Abstract: A tire and wheel washing apparatus for cleaning exterior surfaces of tire and wheel combinations of a vehicle as the vehicle is conveyed past the apparatus. The tire washing apparatus preferably includes a longitudinally-extending cleaning element rotating about a shaft having a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to the conveyed direction of the vehicle. The cleaning element is adapted to clean the exterior surfaces of tire and wheel combinations of the vehicle, and preferably has an undulating cleaning surface with a repeating pattern of a peak portion followed by a valley portion. Preferably, an intermediate portion located between the peak and valley portions has a substantially curvilinear edge surface.

Abstract: A tire and wheel washing apparatus for cleaning exterior surfaces of tire and wheel combinations of a vehicle as the vehicle is conveyed past the apparatus. The tire washing apparatus preferably includes a longitudinally-extending cleaning element rotating about a shaft having a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to the conveyed direction of the vehicle. The cleaning element is adapted to clean the exterior surfaces of tire and wheel combinations of the vehicle, and preferably has an undulating cleaning surface with a repeating pattern of a peak portion followed by a valley portion. Preferably, an intermediate portion located between the peak and valley portions has a substantially curvilinear edge surface.

Abstract: A shaped washing element used in a car wash system, having a proximal portion with a generally rectangular shape in length and width, and a shaped distal portion which is not generally rectangular-shaped in length and width. The washing element may be made of any material suitable for washing and/or polishing vehicles. Shaped washing elements according to the present invention are believed to provide increased cleaning efficiency, greater durability, and less propensity for damaging vehicles passing through the car wash system.

Abstract: A shaped washing element used in a car wash system, having a proximal portion with a generally rectangular shape in length and width, and a shaped distal portion which is not generally rectangular-shaped in length and width. The washing element may be made of any material suitable for washing and/or polishing vehicles. Microfiber or another suitably soft material attached to a less expensive base material may be used for scratch-free cleaning leaving a shiny/gloss surface sheen. Distal portions with curved ends, or with generally V-shaped or U-shaped ends, sized to permit efficient cleaning of dips and undulations in vehicle surfaces such as the hood, side panels and rocker panels are preferred. Shaped washing elements according to the present invention are believed to provide increased cleaning efficiency, greater durability, and less propensity for damaging vehicles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and useful tire cleaning apparatus used in and for automatic car washes. The apparatus is comprised of a shaft having coupled thereto a pair of split end adapters and a core element which carries the brush filaments positioned between said adapters. The adapters and core have means for enabling the shaft to pass therethrough; said adapters and core frictionally engaging the shaft.