike, because obscured vision can potentially result in fatal accidents.

Preferably, when the user releases hold of the wiper blade, the at least one retractable mechanism automatically retracts the at least one elongate flexible member, and returns the wiper blade to the first configuration.

Moving the wiper blade from the first to the second configuration typically involves pulling the wiper blade to extend the at least one flexible member against the bias of the retraction member. Pulling is defined as exerting a force on the wiper blade in a direction away from the housing, such that the wiper blade moves in a direction away from the housing.

The housing may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The housing may also comprise at least one aperture through which the at least one flexible member passes before attaching to the wiper blade. The at least one flexible member may extend away from the housing through the at least one aperture at an angle to the plane of the housing, for example at a substantially 45 degree angle. Advantageously, when the wiper blade is retracted back towards the housing, such an angle may actually help the wiper blade to return to the same position each time.

The at least one elongate flexible member may comprise an appropriate break away force. When the elongate flexible member is pulled to full extension, any additional load applied will cause the flexible member and/or the retractable mechanism to break. Having such a break away force can help to prevent the user from getting tangled in the flexible member during use.

The at least one elongate flexible member may be a cord. Preferably, the at least one elongate flexible member is comprised of nylon.

The wiper blade may comprise a grip portion. The grip portion may be gripped/held by a user. The wiper blade may also comprise a blade portion. The blade portion may be used to clear the protective eyewear. The blade portion may be comprised of rubber.

The grip portion may comprise a first face and a second face. The first face or the second face of the grip portion may comprise at least one recess and/or an embossed (or raised) portion. Alternatively, the first and the second face of the grip portion may each comprise at least one recess and/or an embossed (or raised) portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one recess and/or embossed portion may be elliptical in shape. Alternatively, the at least one recess and/or embossed portion may be hexagonal in shape. In embodiments, there may be a plurality, such as four, separate and adjacent recesses and/or embossed portions. In some embodiments, the first face may comprise a plurality of recesses, whereas the second face may comprise a plurality of embossed (or raised) portions.

Advantageously, the at least one recess and/or embossed portion may assist with gripping the wiper blade during use, and help to stop the wiper blade from slipping out of the user's hand. Having one or more recesses on the first face and one or more embossed portions on the second face may help to improve the user's grip when wearing sizeable gloves, such as motorcycle gloves.

The first face may comprise a ridge adjacent the at least one recess and/or embossed portion. Such a ridge may advantageously help the user to pick up the wiper blade and locate their grip in the correct position, such as helping to locate their thumb in the recess on the first face.

The second face of the grip portion may also comprise a ridge adjacent the recess and/or embossed portion. The shape of the ridge may complement at least part of the shape of the housing. For example, the ridge may be linear and extend from one edge of the second face to another. Alternatively, the ridge may define a partial rectangular shape, to complement a rectangular or square shaped housing. The ridge may be straight-edged to complement a straight-edged housing, or alternatively it may have curved edges to complement a housing with curved edges.

Advantageously, when the wiper blade is automatically returned to the first configuration, the ridge helps to ensure that the wiper blade is returned to the same position each time the elongate flexible member(s) automatically retract. Additionally, having the wiper blade return to the same position each time may make it easier for the user to locate the wiper blade when needed.

The ridge on the second face of the grip portion may comprise a first magnet having a first polarity. The housing may also comprise a second magnet having a second polarity, opposite to the first polarity. The first and second magnets are located such that when the wiper apparatus is in the first configuration, the two magnets are aligned and attract each other. In embodiments where there are two elongate flexible members, the two magnets may be centred between the two flexible members.

Advantageously, when the wiper blade is automatically returned from the second configuration to the first configuration, the two magnets may help to prevent the wiper blade bouncing against the housing when it is automatically retracted and returned to the first configuration. This may help the wiper blade to return to the same position each time the elongate flexible member(s) automatically retract. Otherwise, the wiper blade may bounce away from the housing due to the speed at which the wiper blade is retracted, and eventually return to an unknown and unpredictable position each time the wiper blade is returned to the first configuration.

The second face of the grip portion may also comprise at least one eyelet. The at least one elongate flexible member may attach to the at least one eyelet in use. The at least one eyelet may be located adjacent the ridge on the second face of the grip portion.

The first face of the grip portion may comprise reflective markings. Such reflective markings may advantageously make it easier to locate the wiper blade in the dark, for example when the user is riding a motorbike at night.

The blade portion of the wiper blade may comprise a region which the user can cut away to size the blade for a particular use. The blade portion of the wiper blade may comprise at least one pair of markings. The markings may be line markings. The markings may indicate to a user where to cut the blade to size for a particular use. For example, a different length blade is typically required for a helmet visor compared to a pair of goggles.

In an exemplary embodiment, the housing comprises, or is adapted to attach to, a mount for attaching the apparatus in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a wiper mount for the wiper apparatus as described in the first aspect of the invention, the mount comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface comprising a lip extending along two opposing sides of the first surface.

The mount may be adapted such that it can attach to various places, such as a motorbike or bicycle handlebar, snowboarding/skiing goggles, an article of clothing or integrated into the shell of a helmet.

The housing may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The second portion preferably comprises an indent extending along two opposing sides of the second portion. The lips of the first surface of the mount and the indents of the second portion of the housing are slidably interlockable. That is, they may be configured to slidably interlock in use, such that the wiper apparatus is mounted to the wiper mount. The wiper mount may further comprise a threaded screw hole extending between the first and second surfaces. The second portion of the housing may also comprise a threaded screw hole. The threaded screw hole on the second portion of the housing may extend partially through the housing, such as through the second portion only. The screw hole through the housing may be configured to align in use with the screw hole through the mount, such that a screw is receivable through both screw holes in use to secure the wiper apparatus to the wiper mount. The screw may be receivable through the screw hole in the second surface and then the first surface of the mount, and then into the screw hole in the second portion of the housing.

Advantageously, securing the housing to the mount may help to prevent the housing unknowingly disengaging from the mount and potentially becoming lost or broken during use, for example if the housing was to fall from a moving motorbike onto a road. It may also help to prevent the housing being wrongfully removed or stolen, for example from a parked and unwatched motorbike.

Advantageously, inserting the screw through the mount and then into the housing helps to ensure the screw head is hidden when the mount is attached to, for example, motorbike handlebars. In use, the screw head will be located between the second surface of the mount and the handlebar. This acts as an additional security feature, as along with the interlocking lips and indents, the hidden screw may help to make it difficult for the housing to be wrongfully unscrewed and removed from the mount.

The first surface of the mount may comprise at least one magnet adjacent the screw hole. The first surface of the mount may comprise two magnets. The second portion of the housing may also comprise at least one magnet adjacent the screw hole. The second portion of the housing may comprise two magnets. The two magnets on the housing and the mount may be in line with the respective screw holes. The magnets of the mount and the housing may be alignable. That is, the magnets may be configured to align with each other in use. Advantageously, the magnets may help to further secure the housing to the mount. An advantage of providing alignable magnets on the mount and the housing, is that the housing can be turned through 180 degrees and be secured to the mount, thus allowing left or right handed operation of the wiper blade.

The second surface of the mount may comprise a portion with a semi-elliptical crosssection. The second surface of the mount may be attachable to a bracket. The second surface of the mount may be secured to the bracket via screws or bolts. The bracket may allow the mount to be attached to handlebars, such as motorbike handlebars, in use. An insert may be located within the bracket. The insert may be made of rubber. The insert may be a rubber ring. Advantageously, the insert may allow the mount to be attached to different sized handlebars and also irregularly shaped handlebars.

In an alternative embodiment, the second surface of the mount may comprise a portion with a semi-elliptical cross-section. The second surface of the mount may also comprise apertures configured to receive fasteners. The fasteners may be cable ties. An advantage of having apertures to receive cable ties may be that the mount can be fitted to different sized and shaped motorbike handlebars in use.

In a further embodiment, the second surface of the mount may comprise a clip. An inner and/or outer surface of the clip may be rubberised. An advantage of having a clip is that the housing and wiper blade can be secured to an article of clothing or goggles. Furthermore, having the inside and/or outside of the clip rubberised may help to prevent damage to the fabric and/or the clothing or helmet.

In another embodiment, the second surface of the mount may comprise an adhesive or a hook and loop attachment. An advantage of having the adhesive or hook and loop attachment may be that the mount can be attached to any flat surface.

In a yet further embodiment, the second surface of the mount may comprise perforations. An advantage of the perforations may be that the mount can be integrated into an article of clothing, for example the perforations may allow the mount to be sewn into an article of clothing or baggage, for example a backpack shoulder strap or a motorcycle tank bag.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a wiper blade for clearing protective eyewear, the blade comprising a grip portion and a blade portion, the grip portion designed to be held by a user, and the blade portion comprising a region which the user can cut away to size the blade for a particular use.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for clearing protective eyewear, the system comprising the wiper apparatus as described in the first aspect of the invention; and the wiper mount as described in the second aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a handlebar for a motorbike comprising the system of the fourth aspect of the invention. In this aspect, the second surface of the mount may comprise a portion with a semi-elliptical crosssection. The second surface of the mount may be attachable to a bracket for the purpose of securing the mount to a handlebar. The second surface of the mount may be secured to the bracket via screws or bolts. A rubber insert may be located within the bracket. In an alternative embodiment, the second surface of the mount may comprise a portion with a semi-elliptical cross-section. The second surface of the mount may also comprise apertures configured to receive fasteners. The fasteners may be cable ties.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of clothing comprising the system of the fourth aspect of the invention. In this aspect, the second surface of the mount may comprise a clip. The inside and/or outside surface of the clip may be rubberised. Alternatively, the second surface of the mount may comprise perforations.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided goggles comprising the system of the fourth aspect of the invention. In this aspect, the second surface of the mount may comprise a clip. The inside and/or outside surface of the clip may be rubberised.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a helmet comprising the system of the fourth aspect of the invention. In this aspect, the wiper mount may be integrated within the structure (or shell) of the helmet.

Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination set out above, or in the following description or drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be performed in various ways, and an embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wiper apparatus comprising a wiper blade and a housing with a retractable mechanism in accordance with embodiments of a first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 2a is a top view of the wiper blade and the housing of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2b is an exploded view of the housing and retractable mechanism;

Fig. 3a shows views A (perspective exploded view), B (front perspective view), and C (side perspective view) of a wiper mount for a handlebar in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 3b shows views A (front perspective view), B (side perspective view), and C (bottom perspective view) of the Fig. 1 wiper apparatus attached to the wiper mount of Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3c is a close up top view of a wiper mount;

Fig. 4a shows views A (top perspective view), B (bottom perspective view), and C (front perspective view) of a wiper mount having a clip for attaching to an article of clothing in accordance with embodiments of a second aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 4b shows the Fig. 1 wiper apparatus attached to the wiper mount of Fig. 4a with the wiper blade in an extended position;

Fig. 4c shows the Fig. 1 wiper apparatus attached to the wiper mount of Fig. 4a with the wiper blade in a retracted position;

Fig. 5 shows a housing with a retractable mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a wiper blade in accordance with embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the assembled wiper apparatus comprising the housing and wiper blade of Figs. 5 and 6;

Fig. 8 shows views A (top view) and B (side view) of a mount comprising perforations in accordance with embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, and view C of the mount attached to an article of clothing, in accordance with embodiments of the second and sixth aspects of the invention;

Fig. 9 shows view A (side view) of a wiper apparatus contained within a cavity in the shell of a helmet, and view B showing the wiper apparatus removed and the cavity covered by a removable panel, in accordance with embodiments of the second and eighth aspects of the invention;

Fig. 10 shows the Fig. 1 wiper apparatus mounted to an irregularly shaped handlebar by cable ties in accordance with embodiments of the second and fifth aspects of the invention; and

Fig. 11 shows the Fig. 3b wiper apparatus and mount attached to a regular tubular shaped handlebar in accordance with embodiments of the second and fifth aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2a show a wiper apparatus 10 for clearing protective eyewear. The apparatus comprises a wiper blade 12 and a substantially square shaped housing 14 (when viewed from above or below). The housing 14 comprises a retractable mechanism 16 (shown in Fig. 2b). An elongate flexible member 18 in the form of a nylon cord is coupled to the retractable mechanism 16 at a first end and attached to the wiper blade 12 at a second end. The retractable mechanism 16 comprises a coil spring holder 28 and a coil plate 29 which allow the cord to extend and retract in a conventional manner which is known to the skilled person. The retractable mechanism 16 is biased such that it acts to automatically retract the elongate flexible member 18 from its extended position to its retracted position.

The housing 14 comprises a first portion 14a and a second portion 14b. The term first portion may also be referred to as an upper portion or a first side portion depending on the orientation of the housing relative to the user. Furthermore, the term second portion may also be referred to as a lower portion or a second side portion, again depending on the orientation ofthe housing relative to the user.

The housing 14 also comprises an aperture 15 through which the cord passes before attaching to the wiper blade 12. The second portion 14b of the housing 14 also comprises an indent 17 which extends along two opposing sides of the second portion 14b, such that the second portion 14b adopts an I-beam type shape.

The wiper blade 12 comprises a grip portion 20 which can be gripped/held by a user. The grip portion 20 is preferably coated in a rubber paint, which may help the user to securely grip the wiper blade during use. The wiper blade 12 also comprises a rubber blade portion 30 which in use is used to clear the protective eyewear, such as goggles or a visor. The grip portion 20 and the blade portion 30 are provided as separate pieces, and then slotted and glued together.

The blade portion 30 of the wiper blade 12 comprises two pairs of line markings 32a, 32b which are screen printed onto the rubber blade portion 30, and indicate to a user where to cut the blade to size for a particular use. For example, the uncut blade portion 30 is typically 80 mm in length, but the line markings may allow the user to cut the blade length down to 65 mm, 55 mm or 45 mm. A longer length is typically required for clearing helmet visors, and a shorter length is typically required for clearing goggles.

The grip portion 20 comprises a first face 20a and a second face 20b (shown in Fig. 4b). The term first face may also be referred to as an upper face or a first side face depending on the orientation of the wiper blade relative to the user. Furthermore, the term second face may also be referred to as a lower face or a second side face, again depending on the orientation of the wiper blade relative to the user.

The first face 20a and the second face 20b comprise an elliptical recess 22a and 22b respectively. The first face 20a also comprises a ridge 22c adjacent the recess 22a. The second face 20b of the grip portion 20 also comprises a further substantially rectangular shaped ridge 24 (shown in Fig. 4b). The ridge 24 complements the shape of the square housing 14. In use, the ridge 24 fits/slots over the housing 14, such that in use the wiper blade 12 is returned to the same position each time the retractable mechanism 16 retracts the cord 18, as will be described below.

The second face 20b of the grip portion 20 also comprises an eyelet 25 located adjacent the rectangular recess 24 and to which the cord 18 attaches to in use.

The first face 20a of the grip portion 20 comprises reflective markings (not shown) which assist the user in locating the wiper blade 12 in the dark, for example when the user is riding a motorbike at night. The reflective markings may be printed in metallic or glow in the dark paint.

Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c show an example of a wiper mount 40 to which the wiper apparatus 10 attaches to in use. In this example, the wiper mount 40 attaches the wiper apparatus 10 to a handlebar, such as a motorbike handlebar. The wiper mount 40 shown in Fig. 3a is square or rectangular in shape, and comprises a first surface 42a and a second surface 42b. The first surface 42a comprises a lip 46 extending along two opposing sides of the first surface 42a.

The lips 46 of the first surface 42a of the wiper mount 40 and the indents 17 of the second portion 14b of the housing 14 slidably interlock in use to mount the wiper apparatus 10 to the wiper mount 40. That is, the housing 14 slots into the mount 40.

The wiper mount 40 also comprises a threaded screw hole 45 extending between the first and second surfaces 42a, 42b. The second portion 14b of the housing 14 also comprises a threaded screw hole (not shown). The threaded screw hole on the second portion 14b of the housing 14 extends only partially through the housing 14, such as through the second portion 14b only. The screw hole of the housing 14 aligns in use with the screw hole 45 through the wiper mount 40 and a screw is received in use through the screw hole 45 in the second surface 42b then the first surface 42a of the mount 40, and then into the screw hole in the second portion 14b of the housing 14. Inserting the screw this way means that the screw head is located under the mount 40, so that when the mount 40 is attached to the handlebar, the screw head is hidden. Although it is not essential to screw mount the wiper apparatus 10 to the mount 40, doing so (and doing so in this particular way) provides additional security such that the apparatus 10 cannot easily be removed from the mount 40.

The first surface 42a of the mount 40 comprises two magnets 47 adjacent and inline with the screw hole 45. The magnets 45 are inset within two recesses 48. The second portion 14b of the housing 14 also comprises two magnets (not shown) adjacent and inline with the screw hole. When the wiper apparatus 10 is attached to the mount 40, the two magnets on the housing 14 and the two magnets on the mount 40 align with each other, and assist in positioning and further securing the wiper apparatus 10 in the mount 40.

As shown in Fig. 3a, the second surface 42b of the mount 40 comprises a portion with a semi-elliptical cross-section 50. The semi-elliptical cross-section 50 allows the mount 40 to match the shape of a typical handlebar. For more irregularly shaped handlebars, or for handlebars of different sizes, an appropriately sized cylindrical rubber insert 52 can be positioned over the handlebar to provide a surface corresponding to the shape and size of the semi-elliptical cross-section 50.

The mount 40 also comprises screw holes 54. The mount 40 attaches in use to a bracket 44 which comprises screw holes 56. The bracket 44 fits over the handlebar, or the rubber insert 52, and the screw holes 56 align with screw holes 54 on the mount 40. Screws or bolts 57 are then received in screw holes 54 and 56 to secure the mount to the handlebar. When in use, the screw heads can be covered with a cap or plug (not shown) to hide the screws and provide additional security. Fig. 11 shows the Fig. 3b apparatus in use and mounted to a handlebar 63.

Some handlebars may be too small/big or too irregularly shaped for the insert 52 to be placed over the handlebar. In such scenarios, the bracket 44 can be dispensed with. Fig. 10 shows an irregularly shaped handlebar 61, onto which the wiper apparatus 10 and mount 40 is attached in use. The mount 40 additionally comprises apertures 58 either side of and adjacent the screw holes 54. A type of fastener, such as one or more cable tie(s) 59, can be fed through these apertures, the ends joined together and tightened, such that the mount 40 is attached to handlebar 61.

Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c show a further embodiment of the mount 140, to which the wiper apparatus 10 attaches in use. In this example, the wiper mount 140 is circular in shape, and attaches the wiper apparatus 10 to an article of clothing, or a strap of a pair of goggles. Mount 140 has many similar features in common with mount 40, and any like features will be given the same reference numeral except preceded by a 1. These features will not be described in detail again with respect to this embodiment.

Similar to mount 40, mount 140 comprises opposing lips 146 which slidably interlock with indents 17 to mount the wiper apparatus 10 to the wiper mount 140. Mount 140 also comprises two magnets 147 adjacent to and inline with a smaller screw hole 145, and inset within two recesses 148.

The mount 140 also comprises a stop 166 around the circumference of the first surface 142a of the wiper mount 140 between ends of the opposing lips 146. In use, stop 166 helps to secure the wiper apparatus 10 within the mount, such that the wiper apparatus 10 can only be interlocked with and removed from the mount 140 via one opening opposing stop 166.

The second surface 142b of the mount 140 is flat, and comprises a clip 160 to allow the mount to be attached to an article of clothing for example. Clip 160 comprises a screw hole 162 aligned with screw hole 145. An inner surface of the clip 160 is rubberised to help to prevent damage to the fabric. The clip 160 is attached to the mount 140 by a small nut and bolt 164, the bolt extending through screw hole 162 and screw hole 145.

In embodiments, bolt 164, which attaches clip 160 to the mount 140, can be replaced with a longer bolt/screw which passes through screw hole 162, screw hole 145 and into the screw hole on the second portion 14b of the housing 14. In such embodiments, only a single bolt/screw is required to assemble the wiper apparatus 10 to the mount 140.

In other embodiments, clip 160 can be rotated with respect to mount 140 to allow a custom fit. For example, if clip 160 is attached horizontally to a jacket, the mount 140 can be rotated through 90 degrees relative to clip 160 to ensure the mount 140 and wiper apparatus 10 remain in the vertical position, with the stop 166 in the lower most position and the opening in the uppermost position.

In another example, when the mount 140 is secured to a goggle strap via the clip 160, the opening is positioned upwards (that is, in the uppermost position) so that the wiper apparatus 10 can only be removed by sliding the wiper apparatus 10 in an upwards direction. This helps to mitigate the risk of the wiper apparatus 10 falling out of the mount 140 during use and getting lost or damaged.

Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of the invention whereby the wiper apparatus 10 attaches to a mount 240. Mount 240 has many similar features in common with mount 40, and any like features will be given the same reference numeral except preceded by a 2. For example, mount 240 comprises stop 266, and opposing lips 246, which engage with the wiper apparatus 10 in the same manner as with mount

140. These features will not be described in detail again with respect to this embodiment. In this embodiment, mount 240 is circular in shape, and comprises perforations 242 which allow the mount to be integrated into an article of clothing. For example the perforations 242 may allow the mount 240 to be sewn into an article of clothing 249. In further embodiments, the wiper apparatus 10 is secured to a helmet, such as a motorcycle helmet or any flat surface. In such an embodiment, a separate mount is not required. The housing 14 comprises an adhesive or a hook or a loop attachment. An outer shell of the helmet also comprises a corresponding adhesive and the other of the hook or loop attachment. The housing 14 is then mounted to the helmet by the adhesive or hook and loop attachment.

Fig. 9 shows the wiper apparatus 10 integrated within the structure of a helmet 349, and not just on the outer shell of the helmet. In such an embodiment, the helmet 349 comprises a cavity 370 in the shell or base of the helmet. When not in use, the cavity 370 can be hidden by a cover 372. When in use, the cover 372 can be removed, and the housing (not shown in this embodiment) can be slotted into the cavity 370, and secured in place by screws and magnets (as with previous embodiments).

In use, the wiper apparatus 10 is attached to an appropriate mount 40, 140, 240 as described above, and the mount 40, 140, 240 is then attached to the appropriate location, such as a handlebar, clothing, goggles, helmet, visor and so on.

Initially, the wiper apparatus 10 is in a first configuration and the cord 18 is in a retracted position. This is demonstrated in Fig. 4c. The cord 18 is fully retracted within the housing 14, and wound around the retractable mechanism 16. In this configuration, the rectangular recess 24 on the second face 20b of the grip portion 20 is engaged with housing 14, and the wiper blade 12 is located proximal to the housing 14. This is the default position of the wiper blade 12.

When a user needs to clear their protective eyewear, they locate the wiper apparatus 10, and hold the grip portion 20 of the wiper blade 12. The normal holding position is with the thumb and forefinger located within the elliptical recesses 22a, 22b respectively. The user can then pull the wiper blade 12 away from the housing 14, and towards the protective eyewear. Exerting such a pulling force causes the cord 18 to unwind from the retractable mechanism 16, such that the length of the cord 18 outside of the housing 14 is increased and the wiper blade 12 is located distal to the housing 14. This is demonstrated in Fig. 1 and 4b. In such an extended position, the wiper apparatus 10 is now in a second configuration. The user can hold the wiper blade 12 in this configuration by applying a constant pulling force for as long as required to clear their eyewear. The user can move the blade portion 20 side to side or upwards and downwards to remove drops of water, such as rain drops, or particles of dirt, which can obscure a user's vision.

The cord 18 comprises a break away force such that, in the event that the user applies too great a pulling force when the cord 18 is at full extension, any additional load applied will cause the cord 18 and/or the retractable mechanism 16 to break.

When the user has finished clearing their eyewear, the constant pulling force applied by the user must be reduced or removed to allow the retractable mechanism 16 to automatically retract the cord 18 into the housing 14 (by winding it around the retractable mechanism 16), and return the wiper blade 12 to the first configuration.

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 show an alternative embodiment of the wiper apparatus 110. Wiper apparatus 110 has many similar features in common with wiper apparatus 10, and any like features will be given the same reference numeral except preceded by a 1. These features will not be described in detail again with respect to this embodiment.

The most notable difference between wiper apparatus 10 and 110, is that wiper apparatus 110 comprises two cords 18 extending through two respective apertures 115a, 115b in the housing 114.

Within the housing 114 there exists two retractable mechanisms (not shown) to which the two cords 118 attach. The second face 120b of the grip portion 120 also comprises two eyelets (not shown) which are located adjacent ridge 124. As before, each cord

118 attaches to a respective eyelet in use.

The apertures 115a,115b are around 1 inch (~2.5 cm) apart, and are located along the edge of the first portion 114a of the housing 114. Such a location means that the wiper blade 112 can be extended away from the housing 114 at a 45 degree angle from the plane of the housing.

The shape of housing 114 is more angular and rectangular than housing 14. The ridge 124 on the second face 120b of the grip portion 120 extends in a straight line between the edges of the wiper blade 112. The shape of the ridge 124 complements the shape of the edge of the housing 114 comprising the apertures 115a,115b.

The edge of the housing comprising the apertures 115a,115b comprises a magnet (not shown) located in a recess 131 half-way between the two apertures 115a,115b. The ridge 124 on the second face 120b of the grip portion 120 also comprises a magnet. The two magnets are located such that when the wiper apparatus 110 is in the first configuration, the two magnets are aligned and attract each other.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wiper apparatus for clearing protective eyewear, the apparatus comprising:

a wiper blade;

wherein in a second configuration, the at least one elongate flexible member is in an extended position, such that the at least one elongate flexible member is radially extended away from the respective at least one retractable mechanism, and the wiper blade is located distal to the housing; and wherein the retraction mechanism is biased such that, the at least one retractable mechanism acts to retract the at least one elongate flexible member from its extended position such that the wiper blade is automatically returned from the second configuration to the first configuration.

2. A wiper apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein moving the wiper blade from the first to the second configuration involves pulling the wiper blade to extend the at least one flexible member against the bias of the retraction member.

3. A wiper apparatus as claimed either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a first portion and a second portion, and at least one aperture through which the at least one flexible member passes before attaching to the wiper blade.

4. A wiper apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one flexible member extends away from the housing through the at least one aperture at an angle to the plane of the housing, preferably at a substantially 45 degree angle.

5. A wiper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wiper blade comprises a grip portion for gripping by a user, and a resilient blade portion, for clearing the protective eyewear.

6. A wiper apparatus as claimed in either claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the grip portion comprises a first and a second face, and optionally wherein the first and/or second faces comprise at least one recess and/or an embossed portion.

7. A wiper apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first face comprises a ridge adjacent the at least one recess and/or embossed portion.

8. A wiper apparatus as claimed in either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second face comprises a ridge complementing at least part ofthe shape ofthe housing.

9. A wiper apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ridge is linear and extends from one edge ofthe second face to another.

10. A wiper apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ridge defines a partial rectangular shape configured to complement a rectangular or square shaped housing.

11. A wiper apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ridge is straight-edged and configured to complement a straight-edged housing.

12. A wiper apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ridge has a curved edge and is configured to complement a housing with curved edges.

13. A wiper apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 8 to claim 12, wherein the ridge on the second face of the grip portion may comprise a first magnet having a first polarity, and optionally the housing may also comprise a second magnet having a second polarity, opposite to the first polarity; the first and second magnets being located such that when the wiper apparatus is in the first configuration, the two magnets are aligned and attract each other.

14. A wiper apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 6 to claim 13, wherein the first face of the grip portion comprises a reflective portion, and optionally wherein the blade portion of the wiper blade comprises a region which the user can cut away to size the blade for a particular use.

15. A wiper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises, or is adapted to attach to, a mount for attaching the apparatus in use.

16. A wiper mount for the wiper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 15, the mount comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface comprising a lip extending along two opposing sides of the first surface.

17. A wiper mount as claimed in claim 16, wherein the housing comprises a first portion and a second portion, the second portion comprising an indent extending along two opposing sides of the second portion.

18. A wiper mount as claimed in claim 17, wherein the lips of the first surface of the mount and the indents of the second portion of the housing are slidably interlockable.

19. A wiper mount as claimed in claim 18, further comprising a threaded screw hole extending between the first and second surfaces.

20. A wiper mount as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second portion of the housing comprises a threaded screw hole, the screw hole configured to align in use with the screw hole through the mount, such that a screw is receivable through both screw holes in use to secure the wiper apparatus to the wiper mount.

21. A wiper mount as claimed in claim 20, wherein the screw is receivable through the screw hole in the second surface and then the first surface of the mount, and then into the screw hole in the second portion of the housing.

22. A wiper mount as claimed in any one of claim 16 to claim 21, wherein the first surface of the mount comprises at least one magnet adjacent the screw hole, and the second portion of the housing comprises at least one magnet adjacent the screw hole, the magnets configured to align with each other in use.

23. A wiper mount as claimed in any one of claim 16 to claim 22, wherein the second surface of the mount comprises a portion with a semi-elliptical crosssection, the second surface of the mount configured to be attachable to a bracket.

24. A wiper mount as claimed in claim 23, wherein an insert is located within the bracket.

25. A wiper mount as claimed in any one of claim 16 to claim 22, wherein the second surface of the mount comprises a portion with a semi-elliptical crosssection, and apertures configured to receive fasteners, for example cable ties, for the purpose of securing the mount to a handlebar.

26. A wiper mount as claimed in any one of claim 16 to claim 22, wherein the second surface of the mount comprises a clip.

27. A wiper mount as claimed in any one of claim 16 to claim 22, wherein the second surface of the mount comprises perforations.

28. A wiper mount as claimed in any one of claim 16 to claim 22, wherein the second surface of the mount comprises an adhesive or a hook and loop attachment.

29. A wiper blade for clearing protective eyewear, the blade comprising a grip portion and a blade portion, the grip portion designed to be held by a user, and the blade portion comprising a region which the user can cut away to size the blade for a particular use.

30. A system for clearing protective eyewear, the system comprising:

the wiper apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 15; and the wiper mount as claimed in any one of claims 16 - 22.

31. A handlebar for a motorbike comprising the system of claim 30, and any one of claim 23 to claim 25.

32. An article of clothing comprising the system of claim 30, and either claim 26 or

10 claim 27.

33. Goggles comprising the system of claim 30, and either claim 26 or claim 27.

34. A helmet comprising the system of claim 30.

35. The helmet as claimed in claim 34, wherein the wiper mount is integrated within the structure of the helmet.