Apparatus and method for applying formulations to wiper blades and windshields

Abstract

A coating composition for imparting a hydrophobic coating to a target surface is provided, comprising a quaternary ammonium silane, a polyalkylene glycol, and an optional solid lubricant. Also provided is a kit comprising an applicator coated with the composition and instructions for applying the composition to a vehicle windshield wiper blade to impart a hydrophobic coating to the vehicle windshield where the blade contacts the composition.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 984,505, filed August 4, 2020. In addition, that application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 883,375, filed August 6, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a hydrophobic coating composition for wiper blades that imparts a hydrophobic coating to a windshield that it contacts upon use of the wiper, and more particularly to an applicator for transferring the hydrophobic coating composition to the surface of a wiper blade. [Background technology]

[0003] Rain, sleet, and snow have always presented visibility problems for vehicle operators. The mechanical movement of the wiper blade across the windshield is partially effective as a mechanical squeegee to move water and snow from the windshield. The operation of conventional wiper blades, whether carbon-based or made of silicone rubber, is only partially effective in removing water and snow from the windshield. The wiper blade moving across the windshield leaves behind a thin film of water that partially impairs visibility and promotes the adhesion of additional liquid water or snow to the windshield. Furthermore, as the wiper blade deteriorates from exposure to the environment, the uniformity of the contact between the wiper blade and the windshield decreases. Furthermore, debris that typically adheres to the windshield creates areas of gap between the wiper blade and the windshield surface, leading to streaks and water droplets that obscure visibility.

[0004] To address the limitations of windshield cleaning by mechanical squeegee action, hydrophobic glass treatment solutions have been applied to automobile windshields to improve driver visibility under humid conditions of rain, sleet, or snow. Representative of such glass treatments are those detailed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,233,331, 5,233,352, 5,233,362, and 5,333,362. While such glass treatments are effective in rendering the windshield hydrophobic so that water does not bead and form a water film on the windshield, these products are unacceptable because they are labor intensive to apply and require the handling of somewhat toxic chemicals to create a hydrophobic windshield surface. Additionally, it is impractical to apply such hydrophobic glass treatments while the windshield is exposed to rain or other precipitation.

[0005] Recognizing the limitations of conventional hydrophobic glass treatments, coating compositions for wiper blades have been developed that include silicone wax (silicone oil in a solid lubricant such that the wax is dissolved in the silicone oil) so that during operation of the wiper blade, the components of the coating layer are transferred onto the contacting windshield through friction of the wiper blade against the windshield. Such compositions are described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,399,943. While such coated wiper blades are effective in providing a hydrophobic coating to the windshield upon installation of the wiper blade, the ability to transfer the coating to the windshield rapidly deteriorates, with the ability to transfer the coating components to the windshield deteriorating significantly between wiper manufacture and actually installing the blade on the vehicle. Furthermore, the coating applied to the windshield tends to be irregular, resulting in patchy hydrophobicity.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 5,399,633 to the assignee of this application, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, teaches a coating composition for imparting a hydrophobic coating to a target surface, comprising an oil, either a silicone oil or a fluoropolymer oil, or a combination thereof, a resin, and a dry lubricant. A solvent is present to form a solution of the oil and resin. The coating is applied to an applicator which can then transfer the coating as a hydrophobic coating. The coating composition is stable and can impart a hydrophobic coating even after several weeks of storage at elevated temperatures. The coating composition imparts a hydrophobic coating by excluding synthetic waxes, particularly silicone waxes. Also provided is a kit including a wiper blade coated with the above coating composition, along with instructions for securing the wiper blade to a vehicle to impart a hydrophobic coating to the windshield of the vehicle with which the wiper blade contacts.

[0007] Additionally, some prior art shows wiper blades being manipulated by trimming or removing layers from the wiper blade, or in some cases grinding the surface of the wiper blade to renew the squeegee surface, thereby possibly improving visibility during wiper blade operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 3,579,540 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,688,864 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 6,432,181 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 8,258,219 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 9,540,552 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] As hydrophobic coating compositions advance, there is a continuing need for improved devices and methods for applying these compositions to vehicle windshields.In addition, there is a need for wiper blade coatings that have a long shelf life after application to a wiper blade, allowing the coated wiper blade to rapidly impart a hydrophobic coating to the contact area of ​​the windshield, even during operation of the wiper blade and after extended storage periods of the wiper blade coating composition, and even at high temperatures.Furthermore, there is a need for a method for applying the coating composition of the present invention to a wiper blade and then transferring the coating composition components to the contacted windshield. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A coating composition is provided that imparts water repellency to the windshield from the rubber elements of an automobile wiper blade. The coating comprises a quaternary ammonium silane, a polyalkylene glycol having a molecular weight of 500 to 5000, and an optional solid lubricant.

[0011] A kit for creating a hydrophobic coating on a surface is provided, comprising an applicator having an applicator surface and a non-volatile layer formed from the composition described above, the non-volatile layer being either adhered to the applicator surface or applied to the applicator surface from a container, and instructions for contacting the applicator with a windshield wiper blade to apply the composition to the blade to create a hydrophobic coating on the surface having a water contact angle of 60 degrees or greater.

[0012] A method of activating a windshield includes contacting the windshield with a wiper blade coated with the above-described composition and wiping under wet, dry, or a combination of wet and dry conditions, activating the windshield to a water repellency of greater than 60 degrees water contact angle within a few minutes or 150 wipe cycles.

[0013] The present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the following drawings, which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention but to illustrate certain attributes thereof. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an applicator having a water repellent coating according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B illustrates the use of the applicator of FIG. 1A to apply a water repellent coating to a wiper blade of a windscreen wiper according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates a two-part applicator having a holder and a substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates a two-part applicator having a holder and a substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 illustrates a two-part applicator having a holder and a substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2D] FIG. 1 illustrates a two-part applicator having a holder and a substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a windshield having an area treated with a water repellent coating of the present invention that is transferred by a wiper blade, contrasting with an untreated portion of the windshield. [Figure 4A] 1 is a perspective view of an applicator cartridge for cleaning a wiper blade on one side and applying a water repellent coating to the blade from the other side of the applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B illustrates the use of the applicator of FIG. 4A to apply a water repellent coating to the wiper blades of a windscreen wiper according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates a water repellent applicator integrated with a windshield scrub pad according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 illustrates a water repellent applicator integrated with a windshield scrub pad according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 illustrates a water repellent applicator with tear-away windshield cleaning foam according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows the cleaning foam of FIG. 6A torn apart to expose the applicator preloaded with a water repellent coating for application to a wiper blade. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 illustrates a three-in-one device for cleaning a windshield, cleaning windshield wiper blades, and applying a water repellent coating to wiper blades according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 illustrates a three-in-one device for cleaning a windshield, cleaning windshield wiper blades and applying a water repellent coating to wiper blades according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates an applicator cartridge for cleaning wiper blades and applying a water repellent coating to the wiper blades in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates an applicator cartridge for cleaning wiper blades and applying a water repellent coating to the wiper blades in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8C] 1 illustrates an applicator cartridge for cleaning wiper blades and applying a water repellent coating to the wiper blades in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8D] 1 illustrates an applicator cartridge for cleaning wiper blades and applying a water repellent coating to the wiper blades in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 illustrates an applicator applying a water repellent coating to a surface according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 illustrates an applicator applying a water repellent coating to a surface according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9C] FIG. 2 illustrates an applicator applying a water repellent coating to a surface according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 illustrates an applicator tip used with a vial, pouch, or squeeze bottle to apply a water repellent to a wiper blade according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10B] FIG. 1 illustrates an applicator tip used with a vial, pouch, or squeeze bottle to apply a water repellent to a wiper blade according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10C] FIG. 1 illustrates an applicator tip used with a vial, pouch, or squeeze bottle to apply a water repellent to a wiper blade according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] 1 is a series of photographs of a commercially available applicator assembly, prior art; [Figure 11B] 1 is a series of photographs of a commercially available applicator assembly, prior art; [Figure 11C] 1 is a series of photographs of a commercially available applicator assembly, prior art; [Figure 11D] 1 is a series of photographs of a commercially available applicator assembly, prior art; [Figure 11E] 1 is a series of photographs of a commercially available applicator assembly. [Figure 12A] 1 shows a further commercially available applicator for applying a solution to a target surface, prior art; [Figure 12B] 1 shows a further commercially available applicator for applying a solution to a target surface, prior art; [Figure 12C] 1 shows a further commercially available applicator for applying a solution to a target surface, prior art; [Figure 12D]1 shows a further commercially available applicator for applying a solution to a target surface, prior art; [Figure 13] 1 is a plot of contact angles on an automobile windshield in response to activation trials in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The present invention has utility as an applicator device and method of using the applicator to apply a water repellent (WR) formulation to the blades of vehicle windshield wipers to provide a hydrophobic coating to the contacted glass surface. Although water repellent coatings are described herein, embodiments of the applicator device may apply other types of coatings, illustratively including ultraviolet (UV), anti-reflective, streak-free, low friction, noise-free, residue-free, and bug disintegration. The present invention improves visibility of poorly performing wiper blades when cleaning the squeegee and applying the WR formulation to the blade surface. Embodiments of the water repellent coating composition of the present invention provide superior performance over silicone rubber and various non-silicone rubber materials commonly used in the wiper blade industry. These rubber materials include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, such as CR rubber (chloroprene rubber), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) rubber, mixtures of natural and synthetic rubbers, silicone rubber, and mixtures of silicone and non-silicone rubbers. An embodiment of the applicator device of the present invention assists in transferring water repellency to the wiper blades and thereafter to the windshield for direct application.

[0016] Although the coating composition of the present invention is generally described with respect to a windshield, it is further understood that other target surfaces suitable for use with the present invention include, illustratively, a manual squeegee, a vehicle rear window, an aircraft exterior, and other exterior surfaces where water repellency is desired. The present invention has the property of long-term storage stability coupled with the ability to impart a hydrophobic coating to contact surfaces even after storage. Although the present invention is generally detailed with the coating composition of the present invention as being applied to a surface via a wiper blade, it should be understood that the coating composition of the present invention is easily applied to a surface where a hydrophobic coating is desired by other applicators, including, illustratively, a bumper pad or cloth.

[0017] The present invention also provides a kit for creating a hydrophobic coating on a surface, the kit comprising an applicator having a non-volatile layer of the coating composition adhered thereto, or the coating composition in a separate bottle for user application to the applicator, along with instructions for contacting the coated applicator with a target surface so as to create a hydrophobic coating on the surface with a water drop contact angle of 60 degrees or greater as measured by ASTM C813.

[0018] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an applicator 10 with a handle 12 and a water repellent coating pre-applied in channels or slots 16 of the substrate 14. The substrate 14 can be made from woven or nonwoven materials, illustratively including spunlace and meltblowing. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the substrate is made from polyester or polypropylene. Substrate embodiments may be formed from silicone, polyurethane, nylon, neoprene, cellulose, PET, and wood pulp materials. Nonwovens are fibrous materials that are not woven or knitted, but are made from staple and long fibers bonded together by chemical, mechanical, thermal, or solvent treatments. The spunlace process is a nonwoven manufacturing system that uses a jet to entangle the fibers, resulting in fiber integrity. Meltblowing is a fabrication method in which a polymer melt is extruded through a small nozzle surrounded by a gas blowing at high speed. The randomly deposited fibers form a nonwoven board product.

[0019] Figure 1B illustrates the use of the applicator 10 of Figure 1A to apply a water repellent coating to a wiper blade 18 of a windshield wiper. A user aligns the channel or slot 16 of the applicator 10 with the wiper blade 18 and moves the applicator 10 over the length of the blade 18 while applying a steady pressure to transfer the water repellent coating to the wiper blade 18.

[0020] 2A-2D show an embodiment of the present invention of a two-part applicator 20 having a holder 22 and a removable substrate 14 having a water-repellent coating that can be applied to the channel or slot 16 of the substrate 14. In certain embodiments, the water-repellent coating can be pre-applied to the slot 16. As noted above, the substrate 14 can be made from woven or nonwoven materials, illustratively including spunlace and meltblowing. As shown in FIG. 2C, the holder 22 can be separated from the substrate 14 so that the holder 22 can be reused with different coated substrates. The holder 22 can be made from plastic, polymeric materials, metal, or wood, and the holder 22 can be flexible or rigid. FIG. 2D shows the use of the applicator 20 to apply a water-repellent coating to a wiper blade 18 of a windshield wiper. A user aligns the channel or slot 16 of the applicator 20 with the wiper blade 18 and moves the applicator 20 over the length of the blade 18 while applying a steady pressure to transfer the water-repellent coating to the wiper blade 18.

[0021] 3 shows the contrast between a portion T of a windshield 24 treated with a water repellent coating of the present invention that is transferred by a wiper blade and an untreated portion UT of the windshield that does not have water repellency. As can be readily seen, the treated windshield portion T has improved visibility by having water beads on the surface of the windshield 20.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an applicator cartridge 30 that cleans a wiper blade on one side 32 while applying a water repellent coating to the blade using a channel or slot 34 on the other side of the applicator 30. In certain embodiments of the invention, the water repellent coating is pre-applied in the applicator channel or slot 34. FIG. 4B illustrates the use of the applicator of FIG. 4A to apply a water repellent coating to a wiper blade of a windshield wiper. A user aligns the cleaning channel or slot 32 of the applicator 30 with the wiper blade 18 and moves the applicator 30 over the length of the blade 18 while applying a steady pressure to clean the blade 18. The user then transfers the water repellent coating to the wiper blade 18 by aligning the channel or slot 32 of the applicator 30 with the wiper blade 18 and moving the applicator 30 over the length of the blade 18 while applying a steady pressure (as shown in FIG. 4B) to transfer the water repellent coating to the wiper blade 18.

[0023] 5A and 5B show a water-repellent applicator 40 integrated with a windshield scrub pad 44. The scrub pad 44 can be made from a nonwoven or non-woven material as described with respect to the applicator substrate. In use, a user cleans the windshield with the scrub pad 44 and then transfers the water-repellent coating to the wiper blade 18 by aligning the channel or slot 42 of the applicator 30 with the wiper blade 18 and moving the applicator 40 over the length of the blade 18 while applying a steady pressure to transfer the water-repellent coating to the blade 18.

[0024] FIG 6A shows a water repellent applicator 50 having a handle 54 and a tear-apart windshield cleaning foam 56 positioned over an applicator substrate 52 that has previously been doped with a water repellent coating, with the cleaning foam of FIG 6A torn away. FIG 6B shows the cleaning foam of FIG 6A torn away to expose the applicator substrate 52. In use, a user cleans the windshield with the cleaning foam 56, tears the cleaning foam 56 away to expose the applicator substrate 52, and then transfers the water repellent coating to the wiper blade 18 by aligning the channel or slot in the applicator substrate 52 of the applicator 50 with the wiper blade 18 and moving the applicator 50 over the length of the blade 18 while applying a steady pressure to transfer the water repellent coating to the blade 18.

[0025] 7A and 7B show a three-in-one device 60 for cleaning the blades of a windshield wiper while using a scrub pad 64 to clean the windshield and also using an applicator 62 to apply a water repellent coating to the wiper blades.

[0026] 8A-8D show an embodiment of the present invention of an applicator cartridge 70 for cleaning wiper blades and applying a water repellent coating to the wiper blades. As best shown in the exploded views of applicator cartridge 70 in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a bladder or pouch 72 within an outer shell 76 of applicator cartridge 70 contains the water repellent coating. Rupture of bladder or pouch 72 releases the water repellent coating onto applicator substrate 74. Rupture of bladder or pouch 72 can be accomplished by compressing or piercing the bladder by applying pressure to shell 76, which forms the housing of applicator cartridge 70. FIG. 8C shows assembled applicator cartridge 70 with edge guides 78 that guide wiper blades into slot 42 for application of the water repellent coating from applicator substrate 74. FIG. 8D shows the transfer of a water-repellent coating to a wiper blade 18 by aligning the channel or slot 42 of the applicator 70 with the wiper blade 18 and moving the applicator 70 along the length of the blade 18 while applying a steady pressure to transfer the water-repellent coating to both sides of the blade 18.

[0027] Figures 9A-9C show an applicator 80 for applying a water repellent coating to a surface. As best seen in Figure 9A with an exploded view of applicator 80 in Figure 9B, a bladder 84 fits into a cavity in holder 82 and a foam substrate 86 is bonded along a bottom peripheral lip or flange 88 of holder 82. As shown in Figure 9C, applying pressure to the sidewall of holder 82 acts to rupture, puncture or puncture bladder 84 inside holder 82.

[0028] Figures 10A-10C show an embodiment of an applicator tip 90 used with a vial, pouch 92, or squeeze bottle to apply a water repellent agent to a wiper blade. Figure 10B shows the transfer of a water repellent coating to a wiper blade 18 by aligning the applicator tip 90 with the wiper blade 18 and moving the applicator tip 90 over the length of the blade 18 while applying a steady pressure to transfer the water repellent coating to the blade 18. Figure 10C shows a squeezable pouch 92 attached to the applicator tip 90.

[0029] 11A-11E are a series of photographs of a commercially available applicator assembly 100. As best seen in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the reservoir 102 has a perforated cap 104 that, when pressed down, opens the reservoir 102 and allows the contents within the reservoir 102 to flow out. FIG. 11C is an exploded view of the applicator assembly 100 showing the reservoir 102 seated within the housing 106 and the foam substrate 108 that spreads the contents of the reservoir 102 onto a target surface. FIG. 11D shows the assembled applicator assembly 100 with the housing 106 pressed down, resulting in the perforated cap 104 puncturing the reservoir 102 and releasing the contents of the reservoir 102. FIG. 11E illustrates the use of the applicator assembly 100 to apply a water repellent coating to a blade 18.

[0030] Figures 12A-D show additional commercially available applicators for applying solutions to target surfaces. Figure 12A shows a snappable wet swab and Figure 12B is a roller applicator that is wetted by a squeeze bottle. Figure 12C shows a dipped / screw top with a brush applicator. Figure 12D shows a plastic tube filled with liquid that flows into and through the applicator sponge tip.

[0031] A method of activating a windshield using a wiper blade applicator according to certain embodiments of the present invention is achieved by wiping a windshield under wet, dry, or combined wet and dry conditions to water repellency of more than 60 degrees water contact angle within a few minutes or 150 wipe cycles. In certain embodiments, the water repellent coating is activated within a few minutes of being transferred from the wiper blade to the windshield. In still other embodiments, this degree of water repellency is achieved while maintaining within or greater than 90% of the wipe quality of an otherwise uncoated wiper blade while retaining water repellency of the wiped windshield surface. Wipe quality is typically rated on a scale of 1 to 10, for example, as defined by Akron Rubber Development Laboratory (ARDL), Inc. Thus, it is shown that the present invention improves the visibility of poorly performing wiper blades when cleaning the squeegee and applying the WR formulation to the blade surface.

[0032] Table 1 shows the major components of embodiments of the WR coating composition of the present invention that resist absorption into rubber materials.

[0033] [Table 1]

[0034] Quaternary ammonium silicone compounds useful herein have the formula: [(RO) 3-a Si-R 2 -N(R 1 )(R 1 )(R 3 )]X - (I) or (HO)2-Si(R 4 )-O-(R 4 )Si-(OH)2(II) (R is independently C1-C4 alkyl, R 4, or H, a is an integer value including 0, 1, or 2, and R 1 and R 2 are each independently a C1 to C8 alkyl or alkenyl group, R 3 is C1~C 22 F is an alkyl group, X represents an anion, and F is a quaternary ammonium cation, provided that a salt is formed. - , Cl - , Br - , I - , divalent and trivalent anions, R 4 are respectively [N(R 1 )(R 1 )(R 3 )]X - It is understood that any alkyl or alkenyl group present in formula (I) may be linear or branched. It is further understood that any alkyl group having at least C3 may further include pendant groups which serve to modify solubility and film forming properties. Exemplary pendant groups useful herein include -OH, -SO4 -2 , or -SO3 - Examples include:

[0035] Exemplary quaternary ammonium silicones useful herein include, by way of example only: (CH3O)3Si(CH2)3N + (CH3)2Ci 18 H 37 Cl - , (CH3CH2O)3Si(CH2)3N + (CH3)2C 18 H 37 Cl - , (CH3O)3Si(CH2)3N + (CH3)2C 18 H 37 Br - , (CH3O)3Si(CH2)3N + (C 10 H 21 )2CH3Cl - (CH3O)3Si(CH2)3N + (CH3)2C 14 H29 Cl - , (CH3O)3Si(CH2)3N + (CH3)2C 14 H 29 Br - , (CH3O)3Si(CH2)3N + (CH3)2C 16 H 23 Cl - , and combinations thereof.

[0036] The polyalkylene glycol, regardless of the degree of branching, has a molecular weight of 500 to 5000. In some embodiments of the present invention, the polyalkylene glycol has a molecular weight of 1600±300.

[0037] As used herein, molecular weight refers to the mass average molar mass M w Refers to...

[0038] The coating composition of the present invention also includes an optional particulate lubricant. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the particulate lubricant has a particle number percentage of greater than 90 as determined by size guide number (SGN) of particulates having a particle size of less than 100 microns. In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the particle number percentage of 100 is less than 100 microns. In still other embodiments of the present invention, the particulates have an average particle size of less than 50 microns. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the coating composition in solvate form is 1 to 10 total weight percent particulate lubricant. Exemplary particulate lubricants useful in the present invention include graphite, turbostratic carbon, boron nitride, boric acid, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, the particulate lubricant is only graphite.

[0039] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but rather to highlight the properties of certain embodiments of the invention and their superior performance over comparative examples. EXAMPLES

[0040] Example 1 Using the article shown in Figure 2A and demonstrating the method of Figures 1B and 2D, the coating composition was applied to a chloroprene rubber and natural rubber (CR-NR) blend squeegee and the coated squeegee was left wet to the touch (at least for this example) prior to WR activation testing. Test results are shown in Figure 13 for five replicate runs. The average water CA of the windshield increased from under 30 degrees before activation to over 60 degrees after 150 wipe cycles, using ASTM C813 to verify the measurements. These runs are conducted in wet conditions to simulate stormy weather conditions.

[0041] The patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual patent or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be a part of this specification.

[0042] The above description describes specific embodiments of the present invention and is not meant to be limiting in its implementation. The appended claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the invention.

[0043] Numerical ranges cited herein are intended to describe not only the endpoints of such ranges, but also the individual values ​​encompassed within the range and varying by a single increment of the last significant figure. For example, a range of 0.1 to 1.0 in any unit according to the invention also encompasses 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9, independently as the lower and upper limits of the range, respectively. Some embodiments of the present invention are described in the following items [1]-

[19] . [1] 1. A coating composition for imparting water repellency to a windshield from a rubber element of an automobile wiper blade, the coating comprising: A quaternary ammonium silane; A polyalkylene glycol having a molecular weight of 500 to 5000; A composition comprising: [2] 2. The composition according to item 1, further comprising a solid lubricant. [3] 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the solid lubricant is present in an amount from 0 to 40 total weight percent. [4] 4. The composition of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the quaternary ammonium silane is present in from 5 total weight percent to 95 total weight percent. [5] 4. The composition of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the polyalkylene glycol has a molecular weight of 1600±300 and is present in 5 total weight percent to 95 total weight percent. [6] 1. A kit for producing a hydrophobic coating on a surface that contacts a windshield wiper blade, comprising: an applicator having an applicator surface on a substrate and a nonvolatile layer formed from the composition of claim 1 on the applicator surface, the nonvolatile layer being attached to the applicator surface or applied to the applicator surface from a reservoir; a slot or channel in the applicator surface of the substrate, the slot or channel configured to mate with the blade of the windshield wiper to apply the hydrophobic coating to the blade; instructions for contacting the applicator surface with the blade to create a hydrophobic coating on the surface having a water contact angle of 60 degrees or greater; A kit comprising: [7] 7. The kit according to item 6, wherein the applicator further comprises a cleaning slot or channel for cleaning the blades of the windscreen wiper. [8] 7. The kit of claim 6, wherein the applicator further comprises a scrubbing pad for cleaning the surface. [9] 7. The kit of claim 6, wherein the non-volatile layer is non-drying and transferable from the applicator surface to a contact surface by wiping.

[10] 7. The kit according to item 6, wherein the coated blade element of the windscreen wiper is capable of rendering the surface hydrophobic after a certain number of wiping cycles under wet conditions, dry conditions or a combination of wet and dry conditions.

[11] 11. The kit according to any one of items 6 to 10, wherein the surface is a windshield.

[12] 11. The kit according to any one of items 6 to 10, wherein the substrate is made of a woven or nonwoven material.

[13] 11. The kit according to any one of items 6 to 10, wherein the substrate is formed by spunlacing or meltblowing.

[14] 11. The kit according to any one of items 6 to 10, wherein the substrate is made of polyester or polypropylene.

[15] The kit according to any one of items 6 to 10, wherein the blade is formed of at least one material selected from the group consisting of chloroprene rubber, natural rubber, and silicone, and any combination thereof.

[16] 1. A method for activating a water repellent agent on a windshield, comprising: contacting a windscreen wiper blade with an applicator having the composition according to item 1; activating the windshield by wiping it under wet, dry, or a combination of wet and dry conditions to a water repellency of greater than 60 degrees water contact angle within a few minutes or 150 wipe cycles; A method comprising:

[17] 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said contacting further comprises aligning a channel or slot of said applicator with said blade and moving said applicator over the length of said blade while applying a steady pressure to transfer said water repellent composition to said blade.

[18] 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said contacting further comprises aligning a channel or slot of said applicator with said blade and moving said applicator across the length of said blade while applying a steady pressure to transfer said water repellent composition to said blade, simultaneously wiping said blade.

[19] 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the applicator further comprises a scrubbing pad, the method further comprising cleaning the windshield with the scrubbing pad.

Claims

1. 1. A coating composition for imparting water repellency to a windshield from a rubber element of an automobile wiper blade, the coating composition comprising: A quaternary ammonium silane; A polyalkylene glycol having a molecular weight of 500 to 5000; A composition comprising:

2. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a solid lubricant.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the solid lubricant is present from 0 to 40 total weight percent.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the quaternary ammonium silane is present from 5 total weight percent to 95 total weight percent.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polyalkylene glycol has a molecular weight of 1600±300 and is present in from 5 total weight percent to 95 total weight percent.

6. 1. A kit for producing a hydrophobic coating on a surface that contacts a windshield wiper blade, comprising: an applicator having an applicator surface on a substrate and a nonvolatile layer formed from the composition of claim 1 on the applicator surface, the nonvolatile layer being attached to the applicator surface or applied to the applicator surface from a container; a slot or channel in the applicator surface of the substrate, the slot or channel configured to mate with the blade of the windshield wiper to apply the hydrophobic coating to the blade; instructions for applying the composition of claim 1 to a windscreen wiper blade by contacting said applicator surface with said blade to create a hydrophobic coating on said surface in contact with said blade having a water contact angle of 60 degrees or greater; A kit comprising:

7. 7. The kit according to claim 6, wherein said applicator further comprises a cleaning slot or channel for cleaning said blade of said windscreen wiper.

8. The kit of claim 6 , wherein the applicator further comprises a scrubbing pad for cleaning the surface.

9. The kit of claim 6 , wherein the non-volatile layer is non-drying and transferable from the applicator surface to a contact surface by wiping.

10. A kit as described in claim 6, wherein the windshield wiper blade to which the composition described in claim 1 has been applied is capable of rendering a surface in contact with the windshield wiper blade hydrophobic after a number of wiping cycles under wet conditions, dry conditions, or a combination of wet and dry conditions.

11. A kit according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the surface in contact with the windscreen wiper blade is a windscreen.

12. The kit according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the substrate is made from a woven or non-woven material.

13. The kit according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the substrate is made from polyester or polypropylene.

14. The kit according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the blade is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of at least chloroprene rubber, natural rubber, and silicone, or any combination thereof.

15. 1. A method for activating a water repellent agent on a windshield, comprising: contacting a windshield wiper blade with an applicator having the composition of claim 1; activating the windshield by wiping it under wet, dry, or a combination of wet and dry conditions to a water repellency of greater than 60 degrees water contact angle within a few minutes or 150 wipe cycles; A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said contacting further comprises aligning a channel or slot of said applicator with said blade and moving said applicator over the length of said blade while applying a steady pressure to transfer the composition of claim 1 to said blade.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said contacting further comprises aligning a channel or slot of said applicator with said blade and moving said applicator across the length of said blade while applying a steady pressure to transfer the composition of claim 1 to said blade, simultaneously wiping said blade.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the applicator further comprises a scrubbing pad, the method further comprising cleaning the windshield with the scrubbing pad.

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