U.S. patent application number 14/474817 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-23 for lighted vehicle wash component.
The applicant listed for this patent is WashMe Properties, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael J. Belanger, Curtis S. Prater, Michael S. Sayyae, Barry S. Turner.
Application Number | 20170334410 14/474817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52017946 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170334410 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Belanger; Michael J. ; et
al. |
November 23, 2017 |
LIGHTED VEHICLE WASH COMPONENT
Abstract
A vehicle wash component includes a rotatable hub portion having
an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The component includes a
plurality of grooves formed in the outer surface of the rotatable
hub with the plurality of grooves being spaced about the perimeter
of the outer surface of the hub portion. Each of the plurality of
grooves includes one or more media elements disposed therein. The
outer surface of the rotatable hub includes a plurality of channels
formed therein. The plurality of channels are spaced apart from the
plurality of grooves such that each of the plurality of channels is
visible when the plurality of media elements are disposed in the
plurality of grooves. An illumination source disposed in each of
the plurality of channels such that the illumination source in each
of the plurality of channels can be seen between the plurality of
media elements as the rotatable hub portion operates.
Inventors: |
Belanger; Michael J.;
(Northville, MI) ; Turner; Barry S.; (Novi,
MI) ; Prater; Curtis S.; (Warren, MI) ;
Sayyae; Michael S.; (Westland, MI) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WashMe Properties, LLC |
Northville |
MI |
US |
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Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140366290 A1 |
December 18, 2014 |
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Family ID: |
52017946 |
Appl. No.: |
14/474817 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14456636 |
Aug 11, 2014 |
9499135 |
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14474817 |
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13668093 |
Nov 2, 2012 |
8819887 |
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14456636 |
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61554559 |
Nov 2, 2011 |
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61556893 |
Nov 8, 2011 |
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61642831 |
May 4, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 13/001 20130101;
F21Y 2115/10 20160801; A46B 2200/3046 20130101; F21Y 2103/10
20160801; A46B 15/0002 20130101; B60S 3/06 20130101; B60S 3/063
20130101; F21S 4/20 20160101 |
International
Class: |
B60S 3/06 20060101
B60S003/06; A46B 13/00 20060101 A46B013/00; F21S 4/20 20060101
F21S004/20; A46B 15/00 20060101 A46B015/00 |
Claims
1. A vehicle wash component, comprising: a rotatable hub portion
having an outer surface and an axis of rotation; a plurality of
media retention mechanism disposed in the outer surface of the hub
portion, the plurality of media retention mechanism being spaced
around the perimeter of the hub portion; a plurality of channels
disposed in the outer surface of the hub portion and configured to
receive at least one illumination source therein, the plurality of
channels being disposed about the perimeter of the hub portion, the
plurality of channels being spaced apart a sufficient distance from
adjacent ones of the plurality of media retention mechanism such
that each of the plurality of channels is configured to be visible
when a wash media element is disposed in each of the plurality of
media retention mechanism; at least one illumination source
disposed in one of the plurality of channels; wherein the at least
one illumination source is configured to be visible between the
wash media elements when the hub is rotating.
2. The vehicle wash component of claim 1, wherein the rotatable hub
portion is formed from an extruded metal component.
3. The vehicle wash component of claim 2, wherein the rotatable hub
portion consists of a plurality of individual extruded skin
portions that are assembled together.
4. The vehicle wash component of claim 1, wherein the at least one
illumination source is slideably received in the at least one
channel.
5. The vehicle wash component of claim 1 further comprising: a
plurality of illumination sources each disposed in one of the
plurality of channels.
6. The vehicle wash component of claim 5, wherein each illumination
source is configured as a strip of LED light sources.
7. The vehicle wash component of claim 6, wherein the hub portion
has an upper end and a lower end; wherein the illumination sources
are configured to extend substantially throughout a length of each
of the plurality of channels between the upper end and the lower
end of the hub portion.
8. The vehicle wash component of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
channels are oriented on the hub portion substantially linearly in
a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
9. The vehicle wash component of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
channels are uniformly spaced about the perimeter of the rotatable
hub portion.
10. The vehicle wash component of claim 1, wherein the media
retention mechanism are arranged in a plurality of separate and
discrete groupings with each of the plurality of groupings
including at least a leading wash media retaining mechanism and a
trailing wash media retaining mechanism.
11. The vehicle wash component of claim 10, wherein each of the
plurality of groupings of the wash media retention mechanism
includes at least one intermediate wash media retaining mechanism
disposed between the leading wash media retaining mechanism and the
trailing wash media retaining mechanism.
12. The vehicle wash component of claim 11, wherein each of the
plurality of groupings of the wash media retention mechanism
includes a plurality of intermediate wash media retaining mechanism
disposed between the leading wash media retaining mechanism and the
trailing wash media retaining mechanism.
13. The vehicle wash component of claim 10, wherein the leading
wash media retaining mechanism defines a leading radial reference
line and the trailing wash media retaining mechanism defines a
trailing edge radial reference line.
14. The vehicle wash component of claim 13, wherein each of the
plurality of channels is disposed in a clearance zone located
between adjacent ones of the plurality of groupings, wherein a
clearance zone distance is defined between the trailing radial
reference line of a leading wash media retention mechanism grouping
and the leading radial reference line of a trailing wash media
retention mechanism grouping; and wherein the clearance zone
distance is greater than a distance between two adjacent wash media
retaining mechanism that are part of the same wash media retention
grouping such that light emitted from the illumination elements may
be visible throughout the entire clearance zone during operation of
the device.
15. A vehicle wash component, comprising: a rotatable hub portion
having an outer surface and an axis of rotation; a plurality of
discrete groupings of wash media retention mechanism disposed on
the outer surface of the hub portion; each of the plurality of
groupings of wash media retention mechanism including at least a
first wash media retention mechanism and a second wash media
retention mechanism located rearwardly of the first wash media
retention mechanism with respect to a direction of rotation of the
hub portion; each of the wash media retention mechanism having a
center that defines a radial reference line through the axis of
rotation; a plurality of clearance zones disposed on the hub
portion defined between adjacent groupings of wash media retaining
mechanism; the plurality of clearance zones having a distance
defined between a radial reference line of the last wash media
retention mechanism located immediately forward of the clearance
zone and a radial reference line of the first wash media retention
mechanism located immediately rearward of the clearance zone; at
least one illumination element disposed in each of the plurality of
clearance zones; wherein the clearance zone distance is greater
than a distance between radial reference lines of adjacent wash
media retention mechanism such that light emitted from the
illumination elements is visible substantially throughout the
entire clearance zone during operation of the device.
16. The vehicle wash component of claim 15, wherein the hub portion
includes four clearance zones and four illumination elements.
17. The vehicle wash component of claim 15, further comprising: an
illumination element retaining mechanism disposed between within
each of the plurality of clearance zones.
18. The vehicle wash component of claim 17, wherein the hub portion
is constructed of a plurality of extruded metal skin portions that
are assembled together to form the hub portion, and wherein each of
the plurality of skin portions includes at least one grouping of
wash media retention mechanism and at least one illumination
element retaining mechanism.
19. The vehicle wash component of claim 17, wherein each of the
illumination element retention mechanism is configured as open
channels.
20. The vehicle wash component of claim 19, wherein the open
channels have a generally arcuate shape.
21. The vehicle wash component of claim 15, wherein the
illumination elements are clipped to the rotatable hub such that
they are disposed within the plurality of clearance zones.
22. The vehicle wash component of 15, wherein each of the
illumination elements consists of an LED strip.
23. The vehicle wash component of claim 17, wherein each of the
illumination elements is slideably disposed in one of the
illumination element retaining mechanism.
24. The vehicle wash component of claim 15, wherein each of the
plurality of groupings of the media retention mechanism includes at
least one intermediate wash media retaining mechanism disposed
between the leading wash media retaining mechanism and the trailing
wash media retaining mechanism.
25. The vehicle wash component of claim 24, further comprising: a
plurality of intermediate wash media retaining mechanism disposed
with each of the plurality of groupings between the leading wash
media retaining mechanism and the trailing wash media retaining
mechanism.
26. The vehicle wash component of claim 14, wherein each of the
illumination elements extend in one of the clearance zones in a
substantially linear direction.
27. The vehicle wash component of claim 14, wherein the hub portion
includes an upper portion and a lower portion; and wherein each of
the illumination elements extends within the clearance zones
substantially from the upper portion to the lower portion of the
hub portion.
28. A rotary brush for a vehicle wash system, comprising: a hub
portion having an axis of rotation, the hub portion consisting of a
plurality of individual extruded metal skin elements; a plurality
of wash media element retaining grooves integrally formed in an
outer surface of the hub portion, the plurality of media element
retaining grooves arranged in separate and discrete groupings, with
each grouping consisting of a plurality of wash media element
retaining grooves; at least one wash media element disposed in the
plurality of media element retaining grooves, the plurality of
media element retaining grooves configured to retain the plurality
of media elements therein while the extruded hub portion rotates
about the axis of rotation; a plurality of clearance zone areas
separating adjacent groupings of the plurality of media element
retaining grooves; an illumination element retaining channel formed
in the outer surface of the hub portion in each of the clearance
zone areas; at least one light source disposed in the plurality of
illumination element retaining channels, the plurality of
illumination element retaining channels being configured to retain
the light sources while the extruded hub portion rotates about the
axis of rotation; wherein the plurality of illumination element
retaining channels are disposed between adjacent groupings of media
elements.
29. The rotary brush of claim 28, wherein each of the plurality of
groupings includes at least a leading wash media retaining groove
and a trailing wash media retaining groove; the leading wash media
retaining groove defines a leading radial reference line and the
trailing wash media retaining groove defines a trailing radial
reference line; whereby a wash media separation distance is defined
between the radial reference lines of two adjacent wash media
retaining grooves in the same grouping.
30. The rotary brush of claim 29, wherein a clearance zone distance
is defined between the trailing radial reference line of a leading
wash media retention mechanism grouping and the leading radial
reference line of a trailing wash media retention mechanism
grouping; and wherein the clearance zone distance is greater than
the wash media separation distance such that light emitted from the
illumination elements is visible throughout the entire clearance
zone during operation of the device.
31. The rotary brush of claim 28, wherein the at least one light
source is an LED strip.
32. The rotary brush of claim 28, wherein the at least one light
source is slideably received in each of the plurality of
illumination element retaining channels.
33. The rotary brush of claim 28, wherein the rotatable hub portion
has an upper end and a lower end; wherein the at least one light
source extends substantially in each of the light channels between
the upper end and the lower end.
34. The rotary brush of claim 33, wherein the at least one light
source extends in a substantially linear direction.
35. The rotary brush of claim 28, further comprising: a plurality
of light sources, with at least one light source disposed in each
of the plurality of illumination element retaining channels.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/456,636, entitled "Lighted Vehicle Wash
Component", which was filed on Aug. 14, 2014, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/668,093, entitled "Illuminated Hub for a
Vehicle Wash Component", which was filed on Nov. 2, 2012, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/554,559, entitled "Car Wash Implement and Splayable Foam Plastic
Element for Use in Constructing Same", which was filed on Nov. 2,
2011; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/556,893,
entitled "Injection Molded Foamed Polymeric Car Wash Media", which
was filed on Nov. 8, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/642,831, entitled "Top Brush", which was filed on May
4, 2012, the disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by
reference as though set forth fully herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle wash
component for use in cleaning a vehicle exterior in a vehicle wash
facility. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a
lighted vehicle wash component for cleaning a vehicle exterior in a
vehicle wash facility that yields enhanced aesthetics.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Vehicle wash facilities are generally known to have dark and
dirty environments, which can make them unattractive to customers
and potential customers. This environment results, in part, from
the fact that current rotary brush components typically employ a
cylindrical central hub design that is densely populated with a
plurality of washing elements such that the hub is not visible
either at rest or during operation. This densely populated hub also
serves to block a great deal of light to a vehicle occupant as the
wash component approaches the vehicle during the vehicle wash
process due to the large volume of the washing elements. This can
result in a significant darkening of the vehicle interior and an
unpleasant wash experience for the vehicle occupant. Combine this
darkness with windshields and side windows that are often covered
with soapy water and visibility for vehicle occupants within
current vehicle wash facilities is very low.
[0004] Consequently, some wash owners have made an attempt to
brighten this environment and enhance a user's wash experience
though the use of lighted arches and signs, to create somewhat of a
"carnival" feel. Many vehicle wash facilities also employ lights
and lighted signs as a way to advertise extra wash services like
tire shine, sealer wax, and triple foam as well as to drive traffic
to and create more revenue for their vehicle wash facility. While
these lighted arches and lighted signs may be effective in drawing
consumer attention to the wash or these extra services they offer,
the lighting is very selective and does little to improve the
overall environment within the vehicle wash facility. Moreover,
because of the configuration of existing rotary brush components,
which block a vehicle occupant from seeing these lights during the
vehicle wash process as well as the low visibility in existing
washes, these lights generally cannot be seen by vehicle occupants
during the vehicle wash process. As such, these lights therefore do
not assist in making the vehicle wash process less
intimidating.
[0005] Another disadvantage of current vehicle wash configurations
is that they share a largely similar, utilitarian appearance that
makes it correspondingly difficult for wash owners to provide a
distinctive or memorable service offering to their customers.
Lighted arches and signs do little to overcome this problem as any
attempted branding created thereby is obstructed to vehicle
occupants during the wash process, as discussed above.
[0006] It would thus be desirable to provide a vehicle wash
component that addresses these issues.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] It is therefore an aspect of the present disclosure to
provide a lighted vehicle wash component that yields improved
aesthetics within the vehicle wash facility.
[0008] It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a
lighted vehicle wash component that enhances a customer's
experience during the wash process.
[0009] It is a further aspect of the present disclosure to provide
a lighted vehicle wash component that can help create brand
recognition for a vehicle wash facility.
[0010] It is a still another aspect of the present disclosure to
provide a lighted vehicle wash component that can brighten the
environment within a vehicle wash facility.
[0011] It is yet another aspect of the present disclosure to
provide a lighted vehicle wash component that yields enhanced
brightness and aesthetics for a vehicle wash facility when the wash
component is at rest.
[0012] In accordance with the above and the other aspects of the
present disclosure, a lighted vehicle wash component is provided.
The lighted vehicle wash component includes at least one rotatable
hub portion having an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The
outer surface of the rotatable hub includes a plurality of grooves
formed therein, the plurality of grooves being spaced about the
perimeter of the hub outer surface. A plurality of wash media
elements are secured in each of the plurality of grooves. The
rotatable hub also includes a plurality of channels formed in the
outer surface thereof. The plurality of channels are spaced about
the perimeter of the outer surface of the hub portion in clearance
zones between adjacent ones of the plurality of grooves. An
illumination source is disposed in each of the plurality of
channels such that the illumination source in each of the plurality
of channels is also disposed in the clearance zones and is visible
between the plurality of media elements as the rotatable hub
portion operates and while it is at rest.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Other aspects of the present disclosure will be readily
appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a lighted vehicle wash
component in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the lighted vehicle wash component
of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a section of a brush portion
of a lighted vehicle wash component in accordance with an aspect of
the disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the section of the brush portion of
FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of the section of the brush portion of
FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of another section of a brush portion
of a lighted vehicle wash component in accordance with an aspect of
the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view of the section of the brush portion of
FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 8 is an schematic exploded view of a partial brush
portion for a lighted vehicle wash component in accordance with an
aspect of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a top view of a hub portion for a vehicle wash
component in accordance with an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a top view of another hub portion for a vehicle
wash component in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a skin section of the hub
portion of FIG. 9; and
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a lighted element for a
vehicle wash component in accordance with an aspect of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0026] According to an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a
treatment component for a vehicle wash system. The vehicle wash
system may be configured as a tunnel car wash where a vehicle is
conveyed through the wash process by a conveyor or the like as is
known in the art. Alternatively, the vehicle wash system may be
configured as a roll-over type where the vehicle remains stationary
and the various treatment components may be translated and/or moved
with respect to the vehicle to perform the vehicle wash process.
Other suitable wash processes and systems may also be employed as
are known. According to an aspect, the vehicle wash system may be
housed within a vehicle wash facility having an entrance end where
a vehicle enters, an exit end where the vehicle leaves, and a
vehicle treatment area where the vehicle is cleaned. It will be
appreciated that the disclosed treatment component could also be
employed in connection with a variety of other applications outside
of a vehicle wash system, such as a manual or self-serve wash
process.
[0027] According to a further aspect, an exemplary vehicle wash
system into which the disclosed component may be incorporated can
include a plurality of vehicle wash components that engage and/or
treat the exterior of a vehicle as it passes through the vehicle
wash facility to effectuate a vehicle wash process. For example,
the components can include a rinse arch, which sprays water onto a
vehicle to wet the exterior surface for further processing. Another
component can include a bubble device that generates bubbles and
emits them directly onto a vehicle exterior in order to provide a
supply of soap for cleaning purposes. An exemplary bubble device
that may be employed with the disclosed system is contained in
Applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/864,813,
entitled "A Vehicle Wash Component for Emitting Bubbles", filed
Apr. 17, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference. Other suitable devices for generating bubbles or foam
may also be employed. Other components may include one or more top
brushes for contacting a top exterior surface of a vehicle, a
plurality of side brushes for contacting side exterior surfaces of
a vehicle and a plurality of wrap brushes for contacting front and
back surfaces of a vehicle. Another component may include wheel
scrubbers for engaging vehicle wheels. A further component that may
be employed can include a drying apparatus for removing water from
the vehicle exterior. According to a further aspect, the system can
include a wheel polishing device for treating vehicle wheels.
[0028] It will be appreciated that more, less or different wash
components may be employed. Additionally, multiples of the same
components may be employed as part of the system, as desired.
Further, the components may take on a variety of different
configurations. Moreover, the order, placement and sequence of the
components within the system may also vary. According to an aspect,
the components may be designed to engage and/or treat a vehicle
disposed within the vehicle treatment area of the vehicle wash
facility.
[0029] According to an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a
lighted vehicle wash component 10 for treating an exterior surface
of a vehicle, such as a painted surface. However, the disclosed
component 10 can also treat other vehicle surfaces. With reference
to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle wash component 10 may be a side brush
configured to contact side surfaces of a vehicle. It will be
appreciated that other types of brushes, such as top brushes, may
also be employed. According to an aspect, the vehicle wash
component 10 may broadly consist of a frame portion 12 and a brush
portion 14 supported by the frame portion 12. The component 10 can
be particularly suited for use in vehicle wash applications so that
while it is being rotated by a suitable power source, such as a
motor, it can be brought into contact with the exterior surface of
a vehicle to perform a scrubbing or cleaning function to remove
dirt or debris therefrom. It will be appreciated that the disclosed
side brush can also perform other functions besides cleaning.
[0030] According to an aspect, the frame portion 12 can generally
include a baseplate portion 16 and a vertical support 18. According
to an aspect, the baseplate portion 16 may be a generally flat
structure that may be mounted to a floor of the vehicle wash
facility. The vertical support 18 may have a lower end 20 that
connects to the baseplate portion 16 and an upper end 22 disposed
away from the baseplate portion 16. A swingarm portion 24 having an
inner end 26 and an outer end 28 may be connected to the upper end
22 of the vertical support 18 at its inner end 26. According to an
aspect, the swingarm portion 24 may be pivotally connected to the
vertical support 18 to allow for adjustments to accommodate varying
vehicle lengths. It will be appreciated that the frame 12 may
consist of more or less components and may take on a variety of
different configurations. In accordance with another aspect, the
components of the frame 12 may be constructed of a metal material
and may be powder-coated to resist against corrosion.
Alternatively, the components of the frame 12 may be constructed of
a plastic or other suitable non-metal material. All or portions of
the frame 12 could alternatively be formed as a single integral
structure. It will be appreciated that the frame 12 could be
mounted in a variety of other suitable ways, including to the walls
or the ceiling of the wash facility. It will also be appreciated
that the component 10 may be disposed adjacent a vehicle treatment
area of a vehicle wash facility.
[0031] According to an aspect, the brush portion 14 may be secured
to the outer end 28 of the swingarm portion 24. The brush portion
14 may be configured to extend downwardly with respect to the
swingarm portion 24 and can rotate about an axis that is oriented
generally perpendicular to the swingarm portion 24. According to
another aspect, the brush portion 14 may pivot with respect to the
outer end 28 such as in response to contact with a vehicle
exterior. This can allow the brush portion 14 to provide increased
cleaning capabilities, but also minimizes any damage that could
result from the application of greater than intended forces
thereto. According to a further aspect, the brush portion 14 may be
rotated about its axis of rotation by a drive mechanism 30, which
includes a drive shaft 32. The drive mechanism 30 may configured as
an electric drive motor, however, a variety of other suitable drive
motors or drive mechanism may be employed to effectuate rotation of
the brush portion 14 at predetermined speeds. The drive mechanism
30 can also be operated by a control system, which can also operate
other components in the vehicle wash system. A suitable control
system can include a computer with a processor and suitable memory
for storing encoded logic and executing same based on certain
programmed criteria. It will be appreciated that the control system
can be utilized to operate all of the components in a wash
system.
[0032] According to an aspect, the brush portion 14 may generally
include an upper brush assembly 40 and a lower brush assembly 42
that are in communication with the drive shaft 32. The upper brush
assembly 40 and the lower brush assembly 42 may rotate in unison in
the same direction. Alternatively, they may rotate at different
speeds. According to a further aspect, they could rotate in
opposite directions at the same time. It will be appreciated that
the component 10 could include more or less brush assemblies as
desired. It will also be appreciated that the brush portion 14
could take on a variety of different configurations. The frame 12
can also include a plurality of spray orifices 34 for emitting a
fluid such as water or soap onto the brush assemblies 40, 42. It
will be appreciated that the spray orifices may be employed to emit
other fluids such as foam or chemicals.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 3 through 5, the lower brush
assembly 42 can include a hub portion 44, a plurality of wash media
elements 46 in communication with the hub portion 44, and a
plurality of illumination elements 48 in communication with the hub
portion 44. According to an aspect and as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9,
the hub portion 44 may be constructed of four skin portions 50 that
can be assembled together by a plurality of spider connections 52
and a plurality of conventional fasteners 54. Once assembled, a
through hole 56 may be created at the intersection of the plurality
of spider connections 52 which may receive the drive shaft 32
therethrough, for effectuating rotation of the hub portion 44 and
thus the lower brush assembly 42.
[0034] According to an aspect, the hub portion 44 has an exterior
surface 60 with a plurality of grooves 62 which may open onto the
exterior surface 60. The plurality of grooves 62 may be arranged in
groupings 64 around the periphery of the exterior surface 60 of the
hub portion 44. As shown, each grouping 64 may include 5 individual
grooves. Each grouping 64 can include a leading wash media groove
62a, a trailing wash media groove 62b, and a plurality of
intermediate wash media grooves 62c disposed between the leading
wash media groove 62a and the trailing wash media groove 62b.
According to a further aspect, the leading wash media groove 62a
and the trailing wash media groove 62b may be defined by a
direction of rotation of the hub portion where the wash media
element 46 disposed in a leading wash media groove 62a will contact
a vehicle exterior in advance of a wash media element 46 disposed
in a trailing wash media groove 62b.
[0035] Each of the individual grooves 62 may be configured to
receive one or more wash media elements 46 therein. It will be
appreciated that any number of grooves 62 may be employed in each
grouping 64 and that they may be formed in a variety of different
arrangements. According to an aspect and as best shown in FIGS. 9
and 11, each of the grooves 62 can include an inner portion 66 and
an outer portion 68. As shown, the inner portion 66 may be
generally configured as a closed channel for receiving a retaining
clip portion 70 of a wash media element 48. The closed channel may
generally include a base portion 72 and a narrow slot 74 that may
be configured narrower than a pin portion 84 of the retaining clip
portion 70 to keep it retained therein, but allows the remainder of
the clip portion to pass therethrough. According to a further
aspect, the outer portion 68 may consist of a pair of side walls 76
that are spaced apart and generally flared in order to prevent
rotation of the retaining clip 70. Each of the grooves 62 defines a
radial reference line R.sub.L through its respective center. It
will be appreciated that the grooves may take on a variety of
different configurations.
[0036] According to a further aspect, a wash media element 46 may
be removeably disposed in each of the grooves 62. While the wash
media elements 46 may be removed as desired such as for replacement
purposes, they may be securely retained in each of the grooves such
that they can remain in place as the hub portion 44 rotates. As
shown and according to a further aspect, the media elements 46 are
spaced apart a distance (Dme) as defined by the distance between
adjacent radial reference lines R.sub.L. According to an aspect,
the wash media elements 46 may be constructed of a self-supporting
material such as foam so that they substantially retain their shape
at all times and do not droop or sag while the vehicle wash
component 10 is at rest. According to another aspect, the wash
media elements 46 may be constructed of a soft cloth material. It
will be appreciated that the media elements may be formed of a
variety of different materials and may have other suitable
configurations.
[0037] According to an aspect, the retaining clip portion 70 may be
secured to an inner end 78 of the wash media elements 46. According
to an aspect, the retaining clip portion 70 may include a plurality
of mounting posts 80 that are configured to engage corresponding
mounting holes 82 formed in the inner end 78 of the wash media
elements 46 to assist in securing the retaining clip portion 70 to
the wash media element 46. According to a further aspect, the pin
portion 84 may engage and slide within the closed channel portion
66 to retain the media element 46 to the hub portion 44. According
to an aspect, the pin portion 84 may be generally rectangular in
shape. It will be appreciated that the pin portion 84 can have a
variety of different shapes and configurations. When secured, the
mounting posts 80 can engage the sidewalls 76 to prevent rotation
of the media elements 46 and provide support therefor.
[0038] According to another aspect, the hub portion 44 can include
a plurality of illumination element receptacles 90 formed in the
exterior surface 60, which may be configured to receive at least
one illumination element 48 therein. According to another aspect,
there may be four illumination element receptacles 90 and they may
be interposed between adjacent ones of groupings 64 of plurality of
grooves 62. The illumination element receptacles 90 may have a
generally circular shape with an open front 92 defined by a pair of
side portions 94, 96 for receiving and retaining an illumination
element 48 therein. It will be appreciated that more or less
illumination element receptacles 90 may be employed and that they
be disposed in different locations on the hub exterior surface 60.
Additionally, the illumination element receptacles 60 may have a
variety of different shapes and configurations. It will be
appreciated that the illumination element receptacles can have a
variety of different configurations.
[0039] According to an aspect and with reference to FIG. 12, each
of the illumination elements 48 could be configured as an elongated
LED light strip 100. According to another aspect, the illumination
element 48 could be configured to have a length that matches or
substantially matches the length of the lower hub portion 42.
Alternatively, the illumination element 48 could be configured with
a length that is considerably shorter or longer than the length of
the lower hub portion 42. According to a further aspect, the LED
light strip 100 could be encased in a transparent outer tubing 102
that provides protection for the LED light strip 100, including
from water and chemicals that can exist in the vehicle wash
process. The LED light strip 100 can also include an upper end cap
106 and a lower end cap 108 that are each include a front face
portion 110 and 112 respectively, that are each configured to
reside in the open front 92 of each the illumination receptacles
90. The front face portions 110, 112 can be sized such that they
will generally abut the pair of side portions 94, 96 in order to
prevent rotation of the LED light strip 100 within the illumination
receptacle and thus keep it aligned such that the individual light
sources 116 are properly oriented for visibility. Each of the LED
light strips 100 can also include an electrical connector 104 that
can allow for the provision of power thereto to effectuate
illumination thereof. It will be appreciated that a variety of
different types of illumination sources may be employed. It will
also be appreciated that the illumination sources can have a
variety of different sizes and configurations.
[0040] According to a still further aspect, the lower brush
assembly 42 can include a clearance zone 120 that may be disposed
between adjacent sections of wash media elements 46. The clearance
zone 120 may be created by disposing the illumination receptacles
90 between adjacent ones of groove groupings 64 on the hub exterior
surface 60 such that the illumination receptacles will not be
obstructed by the wash media elements 46 when attached to the hub
portion 44. According to an aspect, the clearance zone 120 can
coincide with the location of illumination receptacles 90 such that
the illumination elements 48 may be readily visible when the wash
media elements 46 are attached to the hub portion 44. According to
an aspect, the clearance zones 120 may be sized such that light
from the illumination elements 48 may be seen as the component 10
is being operated as well as while it is at rest. As shown in FIG.
9, the clearance zones 120 may have distance (Dcz) defined as the
distance between the trailing wash media groove 62b of the leading
wash media groove grouping 64 and the leading wash media groove 62a
of the trailing wash media groove grouping 64. According to an
aspect, the clearance zone distance (Dcz) may be larger than the
distance between the media elements (Dme). According to a still
further aspect, the clearance zone distance (Dcz) may be
substantially larger than the distance between the media elements
(Dme). It will be appreciated that the size of the clearance zones
can vary. According to an aspect, multiple clearance zones 120 may
be uniformly spaced about the periphery of the hub portion 44 to
provide a unique aesthetic affect for the component 10.
[0041] According to an aspect, the plurality of illumination
elements 48 may be connected via its connectors 104 through slip
rings to a DC power source so as to emit light from the lower brush
assembly 42 during rotation of the device. In other words, lighted
illumination elements 48 can rotate with the component 10 as it
rotated. It will be appreciated that other types of suitable
illumination elements 48 may also be utilized. It will also be
appreciated that other suitable ways for attaching the illumination
elements to the hub portion may be employed.
[0042] According to an aspect, each of the skin portions 50 may be
constructed of a metal material, such as aluminum. However, the
skin portions 50 may be formed from a variety of other suitable
materials. According to another aspect, each of the skin portions
50 may be formed from an extrusion process. According to this
aspect, each skin portion 50 may be extruded such that it is formed
with at least one groove and at least one illumination element
receptacle integrated with an exterior surface thereof. It will be
appreciated that the skin portions 50 may be formed from a variety
of other suitable forming processes.
[0043] According to another aspect, FIGS. 6 through 7 illustrate
the upper brush assembly 40 of the brush portion 14. Some of the
components of the upper brush assembly 40 may be the same as on the
lower brush assembly 42 and the structure and function of those
components can be the same and need not be described fully again.
According to a further aspect, the upper brush assembly 40 can
include a hub portion 200, a plurality of wash media elements 202
in communication with the hub portion 200, and a plurality of
illumination elements 204. According to an aspect and as shown in
FIG. 10, the hub portion 200 may be constructed of two skin
portions 206 that can be assembled together by a plurality of
spider connections 208 and a plurality of conventional fasteners
210. Once assembled, a through hole 212 may be created at the
intersection of the plurality of spider connections 208 which may
receive the drive shaft 32 therethrough, for effectuating rotation
of the hub portion 200 and thus the upper brush assembly 40. It
will be appreciated that the hub portion 200 and the hub portion 44
may be driven simultaneously by the drive shaft 32. They may
alternatively be driven independently. It will be appreciated that
the upper brush assembly 40 can have a smaller diameter than the
lower brush assembly 42. However, the hub portion 200 may vary in
size to vary the diameter of the upper brush assembly 40. The hub
portion 200 may be formed of the same material and by the same
processes as the hub portion 44.
[0044] According to an aspect, the hub portion 200 may have an
exterior surface 220 with a plurality of grooves 222 opening onto
the exterior surface 200. The plurality of grooves 222 may be
arranged in groupings 224 around the periphery of the exterior
surface 220 of the hub portion 200. As shown, each grouping 224 may
include 2 individual grooves. Each of the individual grooves 62 may
be configured to receive one or more wash media elements 202
therein. It will be appreciated that any number of grooves 222 may
be employed and that they may be formed in a variety of different
arrangements. According to an aspect and as best shown in FIG. 10,
each of the grooves 222 can have the same configuration as the
grooves 62 formed on the hub portion 44. Again, it will be
appreciated that the grooves 222 may take on a variety of different
configurations. The grooves 222 also define a radial reference line
R.sub.L through their center.
[0045] According to a further aspect, the wash media elements 202
may be removeably disposed in each of the grooves 222. While the
wash media elements 202 may be removed as desired such as for
replacement purposes, they may be securely retained in each of the
grooves 222 such that they can remain in place as the hub portion
200 rotates. According to an aspect, the wash media elements 202
may be constructed of the same materials as the wash media elements
46 and may be connected to and retained within each of the grooves
222 in the same manner, which as discussed above, can obviously
vary.
[0046] According to an aspect, as the hub 200 can have a smaller
size than the hub 44, fewer wash media elements 202 may therefore
be secured to the hub exterior surface 220. According to an aspect,
this allows the upper brush assembly 40 to effectively clean upper
portions of a vehicle that may have obstacles such as mirrors,
antennas, and rear window wipers. According to another aspect, the
media elements 202 may have different lengths such that upper media
elements 202' may be longer than lower media elements 202''. This
allows the component 10 to vary the depth it can extend into the
vehicle envelope. According to a further aspect, the length of the
media elements 202 may progressively decrease from an upper part
230 of the hub portion 200 to a lower part 232. It will be
appreciated that varying length media elements may be positioned in
a variety of different places on the brush as desired. As also
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wash media elements 202 may all be
longer then the media elements 46.
[0047] According to another aspect, the hub portion 200 can include
a plurality of illumination element receptacles 240 formed in the
exterior surface 220, which may be configured to receive at least
one illumination element 204 therein. According to another aspect,
there may be four illumination element receptacles 240 and they may
be disposed between adjacent ones of groupings 224 of plurality of
grooves 222 in a clearance zone 250 where no media elements 202 are
present. The illumination element receptacles 240 may have a
generally circular shape with an open front 242 defined by a pair
of side portions 244, 246 for receiving and retaining an
illumination element 204 therein. It will be appreciated that more
or less illumination element receptacles 240 may be employed and
that they may be disposed in different locations on the hub
exterior surface 220. Additionally, the illumination element
receptacles 240 may have a variety of different shapes and
configurations. It will be appreciated that the illumination
elements may be configured as LED light strips as described above,
such as in connection with FIG. 12. However, their configuration
may vary as also described above.
[0048] According to a still further aspect, the upper brush
assembly 40 can include a plurality of clearance zones 250 that may
be disposed between adjacent sections of wash media elements 202.
The clearance zones 250 may be created by disposing the
illumination receptacles 240 between adjacent ones of the groove
groupings 224 on the hub exterior surface 220 such that the
illumination receptacles will not be obstructed by the wash media
elements 202. According to an aspect, the clearance zone 250 can
coincide with the location of illumination receptacles 240 such
that the illumination elements 204 may be readily visible when the
wash media elements 202 are attached to the hub portion 200. As
referenced above, the clearance zones 250 may have a clearance zone
distance (Dcz) that is greater than the distance (Dme) between
adjacent media elements 202 in the same groove grouping 224, as
defined above. By this configuration, light from the illumination
elements 204 may be seen as the component 10 is being operated as
well as when it is at rest. According to an aspect, multiple
clearance zones 250 may be uniformly spaced about the periphery of
the hub portion 200 to provide a unique aesthetic affect for the
component 10.
[0049] According to an aspect, the plurality of illumination
elements 204 may be connected via its connectors 104 through slip
rings to a DC power source so as to emit light from the upper brush
assembly 40 during rotation of the device. In other words, lighted
illumination elements 204 can rotate with the component 10 as it
rotated. It will be appreciated that other types of suitable
illumination elements 204 may also be utilized. It will also be
appreciated that other suitable ways for attaching the illumination
elements to the hub portion may be employed.
[0050] According to an aspect, the lighted brush assembly 10 can
have an appearance that helps distinguish the wash location from
competing sites that use rotary car wash brushes of conventional
construction and non-illuminated hubs. In accordance with an
aspect, pleasing aesthetic effects can be provided by illuminating
the hub portion in one color or one set of colors and employing
media elements of other colors such that the appearance of the
brushes in, for example, a conveyer wash is attractive and pleasing
rather than intimidating and industrial. It will also be
appreciated that the upper brush assembly 40 and the lower brush
assembly 42 may be illuminated different colors at the same time.
Also, the colors of the lights can be easily changed. Additionally,
the illumination elements 48 can be configured to blink or have
other effects to further enhance the aesthetically pleasing effect
of the vehicle wash. Different colored illumination elements can be
employed at the same time on the same or different components. The
LEDs may be easily changed to modify the colors for different
purposes. It will be understood that other illumination elements
besides LEDs may be employed. Also, the location of the LEDs with
the respect to the hub portion 44 may vary as required.
[0051] According to an aspect, the clearance zones 120 allow the
illumination elements 48 to be seen by vehicle occupants while the
component 10 is operating. Additionally, the illumination elements
48 may be visible while the component 10 is at rest. According to
another aspect, the illumination elements 48 can rotate with the
component 10 so that they can emit light more broadly within the
vehicle wash facility. The utilization of the disclosed lighted
components can help brighten the environment within a vehicle wash
facility to make it more inviting and less intimidating during a
wash process. According to a further aspect, the environment can be
brightened for vehicle occupants during the wash process by the
emission of light that is visible thereto.
[0052] According to a further aspect, the utilization of
illumination elements 48 in accordance with the present disclosure,
which can be seen to vehicle occupants, can assist vehicle wash
owners and operators in creating and promoting its brand. As
different colored lights may be employed, which can be seen both
within and outside the facility, the illumination elements 48 may
be more effectively utilized to promote traditional vehicle wash
services. The illumination elements 48 may also be employed to
promote extra services, which may be offered over and above
traditional or basic wash services.
[0053] The specification and illustrations of the embodiments
described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of
the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and
illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and
comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of
apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described
herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in
the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be
used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural
substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made
without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly,
the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than
restrictive.
[0054] Certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the
context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in
combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features
that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single
embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub
combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes
each and every value within that range.
[0055] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However,
the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s)
that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or
become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,
required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.
[0056] The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover any and all such modifications, enhancements, and
other embodiments that fall within the scope of the present
invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of
the present invention is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the
foregoing detailed description.
[0057] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been
described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary
embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings
and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as
defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function
clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as
performing the recited function and not only structural
equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
* * * * *