Method of washing a vehicle and top brush apparatus therefor
AssigneeD & S Car Wash Systems
InventorsJim Smith, Jerry Canfield, Darrell Harrelson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of washing a vehicle and apparatus therefore is disclosed. In one aspect, a parameter indicative of the rotation of the top brush of the apparatus is monitored, and a vertical position of the top brush relative to the vehicle and controlled. In another aspect, a lift system for the top brush includes at least one pliable strap. In yet another aspect, the lift system has a safety feature for retracted the top brush to an upper position.
Claims26
A vehicle washing apparatus for washing a vehicle, the apparatus comprising
- a top brush rotatable about an axis extending in a first, generally horizontal plane and movable in a second, generally vertical plane, the top brush including cloth strands extending radially for contacting the vehicle as the top brush rotates;
- an apparatus for advancing the top brush longitudinally along the length of the vehicle as the top brush rotates about its axis;
- a detector for monitoring a parameter indicative of rotation of the top brush as the top brush advances along the length of the vehicle and the top brush rotates about its axis;
- a controller for controlling a vertical position of the top brush relative to the vehicle as a function of the monitored parameter.
A method of washing a vehicle comprising:
- providing a vehicle having a length, a width and a height,
- rotating a top brush of the car wash system about an axis in a horizontal plane generally parallel to the width of the vehicle, the top brush including radially projecting cloth strands;
- contacting the vehicle with the cloth strands of the rotating top brush;
- advancing a longitudinal position of the top brush along the length of the vehicle;
- monitoring a parameter indicative of rotation of the top brush as the top brush advances along the length of the vehicle and the top brush rotates about its axis;
- and
- controlling a vertical position of the top brush relative to the vehicle as a function of the monitored parameter.
A vehicle washing apparatus for washing a vehicle comprising
- a top brush movable in a vertical plane between an upper position and a lower position, the top brush being operable during a wash cycle of the vehicle washing apparatus,
- a safety mechanism for automatically moving the top brush toward its upper position and retaining it at or near its upper position if the wash cycle if the top brush is not operating, thereby allowing the vehicle to exit the vehicle washing apparatus.
A vehicle washing apparatus for washing a vehicle comprising
- a top brush,
- a lift system for vertically moving the top brush, the lift system comprising:
- a cylinder comprising a linearly moveable rod;
- and
- a pliable cylinder strap having one end margin connected to the rod, whereby linear movement of the rod imparts linear movement of the cylinder strap, which further imparts vertical movement of the top brush.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.