Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 1
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`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 2
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`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 3
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`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 4
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`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 5
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`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 6
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`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 7
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`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 8
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`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 9
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`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 10
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`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 11
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`
`(19) FEDERAL
`REPUBLIC OF
`GERMANY
`
`
`
`[emblem]
`
`
`
`GERMAN PATENT
`AND TRADEMARK
`OFFICE
`
`
`
`
`(71) Applicant:
`
`
`Valeo Auto-Electric Wischer und Motoren GmbH,
`74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen, DE
`
`DE 100 00 373 A1
`
`(12) Patent application open to public inspection
`
`(10) DE 100 00 373 A 1
`
`
`(21) Document identifier:
`(22) Filing date:
`(43) Publication date:
`
`
`100 00 373.7
`01-07-2000
`08-16-2001
`
`(51) Int. Cl.7:
`B 60 S 1/38
`B 60 S 1/04
`
`
`(72) Inventors:
`
`Schmid, Eckhardt, 74336 Brackenheim, DE; Scholl,
`Wolfgang, 74376 Gemmrigheim, DE; Egner-Walter,
`Bruno, 74076 Heilbronn, DE
`
`
`
`The following information was gathered from the documents submitted by the applicant
`
`
`
`
`A search request in accordance with paragraph 43, section 1, sentence 1 of the Patent Law [PatG] has been
`submitted.
`
`(54) Wiper blade for cleaning panes on vehicles as well as end piece for said type of wiper blade
`
`(57) At least one end piece (6) is designed hood-
`or cap-like with an interior (23) that is open
`toward at least one side of the end piece (6),
`whereby one end of the wiper strip (2) is
`inserted into said interior of a wiper blade
`for cleaning vehicle panes having a wiper
`strip
`(2), a preferably spring elastic
`supporting member, which is formed by at
`least two supporting and/or spring rails (3),
`and having at least one end piece (6) each
`on the ends of the wiper blade. The end
`piece (6) is also designed for example as a
`connection for a channel for a washer fluid
`provided in the wiper strip (2).
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DE 100 00 373 A 1
`
`
`
`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 12
`
`

`
`DE 100 00 373 A1
`
`2
`
`
`
` Fig. 3 and 4 show representations similar to Fig. 2 of other
`possible embodiments of the wiper strip;
` Fig. 5 shows a simplified representation and a section of an end
`piece of the wiper blade of Fig. 1, together with a partial
`representation of the wiper strip;
` Fig. 6 shows a projection of the end piece in a viewing direction
`labeled “X” in Fig. 5;
` Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of the other end piece of the wiper
`blade of Fig. 1, together with a partial representation of the wiper
`strip;
` Fig. 8 shows a detailed view of one end of the wiper strip,
`together with spring rails of the supporting member projecting
`from said end.
` The wiper blade generally labeled 1 in the figures comprises
`among other things an elongated wiper strip 2 consisting of a
`rubber elastic material and produced by extrusion, and an
`elongated multi-part supporting member. The multi-part spring
`elastic supporting member comprises two ribbon-like spring rails 3
`made of spring steel, with the wiper strip 2 retained between them
`and with an adapter 4 provided on them approximately in the
`center of the wiper blade 1, by way of which the wiper blade can
`be connected in a known fashion with the wiper arm (not
`illustrated) of a windshield wiper. Additional components of the
`supporting member are two end pieces 5 and 6, which are provided
`on one end of the wiper blade 1 each. One end of the wiper strip 2
`each extends into said end pieces 5 and 6. The two spring rails 3
`are also retained in said end pieces 5 and 6 by locking into place as
`described in more detail below, with their ends 3’ projecting from
`the wiper strip 2.
` Fig. 2 shows an enlarged representation of a cross-section
`through the wiper strip 2. As outlined above, said strip is made as
`a profile consisting of a rubber elastic material, preferably rubber,
`with the use of a suitable shaping process, preferably by way of
`extrusion. The wiper strip 2 is shaped like a so-called “spoiler
`wiper strip”, i.e., it comprises a wiper strip part 8 having an upper
`profiled section in Fig. 2, which comprises an essentially trapezoid
`cross-section, specifically having the two parallel or essentially
`parallel cross-section sides 9 and 10, having the cross-section side
`11 that runs diagonally to them and having the cross-section side
`12 that runs perpendicular to the cross-section sides 9 and 10 and
`is adjacent to the vehicle pane to be cleaned and forms the
`underside of the wiper strip 2 when the wiper blade 1 is mounted.
`The wiper bar 13, which rests against the vehicle pane and extends
`across the entire length of the wiper strip 2, is molded onto the
`cross-section side 12 by way of a tiltable bar 13’ with reduced
`thickness. Furthermore, the wiper strip part 8 comprises two
`grooves 14 and 15, which are open toward the cross-section sides
`9 and 10, extend across the entire length of the wiper strip 2 and
`are also open on the ends of said wiper strip, namely for retaining
`one spring rail 3 each. The cross-section side 11 forms the spoiler
`surface, which encloses an angle with the underside 12 that is
`smaller than 90o and opens toward the cross-section or perimeter
`side 9.
` Furthermore, a channel 16 for a washer fluid, i.e., for water or
`for a mixture of water and other supplements and which extends
`across the entire length of the wiper strip and is open on both ends,
`is also provided in said wiper strip 2. In the illustrated
`embodiments, the channel 16 is arranged such that a distance as
`large as possible exists between the longitudinal axis of the
`channel 16 and the side 12 forming the underside of the wiper strip
`2, but that a sufficient amount of material is at the same time still
`present around the channel 16 for the wiper strip 2 to have the
`
`
`
`1
`Description
`
`
`
` The invention relates to a wiper blade according to the
`preamble of patent claim 1 or 3 as well as an end piece for use
`in said type of wiper blade according to the preamble of patent
`claim 18.
` Wiper blades for cleaning vehicle panes, specifically vehicle
`windshields, are known in various versions and generally
`comprise an elongated and preferably spring elastic wiper strip
`supporting member, which supports said wiper strip.
` A wiper blade has also been disclosed (DE-A-197 06 672),
`in which a channel for a washer fluid, which can be applied
`onto the pane to be cleaned by way of spray openings when
`needed, is provided in the wiper strip part, said channel
`extending
`in
`longitudinal direction of said part. One
`connecting or end piece each is provided on the two ends of
`the wiper blade; one of them is used among other things for
`closing the channel for the washer fluid on one end, while the
`other end piece is used among other things for connecting the
`channel in the wiper strip part to a washer fluid supply source.
`The two end pieces are also provided with the spray openings
`for delivering the washer fluid.
` Spring rails with the wiper strip part retained between them
`have been disclosed as supporting members, namely in such a
`way that said spring rails extending in the longitudinal
`direction of the wiper blade in each case engage with the
`longitudinal side grooves of the wiper strip part. Said spring
`rails are then connected with each other on the two ends of the
`wiper blade.
` The object of the invention is to provide a wiper blade that
`can be manufactured economically with few individual parts.
` To solve said objective, a wiper blade is designed according
`to patent claim 1 or 3. An end piece for use with the wiper
`blade is designed according to patent claim 18.
` A first general embodiment of the invention provides that at
`least one end piece on one end of the wiper blade, but
`preferably both end pieces on both ends of the wiper blade, in
`each case have a hood-shaped design and retain the respective
`end of the wiper strip, wherein the spring and/or supporting
`rails of the supporting member are at the same time also
`connected with each other by way of the end piece.
` In another general embodiment of the invention, it is
`provided that the end pieces of a wiper blade having at least
`one channel for a washer fluid in the wiper strip form a closure
`for said channel or a connection to said channel for the supply
`of the washer fluid in a known fashion, while however at the
`same time connecting the supporting and/or spring rails with
`each other on the respective end.
` A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention
`consists in the combination of the two measures mentioned
`above.
` Upgrades of the invention are the subject of the dependent
`claims. The invention is explained in more detail below using
`the figures with reference to exemplary embodiments. In the
`figures:
` Fig. 1 shows a simplified representation and a side view of a
`wiper blade for cleaning panes on vehicles;
` Fig. 2 shows a simplified representation of a section through
`the wiper rubber or the wiper strip of the wiper blade of Fig. 1;
`
`
`
`
`
`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 13
`
`

`
`DE 100 00 373 A1
`
`3
`
`4
`
`
`
`
`supplied with washer fluid, as well as the advantage of material
`savings in connection with the manufacture of the spoiler-shaped
`wiper strip 2a as well as the advantage that the tools used to
`manufacture the wiper strip or the wiper strip profile can be
`realized with a particularly high degree of strength.
` As shown in Fig. 2-4, the bar 13 of all wiper strips 2-2b is
`molded onto a projecting part 12’, which is provided on the
`underside 12 and extends across the entire length of the wiper
`strip, by way of a tiltable bar 13’.
` The end pieces 5 and 6 are represented in detail in Fig. 5-7. They
`each have a cap-like shape made of a suitable material, for
`example a synthetic material, namely preferably in each case the
`shape of one-piece molded parts and have an opening, into which
`the respective end of the wiper strip, again labeled with the
`number 2 in Fig. 5-8, can be inserted appropriately. The end piece
`5 for instance forms an interior 23 in this fashion, which matches
`the external cross-section of the wiper strip 2 at least in the region
`of the right end of the end piece 5 in Fig. 5 and is open toward said
`end as well as partly toward the underside 24 of the end piece 5,
`such that the end piece 5 can be placed form-fitted onto the one
`end of the wiper strip 2, namely such that the projecting part 12’ is
`visible on the underside 24 and its side facing the bar 13 is
`approximately level with the underside 24 and the bar 13 is
`projecting from the underside 24 of the end piece. A peg or plug
`25 molded onto the interior 24 extends into the channel 16 when
`the end piece 5 is placed on, and closes the end of said channel.
` Two recesses 26 are additionally formed in the interior 23. A
`locking lug 27, which is provided on a wall section 28 that is
`delimiting the recess 26 and runs parallel to the underside 24,
`extends into each recess 26. The ends 3’ of the two spring rails 3,
`which project from the respective end of the wiper strip 2, are
`inserted into the recesses 26 when the end piece 5 is placed on,
`said spring rails then engaging with the opening 29 on a locking
`lug 27 provided on the respective end 3’, such that the wiper strip
`2 and the two spring rails 3 are connected with each other on the
`respective end of the wiper blade 1 by way of the end piece 5, at
`the same time closing channel 16 there.
` On the open side of the end piece 5, two parallel reinforcement
`bars 30 projecting from the end piece and arranged at a distance
`from each other are molded onto the center of the underside, said
`reinforcement bars overlapping the tilted bar 13’ on the respective
`end of the wiper strip 2 on both sides when the end piece 5 is
`placed on. Hereby the tiltable bar 13’ is additionally supported on
`the side and relieved from tensions on said end of the wiper strip 2,
`thereby achieving a considerable improvement of the shelf-life of
`the wiper blade 1.
` In the illustrated embodiment, the underside 24 of the end piece
`5 is essentially flat, while the end piece 5 otherwise has a hood-
`like arch shape, especially on the top side.
` The end piece 6 essentially only differs from the end piece in
`that a connecting piece 31 is provided instead of the plug 25, said
`connecting piece likewise projecting from the exterior of the
`connecting piece opposite the opening of the interior 23 and
`forming a continuous channel 32, which leads into channel 16 if
`the end piece 6 is placed onto the end of the wiper strip 2. Said
`channel is then connected with a supply device, from which the
`washer fluid is supplied with pressure via channel 32 or via an
`
`
`required strength in the region of the channel 16. In the illustrated
`embodiment, the distance of the channel 16 from the underside of
`the wiper strip is greater than from the upper edge of the wiper
`strip, which is formed by the intersecting line of the perimeter
`sides 9 and 11.
` On the perimeter side 9, the wiper strip 2 comprises a slightly
`concave section 9’, which extends across the entire length of the
`wiper strip 2. Number 17 refers to a spray channel whose one open
`end on the perimeter side 9 ends in the region of the concave
`section 9’ where it forms a spray opening, specifically on the
`lower border area of the recess 9’ in Fig. 2, which is located closer
`to the groove 14. The other end of the spray channel 17 leads into
`the channel 16. A plurality of such spray channels 17 are provided
`along the wiper strip 2 at defined distances. In the illustrated
`embodiment, the spray channels 17 of the straight wiper strip 2 are
`parallel to each other and enclose an angle α with the plane of the
`underside 12 of the wiper strip 2, said angle being on the order of
`45o in the illustrated embodiment.
` In general, the angle α is selected such that the washer fluid
`emerging from the respective spray channel 17 effectively hits the
`respective pane, i.e., that the washer fluid is not sprayed over the
`pane, but that the point of impact of the washer fluid jet is far
`enough from the bar 13 that the washer fluid has enough time to be
`distributed on the pane before it is removed by the bar 13.
` As a further possible embodiment, Fig. 3 shows a wiper strip 2a,
`which essentially only differs from the wiper strip 2 in that a
`channel 18 is provided instead of channel 16, which comprises a
`considerably larger cross-section and whose shape of the cross-
`section follows the external cross-sectional outline of the wiper
`strip part 8. A plurality of spray openings 19 and 20 lead into the
`channel 18, of which the spray openings 19 are again open on the
`perimeter side 9 and enclose angle α with the underside 12. The
`spray openings 20 are open on the perimeter side 11 and enclose
`an angle β with the plane of the underside 12, which is however
`smaller than the angle α.
` As a further possible embodiment, Fig. 4 shows a wiper strip 2b,
`which differs from wiper strip 2 in that yet another channel 21 is
`provided in addition to channel 16, namely above channel 16 in
`the representation selected in Fig. 4, i.e., at an even greater
`distance from the plane of the underside 12. While channel 16
`again comprises the spray channels 17, spray channels 22, which
`are open on the perimeter side 11 and whose axes 22’ enclose the
`smaller angle β with the plane of the underside 12, lead into
`channel 21.
` All wiper strips 2-2b described above have the advantage that an
`optimal spray angle is achieved with the design and arrangement
`of the channels 16, 18 and 21 as well as the design and
`arrangement of the spray channels 17, 19, 20 and 22, in particular
`also in the fashion that the washer fluid actually hits the vehicle
`pane rather than being sprayed over it. The wiper strips 2a and 2b
`have the additional special advantage that washer fluid can be
`sprayed onto the vehicle pane through the spray channels that are
`open on the peripheries 9 and 11 in every moving direction of the
`wiper blade 1 ahead of the lagging bar 13. The wiper strip 2a with
`the channel 18 having a large cross-section additionally has the
`advantage that a plurality of spray openings can be adequately
`
`
`
`
`
`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 14
`
`

`
`
`
`5
`
`6
`
`DE 100 00 373 A1
`
`
`an elongated wiper strip part (8) made of a rubber elastic material,
`having a preferably spring elastic supporting member formed by at
`least two supporting and/or spring rails (3) extending in the
`longitudinal direction of the wiper blade, and with the wiper strip
`(2, 2a, 2b) arranged between them, as well as having at least one
`end piece (5, 6) on the ends of the wiper blade, characterized in
`that at least one end piece (5, 6) is designed hood- or cap-like with
`an interior (23) that is open toward at least one side of the end
`piece (5, 6), with one end of the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) inserted
`into said interior such that said end of the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) is
`covered at least on the wiper strip part (8) by the cap-like end
`piece (5, 6) and that the at least two supporting and/or spring rails
`(3) are connected with each other with one end (3’) by way of the
`end piece (5, 6).
`2. A wiper blade according to claim 1, characterized in that the
`wiper strip part (8) comprises at least one channel (16, 18, 21)
`extending in longitudinal direction for a washer fluid that can be
`delivered through at least one spray opening and that the at least
`one end piece (5, 6) closes the at least one channel (16, 18, 21) on
`the respective end of the wiper blade (1) and/or forms a connection
`for supplying the washer fluid to said at least one channel (16, 18,
`21).
`3. A wiper blade for cleaning panes of vehicles, in particular motor
`vehicles, having a wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b), which comprises an
`elongated wiper strip part (8) made of a rubber elastic material
`with at least one channel (16, 18, 21) extending in the longitudinal
`direction of the wiper strip part (8) for a washer fluid to be
`delivered through at least one spray opening, having a preferably
`spring elastic supporting member (3), which is formed by at least
`two supporting and/or spring rails (3) extending in longitudinal
`direction of the wiper blade, and with the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b)
`arranged between them, as well as having at least one end piece (5,
`6) provided on one end of the wiper blade (1), said end piece
`closing the at least one channel (16, 18, 21) there and/or forming a
`connection for supplying the washer fluid to said at least one
`channel (16, 18, 21), characterized in that the at least two
`supporting or spring rails (3) are connected with each other on this
`end by way of the end piece (5, 6) present there.
`4. A wiper blade according to claim 3, characterized in that at least
`one end piece (5, 6) is designed hood or cap-like with an interior
`(23) that is open toward at least one side of the end piece (5, 6),
`with one end of the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) inserted into said
`interior such that said end of the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) is at least
`covered on the wiper strip part (8) by the cap-like end piece (5, 6).
`5. A wiper blade according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that an end piece (5, 6) is provided on each end of
`the wiper blade (1).
`6. A wiper blade according to claim 5, characterized in that both
`end pieces (5, 6) close the channel (16, 18, 21) for the washer fluid
`formed in the wiper strip part (8) on the respective end of the
`wiper blade and that at least one connection for supplying the
`washer fluid leading into the channel (16, 18, 21) is provided on
`the wiper blade.
`
`
`external line connected to the connecting piece 31.
` In other words, the two end pieces 5 and 6 have a plurality of
`functions, i.e., they are used for connecting the wiper blade 1 to
`the source of the washer fluid or for closing the channel 16, but
`they are also used for connecting the wiper strip 2 with the spring
`rails 3 as well as for concealing longitudinal changes that may
`occur on the wiper strip 2 due to temperature fluctuations and/or
`ageing.
` The described design has also the additional advantage that the
`number of individual parts needed for the wiper blade 1 is small,
`thus resulting in a particularly cost-effective solution.
` It is understood that the cross-section of the closing plug 25 as
`well as the connecting piece 31 in each case matches the cross-
`section of the wiper fluid channel in the wiper strip 2, 2a and 2b
`and/or that a plurality of closing plugs 25 and a plurality of
`connecting pieces 31 are provided, if there are a plurality of
`channels present, such as is the case for instance with the wiper
`strip 2b.
`Furthermore, a special characteristic of the wiper strip 1 is that the
`spray openings for the washer fluid of said design are exclusively
`provided in the respective wiper strip 2, 2a, 2b, i.e., outside of the
`end pieces 5 and 6.
`
`Reference list
`
`
`
` 1
`
` Wiper blade
`2, 2a, 2b Wiper strip
`3 Spring rail
`3’ Spring rail
`
`4 Adapter
`5, 6 End piece
`8 Profiled section
`9-12 Perimeter sides
`12’ Projecting part
`13 Bar
`13’ Tiltable bar
`14, 15 Groove
`16 Washer fluid channel
`17 Spray channel
`17’ Spray channel axis
`18 Washer fluid channel
`19, 20 Spray channel
`19’, 20’ Spray channel axis
`21 Washer fluid channel
`22 Spray channel
`22’ Spray channel axis
`23 Interior of connecting piece
`24 Underside
`25 Closing plug
`26 Recess
`27 Locking member or locking element
`28 Wall section
`29 Opening
`30 Reinforced bar
`31 Connecting member
`32 Channel
`
`
`Patent claims
`
`
`1. A wiper blade for cleaning panes of vehicles, in particular motor
`vehicles, having a wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b), which comprises
`
`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 15
`
`

`
`
`
`DE 100 00 373 A1
`
`
`
`7
`
`8
`
`
`18. An end piece for a wiper blade (1) for cleaning panes of
`vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, wherein the wiper blade (1)
`comprises a wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) with an elongated wiper strip
`part (8) made of rubber elastic material as well as a preferably
`spring elastic supporting member, which is formed by at least two
`supporting and/or spring rails (3) extending in longitudinal
`direction of the wiper blade (1), and with the wiper strip (2, 2a,
`2b) arranged between them, characterized in that the end piece (5,
`6) is designed hood- or cap-like with an interior (23) that is open
`toward at least one side of the end piece (5, 6), whereby one end of
`the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) can be inserted into said interior such
`that at least said end of the wiper strip part (8) is covered by the
`cap-like end piece (5, 6) and that means (27) for connecting the
`two supporting and/or spring rails (3) are provided on the end
`piece (5, 6).
`19. An end piece according to claim 18, characterized in that it
`forms a closing piece (25) for closing a channel (16, 18, 21) that is
`present in the wiper strip part (8) for a washer fluid.
`20. An end piece according to claim 19, characterized in that it
`comprises at least one closing member, for example a peg or plug
`(25) that can be inserted into the channel (16, 18, 21).
`21. An end piece according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that it forms a connection (31) for connecting the
`channel (16, 18, 21) that is present in the wiper strip part (8) with a
`supply source for the washer fluid.
`22. An end piece according to claim 21, characterized in that it
`comprises a connecting member (31) formed by a piece of pipe or
`a hollow peg (31).
`23. An end piece according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that the closing member (25) and/or the
`connecting member (31) are provided in the interior of the cap-like
`end piece.
`24. An end piece according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that it is also open on an underside (24) such that
`if one end of the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) is inserted in the end piece
`(5, 6), a wiper bar (13) molded onto said wiper strip is projecting
`from the underside of the end piece (5, 6).
`25. An end piece according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that it is designed for a locking connection with
`the supporting and/or spring rails (3).
`26. An end piece according to claim 25, characterized in that
`locking members (27) for a locking connection with the supporting
`and/or spring rails are provided in the end piece, preferably in each
`case in a recess (26) formed therein.
`27. An end piece according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that the interior (23) of the end piece comprises a
`cross-section at least in the area of the open side that matches the
`exterior cross-section of the wiper strip part (8) such that the end
`piece can be placed onto the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) with a proper
`fit.
`28. An end piece according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that it is made of one piece as a molded part,
`
`
`7. A wiper blade according to claim 5, characterized in that one
`end piece (5) closes the at least one channel (16, 18, 21) on the one
`end of the wiper blade (1) and that the other end piece (6) forms a
`connection (31) for supplying the washer fluid.
`8. A wiper blade according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that at least one end piece (5) comprises a peg or
`plug (25) preferably present in the interior (23) of said end piece,
`which extends into the at least one channel (16, 18, 21) for closing
`said channel.
`9. A wiper blade according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that at least one end piece (6) comprises at least
`one connecting piece (31) preferably in the interior (23), said
`connecting piece having at least one connecting channel (23),
`which leads into the at least one channel (16, 18, 21) of the wiper
`strip part.
`10. A wiper blade according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that the end pieces (5, 6) having a cap-like design
`are also open toward an underside (24), such that a part of the
`wiper strip (13) present there projects from the underside (24) of
`the end piece (5, 6) on the end of the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b), which
`is in each case retained in the end piece (5, 6).
`11. A wiper blade according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that the ends (3’) of the at least two supporting
`and/or spring rails (3) are retained on a locking member (27) of the
`end piece (5, 6) by engaging with it.
`12. A wiper blade according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that the end pieces (5, 6) having a cap-like design
`form an interior (23) whose cross-section matches the exterior
`cross-section of the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) or the wiper strip part
`(8) at least in the region of the open side of the end piece (5, 6)
`such that the respective end of the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) is
`retained appropriately by the end piece (5, 6).
`13. A wiper blade according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that the at least one end piece (5, 6) is made in one
`piece as a molded part, preferably as a molded part made of
`synthetic material.
`14. A wiper blade according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that supporting surfaces (30) are formed on at
`least one end piece (5, 6) provided on one end of the wiper blade,
`namely on a side of said end piece facing the other end of the
`wiper blade for the lateral support of a tiltable bar (13’) above
`which a wiper bar (13) is connected with the wiper strip part (8).
`15. A wiper blade according to claim 14, characterized in that the
`supporting surfaces (30) are provided on the open side of the cap-
`like end piece (5, 6), which (open side) the respective end of the
`wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) is inserted into.
`16. A wiper blade according to claim 15, characterized in that the
`supporting surfaces are formed by two bars (30) that embrace the
`tiltable bar (13’) like a fork.
`17. A wiper blade according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that the at least one spray opening (17, 19, 20, 22)
`is provided outside of the end pieces (5, 6) on the wiper strip (2,
`2a, 2b).
`
`
`
`
`
`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 16
`
`

`
`DE 100 00 373 A1
`
`9
`
`10
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`preferably made of synthetic material.
`29. An end piece according to any of the preceding claims,
`characterized in that supporting surfaces (30) for a lateral support
`of a tiltable bar (13’) of the wiper strip (2, 2a, 2b) are provided on
`the open side of the end piece.
`30. An end piece according to claim 29, characterized in that the
`supporting surfaces are formed by two bars.
`
`
`-------------------------------------------
`Followed by 4 page(s) of drawings
`-------------------------------------------
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 17
`
`

`
`Int. Cl.7:
`Publication date:
`
`B 60 S 1/38
`August 16, 2001
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 18
`
`

`
`Int. Cl.7:
`Publication date:
`
`B 60 S 1/38
`August 16, 2001
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 19
`
`

`
`Int. Cl.7:
`Publication date:
`
`B 60 S 1/38
`August 16, 2001
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 20
`
`

`
`
`
`Int. Cl.7:
`Publication date:
`
`B 60 S 1/38
`August 16, 2001
`
`
`
`
`
`Costco Exhibit 1017, p. 21