Abstract: A lighted conveyor assembly 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 for engaging the wheels of the vehicle to keep it on the conveyor. The guide rails including a protective sheath 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, 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.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash system including a base portion, a rotatable stem portion in communication with the base portion, and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion, which is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The backing member is linearly moveable with respect to the base portion between a first position away from a vehicle treatment area and a second position adjacent a vehicle treatment area. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member and configured to engage an exterior surface of a vehicle as the stem portion rotates. The plurality of media elements are constructed of a foam material that is configured to contact an exterior surface of a vehicle. The backing member is configured to linearly reciprocate with respect to the vehicle exterior during the vehicle wash process.

Abstract: A vehicle rinsing assembly includes at least one blower unit having a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is in communication with a motor unit to draw air into the housing. The rinsing assembly also includes a fluid nozzle 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 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.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a hub portion with a first hub section and a second hub section. The first hub section includes a first distal end and a first proximate end opposite the first distal end. The first hub section defines a first axis of rotation. The second hub section includes a second distal end and a second proximate end opposite the second distal end. The second hub section defines a second axis of rotation. A connector device rotatably couples the first hub section to the second hub section. An actuator is in communication with the first hub section to effectuate movement of the first distal end between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are parallel. In the extended position, the first axis of rotation is at a non-90 angle with respect to the second axis of rotation.

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.

Abstract: A nose warming apparatus for protecting and warming a nose is disclosed. The apparatus includes a nose cover with an outer shell that has a first end and a second end and a top and a bottom for contouring around a nose. A strap is coupled with the nose cover for temporarily securing the nose cover about the nose. The strap extends from a proximal end fixed to the first end of the outer shell to a distal end and includes a VELCRO® fastener for removably attaching the distal end to the second end of the outer shell. An insulated layer is attached to the outer shell. The bottom of the outer shell has an arcuate shape for contouring around the nose while allowing the nose cover to be open adjacent the nostrils as the nose cover engages the nose and enabling unimpeded air flow into and out the nose.

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 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 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 dryer unit for a vehicle wash system including an upper head portion with an air inlet. An impeller having a plurality of vanes rotatably disposed adjacent the air inlet. The impeller configured to rotate in a predetermined direction about an axis of rotation to draw air into the upper head portion through the air inlet. A flow channel formed in the upper head portion around a periphery of the impeller. A cut-off portion located adjacent a discharge area of the flow channel. A body portion disposed generally beneath the upper head portion with respect to a direction of fluid flow through the dryer unit. A plurality of outlet nozzle portions integrally formed with the body portion and in fluid communication with the air inlet. The plurality of nozzle portions configured to direct high velocity air flow toward a vehicle treatment area. At least one of the plurality of nozzles being located above the cut-off portion.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a rotatable hub portion having an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The rotatable hub portion is in driving communication with at least one core portion to effectuate rotation thereof. At least one media element is fixedly secured to the at least one core portion for rotation therewith. The media element includes a plurality of upstanding finger portions, which are configured to contact an exterior surface of a vehicle. The core portion includes at least one light retaining aperture formed therein. At least one illumination element is disposed between the plurality of upstanding finger portions and in the at least one light retaining aperture so that it rotates as the at least one core portion rotates and can be seen by a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: The lighted vehicle wash component includes a frame portion and a drive mechanism supported by the frame portion. The component also includes a rotatable hub portion supported by the frame portion. The hub portion is in communication with the drive mechanism to effectuate its rotation about an axis of rotation. The component includes a plurality of wash media elements engageable with the hub portion and which are configured to engage a vehicle surface as the hub portion rotates. The plurality of wash media elements are arranged on the hub portion in a plurality of spaced apart rows. The component includes a plurality of lighting elements removeably engaging the hub portion. The lighting elements are disposed in an open area defined between each of the plurality of spaced apart rows. A slip ring assembly is in communication with the hub portion to allow the plurality of lighting elements to rotate about the axis of rotation as the hub portion rotates.

Abstract: A vehicle treatment system for a vehicle wash system includes a frame portion in communication with a brush assembly for treating front and rear vehicle surfaces. The brush assembly is rotated about an axis of rotation such that its associated wash media elements rotate therewith. The brush assembly includes a support carrier 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.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment component located adjacent a vehicle treatment area for treating a vehicle exterior. The system includes at least one fluid delivery nozzle 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.

Abstract: A grate apparatus for covering a pit defined in a floor of a vehicle wash facility includes a plurality of rigid rung pieces having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The rigid rung pieces are secured in generally parallel and spaced apart fashion by a plurality of flexible strap members. The flexible strap members are secured to each of the rung pieces by a plurality of fasteners. The grate apparatus is moveable between an unwound position where the first end of each of the plurality of rigid rung pieces rests on one of a pair of spaced apart rails located adjacent the pit and the second end of each of the plurality of rung pieces rests on the other of the pair of spaced apart rails and a wound position wherein the plurality of rung pieces and the plurality of flexible straps are oriented in generally coiled position around a centerline.

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 vehicle wash system having an entrance end, an exit end, and a vehicle treatment area. The system including a dryer element disposed on a frame adjacent the exit end. The dryer element includes an air inlet, a plurality of air outlets, and a housing constructed of a translucent material. The dryer element includes light source 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.

Abstract: A spray-type washer for a conveyor-type car wash comprises a support stand with a power cylinder that drives a piston. Pins on the piston ride in slots formed in a rotatable cam that is connected to a spray unit such that piston travel produces a swivel motion of a spray unit mounted on the support stand. The spray units use multiple impeller-type sprayers. The washers are used in pairs, one washer on each side of a conveyor lane.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system disposed in a vehicle wash facility includes a plurality of vehicle wash components disposed adjacent a vehicle treatment area. The system includes plurality of lights to be disposed in the vehicle wash facility. Each of the lights is configured with at least a first state and in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to enable the first state of the plurality of lights when no vehicles are present in the vehicle wash facility. When the first state is enabled, the plurality of lights are configured to emit light in a preprogrammed pattern of different colors.

Abstract: An illuminated sign for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base, an upright member extending from the base and having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a head portion connected to the upper portion of the upright member. The illuminated sign includes at least one light source having a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is associated with a first group of vehicle wash services for treating an exterior of a vehicle. The second mode is associated with a second group of vehicle wash services for treating an exterior of a vehicle. The sign includes a sign controller in communication with the at least one light source. The sign controller is configured to enable the first mode in response to detecting a selection of the first group of vehicle wash services. The sign controller is also configured to enable the second mode in response to detecting a selection of the second group of vehicle wash services.