Foam apparatus for use with roll-over and/or automatic type car wash

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a manifold which includes a foam generating zone having means for receiving a foamable solution and air therethrough to produce a foam, a streaming discharge zone wherein the streaming discharge zone includes a first plurality of aperture surfaces of a first diameter and a second plurality of aperture surfaces of a second diameter larger than said first diameter and a buffer zone operably communicably associated with the foam generating zone and streaming discharge zone with means for impeding flow of the foam therebetween.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates generally to automatic vehicle wash systems and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a multiple foam wax apparatus for use on a roll-over type wash system desired to effectively and aesthetically wax the vehicle.2. Background of the InventionThere are many types of vehicle wash and wax systems adapted to clean protect a vehicle. For example, one type provides for a hand operated high pressure wand which sprays the vehicle. Such hand held type permits the user to optionally select one of a wash, rinse or wax mode.Roll-over type car wash systems typically use jet sprays of water against the side of a vehicle through use of an array of nozzles displaced from but direct toward a top and sides of the vehicle. Such systems can move around the vehicle with the vehicle remaining in place while others move relative to the vehicle in a straight line along the length of the vehicle, and with the in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Another object of the present invention is to further add special visual effects to a car washing system.

In such form, aperture surfaces of the tubular members of the discharge zone are staggered from one another. In this regard, a series of distinct and adjacent streams may be created when solution is forced through the aperture surfaces of the discharge zone to maximize the solution coverage over the vehicle. Optionally and preferably, a different colorant is added to the foam supply to each of the tubular members of the discharge zone to permit an aesthetically pleasing visual effect to the viewer, i.e. a rainbow effect onto the vehicle, as well as an easier visual inspection of the solution coverage and adherence to the vehicle.

Problems solved by technology

With such automatic wash systems, particularly the roll-over type, there has been much difficulty in providing an adequate delivery of the wax to the car.

Characteristic of anionic foam waxes is their high foaming action and while this is desirable with regard to providing high foam and an adequate wax coat on the vehicle, these type foam waxes are difficult to rinse off the vehicle.

Alternatively, cationic foam waxes are characteristically low foaming and are easily rinsed off the vehicle, but provide less adequate wax coat.

Additionally, brushless and / or roll-over type automatic car wash use spray heads which by design are limited in their approach distance to the car exterior and have limited effectiveness.

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