US3578775A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle-washing apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-02-20
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Granted: 1971-05-18
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Expires: 1989-02-20
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle-washing apparatus having a longitudinally disposed overhead spray frame supporting longitudinally spaced spray heads for reciprocable movement transversely above a vehicle to be washed, and a pair of vertically disposed side frames supporting vertically spaced side spray heads and mounted for reciprocable movement longitudinally along opposite sides of the vehicle. The overhead frame may include depending end frames having vertically spaced end spray heads for washing the opposite ends of the vehicle, and the overhead spray heads may be arranged at different elevations to define the contour of the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 James W Mcmillen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:05
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60S; B60S3/00; B60S3/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A vehicle-washing apparatus comprising: a. a stationary structure defining a washing station having longitudinal and transverse dimensions for receiving a vehicle, b. an elongated overhead frame extending longitudinally of said station, c. means supporting said overhead frame on said structure for reciprocable movement transversely of said station and above a vehicle in said station, d. a series of longitudinally spaced overhead spray heads mounted on said overhead frame spanning substantiAlly the length of a vehicle in said station, e. at least one side frame extending vertically along a side of said station, f. means supporting said side frame on said structure for longitudinal reciprocable movement along a side of a vehicle in said station, g. a series of vertically spaced side spray heads mounted on said side frame spanning substantially the height of a vehicle in said station, and h. means for supplying a fluid to said spray heads.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A vehicle-washing apparatus comprising: a. a stationary structure defining a washing station having longitudinal and transverse dimensions for receiving a vehicle, b. an elongated overhead frame extending longitudinally of said station, c. means supporting said overhead frame on said structure for reciprocable movement transversely of said station and above a vehicle in said station, d. a series of longitudinally spaced overhead spray heads mounted on said overhead frame spanning substantiAlly the length of a vehicle in said station, e. at least one side frame extending vertically along a side of said station, f. means supporting said side frame on said structure for longitudinal reciprocable movement along a side of a vehicle in said station, g. a series of vertically spaced side spray heads mounted on said side frame spanning substantially the height of a vehicle in said station, and h. means for supplying a fluid to said spray heads.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
The invention according to claim 1 in which said at least one side frame comprises two side frames, disposed on opposite sides of a vehicle in said station, said side spray heads being mounted on each of said side frames, said side frame-supporting means supporting both of said side frames for reciprocable longitudinal movement on opposite sides of a vehicle in said washing station.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The invention according to claim 1 further comprising drive means mounted on said structure for reciprocably moving said overhead frame transversely substantially the width of the vehicle in said station and for reciprocably moving each side frame longitudinally substantially the length of said vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
80 words
The invention according to claim 3 in which said drive means comprises a transversely disposed overhead endless chain mounted on said structure, overhead motive means for driving said overhead chain, and overhead link means connecting said overhead chain to said overhead frame for reciprocable movement, a longitudinally disposed endless side chain for each of said side frames, side motive means for driving said endless side chain, side link means for connecting side chain to said side frame for reciprocable movement.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention according to claim 1 in which at least some of said overhead spray heads are arranged at different elevations to substantially define the longitudinal contour of said vehicle so that said some overhead spray heads are substantially uniformly spaced from the surface of said vehicle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
The invention according to claim 1 in which said fluid supply means comprises a stationary fluid supply outlet, and an overhead flexible hose connecting said supply outlet to said overhead spray heads, and a side flexible hose connecting said supply outlet to said side spray heads, so that said spray heads are continuously supplied with fluid during their reciprocable movement with said corresponding frames.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention according to claim 1 in which said overhead frame comprises depending end frames at opposite ends thereof, spaced apart a distance greater than the length of a vehicle in said station, vertically spaced end spray heads mounted on each end frame spanning substantially the height of said vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention according to claim 7 further comprising an elongated fluid conduit mounted on said overhead frame and said end frames and carrying said overhead spray heads and said end spray heads, and connected to said fluid supply means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention according to claim 7 further comprising bumper means on said end frames, drive means for moving said overhead frame and said side frame, and means operatively connecting said bumper means and said drive means to stop the movement of said frames when a vehicle engages said bumper means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
The invention according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of wheel spray means mounted in said station on opposite sides of a vehicle in said station, and means for supplying fluid through said wheel spray means to wash the wheels of said vehicle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-17 | 1974-11-16 | 1975-05-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-17 | 1978-11-16 | 1979-05-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-17 | 1982-11-16 | 1983-05-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |