GB705237A - Improvements in or relating to a windshield wiper - Google Patents

Abstract

705,237. Windscreen cleaners. FORD MOTOR CO., Ltd. June 13, 1952 [June 20, 1951], No. 14979/52. Class 138 (1) A windshield wiper blade for curved surfaces is adapted for attachment to a blade holder at the ends only and comprises a flexible backing strip and an elongated blade of elastic material secured to the backing strip under tension. The flat backing strip 14, Fig. 3, has a series of holes 24 spaced throughout its length and located centrally of the width of the strip. The rubber blade 16, Fig. 4, in its normal state, is shorter than the strip 14 and is formed with a longitudinal groove 26, a series of upstanding tabs 27, and enlarged end portions 28 provided with sockets 29. To assemble the wiper, the backing 14 is flexed so that its offset ends 23 pass through apertures 22, Fig. 5, in the ends 21 of a bowed channelled holder 13, Fig. 2, pivotally connected at 17 to the wiper arm 18. The blade 16 is then stretched so that the tabs 27 fit in the holes 24, the strip 14 lies in the groove 26 and the sockets 29 receive the engaged ends 23, 21 of the backing and blade holder, respectively. As shown in Fig. 5, a slight clearance is provided between the end portions 23, 21 within the sockets 29, to permit twisting of the blade and strip relative to the holder 13. In addition to the interlock shown between the strip 14 and blade 16, the blade may also be bonded by adhesive to the strip. If desired the mechanical interlock may be dispensed with and the blade and strip may be secured together by bonding alone, with the blade in a stretched condition. Alternatively the blade may be bonded to the strip throughout the major portion of its length and left unbonded for the distance A<SP>1</SP>, Fig. 4, at each end thereof. The blade 16 is provided with stepped sides as shown at 31, Fig. 2.