Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a pair of spaced movable brush assemblies mounted on a frame for movement transversely of the path of a vehicle to be washed. Each movable brush support arm mechanism includes a brush support arm pivotally mounted to a carriage. An adjustable bumper assembly is provided in combination with the movable brush support arm mechanisms whereby the bumper arm automatically moves along with movement of the brush support arm mechanisms to control movement of the brush support arms.

Abstract: A flexible coupling device for connecting a motor to a shaft having a rotary brush mounted thereon in a vehicle washing apparatus includes a rubber sleeve, a metal cable embedded in the sleeve and a coil spring mounted around an outside of the sleeve. Connecting means are mounted at each end of the sleeve for connecting the flexible coupling to the motor and the shaft on which the brush is mounted. A retainer ring is mounted adjacent each end of the sleeve for retaining the metal coil spring in place. Safety clips are attached to the retainer rings to hold the ends of the metal coil spring.

Abstract: A multiposition exhaust recovery system for removing vehicle exhaust gases from a plurality of positions in a work area includes a vertical support column, a pair of pivotally attached tubular arms rotatable by separate power means for each arm, a flexible tube connecting the two arms, an exhaust collecting hood connected to one end of the tubular arms and a suction source connected to the other end of the tubular arms. A portable controller controls operation of the system.

Abstract: A flexible coupling device for connecting a motor to a shaft having a rotary brush mounted thereon in a vehicle washing apparatus includes a rubber sleeve, a metal cable embedded in the sleeve and a coil spring mounted around an outside of the sleeve. Connecting means are mounted at each end of the sleeve for connecting the flexible coupling to the motor and the shaft on which the brush is mounted. A retainer ring is mounted adjacent each end of the sleeve for retaining the metal coil spring in place. Safety clips are attached to the retainer rings to hold the ends of the metal coil spring.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a movable support such as a rotary brush hub having a cleaning element attached thereto. The cleaning element includes a base component having a plurality of spaced slots formed there in and a plurality of cleaning strips extending through the slots to attach the strips to the base component. The slots are formed in a plurality of first and second alternating pairs of slots, with the first pairs of slots being positioned closer to a first edge and the second pairs of slots being positioned closer to an opposite edge of the base component so that when the cleaning strips are inserted through the slots they are mounted in overlapping relationship. A method is also provided for manufacturing the cleaning element.

Abstract: A unique and simple method for attaching a steering wheel to a steering shaft includes a pair of securement members. The steering shaft is provided with a slot extending into an enlarged space. The first securement member extends across a bore in the steering wheel, and is threadably received in the second securement member. The steering wheel can be moved onto the steering shaft with the first securement member moving through the slot and into the space. The first securement member can then draw the second securement member into the space. Preferably, there is a tapered interface between the second securement member, the steering wheel, and the steering shaft. The tapered surface drives the steering wheel downwardly onto the steering shaft such that a wedge-lock is provided. In a further feature of this invention, an outer housing surrounds the steering shaft. The outer housing has a pair of spaced slots.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a movable support such as a rotary brush hub having a cleaning element attached thereto. The cleaning element includes a base component having a plurality of spaced slots formed there in and a plurality of cleaning strips extending through the slots to attach the strips to the base component. The slots are formed in a plurality of first and second alternating pairs of slots, with the first pairs of slots being positioned closer to a first edge and the second pairs of slots being positioned closer to an opposite edge of the base component so that when the cleaning strips are inserted through the slots they are mounted in overlapping relationship. A method is also provided for manufacturing the cleaning element.

Abstract: A vehicle vacuum cleaning system for cleaning the interior of a vehicle having an access opening therein includes a movable bellows housing assembly having a movable bellows frame with a pair of spring biased pivotable sealing members attached thereto. An inlet box having a suction air inlet opening is attached to the bellow frame. Each of the sealing members has a first sealing flap for engaging an inside edge of the access opening on one side thereof and a second sealing flap for engaging a portion around an outer edge of the access opening adjacent the one side. A duct is connected to the air inlet opening and a motor driven fan is connected to the duct for drawing air from inside the vehicle through the access opening and suction air inlet whereby loose material from the vehicle is removed.

Abstract: A vehicle vacuum cleaning system for cleaning the interior of a vehicle having an access opening therein includes a movable bellows housing assembly having a movable bellows frame. An inlet box having a suction air inlet opening is attached to the bellow frame and a pair of pivotable sealing members are attached to the sides of the bellows frame. Each of the sealing members has a first sealing flap for engaging an inside edge of the access opening on one side thereof and a second sealing flap for engaging a portion around an outer edge of the access opening adjacent the one side. Spring means are provided for biasing the sealing members into sealing engagement with the vehicle. A duct is connected to the air inlet opening and a motor driven fan is connected to the duct for drawing air from inside the vehicle through the access opening and suction air inlet whereby loose material from the vehicle is removed by the air and discharged into the duct for collection in a container.

Abstract: An air bag module (20) comprising: a housing (22) having a first opening (102) within a first housing portion (100), a retaining member (24) having a second opening (52) and at least one pair of opposed open faced ramps (40a,b), an air bag (26) having an inflatable cushion portion (80) and a neck portion (82), the neck portion is located between the housing and retaining member (24), a cover (30) to protect the air bag, the cover being opened by the air bag upon inflation thereof, and an inflator (28) received within the first opening from a bottom of the first housing portion (100) and into the second opening (52), the inflator including a flange (36); wherein with an edge of the inflator flange located proximate a respective open face of a ramp and the inflator rotated, the flange engages the ramps and is drawn toward the retaining member thereby sandwiching the housing and air bag therebetween.

Abstract: A side brush assembly for a vehicle cleaning apparatus includes upper and lower side support members having upper and lower support arms attached thereto. An outer breakaway end portion is pivotally attached to the lower support arm and a control bracket having a slot therein is attached to the outer end of the breakaway end portion. A rotatable brush mounted on a brush shaft has an upper end of the brush shaft supported by mounting means attached to the upper support arm and a lower end of the brush shaft received in the slot of the control bracket so that the lower end may move inwardly and outwardly in a controlled fashion in the slot.

Abstract: A unique and simple method for attaching a steering wheel to a steering shaft includes a pair of securement members. The steering shaft is provided with a slot extending into an enlarged space. The first securement member extends across a bore in the steering wheel, and is threadably received in the second securement member. The steering wheel can be moved onto the steering shaft with the first securement member moving through the slot and into the space. The first securement member can then draw the second securement member into the space. Preferably, there is a tapered interface between the second securement member, the steering wheel, and the steering shaft. The tapered surface drives the steering wheel downwardly onto the steering shaft such that a wedge-lock is provided. In a further feature of this invention, an outer housing surrounds the steering shaft. The outer housing has a pair of spaced slots.

Abstract: An air bag (22) having: an inflatable cushion portion (30) and a neck portion (32) in communication therewith, the neck portion defines a receiving opening to receive inflation gas, received from an inflator, to inflate the cushion portion (30). The air bag is made from flexible material and a retainer member(s) (70a,b; 100) and is preferably sewn to at least a part of the neck portion to reinforce the neck portion and to reduce the flexibility of the neck portion. The invention further includes an air bag module that utilizes the above air bag. The module includes a housing and an inflator. The housing has grooves (50a,b) for receiving a first edge of a retainer member and further includes a holding member (41a,b) formed as part of a wall of the housing (24) and which is bent or crimped over to hold a second edge of the retainer member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching as well as removing a steering wheel to and from a steering shaft. The steering wheel includes a pair of threadably mated, first and second securement members which are movable relative to one another. One of the securement members is received within a preformed, keyed slot on the top of the steering shaft. When the securement members are tighten the second securement member is moved into the slot thereby securing the steering, wheel to the steering shaft. The apparatus further includes a movable wedge which is positionable between the top of the steering shaft and a part of the steering wheel. Inward movement of the wedge urges the steering wheel and the steering shaft apart facilitating separation and removal.

Abstract: An air bag module (20) comprising: a housing (22) having a first opening (102) within a first housing portion (100), a retaining member (24) having a second opening (52) and at least one pair of opposed open faced ramps (40a,b), an air bag (26) having an inflatable cushion portion (80) and a neck portion (82), the neck portion is located between the housing and retaining member (24), a cover (30) to protect the air bag, the cover being opened by the air bag upon inflation thereof, and an inflator (28) received within the first opening from a bottom of the first housing portion (100) and into the second opening (52), the inflator including a flange (36); wherein with an edge of the inflator flange located proximate a respective open face of a ramp and the inflator rotated, the flange engages the ramps and is drawn toward the retaining member thereby sandwiching the housing and air bag therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus which includes a cleaning element having a plurality of cleaning strips attached to a base component and a plurality of deep pile, fur-like inserts mounted between at least some of the cleaning strips. The cleaning strips preferably are made of a foam plastic material having a closed cell structure. The cleaning element may be mounted on a movable support such as a rotatable shaft and a plurality of such cleaning elements mounted on a rotatable shaft constitute a brush.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a supporting frame extending over a path of a vehicle to be washed and a rotary brush assembly attached to a brush support arm pivotably connected to a moveable support mechanism directly mounted on the frame for lateral movement with respect to the path of the vehicle. The supporting frame includes a pair of spaced upper members supported on each end by legs having spaced side members.

Abstract: A cylindrically shaped hybrid inflator comprising: a pressure vessel filled with pressurized inflation gas, comprising a center body (22) having a first (24a) and a second (24b) end, a first exit orifice (29) located between the first and second end, a frangible disk (32) closing the orifice (29) and a pyrotechnic element for causing the disk to rupture and permit inflation gas to exit the orifice; a first cylindrical portion (50) sealingly attached to the first end and a second cylindrical portion sealing attached to the second end.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus having a supporting framework extending over a position of a vehicle to be washed. Two oppositely disposed legs of the framework are connected by a cross brace. A top scrubber curtain assembly includes a transverse bulkhead member pivotally supported at its ends to the tops of the legs. Bearings of ultrahigh molecular weight plastic material and cooperating rod means pivotally connect the bulkhead member to the legs. A scrubber carrier frame fixedly connected to the bulkhead member for movement therewith is provided with scrubbing strips. A motor is mounted on one of the legs below the top thereof to oscillate the carrier frame and scrubbing strips backwardly and forwardly as well as upwardly and downwardly.

Abstract: An air bag module (20) having a base plate (24), with opposingly situated open sided, channels (50a,b), each channel having at least one open end (61). The module includes a cover (100) for protecting an air bag (150) folded upon the base plate. The cover includes a top (102) and sides wall (106a,b), each side wall includes outwardly extending flanges or shoulders (114a,b) slidably receivable within the open end of each channel (50a,b).