Patent Publication Number: US-10787155-B2

Title: Device for dispensing chemical onto a tire brush

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/484,281, filed on Apr. 11, 2017, now abandoned, which is a Continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/216,348, filed on Jul. 21, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,650,021, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/336,320, filed on May 13, 2016, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to commercial carwash equipment, specifically to tire washers and tire dressing and shining equipment. Automatic and drive through car washes often include rotary cylindrical-shaped tire brushes on each side of a car. The rotary tire brushes have bristles that extend outward from a center axis and are often made of polyethylene tubing, polypropylene or another stiff plastic and can have feathered plastic tips on the bristles. As a car passes through the carwash, the brushes rotate in a vertical direction, the axis of the cylindrical brushes being perpendicular to the direction of the vehicle&#39;s motion. This allows the brush to coat the tires in a multidirectional fashion as the tires rotate for better coverage. 
     Current tire brushes often include sprayers, nozzles or other applicators that spray chemical onto the cylindrical brushes while a car is being washed or dried. These applicators are not ideal because they waste dressing chemicals, they clog easily, they do not evenly distribute the chemical along the brush, and they do not continuously keep chemical on the brushes. Additionally, when these brushes are not in use, the tire chemical drips off the brushes, wasting considerable amounts of tire chemical and causes the tire brush to be unevenly coated. 
     The tire chemical itself typically costs between $400 and $1000 per 30 gallon barrel. Additionally, when spilled in a carwash lane, the tire chemical is slippery and dangerous. 
     What is needed is a device that can distribute chemical evenly along a tire brush without any restriction points in the chemical delivery line while also limiting chemical waste and promotes even brush coating. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The device reduces wasted chemical and the quantity of chemical spilled on a car wash floor. The device also evenly distributes chemical across the bristles of a tire brush. In one embodiment, the device reduces chemical spills by ⅔ or more in a single car wash lane and reduces wear on tire brushes by evenly distributing tire chemical and reducing friction on the tire brush. 
     The device comprises a generally c-shaped cover or shield that covers approximately half or more of the circumference of a cylindrical tire brush over the length the tire brush. The shield has through-ports passing through it that open to chemical delivery ports on the inside surface of the shield. On the outside surface of the shield, the through-ports connect to chemical delivery hoses. The inside surface of the shield has chemical distribution grooves, redistribution grooves and collection grooves. These grooves act as channels to direct the flow of chemical across the entire surface of the tire brush and keep the chemical from spilling out of the shield on to the floor of the carwash lane. The c-shaped cover or shield design also eliminates reservoir trays that protrude on the underside of a brush toward the tire that are susceptible to damage from interference with the mechanical devices that propel a vehicle forward during the application process. 
     This design eliminates the industry standard of v-jet nozzles or pin hole manifolds (spray to brush applications) being used on a rotating brush that constantly clog due to the restrictive nature of their designs. The device does not clog because the chemical does not pass through a restrictive point while chemical is being back-splattered from a tire as it is applied to the tire brush. 
     These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the device, with the access flap open, on a tire brush. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the device, with the access flap closed, on a tire brush. 
         FIG. 3  is a view of the inside surface of the device, off of a tire brush. 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the outside surface of the device, off of a tire brush. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the device with a tire brush engaging a tire. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     It is to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The device and method of applying chemical to a tire brush  5  using the device was designed to eliminate current problems that plague existing tire wash systems. This process applies dressing onto a tire brush  5  in a new method that is not subject to clogging (as current units and systems often do), promotes even distribution of chemical, and uses the rotation of the tire brush  5  to contain chemical on the brush during times when the tire brush  5  is not applying chemical to car tire. 
     The device is a supplemental or after market system that can be attached to a tire brush  5  and other tire wash systems that are widely used in the car washing industry. In operation, the device is attached to a retractable arm  3 , which arm moves the tire brush to engage and treat a tire. When the tire brush has finished applying chemical, the retractable arm  3  moves the tire brush  5  out or away from the vehicle (and tire) being treated. Typically, two tire brushes work in tandem, one on either side of a vehicle as its tires are being treated. In one embodiment, the device is attached to the retractable arm  3  and moves with the tire brush. Once the tire brush  5  is retracted, in one embodiment, the device will apply chemical to the tire brush  5 . When a horizontal rotary tire brush  5  is rotating, in one embodiment, the device disperses or applies tire chemical onto the tire brush  5 . In one embodiment, the retractable arm  3  is a frame manufactured by AVW Company. In another embodiment, the arm is stationary and non-retractable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device is an applicator for tire wash brushes  5  and other rotary brushes. In one embodiment, the device is a tire shining apparatus comprising an elongated generally cylindrical brush  5  positioned to engage a car tire, a shield  10  extending around a side of the brush  5  opposite from the tire, and the tire brush  5  rotatable in a direction such that as it rotates, the tire brush  5  engages the bottom of the shield  10  and rotates up into the shield  10 . 
     The device may be retrofitted to existing tire brushes and, in one embodiment, fits like a shield or splash guard over an industry standard tire brush  5 . The device disperses or applies tire chemical onto the tire brush  5  while the tire brush  5  is rotating. In another embodiment, the device can apply chemical to the brush while the brush is idling or intermittently rotating, either during a pause between rotations or during rotation. Additionally, the device&#39;s shield can capture excess tire chemical and reapplies it to the tire brush  5  when the tire brush  5  rotates. 
     Shield and Shield Mount 
     In one embodiment, the device comprises a shield  10 , which in cross section is generally c-shaped and can be a c-shaped molding (either CNC milled PVC or injection molded). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the position of the device&#39;s shield  10  (the c formed molding) can be held to the frame or arm  3  with a floating bolt  2 , the floating bolt having a spring pushing the device&#39;s shield  10  against tire brush  5 . The shield  10  can also be held by other connectors capable of pushing the shield  10  against the tire brush  5 , while still securing the shield to the frame  3 . In one embodiment, the device shield fits a standard 96 inch tire brush. In another embodiment, the device shield fits a 103 inch tire brush. In other embodiments, the device can fit any length cylindrical brush. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the device comprises an elongated shield  10  (shown as a two part embodiment) having a concave inside surface  23 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the concave inside surface  23  generally matches the curvature of the outside curvature of the tire brush  5 . In one embodiment, the device&#39;s shield  10  connects to the retractable arm  3  using a spring mount so that the shield is held against the brush even if the brush is worn down and the bristles become shorter. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in one embodiment, the shield  10  includes a main part  11  and a smaller access flap  12 , which smaller access flap  12  is hinged to the main part  11 . In such an embodiment, the access flap  12  is near the top of the shield  10 , forming the top of the c-shape. In a two-part embodiment, the main part  11  attaches to the retractable arm  3 . In one example, the main part  11  of the shield  10  extends for most of the curvature of the c-shape and the access flap  12  (hinged to the main port) completes the top of the curvature when closed (flipped down) and allows access to the top of the tire brush  5  and chemical dispensing port  20   a  when open (flipped up). 
     In a two-part embodiment, the shield  10  comprises a main part  11  extending for most of the shield&#39;s  10  curvature and an access flap  12  hinged to the main part  11 . The combined shield  10  is open allowing the brush  5  inside the shield to receive a tire. In one embodiment, the access flap  12  is hinged to the main part  11  of the shield  10  so as to flip up and allow access to the brush  5  and chemical dispensing port  20   a  when not in use. In another embodiment, the shield  10  is a single piece forming the entire c-shape. 
     In one alternative embodiment, the shield can be omitted entirely or can be much smaller or skinnier. For example, in one embodiment, the shield can be arranged only to dispense and be just a few inches wide covering less of the circumference of the tire brush or, in another embodiment, the shield can be shortened so that it does not extend the entire length of the tire brush. In one embodiment, the shield does not extend under the bottom of the tire brush to avoid interfering with mechanical devices that propel a vehicle through the car wash lane. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  and discussed below, in addition to the shield, the device can comprise a chemical dispensing tube  32 , a chemical through-port (through holes)  20  in the shield  10  of the device, a chemical distribution groove  21  on the inside surface  23  of the shield  10 , and a chemical redistribution groove  22  on the inside surface  23  of the shield  10 . In one embodiment, the device has multiple chemical dispensing tubes  32 , multiple chemical through-ports  20 , multiple chemical dispensing ports  20 , multiple chemical distribution grooves  21 , multiple chemical redistribution grooves  22  and/or multiple chemical collection grooves  24 . 
     Distribution Tubes and Through-Ports 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment of the device, a chemical dispensing tube  32  delivers chemical from a chemical pump. The chemical dispensing tube  32  can be any flexible tube, for example ¼ inch polyethylene tubing. The chemical dispensing tube  32  connects through a connector  31  (on the exterior face  34  or surface of the shield  10 ) to the chemical through-port  20  that opens to a port (or application hole)  20   a  on an interior face  23  or surface of the shield  10 . The chemical through-port  20  is bored or cut through the shield  10  and can be a hole between the exterior surface  34  and an interior surface  23  of the shield  10 . The chemical through-port  20  ends in a chemical dispensing port  20   a.    
     In an embodiment without a shield, the chemical dispensing tubes  32  do not connect to a chemical through-port and can end in an open tube, a dispensing nozzle, a pin manifold or any other suitable applicator. In such an embodiment, the applicator is typically placed above the tire brush or, in an embodiment installed on a frame that retracts from a tire, above the tire brush when the brush is retracted away from a tire. 
     Dispensing Ports 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , there is a chemical dispensing port  20   a  entering into the inside surface  23  of the shield  10 . In one embodiment, the port  20   a  allows the inside surface  23  to receive tire chemical. In an embodiment with multiple dispensing ports  20   a , each dispensing port  20   a  connects or adjoins a chemical distribution groove  21 . In one embodiment there are multiple chemical dispensing ports  20   a  on the inside surface  23 . The chemical dispensing ports  20   a  in such an embodiment are not restrictive, and do not include nozzles or pin manifolds. Instead they are wide open ports without a significant restriction from the through-ports  20 , connectors  31 , or the dispensing tubes  32 . 
     In an embodiment without a shield, the chemical dispensing parts can be nozzles, pin manifolds, or other applicators configured to spray chemical on a tire brush when the brush is not engaging a tire. In an embodiment with a retractable brush, the applicators can be positioned to apply chemical when the brush is in retracted position. In one such embodiment, the nozzles or manifolds do not travel with the retractable arm so that they are less likely to become clogged while the brush is rapidly rotating and back-splattering when engaging a tire. In such an embodiment, a small shield can be positioned between the applicators and the tire brush when it is extended to prevent back-splatter from reaching the applicators. 
     Distribution Grooves 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3 , each shield  10  comprises at least one chemical distribution groove  21  formed into the inside surface  23 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the chemical distribution groove  21  communicates with the chemical dispensing port  20   a.    
     The chemical distribution groove  21  can be a groove cut into the inside surface  23  of the shield  10 , starting at the chemical dispensing port  20   a  and extending at an angle downward from the chemical dispensing port  20   a . The grooves can be manufactured in or cut from the c-shaped molding of the device. The downward angle of the chemical distribution groove  21  allows chemical to flow with gravity away from the chemical dispensing port  20   a . The downward angle of the chemical distribution groove  21  can be calibrated between 0 degrees and 90 degrees from horizontal, in one embodiment the angle is between 20 degrees and 70 degrees from horizontal. The downward angle is calibrated to optimize travel of the chemical across the chemical distribution groove  21  as the chemical is swept into the tire brush  5 . The downward angle should not be so steep that the chemical travels faster than it can be swept up by the tire brush  5 . Additionally, the pressure and rate at which the chemical is pumped into the chemical dispensing tube  32  is calibrated to optimize travel of the chemical across the chemical distribution groove  21  before the chemical is swept into the tire brush  5 . 
     In one embodiment, the chemical distribution groove  21  is inclined downwardly at an angle from the port  20   a  along the inside surface  23 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the chemical distribution groove  21  has a curved neck  21   a  followed by a straighter portion, and the straighter portion of the chemical distribution groove  21  can be tapered  21   b  on one side to allow the tire brush  5  to easily sweep tire chemical out of the distribution groove. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the straighter portion of chemical distribution groove  21  is not actually straight because it is formed in the concave inside surface  23  of the shield  10 . 
     In an embodiment with a skinnier shield, the chemical distribution groves  21  can be omitted or shortened to fit the shield. 
     Redistribution Grooves 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , chemical redistribution grooves  22  can also be manufactured in or cut from the shield  10  of the device. The chemical redistribution grooves  22  can be placed at an upward angle compared to the angle of the chemical distribution grooves  21 . This allows chemical to be pushed horizontally and redistributed across the interior face  23  of the shield  10  as the chemical is pushed upward by the rotating tire brush  5 . The chemical redistribution groove  22  can be placed above at least part of the chemical distribution groove  21  to catch chemical being swept upward from the chemical distribution groove  21 . In one embodiment, at least one chemical redistribution groove  22  is located above a distribution groove  21 , and at least one chemical redistribution groove  22  is inclined upwardly to receive tire chemical carried by the tire brush  5  and to carry the tire chemical up along the inside surface  23  by a rotating brush  5 . As the chemical is swept into the chemical redistribution groove  22  by a rotating tire brush  5 , it is distributed across the interior face  23  of the shield  10  and applied to the brush  5 . The upward angle of the chemical redistribution groove  22  can be calibrated between 0 degrees and 90 degrees from the horizontal, in one embodiment the angle is inclined upwardly at an angle of between 5 degrees and 45 degrees from the horizontal. The upward angle is calibrated to optimize travel of the chemical across the chemical redistribution groove  22  as it is swept by the tire brush  5 . The upward angle should not be so steep that the chemical is not distributed horizontally but not so shallow that the chemical is simply trapped in the groove without being redistributed. 
     In one embodiment, the redistribution grooves can be omitted entirely or shortened. 
     Collection Groove 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the shield  10  of the device also comprises a chemical collection groove  24  along the bottom of the inside surface  23  of the shield  10  to catch chemical running or flowing down the inside surface  23 . In one embodiment, the collection groove  24  runs parallel with the axis of the tire brush  5 . A chemical collection groove  24  can be placed horizontally across or along the bottom of the interior face (or surface)  23  of the shield or at another distance from the bottom. 
     In one embodiment, chemical distribution groove  21  connects and feeds into chemical collection groove  24 . This allows chemical to flow freely from the chemical distribution groove  21  into the chemical collection groove  24 . The chemical collection groove  24  catches chemical dripping down the interior surface  23  of the device and chemical dripping off of the tire brush  5 . As the tire brush rotates, it sweeps chemical out of the chemical collection groove  24  back up the interior face  23  of the shield  10 . In one embodiment, the chemical collection groove  24  is on the main part  11  of the shield  10 . In one embodiment, one wall or side of the chemical collection groove  24  is tapered  24   a  to allow chemical to be easily swept out of the chemical collection groove  24  by the brush. At each end of the shield, the horizontal collection groove terminates in a short vertical groove  25 . The short vertical groove  25  acts as a dam to stop chemical from dripping out the ends of the shield  10 . 
     In one embodiment, the chemical collection grooves can be omitted entirely. 
     Pump 
     Most tire dressing machines apply chemical to the cleaning brush while the machine is treating a tire. In one embodiment of the device, the device applies chemical to the tire brush  5  while the tire brush  5  is not shining a tire, but is idling in the shield  10 . This gives the chemical time to run down the device&#39;s distribution grooves  21  and distribute across the surface of the tire brush  5  better. In one embodiment, the chemical is applied to the tire brush  5  using a chemical pump. The pump pushes the chemical through a flexible tube  32  from an attached reservoir of chemical (e.g., a 30 gallon drum). 
     In one embodiment, the device rotates the tire brush using a hydraulic pump connected to the variable frequency drive. The hydraulic pump operates the motor when it pumps oil through a high pressure line attached to the hydraulic motor. In one embodiment, the hydraulic pump is connected to a hydraulic oil reserve tank, however, rather than the tank being attached vertically above the hydraulic pump (as is customary), the tank can be attached horizontally to the side of the pump. This arrangement allows the hydraulic pump of the device to remain primed with oil rather than requiring the pump to reprime itself each time it is activated. Repriming reduces the consistency of the pump, which reduces the consistency of the motor, which reduces the precision with which the variable frequency drive rotates the tire brush. By connecting the oil reserve tank horizontally, the rotation of the tire brush can be accurately measured by measuring the time the hydraulic pump is activated. In one embodiment, the device has a Viton pump with diaphragms and seals, or another industry standard pump that is designed to be impervious to caustic, alkaline, acidic, or other hazardous chemicals. 
     In one embodiment, each tire brush is rotated using electric motor(s) instead of a hydraulic pump. An electric motor can be attached to one end of the each brush or at both ends of each tire brush. Variable frequency drives can still be used to control the operation of the motors and to control the frequency, speed and duration of the brush&#39;s rotation when it is idling and operating. 
     The variable frequency drive controls the speed of rotation of the tire brush. The tire brush can be rotated downward with respect to the tire of a vehicle so that the brush moves in an upward direction against the interior surface of the device. By rotating the tire brush upward against the interior surface of the device, the brush will push unused chemical upward against the interior surface of the shield. Brush rotation can be induced by the variable frequency drive on a cyclic time table (typically rotating brush approximately 100 degrees periodically). By setting the variable frequency drive on a timer, the tire brush, while set to idle when it is not treating a tire, can be partially rotated to counteract gravity runoff of chemical from the tire brush. This is accomplished by the variable frequency drive partially turning the tire brush at set intervals to counteract, catch and/or redistribute chemical dripping off the tire brush. 
     In one embodiment, the variable frequency drive causes the tire brush to turn at consistent time intervals at a constant rotational velocity for random periods of time, causing the tire brush to stop at different locations. In another embodiment, the tire brush rotates at consistent time intervals at variable rotational velocity for random periods of time. In one embodiment, the variable frequency drive rotates the tire brush at least one quarter of a turn (90 degrees) each time it engages. In one embodiment, the variable frequency drive rotates the tire brush less than 360 degrees each time it engages. The device promotes even distribution of tire chemical on a tire brush by randomly stopping the brush&#39;s rotation. The device is designed to use any tire chemical on the market. 
     The variable frequency drive is connected to and controlled by a program logic controller (PLC), which is connected to and programmed by a human machine interface (HMI). The variable frequency drive of one embodiment can rotate the tire brush between 5 and 2500 rpm. In one embodiment, when the device is idling the brush, the variable frequency drive can cause the motor to rotate for between 1 and 30 second intervals followed by a pause in rotation for 15 to 240 seconds. In one embodiment, the variable frequency drive causes the motor to rotate between 0.5 and 30 second intervals followed by a pause. In one embodiment, the brush idles at an index speed of 800 rpm. In another embodiment, the brush idles at an index speed between 400 and 1200 rpm. In another embodiment, when idling, the variable frequency drive pauses the brush&#39;s rotation for approximately 48 seconds between each partial rotation. In one embodiment, the variable frequency drive turns the tire brush approximately 110 degrees during each partial rotation while the device is idling. In one embodiment, when idling, the variable frequency drive rotates the tire brush for approximately 1.1 seconds. When the tire brush is shining/treating a tire, the variable frequency drive can cause the motor to continuously rotate the tire brush at an optimal speed. In one embodiment, when the tire brush is applying chemical to a tire, the variable frequency drive can cause the motor to rotate the brush at 1800 rpm for approximately 3 seconds. 
     In one embodiment, two devices on either side of a vehicle are controlled by separate chemical pumps, one pump for each tire brush (each tire brush being on an opposite side of a vehicle). In one embodiment, multiple through-ports  20  are fed by a single pump. In such an embodiment, the dispensing tube  32  has a splitter  32   a  connecting smaller tubes with a larger portion of the dispensing tube and the size of the dispensing tube is reduced to keep the pressure and flow rate closer to constant across the split. For example, at one split, the tubing diameter can be reduced from ⅜ inch to ¼ inch. In one embodiment, the device has at least two through-ports per shield connected to at least two dispensing tubes splitting from a larger dispensing tube, the larger dispensing tube connecting to the chemical pump. The chemical dispensing ports  20   a  in the shield can be spaced out from the other chemical dispensing ports  20   a  to allow for even distribution of chemical on the tire brush  5 . There are no interior restrictions in the dispensing tubing, through ports  20 , connectors  31 , or dispensing ports  20   a , which design prevents clogging. 
     Method 
     When the device is in operation, the interior face  23  of the device is held against the tire brush  5  by a spring or other apparatus that allows for movement while holding the device on the brush&#39;s frame or arm  5 . The device can calibrated to automatically pump chemical through the chemical dispensing tube  32  and through the chemical through-port  20  and out the chemical dispensing port  20   a . The chemical then flows into a chemical distribution groove  21  that directs flow of the chemical to distribute the chemical onto the bristles of tire brush  5  as it turns. 
     One exemplary method for treating tires on a car with the device comprising the steps of rotating a cylindrical tire brush  5  about its axis as the tires of the car move along the brush (moving parallel to the axis of the tire brush  5 ), partially enclosing the brush  5  with a cylindrical shaped shield  10 , with the shield  10  open toward the car tire, and delivering chemical from a pump through a chemical dispensing tube  32  on the exterior surface  34  of the shield  10  through a connector  31 , through-port  20 , and dispensing port  20   a  to the inside surface  23  of the shield  10  such that the chemical runs along the inside surface  23  of the shield  10  and is picked up by the rotating brush and carried around for cleaning the car tires. 
     In an embodiment of the device without a shield, the method for keeping chemical on a car wash tire brush can be accomplished by rotating the brush fast enough that chemical cannot drip off of it, but not so fast that the rotation will cause chemical to be thrown from the brush. One example of the method comprises the steps of: slowing the rotational velocity of a cylindrical tire brush about its axis when the tire brush is not engaging a tire; delivering chemical to the tire brush; and intermittently stopping and starting rotation of the tire brush. This method can be accomplished using the device&#39;s variable frequency drive to rotate the brush incrementally. Specifically, the device&#39;s chemical applicators can be configured to apply chemical when the tire brush is stopped or while it is rotating. One exemplary method includes the additional step of calibrating the speed of rotation and/or frequency of rotation to distribute chemical over the tire brush and keep the chemical from dripping off of the tire brush. 
     In one exemplary method of using the device, the method also includes a step wherein the chemical entering through the port  20   a  is received in distribution grooves  21  which are downwardly inclined along the inside surface  23  of the shield  10 . 
     An additional step can comprise collecting the chemical moving up the shield  10  in a redistribution groove  22 . Another additional step can comprise collecting chemical which has reached the bottom of the inside surface  23  of the shield  10  in a collection groove  24 . 
     The method can further comprise the step of collecting chemicals running down the inside surface  23  of the shield  10  by the brush  5  as it turns in a direction such that its bristles first engage the bottom of the shield  10  and its chemical collection groove  24  and then move up the inside surface  23  of the shield  10 . 
     Retrofit Kit 
     In one embodiment, the device is a carwash retrofit kit comprising: an hydraulic oil tank, an hydraulic oil pump, a hydraulic motor, a variable frequency drive, a program logic controller, a human machine interface, a tire chemical pump, chemical dispensing tubing, and a tire brush shield. In another embodiment, the device is a carwash retrofit kit comprising: one or more electric motors, a variable frequency drive, a program logic controller, a human machine interface, a tire chemical pump, chemical dispensing tubing, and a tire brush shield. 
     In another embodiment, the device is a carwash retrofit kit comprising: chemical dispensing tubing and a tire brush shield. In yet another embodiment, a retrofit kit comprises a tire brush shield. The shield of the kit can comprise one or more through-ports, dispensing ports, dispensing grooves and collection grooves. The kit&#39;s shield can also comprise one or more redistribution grooves above the distribution grooves and/or vertical grooves at the ends of the collection grooves. 
     In one embodiment without a shield, the device is a carwash retrofit kit comprising: an hydraulic oil tank, an hydraulic oil pump, a hydraulic motor, a variable frequency drive, a program logic controller, a human machine interface, a tire chemical pump, and chemical dispensing tubing. In another embodiment without a shield, the device is a carwash retrofit kit comprising: one or more electric motors, a variable frequency drive, a program logic controller, a human machine interface, a tire chemical pump, and chemical dispensing tubing. 
     In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless the claims by their language expressly state otherwise.