Rotatable Side Blower for Air Drying Vehicles

The subject invention relates to an apparatus for air drying vehicles and, particularly, an apparatus utilized as a car/van dryer.

Conventional dryers for air drying freshly washed vehicles deliver a high-velocity stream of air through ducting to nozzles which direct the stream of air onto a wet vehicle to remove the water. This has been accomplished by passing a vehicle beneath an elongated top nozzle which extends transversely between an overhead structural frame and directs the air obliquely downward. Vertical side nozzles are also supported by the structural frame and are each directed inwardly toward the other side nozzle.

The problem with such air-drying systems is that the air nozzles have been rigidly secured to the structural frame, rendering them incapable of accommodating various vehicle heights and widths. Thus, the nozzle for a smaller vehicle of limited width may physically contact a vehicle of larger width when dried. Also, the air nozzles are usually of one height, rendering them inefficient to dry vehicles of various heights.

A vehicle drying assembly for air drying freshly washed vehicles comprises side blowing means for discharging air transversely to the vehicle for drying the sides of the vehicle. A frame through which the vehicles may be moved structurally supports the side blowing means. An air supply means is used for supplying air under pressure to the top blowing means and the side blowing means. The side blowing means includes an outer rotatable tube rotatable with respect to a fixed inner member for alternatively discharging air through at least two openings.

Accordingly, the subject invention may be utilized for efficiently removing water from vehicles of various heights and widths. The subject invention allows for maintaining close distances between the nozzles and the vehicle without danger of the nozzles contacting the vehicle.

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connecting with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational front view of the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the subject invention taken substantially along line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the subject invention taken substantially along lines 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the subject invention taken substantially along lines 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view taken substantially along lines 5--5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the alternate embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the side blowing means;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the subject invention taken substantially along lines 8--8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the subject invention taken substantially along lines 9--9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view of the alternate embodiment of the stop nozzle; and

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view taken substantially along lines 11--11 of FIG. 10.

A vehicle drying assembly utilizing the subject invention for air drying (i.e., removing water) freshly washed vehicles is generally shown at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The assembly 10 comprises top blowing means 12 for downwardly discharging air above and parallel to the top of roof of the vehicle, side blowing means 14 for discharging air transversely or perpendicularly to the vehicle for drying the sides of the vehicle, and a frame 16 structurally supporting the top blowing means 12 and side blowing means 14. The structural frame 16 may have a tunnel through which vehicles may be moved. In other words, the structural frame 16 may consist of two vertical towers with a hollow bridge extending transversely between the towers to support the top blowing means 12 and side blowing means 14, allowing a vehicle to move between the two towers. The assembly 10 includes air supply means 18 for supplying air under pressure to the top blowing means 12 and side blowing means 14. The assembly 10 includes rotatable means 20 for selectively rotating or selectively positioning of the side blowing means 14.

The side blowing means 14 comprises a fixed or stationary inner member 22 which is tubular and has at least one aperture or orifice 24 for allowing air to exit or be discharged from the fixed inner member 22. The side blowing means 14 further comprises an outer rotatable tube 26 rotatable with respect to the axis of the fixed inner member 22. The rotatable outer tube 26 has at least two, preferably a plurality of, discharge openings 28 for allowing air to exit from the fixed inner member 22. In other words, the outer rotatable tube 26 is rotatable with respect to the fixed inner member 22 for alternatively discharging air through at least two openings 28.

The outer rotatable tube 26 has a first discharge opening 28 in a first discharge position for allowing air to be discharged transversely to the vehicle and a second discharge opening 28 parallel to the vehicle. Said another way, the second discharge opening 28 in the first discharge position is parallel to the vehicle while the first discharge opening 28 is discharging air transversely to the vehicle in the first discharge position. Further, the first discharge opening 28 is in the second discharge position parallel to the vehicle while the second discharge opening 28 is discharging air transversely to the vehicle. The rotatable outer tube 26 further comprises a first nozzle 30 directing the air from the first discharge opening 28 of the outer rotatable tube 26 upon the vehicle in the first discharge position and a second nozzle 32 directing the air from the second discharge opening 28 of the outer rotatable tube 26 upon the vehicle when the second nozzle 32 is in the second discharge position. FIG. 3 illustrates th outer rotatable tube 26 in the second discharge position. The second nozzle 32 extends radially outwardly from the outer rotatable tube 26 farther than the first nozzle 30. In other words, the outer rotatable tube 26 has the second nozzle 32 radially longer than the remaining first nozzle 30. The first nozzle 30 also has a larger vertical height with respect to the second nozzle 32 for drying taller vehicles. In other words, the first nozzle 30 is shorter in radial length and taller in vertical height for drying a taller vehicle, such as a van or truck, whereas the second nozzle 32 is longer in radial length and shorter in vertical height for drying shorter vehicles, such as a car. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the plurality of nozzles 30 and 32 are inclined or slanted and extend outwardly from the top portion 34 of the outer rotatable tube 26 farther than from the base portion 36 of the outer rotatable tube 26. Further, the plurality of nozzles 30 and 32 progressively widen from the base portion 36 to the top portion 34 of the rotatable outer tube 26. Put another way, the opening or aperture of the nozzle 30, 32 progressively widen from the base portion 36 to the top portion 34 of the outer rotatable tube 26. The fixed inner member 22 and outer rotatable tube 26 may be constructed of plastic or aluminum. The nozzles 30 and 32 could be produced in a flexible and inflatable fabric configuration.

As an alternative, the nozzles 30, 32 may be defined as illustrated in FIG. 7. More specifically, the first nozzle 130 is defined as vertical and extends radially outwardly from the outer rotatable tube 26 equally from the top portion 34 to the base portion 36 of the outer rotatable tube 26. The second nozzle 132 is defined as having a vertical portion 70 which extends outwardly from the base portion 36 of the outer rotatable tube 26 and an inclined or slanted portion 72 which extends radially outwardly from the top portion 34 of the outer rotatable tube 26 farther than the vertical portion 70 of the second nozzle 132. In other words, the second nozzle 132 has a vertical portion 70 extending radially outwardly from the base portion 36 approximately half way toward the top portion 34 and a slanted portion 72 from the top of the vertical portion 70 to the top portion 34 of the outer rotatable tube 26. The nozzle 30, 32 130 and 132 are interchangeable between embodiments and may be used on all embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the side blowing means 14 also includes sealing means 38 for preventing air from leaking past the aperture 24 of the fixed inner member 22. Said another way, the sealing means 38 allows air to exit the outer rotatable tube 26 through only one of the discharge openings 28 of the outer rotatable tube 26. The sealing means 38 comprises base seals 40 which are pressure tight on both sides of the aperture 24 of the fixed inner member 22, and vertical seals 42 pressure sealing the fixed inner member 22 and the outer rotatable tube 26 circumferentially positioned at the base portion 36 and top portion 34 of the outer tube 26. In other words, the vertical seals 42 are placed circumferentially between the inner fixed member 22 and the outer rotatable tube 26 at the base portion 36 and top portion 34 to pressure seal the side blowing means 14.

The rotatable means 20 comprises a rotary actuator or an air cylinder or an electric motor and a rotation belt 21 rotating the outer tube 26 with respect to the fixed inner member 22.

The top blowing means 12 comprises a top nozzle 44 having a longitudinal axis and a discharge face 46 with at least one discharge orifice 48. The nozzle face 46 has a plurality of discharge orifices 48 configured in a "V" or arrow head with the point or pinnacle of the arrow facing in the opposite direction of vehicle travel through the frame 16. In other words, the arrowhead configuration of the discharge orifices 48 create a "plow effect" when stripping water from the surface of the vehicle as the vehicle travels through the tunnel of the frame in the opposite direction on the "V" facing. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the top nozzle 44 includes a first row of discharge orifices 48' comprising one of the discharge orifices 48' which is vertical or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the top nozzle 44. The top nozzle 44 further comprises a second row of discharge orifices 48" which are inclined or slanted and extend outwardly from the axis of the top nozzle 44, preferably 10 degrees. The top nozzle 44 comprises a third row of discharge orifices 48'" which are inclined or slanted and extend outwardly from the axis of the top nozzle 44 farther than the second row of discharge orifices 48". The third row of discharge orifices 48'" extend outwardly from the axis of the nozzle 44 approximately twenty degrees. Alternatively, the first, second and third rows of discharge orifices, 48', 48" and 48'" may be vertical or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the top nozzle 44.

The top blowing means 12 includes pivotal arms 50 for mounting the top nozzle 44 to the support frame 16 for allowing the top nozzle 44 to be raised and lowered. The pivotal arms 50 are pivotally secured to allow the top nozzle 44 to be raised and lowered. The top blowing means 12 also includes a stabilizer bar 52 interconnecting the top nozzle 44 and the frame 16 for maintaining the nozzle face 46 in the same parallel relationship to the vehicle at all times. The top blowing means 12 may be raised and lowered by a surface follower or roller attached to the top nozzle 44 or with a variable air cylinder, or the like.

The air supply means 18 comprises a fan 54 for producing high-velocity air flow, and a blower motor 56 for rotating the fan 54. The air supply means 18 includes tubing or conduit 58 interconnecting the fan 54 and the top blowing means 12 and side blowing means 14 for delivering high velocity air flow to the top blowing means 12 and side blowing means 14. The conduit 58 may be constructed with flexible material.

An alternative embodiment of the subject invention is generally shown at 110 in FIG. 6 wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts. The side blowing means 14 is staggered or offset from each other along the length of the frame 16 through which the vehicle moves. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the frame 16 supports the side blowing means 14. The side blowing means 14 includes a connector 59 which is tubular and is connected to the fixed inner member 122 to connect the outer rotatable tube 26 to the conduit 58. Further, the outer rotatable tube 26 is supported by the rotating means 20. The rotating means 20 includes a rotary air cylinder 60 and a cross frame 61. The cross frame 61 includes "L" shaped angle members perpendicular or at 90 degrees to each other. The cross frame 61 prevents the outer rotatable tube 26 from moving laterally and supports the tube 26 upon the rotary air cylinder 60.

The outer rotatable tube 26 of the side blowing means 14 has at least one, preferably a plurality of, rectangular discharge openings 28 for allowing air to exit the outer rotatable tube 26. In other words, a series of rectangular discharge openings 28 lie along the same common longitudinal axis or in a vertical strip.

The side blowing means 14 includes balancing means 62 to equalize the pressure and the air flow from the top portion 34 to the base portion 36 of the outer rotatable tube 26. Said another way, the balancing means 62 equalizes the pressure distribution along the outer rotatable tube 26 to provide the same or equal amount of volumetric air flow along the length of the discharge opening 28. The balancing means 62 includes a first baffle 63 having a first circular aperture and a second baffle 66 having a second circular aperture. The second circular aperture of the second baffle 66 is smaller than the first circular aperture of the first baffle 63. In other words, the baffles 63, 66 are similar to a "ring" with the second aperture of the second baffle 66 smaller than the first aperture of the first baffle 63. The baffles 63, 66 are distributed along the longitudinal length of the outer rotatable tube 26 between adjacent or consecutive rectangular discharge openings 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the fixed inner member 122 is tubular and similar to a pipe. The air from the air supply means 18, through the conduit 58, enters the outer rotatable tube directly, instead of entering the fixed inner member 122 as described in the preferred embodiment. Thus, in the alternate embodiment, air does not enter the fixed inner member 122 as illustrated in FIG. 8. Further, the fixed inner member 122 includes a platform portion 76 defined as a plate. The outer rotatable tube 26 includes sealing means 138 comprising a flap 78 pivotally disposed within the nozzle 30, 32 and a hinge means 80 for pivotally securing the flap 78 to the nozzle 30, 32. In other words, the flap 78 is similar to a "door" on a hinge to allow the flap 78 to rotate so that it can open or close the nozzle passageway. The sealing means 138 further comprises a connecting means 82 for opening and closing the flap 78 as the outer rotatable tube 26 is rotated. The connecting means 82 comprises a linkage 84 which interconnects the free end of the flap 78 and the platform portion 76 of fixed inner member 122. The connecting means 82 includes adjustment means 86 for increasing and decreasing the length of the linkage 84. In operation, as the outer rotatable tube 26 is rotated, the linkage 84 will pivot about the end connected to the platform portion 76 to geometrically open or close the flap 76.

In a second alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the sealing means is generally indicated at 238. The sealing means 238 includes a cylindrical tube 88 and an actuating means 90 pivotally supported by the platform portion 76 of the fixed inner member 122 and the outer rotatable tube 26 for extending and retracting the cylindrical tube 88. The actuating means 90 includes an air cylinder 90 supported by the outer rotatable tube 26 between a pair of discharge openings 128. The air cylinder 90 extends and retracts the cylindrical tube 88 for closing and opening the passageway of the nozzles 30, 32. The cylindrical tube 88 includes an absorption pad 92 circumferentially wrapped or disposed about the cylindrical tube 88. Thus, when the cylinder 90 extends the cylindrical tube 88 as the outer rotatable tube 26 is rotated to close the passageway of the nozzle 30, 32, the absorption pad 92 will be deformed slightly to form an air tight seal with the nozzle 30, 32.

In operation, the operator or automatic trip means will position the top blowing means 12 and side blowing means 14 to the correct position depending on the vehicle height and width.

The invention has been described in an illustrated manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims wherein reference numerals are merely for convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced other wise than as specifically described.