Wiper blade assembly protector and method of protecting a wiper blade assembly

Abstract

A protector for a windshield wiper assembly includes an elongated body defining a cavity receiving at least the blade of the wiper assembly. The cover is used to protect the assembly from snow, ice, mud, etc. Preferably, the assembly is pivoted away from the windshield before the blade is inserted into the body. Caps with decorative covers are provided at the ends of the body. The body may be made of a translucent material and may be covered with logos, insignia and other advertising materials.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 62 / 275,844 filed Jan. 7, 2016 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA. Field of Invention[0002]This invention pertains to a device for protecting the wiper blade assemblies of a motor vehicle during inclement weather, such as ice and snow when motor vehicle ignition is off and the motor vehicle is in a non-operational, parked position.B. Description of the Prior Art[0003]All motor vehicles on the road today are equipped with windshield wiper devices for cleaning the motor vehicle windshields to remove any materials deposited thereon, such as water, dust, mud, ice, snow, etc. Such devices typically include two components: an arm having one end attached directly or indirectly to a reciprocating shaft disposed just under the windshield and a wiper blade pivotally attached to the opposite end of the arm. Two such arms are disposed below or (in rare occasio...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

As such, these blades are usually made from a somewhat soft and fragile material because otherwise the blade would not be able to wipe the windshield in a smooth motion without scratching, scoring or otherwise permanently damaging the windshield.

A major problem with existing windshield wipers is that under inclement weather, such as a snow storm, snow falls on the windshield and freezes into a sheet of ice, or a mixture of ice and snow, that covers both the windshield wiper arm and the windshield wiper blade.

Once the wiper arm and wiper blade become embedded lodged in this mix, it is extremely difficult and time consuming to properly dislodge it.

Often an operator will prematurely try to engage or activate the wipers while the ice and frozen mix is still present.

The torque from the wiper arm causes the wiper arm to become dislodged and break free from the wiper blade at the plastic assembly.

This action renders the wiper blade assembly useless until replaced its wiper blade is replaced.

Additionally, permanent windshield damage may occur as the bladeless metal arm streaks across the windshield and to the motor driving the arms.

Otherwise, when the windshield wiper is operated, the hard ice on the wiper causes unacceptable and unsafe streaks on the windshield.

Moreover, operating the wipers under these conditions can cause damage to the blades to the point where they become unusable and in extreme cases operating any vehicle under these conditions my cause an accident until the blades can be replaced.

In other words, the blades can also be easily damaged when one attempts to clean them and remove the frozen ice and snow from them.

However, this action does not prevent the arm from being damaged.

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