Automotive rear view cleaning device

Claim 1

A power operated wiper adapted to be removably mounted on a side view mirror of the type that includes an elongate mirror supported in a rigid frame defined by a pair of horizontal end pieces that are connected by first and second vertical side pieces, which frame and mirror are pivotally supported by a pair of horizontal vertically spaced brackets exteriorly of a vehicle and in a position to be viewable by the driver of said vehicle, said wiper when operating removing moisture and dirt from said mirror, said wiper including: a. an elongate rigid housing assembly that includes a pair of end pieces that project therefrom, with the projecting portions of the end pieces being disposed in abutting contact with the exterior surface of said first and second side pieces adjacent one of said end pieces of said frame, said housing defining a confined space therein that is in communication with a longitudinal opening formed in said housing that extends between said end pieces; b. means for removably securing said end pieces to said first and second vertical side pieceS to rigidly support said housing in a fixed position relative said frame and in a nonobstructing position relative to said mirror supported thereon; c. a first guide rod disposed in said housing and extending longitudinally between said end pieces; d. a second rod rotatably supported inside said housing between said end pieces and laterally spaced from said first rod and parallel thereto, which second rod has first and second longitudinal spiral grooves therein that are angularly disposed to one another and extend in opposite directions, with said first and second grooves connected on the ends thereof; e. a carriage in said housing that slidably engages said first and second rods, with said carriage including a first portion that extends outwardly from said opening in said housing; f. first means on said carriage that is at all times in engagement with either said first or second grooves; g. a spring loaded arm secured to said first portion of said carriage, which arm extends over said mirror, which arm has a free end portion; h. a wiper blade supported from said free end portion of said arm, which blade is in pressure contact with said mirror; said an electric motor mounted on said vehicle in a position remote from said side view mirror for selectively rotating sai second rod at a desired speed in a first direction, with said carriage, arm, and wiper blade being alternately moved in opposite directions relative to said mirror to wipe moisture and dirt therefrom due to said first means alternately engaging said first and second grooves as said carriage traverses the length of said first and second rods; j. a source of electric power; k. flexible cable connecting said motor to said second rod to rotate the latter; l. an electric circuit that connects said source of power to said motor; m. a multi-position electric switch in said circuit that is operable from within said vehicle to control the magnitude of electric power flowing to said motor to regulate the speed at which said motor operates and the rapidity with which said wiper blade is reciprocated across said mirror.