IMPROVED WINDSHIELD WIPER HAVING REDUCED FRICTION CHARACTERISTICS

摘要

A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 - 42 weight percent, preferably 11 percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than 6 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound in the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used. In the figure, a windshield wiper (11) according to the present invention includes a wiper frame (13), a spline member (15), and a wiper blade (17). The wiper blade includes each side (35) of a squeegee member (23) and a relatively thick retainer flange (27). The squeegee member (23) includes a relatively thin squeegee blade end (33). Spline member (15) is engaged by a claw (41). The wiper blade (17) removed moisture and debris from the windshield (45).