Cleaning bristle brushes and cleaning systems and methods using same

Abstract

Washing devices, systems and methods comprise a brushing apparatus including vertical, elongated stanchions supporting a flexible, wave-like brush carrier. An array of brushes is mounted to the front of the brush carrier. In particular embodiments the brushes include hubs which are received within apertures formed by the brush carrier. The systems may include a single, relatively-wide stanchion, or multiple stanchions. The stanchions are articulated in an up-and-down, optionally orbital, movement. Spray nozzles and lights may be included in the stanchions and/or brush carrier.

1 . A brushing apparatus for a vehicle washing system, the brushing apparatus comprising:
 an elongated stanchion extending from a proximal end to a distal end;   a flexible, wavelike brush carrier mounted to the stanchion and having a front facing away from the stanchion; and   an array of brushes mounted to the front of the brush carrier.   
     
     
         2 . The brush apparatus of  claim 1  in which the brushes are mounted in apertures formed in the brush carrier. 
     
     
         3 . The brush apparatus of  claim 2  in which the brushes include annular recesses received in the apertures. 
     
     
         4 . The brush apparatus of  claim 1  in which the brushes include multiple fingers extending away from the brush carrier, the array of brushes being spaced to cause overlap when the brushes are pressed against a vehicle. 
     
     
         5 . The brush apparatus of  claim 1  and further including tubing extending within the array of brushes, the tubing including nozzles configured to spray a fluid against a vehicle being washed. 
     
     
         6 . The brush apparatus of  claim 5  in which the tubing is mounted on the front of the brush carrier. 
     
     
         7 . The brush apparatus of  claim 6  in which the nozzles comprise holes formed in the tubing. 
     
     
         8 . The brush apparatus of  claim 5  in which the light tubing is mounted between the brush carrier and the stanchion, and in which the nozzles are received in apertures in the brush carrier. 
     
     
         9 . The brush apparatus of  claim 1  and further including an array of LEDs positioned between the brushes. 
     
     
         10 . The brush apparatus of  claim 9  in which the LEDs are mounted between the brush carrier and the stanchion, and are visible through the brush carrier. 
     
     
         11 . The brush apparatus of  claim 10  in which the LEDs are in the form of light tubing containing the LEDs. 
     
     
         12 . The brush apparatus of  claim 11  in which the light tubing extends linearly between the proximal and distal ends of the stanchion. 
     
     
         13 . A system for washing a vehicle comprising:
 a horizontal support system; and   at least one brush apparatus according to  claim 1  mounted to the support system and hanging downwardly therefrom.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  in which the support system includes a motion assembly configured to move the at least one brush apparatus in an up and down motion. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  in which the at least one brush apparatus is moved in an orbital motion. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13  and including at least 2 brushing apparatuses according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  in which there are gaps between adjacent brush carriers. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16  in which the brushes include multiple fingers extending away from the brush carrier, the array of brushes being spaced to cause overlap with brushes on an adjacent brush carrier when the brushes are pressed against a vehicle. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16  in which alternating stanchions are secured together. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18  including five brush apparatuses positioned in a line comprising a first, a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth brush apparatus, the first, third and fifth brush apparatuses being secured together, and the second and fourth brush apparatuses being secured together. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  in which the first, third and fifth brush apparatuses are secured together by a cross-member extending along the back side of the second and fourth brush apparatuses, and the second and fourth brush apparatuses are secured together by a second cross-member extending along the back side of the third brush apparatus.