Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 1 of 95 PageID #: 3952
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`Exhibit
`1
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`

`
`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 2 of 95 PageID #: 3953
`Bosch v. Saver et al., C.A. Nos. 12-574-LPS, 14-142-LPS (D. Del.)
`
`April 1, 2015
`
`Patent
`
`Term/ Phrase
`
`’607 patent securing means/ means for
`securing
`
`Parties’ Joint Claim Construction Chart
`
`Bosch’s construction and
`intrinsic record citations
`To be construed under 35 U.S.C. §112 ¶6:
`Function: To secure the wiper blade on the joint
`pin.
`Structure: L-shaped shoulder, and its equivalents.
`’607 patent col. 1:40-46; 1:55-62; 2:63-67; 5:6-15;
`6:8-26; 6:63-7:4; 7:15-21; 7:30-45; 8:43-47; Figs.
`2-8, 11, 12; Abstract
`
`Defendants’ construction and intrinsic record
`citations
`“means for securing” denotes both the coupling part
`(30) and the L-shaped shoulder (60) depicted and
`described in the ‘607 patent specification and
`drawings, and equivalents thereof.
`
`“securing means (60)” denotes the L-shaped shoulder
`(60) depicted and described in the ‘607 patent
`specification and drawings, and equivalents thereof
`
`’988 patent a coupling part (20) …
`seated on another band face
`(18) of the support element
`
`‘607 patent, Abstract, cols. 1:39-47, 1:56-2:2, 2:34-
`38, 2:63-67, 3:16-40, 4:19-6:27, 6:31-56, 6:63-7:4,
`Figs. 3-6, 8, 9, 11, 12, claims 1-14; ‘607 file history,
`12/30/02 Notice of Allowance
`“coupling part (20)” denotes the structure (20)
`depicted and described in the ‘988 patent
`specification and drawings; no equivalents in light of
`narrowing amendments.
`
`“seated on another band face (18) of the support
`element” means seated as depicted in Figure 3 of the
`‘988 patent and the accompanying specification
`description of Figure 3.
`
`‘988 patent, Abstract, cols. 1:16-37, 1:41-2:15, 2:26-
`3:21, 3:25-37, 3:41-5:59, 5:66-6:28, Figs. 1-7, claims
`1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15; ‘988 file history, 02/06/02
`Office Action, 05/01/02 Amendment, 07/01/02
`Amendment, 08/13/02 Office Action
`
`Plain and ordinary meaning
`’988 patent col. 1:55-60; 1:64-2:2; 2:26-37; 2:44-
`59; 3:5-21; 3:25-48; 4:22-44; 6:19-53; 6:64-8:6;
`Figs. 1-2; Abstract
`Prosecution history of the ’988 patent: Original
`application filed on Jan. 24, 2001;
`Office action mailed Feb. 6, 2002, at 2-7;
`Amendment in response to Feb. 6, 2002, office
`action at 3-6, 9-20;
`May 20, 2002 interview summary; Supplemental
`amendment in response to Feb. 6, 2002 and June
`21, 2002, office actions at 3-7, 9-20;
`Office action mailed Aug. 13, 2002, at 3-6; Second
`supp. amendment submitted on Aug. 20, 2002, at 2-
`5;
`March 20, 2003 interview summary;
`March 23, 2003 Notice of allowability and
`examiner’s amendment at 2-3;
`and references cited therein.
`
`1
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`

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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 3 of 95 PageID #: 3954
`Bosch v. Saver et al., C.A. Nos. 12-574-LPS, 14-142-LPS (D. Del.)
`
`April 1, 2015
`
`Patent
`
`Term/ Phrase
`
`’419 patent means for maintaining the
`clearance
`
`’926 patent Izz is a moment of inertia of
`a cross sectional profile
`around a z-axis
`perpendicular to an taxis
`which adapts along with
`the support element (12),
`and perpendicular to a y-
`axis
`
`Bosch’s construction and
`intrinsic record citations
`To be construed under 35 U.S.C. §112 ¶6:
`Function: to maintain the clearance between the
`facing longitudinal edges of the springs and the
`bridge
`Structure: a peg situated on the base plate of a
`bridge-shaped component, or finger-like projections
`of the end cap wall that can be moved against
`spring force, or components held on the connecting
`device that penetrate springs in recesses, and their
`equivalents.
`’419 patent col. 1:28-62; 2:1-35; 2:40-46; 3:57-4:6;
`4:37-52; 4:63-5:20; 5:28-42; 6:34-55; 7:22-8:34;
`Figs. 3-12.
`
`Defendants’ construction and intrinsic record
`citations
`“means for maintaining the clearance” denotes either
`(i) the structures 70, 170, 256 or (ii) the structures
`354 and 356 depicted and described in the ‘419
`specification and drawings; no equivalents in light of
`narrowing amendments.
`
`‘419 patent, Abstract, cols. 1:21-2:46, 2:58-3:20,
`3:47-6:55, Figs. 4-14, claims 1-10; ‘419 file history,
`12/05/02 Office Action; 04/04/03 Amendment
`
`I
`
`
`
`Izz is a moment of inertia of a cross sectional profile
`around a z-axis perpendicular to an s-axis which
`adapts along with the support element, and
`perpendicular to a y-axis, calculated by the formula
`3bd
`
`zz
`12
`’926 patent col. 2:27-46; 5:43-7:25; 10:15-25;
`Abstract
`Prosecution history of the ’926 patent: Original
`application filed on March 9, 2001;
`Office action mailed Sept. 10, 2003, at 7-11;
`Amendment in response to Sept. 10, 2003 office
`action at 7-22; and references cited therein.
`
`“Izz” denotes a moment of inertia around a z-axis, the
`z-axis in this instance being the axis denoted “z” in
`Figures 4, 5, and 7 of the ‘926 patent. The z-axis is
`perpendicular to an s-axis which adapts along with
`the support element (12), and perpendicular to a y-
`axis, the y-axis in this instance being the axis denoted
`“y” in Figures 4, 5, and 7 of the ‘926 patent.
`
`‘926 patent, Abstract, cols. 2:24-46, 3:8-30, 4:13-18,
`5:43-7:25, Figs. 3-7, claims 1-3; ‘926 file history,
`02/10/04 Amendment, 04/08/04 Amendment.
`
`2
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`

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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 4 of 95 PageID #: 3955
`Bosch v. Saver et al., C.A. Nos. 12-574-LPS, 14-142-LPS (D. Del.)
`
`April 1, 2015
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`Patent
`
`Term/ Phrase
`
`’926 patent support element (12)
`
`Defendants’ construction and intrinsic record
`citations
`“support element (12)” denotes the structure (12)
`depicted and described in the ‘926 specification and
`drawings; no equivalents in light of narrowing
`amendments.
`
`‘926 patent, cols. 1:7-67, 2:1-4:2, 4:7-23, 4:27-5:55,
`6:58-10:2, Figs. 1-6 and 10, claims 1-11; ‘926 file
`history, 09/10/03 Office Action, 02/10/04
`Amendment
`
`Bosch’s construction and
`intrinsic record citations
`To be construed the same way across all patents—
`plain and ordinary meaning
`’926 patent col. 1:7-32; 2:27-65; 3:4-7; 3:61-4:3;
`4:25-41; 4:64-67; 6:58-7:17; 7:35-8:20; 9:16-25;
`9:39-10:35; Figs. 1-5, 10; Abstract
`Prosecution history of the ’926 patent: Original
`application filed on March 9, 2001;
`Office action mailed Sept. 10, 2003, at 7-11;
`Amendment in response to Sept. 10, 2003 office
`action at 7-22;
`Supplemental amendment in response to Sept. 10,
`2003 office action at 2-11;
`Office action mailed May 21, 2004, at 1-6;
`Sept. 20, 2004 Notice of allowability and
`examiner’s amendment, at 2-3; and references cited
`therein.
`
`’698 patent spherically curved window a window having at least one radius of curvature
`’698 patent col. 1:9-23; 1:34-39; 2:4-10; 2:20-28;
`3:20-27; 4:46-62; 6:16-22; Figs. 1, 2, 8, and
`references cited therein.
`
`“spherically curved window” means a window that is
`curved in three dimensions; no equivalents in light of
`narrowing amendments.
`
`‘698 patent, cols. 1:9-53, 1:57-2:31, 2:35-57, 2:62-
`3:36, 3:37-4:49, 4:67-5:18, Figs. 1, 2, 3-7, claim 1;
`‘698 file history, 01/09/02 Brief on Appeal, 05/28/03
`Decision on Appeal, 02/24/05 Amendment.
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`3
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 5 of 95 PageID #: 3956
`Bosch v. Saver et al., C.A. Nos. 12-574-LPS, 14-142-LPS (D. Del.)
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`April 1, 2015
`
`Patent
`
`Term/ Phrase
`
`at least one support means
`(58, 144)
`
`’588 patent
`’264 patent
`’823 patent
`
`’096 patent support element (46)
`
`Bosch’s construction and
`intrinsic record citations
`To be construed under 35 U.S.C. §112 ¶6:
`Function: to stabilize the sides of the wind
`deflection strip
`Structure: a wall connected to both sides of the
`wind deflection strip, or the channel wall facing the
`upper belt surface of the support element, and their
`equivalents
`’588 patent col. 2:17-41; 3:1-20; 5:35-45; 5:53-67;
`6:25-45; 7:13-21; 7:40-59; 8:50-62; 10:2-18; Figs.
`2, 3 (citations are to the ’588 patent specification
`because all patents in this family share the same
`specification; cites to other patents can be used to
`support Bosch’s construction)
`
`To be construed the same way across all patents—
`plain and ordinary meaning
`’096 patent col. 1:6-10; 4:24-31; 5:27-28; 6:54-56;
`7:18-20; Fig. 4
`Prosecution history of the ’096 patent:
`Office action mailed March 6, 2012, at 3-9;
`Amendment in response to March 6, 2012, office
`action at 2-9, and references cited therein.
`
`Defendants’ construction and intrinsic record
`citations
`“support means (58, 144)”, as used in the ‘588 and
`‘264 patent claims, denotes the structures 58 or 144
`depicted and described in the ‘588 patent
`specification and drawings; no equivalents in light of
`narrowing amendments.
`
`“support means”, as used in the ‘823 patent claims,
`denotes the same structures as “support means (58,
`144)” in the ‘588 and ‘264 patents; no equivalents in
`light of narrowing amendments.
`
`‘588 patent, cols. 2:17-41, 3:1-13, 4:7-10, 4:63-5:67,
`6:1-48, 7:5-21, Figs. 2, 3, claims 1, 3, 14, 17; ‘264
`patent, claims 1, 2; ‘823 patent, claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 11,
`12, 13, 16; ‘588 file history, 08/07/06 Office Action,
`01/08/07 Amendment; ‘264 file history, 01/09/08
`Office Action, 07/09/08 Amendment.
`
`“support element (46)” denotes the structure (46)
`depicted and described in the ‘096 specification and
`drawings, and equivalents thereof.
`
`’096 patent, cols. 1:5-25, 2:3-3:10, 3:21-26, 3:41-56,
`4:24-31, Figs. 1, 4, claims 1, 18, 21.
`
`4
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 6 of 95 PageID #: 3957
`Bosch v. Saver et al., C.A. Nos. 12-574-LPS, 14-142-LPS (D. Del.)
`
`April 1, 2015
`
`Patent
`
`Term/ Phrase
`
`’096 patent covering cap (16)
`
`’096 patent wherein . . . the connection
`element (22) fastened to the
`wiper arm secures the
`wiper blade (10) via a clip
`
`Bosch’s construction and
`intrinsic record citations
`Plain and ordinary meaning
`’096 patent col. 1:10-13; 1:34-40; 2:1-40; 3:13-26;
`3:40-42; 3:52-4:23; 5:30-50; 5:56-6:10; 6:55-7:10;
`7:18-8:16; Fig. 1-4; Abstract
`Prosecution history of the ’096 patent:
`Original application and preliminary amendment
`filed on Oct. 24, 2007 at 2-8;
`Office action mailed March 6, 2012, at 3-9;
`Amendment in response to March 6, 2012, office
`action at 2-9;
`June 5, 2012 interview summary;
`June 14, 2012 interview summary;
`June 20, 2012 Notice of allowability and
`examiner’s amendment at 2-3, and references cited
`therein.
`
`Plain and ordinary meaning
`’096 patent col. 1:26-38; 2:1-7; 3:57-66; 5:26-45;
`6:55-7:9; 7:18-8:16; Figs. 1, 4-7, 10, 11; Abstract
`Prosecution history of the ’096 patent:
`Original application and preliminary amendment
`filed on Oct. 24, 2007 at 2-8;
`Amendment in response to March 6, 2012 office
`action at 2-9.
`
`Defendants’ construction and intrinsic record
`citations
`“covering cap (16)” denotes the structure (16)
`depicted and described in the ‘096 specification and
`drawings; no equivalents in light of narrowing
`amendments.
`
`‘096 patent, Abstract, cols. 1:5-50, 2:3-27, 2:65-3:9,
`3:20-37, 3:41-4:23, Figs. 1-4, claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 18,
`21; ‘096 file history, 03/06/12 Office Action,
`06/06/12 Amendment, 06/05/12 Interview Summary
`Record, 06/20/12 Notice of Allowance
`
`The recited structure is a limitation of the claim.
`
`‘096 patent, Abstract, cols. 1:5-67, 2:1-3:9, 3:21-37,
`3:41-5:22, Figs. 1, 4-11, claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11,
`14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 23; ‘096 file history, 03/06/12
`Office Action.
`
`5
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 7 of 95 PageID #: 3958
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 21 of 62 PageID #: 2457Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 8 of 95 PageID #: 3959
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 22 of 62 PageID #: 2458Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 9 of 95 PageID #: 3960
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 23 of 62 PageID #: 2459Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 10 of 95 PageID #: 3961
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 25 of 62 PageID #: 2461Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 12 of 95 PageID #: 3963
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 26 of 62 PageID #: 2462Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 13 of 95 PageID #: 3964
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 27 of 62 PageID #: 2463Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 14 of 95 PageID #: 3965
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 28 of 62 PageID #: 2464Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 15 of 95 PageID #: 3966
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 29 of 62 PageID #: 2465Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 16 of 95 PageID #: 3967
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 17 of 95 PageID #: 3968
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`Exhibit
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 31 of 62 PageID #: 2467Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 18 of 95 PageID #: 3969
`111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006611988Bl
`
`(12) United States Patent
`De Block
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,611,988 Bl
`Sep.2,2003
`
`(54) WIPER BLADE FOR THE GLASS SURFACES
`OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Peter De Block, Halen (BE)
`
`3,192,551 A * 7/1965 Appel
`..................... 15/250.43
`3,317,945 A * 5/1967 Ludwig ................... 15/250.43
`11/1974 Huver
`3,845,519 A
`5,553,962 A * 9/1996 Eustache ................. 15/250.32
`
`(73) Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart (DE)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`
`1028896
`1 505 357
`19729 865 A
`
`* 4/1958
`5/1969
`1/1999
`
`.............. 15/250.43
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`09/744,482
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`May 19,2000
`
`(86) PCTNo.:
`
`PCT/DEOO/0l618
`
`§ 371 (c)(l),
`(2), (4) Date: May 14, 200l
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WOOO/73111
`
`PCT Pub. Date: Dec. 7, 2000
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`May 28, 1999
`Aug. 13, 1999
`
`(DE) ......................................... 199 24 661
`(DE) ......................................... 199 38 400
`
`Int. CI? ............................... B60S 1/40; B60S 1/38
`(51)
`(52) U.S. CI. ................................ 15/250.32; 15/250.43;
`15/250.351
`(58) Field of Search ......................... 15/250.32, 250.43,
`15/250.44, 250.37, 250.361, 250.351
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,179,969 A * 4/1965 Glynn ..... ..... ... ... ..... 15/250.32
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner-Gary K. Graham
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael 1. Striker
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A wiper blade is proposed, which is used for cleaning motor
`vehicle windows or glass. The wiper blade (10) is provided
`with an elongated, rubber-elastic wiper strip (16) that can be
`pressed against the window or glass (24) and that is
`disposed, parallel to the longitudinal axis, on one band face
`(14) of a bandlike-elongated, spring -elastic support element
`(12), and a coupling part (20) connected to the center portion
`of the support element is seated on the other band face (18)
`of the support element and has one hinge half (36), whose
`hinge axis (52) is oriented transversely to the length of the
`wiper blade (10). An improvement in wiper blade mounting
`and in the securing of the mounted wiper blade to a wiper
`arm provided with a hinge bolt is attained, if both this hinge
`half and the coupling means of the wiper blade are formed
`by a bearing recess (36) in the coupling part (20).
`
`15 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`1~
`
`

`
`
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 32 of 62 PageID #: 2468Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 19 of 95 PageID #: 3970
`
`u.s. Patent
`
`Sep.2,2003
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`US 6,611,988 Bl
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 33 of 62 PageID #: 2469Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 20 of 95 PageID #: 3971
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 2, 2003
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
`
`US 6,611,988 Bl
`
`FIG.3
`
`36
`
`18
`
`7'---54
`
`

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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 34 of 62 PageID #: 2470Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 21 of 95 PageID #: 3972
`
`u.s. Patent
`
`Sep. 2, 2003
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 6,611,988 Bl
`
`FIG.5
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`48
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`30
`52
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`Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 95-1 Filed 10/31/14 Page 35 of 62 PageID #: 2471Case 1:12-cv-00574-LPS Document 142-1 Filed 04/01/15 Page 22 of 95 PageID #: 3973
`
`US 6,611,988 Bl
`
`1
`WIPER BLADE FOR THE GLASS SURFACES
`OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The support bracket frame wiper blades that have been in
`long, widespread use in wiping systems for motor vehicle
`windshields (German Patent DE-PS 15 05 397) have a great
`structural height, which under the flow conditions prevailing
`in front of the vehicle window, especially at a high travel
`speed, enhance the tendency of the wiper blade to lift away.
`At the least, this lessens the prescribed contact pressure of
`the wiper blade on the window so much that the wiping
`quality suffers as a result.
`The invention is based on a very shallow wiper blade. In
`a known wiper blade of this type (German Patent Disclosure
`DE 19 72 98 65.6 A1), one hinge pin of nonround cross
`section is disposed on each of the two long sides of the
`coupling part, and the two hinge pins have a common hinge
`axis. The hinge half toward the wiper blade that is thus
`formed cooperates with bearing bores on the wiper arm that
`form the hinge half of the wiper arm; the bearing bores are
`each open at the periphery via an introduction channel, and
`the channel width is adapted to the smaller pin diameter. The
`design of the hinge is such that during wiper operation, the
`hinge pins cannot move out of their bearing bores. If the
`wiper blade is to be removed from the wiper arm, for
`instance if a worn wiper blade is to be replaced by a new one,
`then first the wiper arm has to be folded out of the way of 30
`the window or glass, so that the wiper blade can be put into
`its mounting, position, In which the hinge pin can be passed
`through the insertion channels and the wiper blade can be
`separated from the arm. If this is done improperly, however,
`the wiper blade can on route by itself in the hinge even while 35
`the arm is being folded out of the way, and thus the blade can
`separate from the wiper arm unintentionally and drop onto
`the vehicle body and cause damage there.
`
`2
`window or glass, by each of which one cheek region is
`formed on one of the two long sides of the coupling part, and
`furthermore the spacing between the two cheek regions is
`between 16 NM and 25 NM. If guide or fitting faces that are
`defined once and for all result, against which counterpart
`faces of the wiper arm can be placed cleanly during wiping
`operation, so that a good outcome of wiping is assured.
`Because of the spacing range, measured in the wiping
`direction, of 16 mm to 25 mm, at the greatest dimension a
`10 minimization of any tilting motion of the wiper blade about
`its longitudinal axis is achieved when the wiper blade
`reverses Its wiping direction, which if the play is great can
`also be associated with a certain undesired noise production.
`On the other hand, the width of the wiper blade measured in
`the wiping direction must be not exceed a certain size, for
`15 styling reasons.
`In practice it has been found that these problems are
`solved especially well if the spacing between the two cheek
`regions is between 20 mm and 23 mm.
`For a special binding situation, a spacing of 22 mm,
`20 measured in the wiping direction, between the two cheek
`regions has proved extraordinarily favorable.
`Especially for reasons of appearance, it is especially
`advantageous if the ratio between the length of the wiper
`blade and the spacing between the cheek regions is between
`25 the values of 1:22 and 1:33.
`In a continuation of the concept of the invention, in terms
`of the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade, the bearing
`recess is disposed near one end of the coupling part, and the
`thickness of the coupling part between the one end region
`provided with the bearing recess and the other end of the
`coupling part is less, at least over a longitudinal portion, than
`the end portion of the coupling part that has the bearing
`recess. The thicker end of the coupling part that has the
`bearing recess assures the requisite stability in the region
`where the force is transmitted from the wiper arm to the
`wiper blade.
`To secure the wiper blade against unintended release from
`the wiper arm even in a position folded away from the
`40 window or glass, measured in the longitudinal direction of
`the wiper blade, the spacing from the transverse bore via the
`transverse groove to one end of the wiper blade is greater
`than to the other end of the wiper blade.
`If the longitudinal portion of the coupling part that has the
`45 lesser thickness is formed by a transverse groove in the
`coupling part that is open toward the side of the coupling
`part remote from the support element. This longitudinal
`portion can be used as a transitional channel for securing
`means of the wiper arm, which are operative, when the wiper
`50 blade is disposed next to the wiper arm in the wiping
`direction, on the side of the wiper blade remote from the
`wiper arm, yet without unfavorably affecting the low struc(cid:173)
`tural height of the wiper blade.
`It has proved to be especially advantageous if one of the
`55 two cheek regions surrounds the orifice of the bearing
`recess, and that the other cheek region is disposed on the
`portion of the coupling part that has a lesser thickness than
`the end region of the coupling part that is provided with the
`bearing recess. The result, seen in the longitudinal direction
`60 of the wiper blade, is accordingly a spacing between the two
`fitting faces that has proved especially advantageous in
`terms of wiper blade guidance during wiping operation.
`If the bearing recess is embodied as a blind bore, then
`soiling of this bearing point, which suffers high stress, can
`65 be reduced considerably.
`If the aforementioned securing means of the wiper blade
`are adapted to the selected width of the groove of 8 mm to
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In the wiper blade according to the invention, it is possible
`to equip the wiper arm with a pin of round cross section,
`which can be introduced into the bearing recess in the
`direction of the hinge axis. The result is a coupling and hinge
`system in which the hinge bolt of the wiper arm is com(cid:173)
`pletely surrounded by the bearing recess of the wiper blade.
`The release of the wiper blade from the wiper arm is
`accomplished by pulling the wiper blade off the bearing bolt
`of the wiper arm in the direction of the hinge axis, any
`securing means that may be present must have been released
`beforehand. The embodiment of the hinge half toward the
`wiper blade and of the coupling means is especially advan(cid:173)
`tageously employed in wiping systems in which the wiper
`arm blade and of the coupling means is especially advan(cid:173)
`tageously employed in wiping systems in which the wiper
`arm and the wiper blade are disposed one behind the other
`in terms of the wiping direction. The embodiment of the
`wiper blade In the region of the coupling part is especially
`economical, which is significant in terms of the pricing of
`replacement wiper blades. Besides its function as a coupling
`means and as a hinge half, the opportunity also exists of
`using the bearing recess as an excellent positioning aid,
`when the wiper blade is passing through mounting or test
`systems during its production. For smooth wiper operation,
`it is of essential significance that the wiper arm coupling part
`has two cheek regions, extending in the longitudinal direc(cid:173)
`tion of the wiper blade and disposed upright relative to the
`
`

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`10 mm, preferably 9 mm, the result for the wiper blade
`during wiping operation is a further improvement in stability
`as well as relief of the bearing point, when the securing
`means are braced on the groove walls that face one another.
`In order for a spoiler surface, to be disposed on the wiper
`blade, to be continued in the region of the coupling part as
`well, at least one of the two long sides of the coupling part
`is provided with a chamfer over one portion. If both long
`sides of the coupling part are provided with a chamfer of this
`kind, then furthermore a simplification for mounting the
`wiper blade on the wiper arm can also be attained.
`Advantages with regard to production costs for the wiper
`blade are obtained if the coupling part is made from a plastic.
`It can be advantageous the bearing recess in the coupling
`part by the bore of a guide bush seated in the coupling part,
`a favorable combination of sliding partners with the material
`for the hinge bolt can be attained.
`Further advantageous refinements and features of the
`invention are disclosed in the ensuing description of an 20
`exemplary embodiment, shown in the associated drawing.
`
`4
`bution of the contact pressure. A wiper blade designed in this
`way is considerably shallower than a so-called support
`bracket frame wiper blade, as already noted at the outset
`here. The advantages of a wiper blade that is provided with
`a spring rail 12 instead of a support frame are considered to
`be especially its invulnerability to the tendencies to lift away
`from the window, which tendencies are unavoidable in
`support bracket frame wiper blades of greater height. Since
`the window, which as a rule is spherically curved, does not
`10 represent a portion of a spherical surface, the wiper blade 10
`must be constantly capable of adapting to the position of the
`window surface at the time during its wiping motion with
`regard to the wiper arm 30. The connection device is
`therefore simultaneously embodied as a hinge connection
`15 between the wiper blade 10 and the wiper arm 30
`(represented in dot-dashed lines in FIG. 2).
`During wiping operation, the wiper arm 30 swings back
`and forth about a pendulum axis 32 (FIG. 2), so that
`transversely to its length, the wiper blade 10 is displaced
`over the window 24 in the direction of a double arrow 34
`shown in FIG. 2.
`The special design of the wiper blade 10 will now be
`described in further detail. As the drawing shows, the
`coupling part 20 of the wiper blade is seated in the middle
`25 portion of the bandlike-elongated support element 12, spe(cid:173)
`cifically on its upper band face 18 remote from the window.
`The wiper strip 16 is disposed on the other, lower band face
`14. Regardless of the fact that the support element 12 in the
`exemplary embodiment is shown as a one-piece spring band,
`30 it can also be constructed as needed from a plurality of
`individual or partial elements. The coupling part 20, solidly
`connected to the support element 12, is provided, near one
`end region, with a transverse bore 36, which in the embodi(cid:173)
`ment of FIG. 4 is in the form of a blind bore, and which
`35 forms the hinge half toward the wiper blade of a hinge that
`permits a relative motion between the wiper arm and the
`wiper blade in a plane perpendicular to the window 24. The
`transverse bore 36 accordingly acts as a bearing recess, for
`instance for a hinge bolt 38 (FIG. 4), shown in dot-dashed
`40 lines, disposed laterally on the wiper arm 30. Along with its
`function as a bearing recess for the hinge bolt, the transverse
`bore 36 also forms the coupling means of the wiper blade,
`by way of which coupling means the wiper blade 10 can be
`connected operationally securely to the wiper arm 30.
`The coupling part 20 is provided with two cheek regions
`40 and 42, extending in the longitudinal direction of the
`wiper blade 10 and disposed perpendicular to the window;
`one cheek region is disposed on each of the two long sides
`44 of the coupling part. The spacing 46 measured in the
`50 wiping imp direction (double arrow 34) between the two
`cheek regions 40 and 42 has particular significance, as will
`be addressed hereinafter. One purpose of the cheek regions
`40 and 42 is that the wiper blade, in one wiping direction,
`can be braced with its cheek region 40 on a support face of
`55 the wiper arm 30, while the other cheek region 42 takes on
`this function in the converse motion of the wiper blade. To
`assure the least possible tilting motion of the wiper blade
`about its longitudinal axis at the moment of reversal of the
`direction of wiping, the greatest possible spacing 46 is
`60 desired. On the other hand, an excessive spacing 46 impairs
`the appearance of the wiper blade or the harmony in front
`view of the motor vehicle equipped with such a wiper blade.
`In weighing these two criteria, it has proved advantageous if
`the spacing 46 between the two cheek regions is between 16
`65 and 25 mm. It has also been found that the ratio between the
`length of the wiper blade and the spacing 46 between the two
`cheek regions, also for reasons of appearance, should if at all
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`Shown in the drawing are:
`FIG. 1, a side view of a wiper blade of the invention;
`FIG. 2, a plan view on the wiper blade of FIG. 1, with the
`wiper arm indicated by dot---dashed lines;
`FIG. 3, an isometric, enlarged view of a detail marked III
`in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4, in plan view, partly in section, a coupling part
`shown in FIG. 3;
`FIG. 5, a section through the coupling part taken along the
`line v-v of FIG. 4;
`FIG. 6, a section through the coupling part taken along the
`line VI-VI of FIG. 4; and
`FIG. 7, a different version of the embodiment of the
`coupling part shown in FIG. 6.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`The wiper blade 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a bandlike(cid:173)
`elongated, spring-elastic support element 12 (FIG. 3), on
`whose underside 14 an elongated, rubber-elastic wiper strip
`16 is secured parallel to the longitudinal axis. On the top side
`18, remote from the windshield 24, of the support element 45
`12, which can also be called a spring rail, the coupling part
`20 toward the wiper blade of a connection device is disposed
`in the middle portion of the support element; with the aid of
`this connection device, the wiper blade 10 can be pivotably
`and releasably connected to a driven wiper arm. To that end,
`the wiper arm is provided on its free end with a part of the
`connection device that belongs to the wiper arm. The wiper
`arm and thus also the wiper blade 10 are urged in the
`direction of the arrow 22 toward the window 24 (indicated
`by dot-dashed lines in FIG. 1) to be wiped of a motor
`vehicle; the surface of this window has been identified by
`reference numeral 26 in FIG. 1. Since the line 26 is intended
`to represent the greatest curvature of the window surface, it
`is quite apparent that the curvature of the still-unloaded
`wiper blade 10 resting with both ends on the window 24 is
`greater than the maximum window curvature (FIG. 1).
`Under the contact pressure (arrow 22), the wiper blade 10
`presses over its full length with its wiper lip 28 against the
`window surface 26. In the process, a tension builds up in the
`spring -elastic, metal support element 12 that provides for
`proper contact of the wiper strip 16, or wiper lip 28, over its
`entire length with the window, as well as a uniform distri-
`
`

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`US 6,611,988 Bl
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`possible be in the range between the values of 1:22 and 1:33.
`To cover a broad range of