Most car windscreen wipers have a reciprocating motion that is exactly similar to that of flag being waved.
To take advantage of this action for patriotic purposes, all that is required is a pair of Flag Waving Wipers which fit over the existing wipers, and terminate in your flag of choice. These are lightweight and easily adjustable to fit over most standard wipers. Being telescopic they can also extend their reach well above the roof of the vehicle.
The wipers are then sprung forward so that they are clear of the windscreen. Now when switched on they flick their backwards and forwards, waving their new flags high in the air.
A row of parked cars can now turn itself into a display of movement and colour as multiple flags begin waving in a variety of speeds and arcs.-- xenzag, May 11 2022 (?) But did they turn them on? https://www.presspu...6-6ecefabf5436.htmlCan't find a video. [doctorremulac3, May 11 2022] Multiple Standards https://xkcd.com/927/As always, Mr. Munroe explains it well. [neutrinos_shadow, May 12 2022] +I will be in the parade!-- xandram, May 11 2022 This is a great idea. You could probably sell these.
The only problem I see is that when a wiper is sprung forward it's almost horizontal. I'd just have wheels at the base of the unit that would push it out from the windshield into the proper position or little spacers you'd stick in the pivot point that would push them to the proper angle.
Very clever. [+]-- doctorremulac3, May 11 2022 Well somebody put flags on their blades and taped them in place but I can't find a video of them waving, although I can't imagine them going through all that trouble and not thinking of turning them on.
Still a great idea. As always I don't do the baked or [MFD] thing. This isn't the patent office.-- doctorremulac3, May 11 2022 [doc] //451: Unavailable due to legal reasons//
I think this would be great as a novelty but I also envisage damage to blades, arms and / or motors due to user stupidity e.g. leaving them on while driving at 120 on the motorway, or leaving them on in high winds and lashing rain.
What would be an excellent addition is to have an auto=retraction mechanism that furls the flags into a little canister when the wind or rain or vehicle speed is too high.-- pocmloc, May 11 2022 //[doc] //451: Unavailable due to legal reasons//
Huh.
Well, it's a picture of a truck with the windshield wipers with flags attached taped into the upright position.-- doctorremulac3, May 11 2022 [+] Rather than something that goes over the wiper, use the standard* wiper connector. To use, pop the wiper off and clip the flag on. The flag should have a little pad by the connector so in case the wiper flops down, it won't damage the windshield. This should result in less visual clutter in front of the driver, and a nice secure connection without the risk of damaging the wiper blade.
*I've heard that there is more than one standard, but the three brands of cars I've owned all used the same one.-- scad mientist, May 11 2022 All cars should be mandated by international standards and regulations to have a row of special flag-waving fittings above the windscreen, with control knobs on the dashboard.-- pocmloc, May 12 2022 There are at least a few standards. The chicken-catcher hook, side pin, bayonet, pinch tab, and my old Audi...-- RayfordSteele, May 12 2022 Wow you really missed your window selling these to freedom convoy folks.You'd be rich.-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, May 12 2022 random, halfbakery