Abstract

A rotary vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash facility is provided. The vehicle wash component includes a hub disposed about and rotatable about a center axis. A plurality of media elements extend outwardly from the hub for rotation with the hub. Each of the media elements has a centerline that is positioned offset relative to the center axis such that the centerline does not intersect the center axis. The media elements may be fixed to the hub or they may be pivotable relative to the hub. The media elements may pivot between two offset positions in response to rotation in opposite directions. The media elements may include a plurality of treatment heads secured to the media elements.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/06 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles with rotary bodies contacting the vehicles
• A46B 9/00 - Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body

Abstract

A vehicle rinsing assembly includes at least one blower unit (104, 106) having a housing (108) with an air inlet (110) and an air outlet (112). The air inlet is in communication with a motor unit (114) to draw air into the housing. The rinsing assembly also includes a fluid nozzle (146) disposed on the blower unit and in communication with a fluid source to direct fluid onto the vehicle exterior. The rinsing assembly includes an actuator in communication with the at least one blower unit to direct air emitted from the air outlet in different preselected directions with respect to the vehicle exterior. The rinsing assembly is in communication with a controller (115) such that air from the air outlet and fluid from the fluid nozzle are emitted simultaneously onto the vehicle exterior surface to remove excess water therefrom. The controller is also in communication with the actuator to vary the direction of air flow in response to a location of the vehicle with respect to the at least one blower unit.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles
• B60S 3/04 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles

Abstract

A treatment element for attachment to a wash media element includes a tab portion for engaging and effecting attachment to the wash media element. A treatment head is connected to the tab portion and is configured to engage a vehicle exterior. The treatment head including a plurality of individual finger portions that are moveable with respect to one another.

IPC Classes  ?

• A46B 13/00 - Brushes with driven brush bodies
• B60S 3/06 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles with rotary bodies contacting the vehicles

Abstract

A vehicle rinsing assembly (102) includes at least one blower unit (104) having a housing (108) with an air inlet (110) and an air outlet (112). The air inlet is in communication with a motor unit (114) to draw air into the housing. The rinsing assembly also includes a fluid nozzle (146) disposed on the blower unit and in communication with a fluid source to direct fluid onto the vehicle exterior. The rinsing assembly includes an actuator (132) in communication with the at least one blower unit to direct air emitted from the air outlet in different preselected directions with respect to the vehicle exterior. The rinsing assembly is in communication with a controller such that air from the air outlet and fluid from the fluid nozzle are emitted simultaneously onto the vehicle exterior surface to remove excess water therefrom, The controller is also in communication with the actuator to vary the direction of air flow in response to a location of the vehicle with respect to the at least one blower unit.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles
• B60S 3/04 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles

Abstract

A dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system for emitting high velocity air onto a vehicle exterior includes a housing having an air inlet and an outlet. The air inlet is in communication with a motor assembly having an operating and a non-operating mode. The assembly also includes a gate mechanism in communication with the air inlet. The gate mechanism includes a plurality of pedals that are each pivotable between a first position and a second position. The gate mechanism is in communication with a controller, which directs movement of the plurality of pedals from the first position where the plurality of pedals surround the inlet opening such that air can flow into the housing and the second position where each of the plurality of pedals covers a portion of the inlet opening such that in their entirety the plurality of pedals obstruct the inlet opening to prevent air for flowing into the housing.

IPC Classes  ?

• F26B 21/00 - Arrangements for supplying or controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
• B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles
• F04D 27/00 - Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
• F26B 21/12 - Velocity of flow; Quantity of flow

Abstract

A dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system for emitting high velocity air onto a vehicle exterior includes a housing having an air inlet and an outlet. The air inlet is in communication with a motor assembly having an operating and a non-operating mode. The assembly also includes a gate mechanism in communication with the air inlet. The gate mechanism includes a plurality of pedals that are each pivotable between a first position and a second position. The gate mechanism is in communication with a controller, which directs movement of the plurality of pedals from the first position where the plurality of pedals surround the inlet opening such that air can flow into the housing and the second position where each of the plurality of pedals covers a portion of the inlet opening such that in their entirety the plurality of pedals obstruct the inlet opening to prevent air for flowing into the housing.

IPC Classes  ?

• F26B 21/00 - Arrangements for supplying or controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
• B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles
• F26B 21/12 - Velocity of flow; Quantity of flow
• F04D 27/00 - Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids

Abstract

A vehicle rinsing assembly (102) includes at least one blower unit (104) having a housing (108) with an air inlet (110) and an air outlet (112). The air inlet is in communication with a motor unit (114) to draw air into the housing. The rinsing assembly also includes a fluid nozzle (146) disposed on the blower unit and in communication with a fluid source to direct fluid onto the vehicle exterior. The rinsing assembly includes an actuator (132) in communication with the at least one blower unit to direct air emitted from the air outlet in different preselected directions with respect to the vehicle exterior. The rinsing assembly is in communication with a controller such that air from the air outlet and fluid from the fluid nozzle are emitted simultaneously onto the vehicle exterior surface to remove excess water therefrom, The controller is also in communication with the actuator to vary the direction of air flow in response to a location of the vehicle with respect to the at least one blower unit.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles
• B60S 3/04 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles

Abstract

A lighted conveyor assembly (20) for a vehicle wash system for moving a vehicle through a vehicle wash process including a vehicle treatment area and including a pair of guide rails (34) for engaging the wheels of the vehicle to keep it on the conveyor. The guide rails including a protective sheath (50) disposed thereon for preventing damage to the wheels of the vehicle. The protective sheath is made of a translucent material and contains a light source, which may be an LED strip light (70), and is configured to emit light that can be seen by a vehicle occupant in the vehicle treatment area. The light source may display a variety of patterns or effects, Including specific colors or patterns to indicate that associated features of the car wash process are active, The light source may also be seen from outside of the treatment area to provide a positive impression for potential customers.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles
• B65G 21/20 - Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a brush assembly for treating an exterior surface of a vehicle, comprising a treatment portion and at least one spray nozzle disposed adjacent a backing member of the treatment portion and configured to emit fluid away from the backing member onto the vehicle exterior. A plurality of wash media elements are disposed on the backing member such that they surround the at least one spray nozzle and allow a fluid stream emitted from the at least one spray nozzle to pass through the wash media elements to the vehicle exterior; whereas the treatment portion is configured to move transversely with respect to the vehicle exterior to effectuate contact of the wash media elements with the vehicle exterior.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/06 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles with rotary bodies contacting the vehicles
• A46B 11/06 - Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water connected to supply pipe
• A46B 13/04 - Brushes with driven brush bodies power-driven with reservoir or other means for supplying substances
• B60S 3/04 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles
• B08B 1/10 - characterised by the type of cleaning tool

Abstract

A vehicle wash system (10) having an entrance end (16), an exit end (18), and a vehicle treatment area. The system including a dryer element (104) disposed on a frame (102) adjacent the exit end. The dryer element includes an air inlet (146), a plurality of air outlets (148), and a housing (130) constructed of a translucent material. The dryer element includes light source (156) disposed in the housing and configured to emit light in a plurality of different colors, The light source has a plurality of modes each corresponding to a different system condition. The system also includes a controller in communication with the light source and configured to enable the plurality of modes in response to a detected system condition.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles

Abstract

A rotary brush assembly (10) for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base portion (20), a linkage portion (22) in rotational communication with the base portion and a treatment portion (24) moveable between a first position extended into the vehicle treatment area for engagement with an exterior of a vehicle and a second position retracted from a vehicle treatment area, The treatment portion includes a brush assembly configured to rotate about all axis of rotation (A). The brush assembly has a backing member (110), a plurality of media elements (112) secured to the backing member, and a plurality of spray nozzles (104) encapsulated within the plurality of media elements, A plurality of pockets (120) formed on the brush assembly where none of the first plurality of media elements are disposed. The plurality of spray nozzles being disposed at an angle to direct separate streams of high pressure fluid away from the axis of rotation and through the area of the pockets such that the separate streams are substantially not obstructed by any of the plurality of media elements.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/04 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles

Abstract

A rotary brush assembly (10) for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base portion (20), a linkage portion (22) in rotational communication with the base portion and a treatment portion (24) moveable between a first position extended into the vehicle treatment area for engagement with an exterior of a vehicle and a second position retracted from a vehicle treatment area, The treatment portion includes a brush assembly configured to rotate about all axis of rotation (A). The brush assembly has a backing member (110), a plurality of media elements (112) secured to the backing member, and a plurality of spray nozzles (104) encapsulated within the plurality of media elements, A plurality of pockets (120) formed on the brush assembly where none of the first plurality of media elements are disposed. The plurality of spray nozzles being disposed at an angle to direct separate streams of high pressure fluid away from the axis of rotation and through the area of the pockets such that the separate streams are substantially not obstructed by any of the plurality of media elements.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/04 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles

Abstract

A vehicle wash system (10) having an entrance end (16), an exit end (18), and a vehicle treatment area. The system including a dryer element (104) disposed on a frame (102) adjacent the exit end. The dryer element includes an air inlet (146), a plurality of air outlets (148), and a housing (130) constructed of a translucent material. The dryer element includes light source (156) disposed in the housing and configured to emit light in a plurality of different colors, The light source has a plurality of modes each corresponding to a different system condition. The system also includes a controller in communication with the light source and configured to enable the plurality of modes in response to a detected system condition.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles

Abstract

A lighted dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system including a housing portion, having a head portion, a body portion, and an outlet portion. The head portion includes an air inlet portion for drawing air into the head portion and an outlet for passing the air to the body portion. The outlet portion has a plurality of exit nozzles that are configured to emit high velocity air therefrom for removing water from an exterior surface of a vehicle while disposed in a vehicle treatment area. The body portion includes an upper portion where air is received from the head portion and a lower portion disposed remote from the upper portion. A light source is disposed within the housing portion and configured to emit light that can be seen by a vehicle disposed in the vehicle treatment area.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles

Abstract

A Sighted dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system including a housing portion, having a head portion, a body portion, and an outlet portion. The head portion includes an air inlet portion for drawing air into the head portion and an outlet for passing the sir to the body portion. The outlet portion has a plurality of exit nozzles that are configured to emit high velocity air therefrom for removing water from an exterior surface of a vehicle while disposed in a vehicle treatment area. The body portion includes an upper portion where air is received from the head portion and a lower portion disposed remote from the upper portion. A light source is disposed within the housing portion and configured to emit light that can be seen by a vehicle disposed in the vehicle treatment area.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/00 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles

Abstract

A vehicle treatment system for a vehicle wash system includes a frame portion (20) in communication with a brush assembly (16) for treating front and rear vehicle surfaces. The brush assembly is rotated about an axis of rotation such that its associated wash media elements (40) rotate therewith. The brush assembly includes a support carrier (70) that is moveable with respect to the frame portion. The brush assembly includes a biasing mechanism that switches the brush assembly axis of rotation from a vertical orientation to a non-vertical orientation. A control system communicates with the support carrier to move the brush assembly along the front surface of the vehicle in a substantially vertical position and along the rear surface of the vehicle in a non-vertical position.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/06 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles with rotary bodies contacting the vehicles

Abstract

A vehicle wash system (12) includes a vehicle treatment component (10) located adjacent a vehicle treatment area (14) for treating a vehicle exterior. The system includes at least one fluid delivery nozzle (28) associated with the vehicle treatment component. The fluid delivery nozzle is in communication with a source of fluid and includes a first state of operation with a first flow rate and a second state of operation with a second flow rate. The first and second flow rates are different The system allows the fluid flow through the fluid delivery nozzle to be selectively varied while a vehicle is disposed in the vehicle treatment area adjacent the vehicle treatment component.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/04 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles

Abstract

A device for emitting bubbles in a vehicle wash facility includes a plenum supported with respect to ground. The plenum includes an air inlet with a first area and an air outlet with a second area. The plenum air outlet is in communication with at least one foaming chamber. The foaming chamber includes a generally planar media element disposed therein. The foaming chamber includes a spray jet located therein, which is in communication with a source of chemical. The spray jet configured to emit a chemical onto the generally planar media element. The device also includes a plurality of nozzle portions in communication with the foaming chamber for emitting bubbles therefrom.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60S 3/04 - Vehicle cleaning apparatus not integral with vehicles for exteriors of land vehicles