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From Basic Brushes to Heated Blades – The History of Windshield Wipers

16th Aug 2014

Did you know that windshield wipers were a useful safety feature of automobiles as long ago as 1903? Of course, the initial versions of wipers are nothing like what is available today – this element of your vehicle has come a long way! And we’re sure that inventor Mary Anderson could never have imagined heated wiper blades like Everblades!

Windshield Wipers in 1903

Mary Anderson, from Alabama is credited with inventing windshield wipers in the United States. Her patent described her invention as a “window cleaning device for electric cars and other vehicles to remove snow, ice and sleet from the window”. Unfortunately for Mary, she was never able to profit from her invention.

The same year, J.H. Apjohn applied for a UK patent for a similar product that used 2 brushes that moved up and down to keep the windshield clear. In 1905, windshield wipers were adapted further, with rubber strips replacing windshield rollers. Regardless of the exact specifics of the windshield wipers, they were a major benefit for drivers everywhere, eliminating the need to drive with your head hanging out the window in bad weather!

Electric Windshield Wipers in 1917

Windshield wipers took a big leap forward in 1917. Previously, this vehicle feature had to be hand operated, requiring a driver to manage steering, shifting and controlling the car all at the same time! Sounds challenging, doesn’t it? Hence the need for an automated electrical system to make windshield wipers more practical.

Charlotte Bridgwood invented the “Storm Windshield Cleaner” in 1917. The new invention used rollers instead of blades, and were powered by the engine to provide automatic wiping action. Another 1917 wiper modification used a single wiper with a rubber blade that reached across the windshield to improve visibility.

In 1921, Brigwood’s automatic wipers began to gain popularity, although she wasn’t given due credit for the invention. And it took several more years before automatic wiper blades became a standard feature in vehicles. Regardless of who came up with the brilliant advancements for safe and practical driving, windshield wipers are an important element of every car. Windshield wipers have developed from an innovative idea to improve driving conditions to a little thought of vehicle feature that we all take for granted.

The Biggest Step for Windshield Wipers – Heated Wiper Blades!

Driving in the rain and snow was made significantly easier by the invention of windshield wipers but Everblades takes it to a whole new level! No one in 1903 liked sticking their head out the side window of their vehicle to get a clear view, and no one today likes stepping out into the blistering cold to shake the snow off the wiper blades. Everblades, similar to Mary Anderson and Charlotte Bridgwood, recognized a driving inconvenience and set about to find a more practical solution.

Today, Everblades Heated Windshield Wipers are available for almost any make and model of vehicle, including semi-trucks, school busses, plow trucks, and a variety of cars. Everblades Windshield Wipers pair superior materials and a heated squeegee and wiper arm system to improve safety and increase driving productivity. Ready to try this innovative product for yourself? Order your Everblades Heated Windshield Wiper assembly kit today!

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