Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a rotatable stem portion and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion. The backing member is configured to rotate with the stem portion about an axis of rotation defined by the centerline of the stem portion. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member with the plurality of media elements being constructed of a generally self-supporting, non-marring material and wherein the plurality of media elements are oriented generally perpendicular to the backing member. The plurality of media elements configured to rotate in a working plane defined by the backing member and the working plane is oriented generally perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Additionally, the plurality of media elements are configured during a wash process to contact at least an exterior painted surface of a vehicle to effectuate cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes a frame disposed above a vehicle treatment area, and a reciprocal guide system coupled to the frame. The guide system is configured to move vertically relative to the frame, and supports a vehicle treatment component such as a rotatable brush. The brush may be lowered and raised relative to the vehicle treatment area by extending or retracting the guide track. When the guide system is retracted upward, there are no downwardly extending guides or rails that extend downward from the bottom of the guide system. The guide system is collapsible in a vertical direction, and may be a scissors mechanism or a telescoping mechanism or other collapsible mechanism. The guide system may be actuated directly or may be actuated dependent on a separate vertical drive mechanism, such as a windable belt.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a frame suspended above a vehicle treatment area. A pivotable frame is pivotally coupled to the frame, and an extendable and retractable linear frame is coupled to the pivotable frame and configured to extend downward from the pivotable frame and retract upward toward the pivotable frame. A top brush is coupled to a lower end of the linearly frame, and is extendable toward engagement with a vehicle. The top brush is also pivotable relative to a vertical position via pivoting of the pivotable frame, and the top brush is pivotable at different degrees of extension of the linear frame. The linear frame and the top brush may pivot in response to contact from the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A dollie assembly for a vehicle wash includes a center link configured for attachment to a drive mechanism of the vehicle wash and having a throughhole with a first bushing extending therethrough along an axis between opposite ends with cylindrical bearing surfaces on opposite sides of the center link. A tire pushing roller is disposed on each of the bearing surfaces for rotation about the axis. A pair of track rollers are supported for rotation about the axis. The track rollers are disposed on an opposite side of the pair of tire pushing rollers from one another such that the pair of tire pushing rollers are between the pair of track rollers. The pair of track rollers are rotatable about the axis independently from pair of tire pushing rollers.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes a frame disposed above a vehicle treatment area, and an extendable and retractable scissor mechanism coupled to the frame. A rotatable top brush is coupled to a bottom end of the scissor mechanism, and the scissor mechanism is extendable downward to lower the top brush into engagement with a vehicle body and retractable upward to remove the brush from engagement with the vehicle body. The scissor mechanism may include a brush support flange coupled to a bottom end of the scissor mechanism. An anti-spin member may extend from the support member to the scissor mechanism to prevent bending of the scissor mechanism in response to rotating to the top brush. The anti-spin member may be in the form of a fork that slidably engages a protrusion of the scissor mechanism.

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.

Abstract: A rotary brush assembly for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base portion, a linkage portion in rotational communication with the base portion and a treatment portion 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 an axis of rotation. The brush assembly has a backing member, a plurality of media elements secured to the backing member, and a plurality of spray nozzles encapsulated within the plurality of media elements. A plurality of pockets formed on the brush assembly where none of the first plurality of media elements are disposed.

Abstract: A dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system includes a plastic translucent housing having an exterior surface and a generally hollow interior. The housing includes an inlet opening with a motor unit in communication with the inlet opening for drawing air through the inlet opening into the hollow interior. The housing includes a plurality of nozzle portions in communication with the inlet opening and configured to emit high velocity air therefrom to remove water from an exterior surface of a vehicle while disposed in a vehicle treatment area. The housing includes a light source associated therewith for emitting light through the housing for viewing by the vehicle disposed in the vehicle treatment area. The housing includes lettering formed on the exterior surface of the housing with the lettering configured such that light emitted from the light source will not pass therethrough.

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.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a rotatable stem portion and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion. The backing member is configured to rotate with the stem portion about an axis of rotation defined by the centerline of the stem portion. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member with the plurality of media elements being constructed of a generally self-supporting, non-marring material and wherein the plurality of media elements are oriented generally perpendicular to the backing member. The plurality of media elements configured to rotate in a working plane defined by the backing member and the working plane is oriented generally perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Additionally, the plurality of media elements are configured during a wash process to contact at least an exterior painted surface of a vehicle to effectuate cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes a frame disposed above a vehicle treatment area, and a reciprocal guide system coupled to the frame. The guide system is configured to move vertically relative to the frame, and supports a vehicle treatment component such as a rotatable brush. The brush may be lowered and raised relative to the vehicle treatment area by extending or retracting the guide track. When the guide system is retracted upward, there are no downwardly extending guides or rails that extend downward from the bottom of the guide system. The guide system is collapsible in a vertical direction, and may be a scissors mechanism or a telescoping mechanism or other collapsible mechanism. The guide system may be actuated directly or may be actuated dependent on a separate vertical drive mechanism, such as a windable belt.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes a frame disposed above a vehicle treatment area, and an extendable and retractable scissor mechanism coupled to the frame. A rotatable top brush is coupled to a bottom end of the scissor mechanism, and the scissor mechanism is extendable downward to lower the top brush into engagement with a vehicle body and retractable upward to remove the brush from engagement with the vehicle body. The scissor mechanism may include a brush support flange coupled to a bottom end of the scissor mechanism. An anti-spin member may extend from the support member to the scissor mechanism to prevent bending of the scissor mechanism in response to rotating to the top brush. The anti-spin member may be in the form of a fork that slidably engages a protrusion of the scissor mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a frame suspended above a vehicle treatment area. A pivotable frame is pivotally coupled to the frame, and an extendable and retractable linear frame is coupled to the pivotable frame and configured to extend downward from the pivotable frame and retract upward toward the pivotable frame. A top brush is coupled to a lower end of the linearly frame, and is extendable toward engagement with a vehicle. The top brush is also pivotable relative to a vertical position via pivoting of the pivotable frame, and the top brush is pivotable at different degrees of extension of the linear frame. The linear frame and the top brush may pivot in response to contact from the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A device for emitting bubbles in a vehicle wash facility includes a plenum supported with respect to the 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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A dollie assembly for a vehicle wash includes a center link configured for attachment to a drive mechanism of the vehicle wash and having a throughhole with a first bushing extending therethrough along an axis between opposite ends with cylindrical bearing surfaces on opposite sides of the center link. A tire pushing roller is disposed on each of the bearing surfaces for rotation about the axis. A pair of track rollers are supported for rotation about the axis. The track rollers are disposed on an opposite side of the pair of tire pushing rollers from one another such that the pair of tire pushing rollers are between the pair of track rollers. The pair of track rollers are rotatable about the axis independently from pair of tire pushing rollers.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a rotatable stem portion and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion. The backing member is configured to rotate with the stem portion about an axis of rotation defined by the centerline of the stem portion. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member with the plurality of media elements being constructed of a generally self-supporting, non-marring material and wherein the plurality of media elements are oriented generally perpendicular to the backing member. The plurality of media elements configured to rotate in a working plane defined by the backing member and the working plane is oriented generally perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Additionally, the plurality of media elements are configured during a wash process to contact at least an exterior painted surface of a vehicle to effectuate cleaning thereof.