Windshield wiper having reduced friction characteristics
AssigneeM Management-Tex, Ltd.
InventorsScott D. Sharabura, Michael E. Allen, Jeannie Holmes, Victor K. Paulsen, Subramaniam Shanmugham
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Abstract
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 into 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.
Claims14
A windshield wiper comprising:
- a frame adapted to be attached to a vehicle;
- a wiper blade attached to the frame;
- and
- wherein the wiper blade is made from a mixture including a methyl vinyl silicone polymer from about 22 to 55 weight percent, a filler from about 35 to 50 weight percent, and polytetrafluoroethylene having an average particle size of less than 25 μm and in an amount of from about 11 to 42 weight percent.
A method for manufacturing a wiper blade comprising the steps of:
- compounding a mixture comprising from about 22 to 55 weight percent of a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, from about 35 to 50 weight percent of a filler, and from about 11 to 42 weight percent of polytetrafluoroethylene having an average particle size of less than 25 μm;
- and
- forming the wiper blade from the mixture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.