Abstract:
A foam/liquid applicator system for an automated carwash has at least one foam generator with a first end, a second end, a first input for receiving air, and a second input for receiving a detergent mixture. The foam generator transforms the air and the detergent mixture into foam. A light chamber is attached to the first end of said foam generator and receives the foam formed in the foam generator, the light chamber has a plurality of openings for dispensing. A light bar is disposed in the light chamber and has a plurality of lights for illuminating the foam as it is expelled via the openings.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates, generally, to a foam/liquid applicator, and more specifically, it relates to a foam/liquid applicator with a built-in or internal lighting system. 
     The foaming/liquid applicator applies a mixture of water, wax and/or detergent for use in a vehicle washing unit for washing cars, trucks, vans, buses, or indeed any other vehicle or device. For convenience, such a vehicle washing unit will be referred to as a carwash apparatus hereinafter. 
     In washing cars, a mixture of water, wax and/or detergent is applied to the vehicle and left for a period of time to enable the water-wax-detergent mixture to penetrate through to the finish of the vehicle. This is then normally rinsed off with either hot or cold water. The water-wax-detergent mixture may be hot or cold. It is important that the water-wax-detergent mixture should remain on the vehicle for as long as possible to enable adequate penetration. Thus, it is preferable that the water-wax-detergent mixture should be applied to the vehicle and to adhere to the vehicle for an extended period. It has been found that where the water-wax-detergent mixture is applied in foam form it remains as a result of surface tension for longer periods. 
     To further enhance the vehicle washing experience, the dispensed foam or detergent mixture as it falls towards a vehicle is lit up with colored lighting. The colored light is absorbed by the foam or detergent mixture and the foam or detergent mixture exhibits the same color as the colored lighting as it falls towards a vehicle. An individual seated in a vehicle experiences or visualizes an avalanche of colored foam falling about the vehicle, thus providing a more entertaining carwash experience. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,069,867 to Turner et al. teaches a U-shaped archway having a conduit for a cleaning fluid. Attached to the archway is a plurality of nozzles for releasing the fluid toward a passing vehicle. At the top of the archway is a signage area. Attached to the exterior of the U-shaped archway and extending from one side of the archway to the other are clear tubular plastic lighting members. The lighting members contain a plurality of LEDs providing both white and colored lighting. The lighting members provide light for the centralized signage and provide a neon-like lighting experience. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,511,326 to Ennis teaches a bubble tank system that collects water and a soap mixture which then overflows out of the tank and provides a gravity fed waterfall that dumps a relatively large volume of water and bubbles onto a passing vehicle. In one embodiment the bubble tank system has a fixed overhead lighting system which directs light down toward the falling bubbles and can be formed to illuminate the signage. 
     In essence the prior art teaches add-on lighting systems that are disposed above and/or on a side of a foam or water/soap dispensing system for enhancing the viewing pleasure of persons traversing a car washing bay. However, the add-on lighting fixtures stick out from the carwash infrastructure and are thus susceptible to being damaged. In addition, they are added onto the existing infrastructure rather than being part of the infrastructure which adds cost and complexity. Furthermore, the lighting systems are spaced from the foam dispensing system and only partially illuminate the falling foam or liquid. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a foam/liquid applicator with an internal or built-in lighting system and a carwash system having the foam/liquid applicator that overcomes the herein-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type, which provides a superior lighting experience and is less expensive to manufacture. 
     With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a foam generating system for an automated carwash. The foam generating system contains a foam generator having a first end, a second end, a first input for receiving air, and a second input for receiving a detergent-wax mixture. The foam generator transforms the air and the detergent-wax mixture into foam. A light chamber is attached to the first end of the foam generator and receives the foam formed in the foam generator. The light chamber has a plurality of openings formed therein for dispensing the foam. A light bar is disposed in the light chamber and has a plurality of lights for illuminating the foam as it is expelled via the openings. In this manner, the originally white foam absorbs the colored light at the source and gives an enriched visual affect to those sitting in a vehicle watching the colored foam falling to the vehicle. In other words, the white foam takes on the coloring provided by the light bar. In addition, no lighting related parts stick out away from the foam generators and are therefore less susceptible to damage. 
     In accordance with an added feature of the invention, nozzles are disposed in the openings of the light chamber for ejecting the foam. In this manner a more controlled or directed stream of colored foam is possible via the type of nozzle. 
     In accordance with another feature of the invention, the light chamber has a removable cap for allowing easy access to and replacement of the light bar. In this manner the light bars can easily be replaced with limited down time. 
     Ideally, a light flasher is connected directly or wirelessly to the light bar for controlling an operation of the light bar. In this manner a direct continuous lighting can be provided. In the alternative, a flashed lighting experience can also be provided by turning the LEDs off and on. In addition, certain colored LEDs can be turned off while other colors are turned on for controlling the light color selection. 
     In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the light chamber has an interior wall and the light bar has an exterior wall defining a gap therebetween. The foam flows from the foam generator to the openings via the gap. Ideally, the light chamber is made of a plastic such as PVC. 
     In accordance with another feature of the invention, the first input of the foam generator is an adjustable ball valve and the second input of the foam generator is a full cone nozzle. 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, the plurality of lights of the light bar are light emitting diode (LED) lights. LEDs provide powerful lighting and yet consume little electricity. The light bar has a waterproof housing being hydrocarbon insensitive for protecting the LEDs. 
     In accordance with an added additional feature of the invention, a reducing tee socket is disposed between the foam generator and the light chamber. The light bar has an end supported in the reducing tee socket. 
     In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, the foam generator has a gator cam lock fitting for releasably connecting to the light chamber. Because a gator cam lock fitting is a quick release connector, the foam generator can be quickly detached from the light chamber for service or replacement. 
     With the foregoing and other objects in view there is further provided, in accordance with the invention, a carwash system for an automated carwash. The carwash system contains an air source for supplying air, a control valve, a detergent source for supplying detergent and connected to the control valve, and a water source for supplying water and connected to the control valve. The control valve mixes the detergent with the water forming a foaming mixture. A foam generating system is connected to the control valve and the air source. The foam generating system contains a plurality of foam generators each having a first end, a second end, a first input connected to the air source for receiving the air, and a second input connected to the control valve and receiving the foaming mixture. The foam generators transform the air and the foaming mixture into foam. Light chambers are provided and a respective one of the light chambers is attached to the first end of each of the foam generators and receives the foam formed in a respective one of the foam generators. The light chambers each have a plurality of openings for dispensing the foam. Light bars are provided and, a respective one of the light bars is disposed in each of the light chambers and each have a plurality of lights for illuminating the foam as it is expelled via the openings. 
     With the foregoing and other objects in view there is additionally provided, in accordance with the invention, a liquid applicator system for an automated carwash. The liquid applicator system contains a liquid applicator having a first end, a second end, and an input for receiving a mixed solution. A light chamber is attached to the first end of the liquid applicator and receives the mixed solution. The light chamber has a plurality of openings for dispensing the mixed solution. A light bar is disposed in the light chamber and has at least one light for illuminating the mixed solution as it is expelled via the openings. 
     Other characteristic features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a foam/liquid applicator having an internal lighting system and a carwash system having the foam/liquid applicator, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. 
     The construction of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of an automated carwash having a foam generating system according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic, side view of a foam generator assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the foam generator assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a part of a foam generator; 
         FIG. 5  is a partially exploded, perspective view of the foam generator; and 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an automated carwash having a liquid applicator system according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In all the figures of the drawing, sub-features and integral parts that correspond to one another bear the same reference symbol in each case. Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to  FIG. 1  thereof, there is shown a foam generation system for an automated car wash. The foam generation system includes an air source  1 , a water source  2 , and a cleaning fluid (detergent) source  3  such as a cleaning chemical source, wax and/or a soap source. The water and cleaning sources  2 ,  3  are combined via a control valve  6  and pumps  4 ,  5  to which a plurality of foam generator assemblies  10  are attached, of which only one is illustrated. The air source  1  is also connected to the foam generator assemblies  10 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of a single foam generator assembly  10 . The foam generator assembly  10  contains a foam generator  11  connected to a first end of a light chamber  12  via a reducing tee socket  13 , a bushing  17 , a nipple  18  and a connector  19  (see  FIG. 3 ). A strain relieve  30  is attached to the reducing tee socket  13 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a light bar  14  is contained in the light chamber  12 . The light bar  14  contains a plurality of diagrammatic illustrated light emitting devices  33  such as laser emitting diodes  33  (LEDs). The LEDs  33  ideally output either a single light color or optionally a plurality of light colors. Of course the light emitting devices  33  can also emit white light. The light chamber  12  also contains a plurality of holes  15  functioning as nozzles for ejecting a stream of foam and/or water-detergent mixtures. Instead of holes  15 , nozzles  16  can be incorporated into the holes  15 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show the foam generator  11  in greater detail. The foam generator  11  has a body or housing  20  generally formed as a pipe preferable a PVC pipe  20  or a metallic pipe  20 . Inserted in the housing  20  is a foamer brush  21  (bottle brush). The foamer brush  21  has a rod  22  and a plurality of bristles  23  made from a plastic, composite or metallic material extending from the rod  22 . A first end or bottom end of the rod  22  ends in an eyelet  23  that extends out of a bottom end of the housing  20 . The eyelet  23  allows for a quick removal and cleaning of the foamer brush  21 . 
     At one end of the foam generator  11  is a cap  24  having left and right threaded bores  25 ,  26  formed therein. Inserted in the right threaded bore or opening  25  is an air nozzle  27  with a control valve. The air nozzle  27  is an adjustable, elbow ball valve  27  ideally being ¼-⅜ inches. The air supply  1  is attached to the air nozzle valve  27  and allows air to flow into the housing  20  in a controlled manner via the control valve. 
     Threaded in the left threaded bore or opening  26  is a machined, full cone nozzle  28 . The cone nozzle  28  is connected to the control valve  6  which supplies it a water-detergent mixture. Assisted by the rush of air entering via the air nozzle  27  the partially foamed water-detergent mixture is pushed along the foamer brush  21  for further foaming of the water-detergent mixture (hereafter the foamed mixture). The foamed mixture is then pushed into the light chamber  12  and expelled via the holes  15  or nozzles  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the foam generator  11  has an end with a gator cam lock fitting  35 . The gator cam lock fitting  35  allows for a quick release connection of the foam generator  11  to the light chamber  12 . Via the gator cam lock fitting  35 , the foam generator  11  can be separated allowing for easy access to the component parts for cleaning and servicing. Ideally the gator cam lock fitting  35  is a male adapter 1½ inch female NPT. 
     The light bar  14  is held in the middle of the light chamber  12  so that the foamed mixture flows in a gap  29  formed between an interior wall of the cylindrical light chamber  12  and an exterior wall of a housing  31  of the light bar  14 . At a second end of the light chamber  12  is a threaded end cap  32  which can be screwed off for replacing or servicing the light bar  14 . The light bar  14  is held in an end section  33  of the light chamber  14  and the end section has a threading for receiving an external threading of the end cap  32 . The opposite end of the light bar  14  is held in the reducing tee socket  13 . 
     An external light flasher  40  is electrically or wirelessly connected to the light bar  14  for controlling the light bar  14  (e.g. for turning the light bar  14  on and off). The light bar  14  ideally outputs green, blue, red, orange, white and yellow lights individually or in combination. Of course further customization of the light coloring is possible. The light bar  14  can be operated at three levels of light intensity including a. accent lighting at 0.5-2 watts/foot, b. wall washer lighting at 3.5-8 watts/foot, and c. flood lighting at 12-25 watts/foot. 
     The light bar  14  to survive in such a harsh environment has a potted waterproof housing  31  with water proof connectors  32  and is made of a lightweight impact resistance material that is hydrocarbon insensitive. 
     As the light bar  14  is incorporated into the foam generator system  10 , it is now an integral part and is not an add-on feature. Therefore the light bar  14  is protected from accidently being knocked down or damaged as so often happens in add-on lighting systems. Additional, the light affect on the foam is superior to that of the add-on prior art lighting systems as the light coloring is affected at the source of the foam generation and is absorbed by the foam before it is ejected to a passing vehicle. More specifically, the foam absorbs the color and therefore is visually seen as colored foam. Therefore the viewing pleasure of the carwash user is enhanced by a more thoroughly light foaming action. In addition, the integrated lighting system is less complex and less expensive to manufacture. 
       FIG. 6  shows a second embodiment of the invention. In the second embodiment, only a single pressurized mixed solution source  50  is provided. The mixed solution contains a mixture of water, cleaning chemicals, soaps and/or waxes. The mixed solution is provided under pressure to a liquid applicator system  51  having a liquid applicator  52  directly connected to the light chamber  12 . The liquid applicator  52  has an input nozzle  53  with an adjustable, elbow ball valve  54  for controlling the flow of mixed solution flowing into the liquid applicator  52 . The liquid applicator  52  directly injects the mixed solution into the light chamber  12  wherein the mixed solution is ejected via the holes  15  or nozzles  16  onto passing vehicles. In the second embodiment, the light chamber  12  is the same as the light chamber in the first embodiment.  FIG. 6  shows only one liquid applicator system  51  however, it is clear that the pressurized mixed solution source  50  would supply mixed solution to a plurality of liquid application systems  51 . 
     The second embodiment does not have a dedicated foam generator as in the first embodiment. Rather the liquid applicator  52  has a body or housing generally formed as a pipe preferable a PVC pipe or a metallic pipe. The liquid applicator  52  provides an internal chamber for receiving the mixed solution and transports the mixed solution to the light chamber  12 . 
     At one end, the liquid applicator  52  has an end with the gator cam lock fitting  35 . The gator cam lock fitting  35  allows for a quick release connection of the liquid applicator  52  to the light chamber  12 . Via the gator cam lock fitting  35 , the liquid applicator  52  can be separated allowing for easy access to the component parts for cleaning and servicing. 
     The liquid applicator  52  is connected to a first end of the light chamber  12  via the reducing tee socket  13 , the bushing  17 , the nipple  18  and the connector  19  (see  FIG. 3 ). A strain relieve  30  is attached to the reducing tee socket  13 . It is noted that the liquid applicator  52  and the foam generator  11  can basically be interchanged with each other. 
     The second embodiment enhances the car washing experience in the situation where a foamed detergent mixture is not required such as a rinsing stage, a pre-soak stage, or a waxing stage where once again the falling liquid absorbs the colored lighting and appears to be colored as it falls.