US3556402A

US3556402A - Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles

Info

Publication number: US3556402A
Application number: US883950A
Authority: US
Inventors: William J Wolking
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-12-10
Filing date: 1969-12-10
Publication date: 1971-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 1988-01-19

Abstract

Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles that includes a hot water tank, a soap reservoir, and a high pressure spray system all compactly mounted on a set of wheels for easy movement by a single operator from washing position to position as desired. The hot water tank houses an enclosed, elongated heating chamber that includes a flue at one end which extends up through the top of the hot water tank; a flame source located at the other end of the heating chamber providing flame heat for the heating chamber. A float valve in a tap water input line connected to the hot water tank functions to maintain the water level in the hot water tank at a preselected depth above the top of the heating chamber. A water temperature controller interconnected with the flame source functions to maintain automatically the temperature of the water in the hot water tank at a predetermined value. The soap reservoir includes a valve which connects the reservoir with the hot water to selectively meter soap from the reservoir into the hot water at a desired rate.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor William J. Wolking 685 Neeb Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238 [21] Appl. No. 883,950 [22] Filed Dec. 10, 1969 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No.

823,366, May 9, 1969, now abandoned. [45] Patented Jan. 19, 1971 [54] PORTABLE SPRAYING APPARATUS FOR WASHING VEHICLES 7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 239/130, 239/126, 239/304 [51] Int. Cl B05b 1/24 [50] Field of Search 239/130, 135, 136, 137, 138, 302, 303, 304,127,126

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,839,332 6/1958 Sackett... 239/130X 3,226,030 12/1965 Rossi 239/305X 239/305X 3,317,142 5/1967 Casale Primary ExaminerM. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant Examiner-John .1. Love Attorney-Wood, Herron & Evans ABSTRACT: Portable spraying apparatuslor washing vehicles that includes a hot water tank, a soap reservoir, and a high pressure spray system all compactly mounted on a set of wheels for easy movement by a single operator from washing position to position as desired. The hot water tank houses an enclosed, elongated heating chamber that includes a flue at one end which extends up through the top of the hot water tank; a flame source located at the other end of the heating chamber providing flame heat for the heating chamber. A float valve in a tap water input line connected to the hot water tank functions to maintain the water level in the hot water tank at a preselected depth above the top of the heating chamber. A water temperature controller interconnected with the flame source functions to maintain automatically the temperature of the water in the hot water tank at a predetermined value. The soap reservoir includes a valve which interconnects the reservoir with the hot water to selectively meter soap from the reservoir into the hot water at a desired rate.

PATENTEU M1965?! 3,556,402

SHEET 1 BF 3 11 'III 76 MfveMeK:

PATENIEU JAN 1 91911 3,656; 402

sum 2 OF 3 INVENTOR.

PATENTED JAN 1 9 IHYI I NVENTOR.

PORTABLE SPRAYING APPARATUS FOR WASHING VEHICLES This application is a continuation-in-part of my earlier filed application. U.S. Ser. No. 823,366. now abandoned, filed May 9, 1969.

This invention relates to apparatus for washing vehicles and, more particularly, relates to portable spraying apparatus which selectively provides either a hot soap solution in spray form for washing, or hot water or tap water in spray form for rinsing.

There are many different types of equipment systems known for washing vehicles. Basically, such equipment systems usually include means for heating tap water to an elevated temperature, means for forming a soap solution out of that hot tap water, means for spraying the hot soap solution onto the vehicle being washed, and means for spraying a rinse water onto the vehicle being washed. Such equipment systems for washing vehicles by use of a hot soap solution in spray form have been found quite useful not only in the washing of automobiles but also in the washing of much larger vehicles such as buses, tractor-trailer-type trucks, airplanes, and the like.

Generally speaking, the equipment systems known to the prior art for creating a spray of hot soap solution and dispensing a spray of rinse water are relatively complex in nature because of the relatively high through ut of hot soap solution required for effectively and efficient y washing vehicles of the size referred to above. Such equipment systems are generally not portable in nature, that is, they must remain fixed in a single position because of the complexity of the apparatus.

Further, it seems the heating means generally utilized to raise the temperature of the tap water input to a sufficiently elevated level so as to be useful in the washing of large vehicles is generally comprised of some relatively complex heat exchanger apparatus such as, for example, a pancaked coil of tubing. In the case of the pancake tubing coil, the tap water is usually passed through the coil and the environment in which the coil is placed is heated by suitable means. Thus, as the tap water passes from the coil input to the coil output the water temperature is elevated to a suitable operating level. However, it has been found that such heating means provides a substantial corrosion problem in that the inside of the tubing tends to become corroded with deposits from the tap water, thereby reducing the effectiveness and the efficiency of the heat transfer from the environment to the water within the tubing. Periodically, such pancake tubing coils must be cleaned out which contributes to down time of the equipment for maintenance purposes as well as to increased operating costs.

Further, the spraying apparatus known to the prior art for washing large vehicles are not provided with means for easily and simply changing from a hot soap solution spray to a spray of rinse water and vice versa. Such prior art systems that pro vide means for spraying a rinse water onto the vehicle usually required the presence of a rinse water storage tank, complex valving, separate pump means, or the like.

Hence, it has been one objective of this invention to provide portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles with a hot soap solution that includes a waterheating system which is relatively simple in structure so as to provide relatively low manufacturing costs and substantially eliminate maintenance problems.

It has been another objective of this invention to provide a portable spraying machine for washing vehicles which is capable of discharging cleansing sprays in the form of a hot soap solution as well as a hot water or tap water rinse while requiring only a single high pressure pump and no rinse water reser- VOIl.

In accomplishing the objectives of this invention, 1 have provided relatively compact, portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles that includes a hot water tank, a soap reservoir and a high-pressure spray system, all compactly mounted on a set of wheels for easy movement by a single operator from washing position to position as desired. The hot water tank houses an enclosed, elongated heating chamber that includes a flue at one end which extends up through the top of the hot water tank, a flame source located at the other end of the heating chamber providing flame heat for the heating chamber. A float valve in a tap water input line connected to the hot water tank functions to maintain the water level in the hot water tank at a preselected depth above the top of the heating chamber. A water temperature controller interconnected with flame source functions to maintain automatically the temperature of the water in the hot water tank at a predetermined value. The soap reservoir includes a valve which interconnects the reservoir with the hot water to selectively meter soap from the reservoir into the hot water at a desired rate.

The high-pressure system is also carried by the hot water tank and is provided to deliver selectively (a) the hot soap solution for washing and (b) tap water or hot water, for rinsing, both in spray form. The high pressure system includes a delivery line with one end located toward the bottom of the hot water tank, an operator-held wand with a nozzle adapted to deliver either hot rinse water or hot soap solution as a spray. and a high-pressure pump between the delivery line and the nozzle. A tap water bypass line interconnects the tap water input line and the high-pressure pump, a selectively positionable valve in that line being adjustable to direct the tap water either into the hot water tank for heating or to the high-pressure system for discharge through the wands nozzle as a spray of tap rinsc water.

Other objectives and advantages will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. I is a side elevational view of one side of portable spraying appara us structured in accordance with the principles of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 of an alternative embodiment of portable spraying apparatus structured in accordance with the principles of this invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles of this invention includes an enclosed, elongated hot water tank 10 in combination with a high-pressure system 11. The portable spraying apparatus is readily portable in that the hot water tank 10 is mounted on a set of wheels 12 to permit easy movement of the apparatus from one washing position to another. The two rear wheels 13 are carried on an axle 14 mounted underneath the hot water tank 10 by supports 15, the axle 14 being of a length approximately equal to the diameter of the hot water tank. The two front wheels 16 are mounted on a stub axle 17 which is connected to bearing 18 (fixed to the underside of the hot water tank 10) by shaft 19. An extension arm 20 is mounted to the stub axle 17 at one end and provides a handle 21 at the other end, the extension arm providing the handle at height convenient for use by an operator to maneuver the portable spraying apparatus from position to position as desired. Thus, the combination of the handle 21, the front wheels 16, and the rear wheels 13 provide a three-point support for the portable spraying apparatus which makes the apparatus easily maneuverable during movement of the apparatus from one washing position to another or to storage.

The hot water tank 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, is cylindrical in shape, is positioned so that its axis is horizontal, and is completely enclosed. Within the elongated hot water tank 10 there is provided an enclosed, elongated heating chamber 24 that is positioned toward the bottom of the hot water tank so that the axis of the heating chamber is substantially parallel to the axis of the hot water tank. The heating chamber 24'functions to heat tap water received by the hot v water tank 10 to a preselected temperature value. The heating chamber 24 is completely enclosed except for flue port 23 and a flame port 22. The sides 25 and bottom 26 of the heating chamber 24 adjacent the sides 27 and bottom 28 of the hot water tank 10 are substantially equidistant therefrom. and the heating chambers cross-sectional area is less than one-half that of the hot water tanks's cross-sectional area, note particularly FIG. 5. The heating chambers sides 25 and bottom 26 are arcuate in configuration. and the sides 27 and bottom 28 of the hot water tank 10 are substantially concentric with the sides and bottom of the heating chamber when viewed in cross section, see FIG. 5. Further, it will be noted that the top 29 of the heating chamber 24 is substantially flat and is in a horizontal plane. The water level 30 in the hot water tank 10 is maintained at a preselected depth above the top 29 of the heating chamber 10 that is substantially less than that depth required to completely fill the hot water tank, see FIG. 5. It is preferred that the water level 30 be at a depth above the heating chamber's flat top 29 an amount substantially equal to the distance of the heating chamber's sides 25 and bottom 26 from the hot water tank's sides 27 and bottom 28. It has been found that such a heating chamber 24 configuration in combination with the controlled water level 30 provides unexpected efficiency in heating the hot water to allow a relatively high gallon-perminute throughput, for example, 3 gallons in lminute, at the desired water temperature, for example, 140 160 F., while permitting economy in manufacture of the hot water tank 10.

A flame source 37 is located at one end 38 of the heating chamber and is adapted to provide flame 39 heat for the heating chamber 24 through the flame port 22 to heat that heating chamber to an elevated temperature level, see FIG. 4. The flame source 37 is interconnected with the heating chamber 24 through flame inlet pipe 40. The flame source 37 illustrated is that of a fuel oil burner of any type well known to the art, the burner being mounted to the outside of the hot water tank on one end by means of flange 41 and bolts 42. The flame source 37 is interconnected with a water temperature controller 45 of any type that is known to the art, the controller being provided with water temperature sensing means 46 of any type that is known to the art which extends into the water within the hot water tank 10 to sense continually the water temperature inside the hot water tank. The water temperature controller 45 functions to control the on-off operation of the flame source 37 by activating the fuel oil burner or turning off the fuel oil burner in accordance with the water temperature sensed by sensing means 46 to maintain the temperature of the water in the hot water tank at a preselected value such as, for example, on the order of l40- 160F.

When a fuel oil type burner is utilized, it is desirable to provide a fuel oil tank 63 mounted to the outside of the hot water tank 10 for the purpose of supplying fuel oil to the burner through fuel line 64. The fuel oil tank 63 is rectangular in cross section, is connected on one side to housing 57 for the pressure system 1 l, and is supported on its underneath side by suitable struts 56, see FIGS. l3. Although a fuel oil burner has been illustrated as preferred because of its inherent portability, other type burners such as natural gas or liquid propene gas may also be utilized to act as the flame source 37.

A flue pipe 32 is connected to flue port 23 at the other end 34 to the top 29 of the heating chamber, and the flue extends up through the top 33 of the hot water tank 10, see FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. A guard sleeve 35 is mounted to the top 33 of the hot water tank 10 around the top of the flue 32, a screen 36 is 7 being positioned over the top of the guard sleeve, as a safety measure to prevent an operator from coming in contact with the hot flue and the hot flue gases. Thus, the excess heat and combustion gases created in the heating chamber 24 fuel oil burner 37 passes through the heating chamber 24 and is directed vertically out through the flue into the atmosphere.

A water input line 48 is connected to the hot water tank 10 for delivering tap water 47 to the hot water tank from any appropriate tap water source, the water input line being connected with the tap water source by means of a hose 49 selec tively connectable to line 48 by coupler 50. A float valve 51 is positioned in the water input line 48 to maintain the water level 30 in the hot water tank 10 at a preselected depth above the top 29 of the heating chamber 24. The float valve 51 includes a float ball 52 to sense the water depth in the hot water tank 10, the float ball being interconnected with the valve by arm 53. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, and as discussed previously, the preselected depth is preferably a depth above the flat top 29 of the heating chamber 24 an amount substantially equal to the distance of the heating Chamber's sides 25 and bottom 26 from the hot water tanks sides 27 and bottom 28. Note that the preferred water level 30 is such that the hot water tank is only approximately one-half filled at the preferred depth. When the float ball 52 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 4, namely, that position which gives the preferred preselected water depth or water level 30, no water is directed into the hot water tank 10 from the water input line 48. that is, the float valve 51 closes off the tap water source from the hot water tank. However, as the water level 30 recedes a distance from that preferred level illustrated in FIG. 4, the float ball 52 follows the water level and causes arm 53 to pivot, thereby opening the valve 51 and admitting tap water 47 into the hot water tank 10 from the tap water source through hose 49 to raise the level 30 in the tank back to that illustrated in FIG. 4.

A soap reservoir 55 is mounted to the outside of the hot water tank 10 for storing concentrated soap solution to be admixed with the hot water inside the hot water tank. By a soap solution for the purposes of this application is meant a solution of either natural soap or detergent as it will be appreciated that either may be used for washing vehicles. The soap reservoir 55 is rectangular in cross-sectional configuration, is connected on one side to housing 57 for the pressure system 11, and is supported on its underneath side by suitable struts 56, see FIGS. l3. The soap reservoir 55 communicates with the inside of the hot water tank through piping 58 that includes valve means in the form of a hand valve 59. The hand valve 59 is operated simply by rotating handle 60 to selectively admit or meter concentrated soap solution into the hot water tank at the desired rate. The opening of the hand valve 59 may be adjusted in accordance with the operational output of soap solution by the apparatus, that is, the hand valve 59 may be left open when the apparatus is being utilized to spray hot soap solution since additional tap water is intermittently admitted to the hot water tank 10 through float valve 51 and hot soap solution formed is continuously removed from the hot water tank by the high-pressure system 11. The hand valve 59 is manually closed to prevent further concentrated soap solution from passing into the hot water tank 10 when hot soap solution is not being tan taken from the hot water tank by the high-pressure system 11. When the hand valve 59 is closed it will be apparent that the hot water tank 10 may be used as a source of hot water only after any residual hot soap solution has' been flushed from the tank 10. This provides the portable spraying apparatus with the ability to provide hot rinse water too.

The high-pressure system 11 is mounted within the housing 57 on top of the hot water tank 10, see FIGS. 1 and 4. The high-pressure system 11 functions to discharge the hot soap solution or hot rinse water created in the hot water tank 10 in spray form and also to discharge rinse water directly from the tap water source in spray form. The high-pressure system 11 includes a delivery line 67 having one end 68 located toward the bottom 28 of the hot water tank, that end 68 being provided with a foot valve, not shown, and a strainer 69. The other end 70 of the hot water delivery line 67 is connected by detachable coupler 73 with the input piping 71 of a high-pressure pump 72 driven by electric motor 74. The foot valve servesto maintain a head of the hot soap solution or hot rinse water for the pump 72 when tap rinse water is being dispensed so the pump does not have to be primed every time it is used for the hot soap solution or hot rinse water. The motor 74 is provided with an extended length power cord 75 that can be stored about brackets 76 mounted to the outside of housing 57. The pump 72 and motor 74 are mounted to floor 77 that is welded to end 78 ofthe high-pressure system housing 57.

The output piping 79 ofthe pump 72 is detachably interconnected through coupler 85 with an extended length hose 80. A spray wand 81 having a nozzle 82 adapted to deliver the hot soap solution and the tap rinse water in spray form is attached to the hose 80 at its other end. The wand 81 is provided with a suitable hand grip 83 for holding by an operator and is pro vided with a suitable length of hose 80 to permit a suitable range of operation by the operator. brackets 84 being provided on the side of hot water tank 10 about which the hose can be wound and the wand stored when the apparatus is not in use.

In the output piping 79 there is provided a shock chamber 86 comprised of an upstanding length of pipe 87 with a rubber ball 88 therein, the shock chamber preventing knocking and chattering in the highpressure system 11 and the various fluid lines as the hot soap solution or hot rinse water and tap rinse water is pumped through. A reliefline 89 having a pressure relief valve 90 is interconnected with the output piping 79 and directed back into the hot water tank 10. If the nozzle 82 or any other portion of the output piping 79 or hose 80 becomes clogged so that the fluid pressure in those lines approaches an unsafe level, the relief valve will open and permit the output of the pump 72 to be directed back into the hot water tank 10. Preferably, the size of pump 72 utilized in the high-pressure system 11 is sufficient to create a pressure of about 300 psi. and up and to provide a fluid output of approximately 3 gallons per minute.

Also associated with the high pressure system 11 is a tap water bypass line 92 that interconnects the water input line 49 with the pumps input piping 71, T-fittings 93 being provided in each of the lines 48, 71 to accommodate the bypass line 92. A selectively positionable valve 94 operated by handle 95 is provided in the bypass line 92, which valve functions to either open or close the bypass line to hose 49 interconnected with the tap water source. When valve 94 is in a first or closed position the tap water is directed solely into input line 48 and is admitted or not admitted to the hot water tank 10 for forming and heating the hot soap solution as dictated by the float valve 51. When valve 94 is in a second or open position, and when float valve 51 is closed, the tap water is directed solely through water bypass line 92 to pump 72,0f the high-pressure system 11 for discharge through the nozzle 82 as a spray of relatively cold rinse water. That is, when the pump 72 of the high-pressure system 11 is operating, when'the water level 30 in the hot water tank 10 is at the preferred level as illustrated in FIG. 4 so that the float valve 51 is closed, and when the valve 94 in the water bypass line 92 is open, the tap water from the water source will be directed into the pump 72 at a head pressure provided by the water source and out through the nozzle 82 of the wand 81 as rinse water. No hot soap solution or hot rinse water will be transmitted'by the pump 72 and nozzle 82 when the water bypass valve 94 is open for'the reason that the rinse r tap water is under a positive line pressure from the tap water source and the hot soap solution or hot rinse water in the hot water tank is only under substantially atmospheric pressure.

In operation, when it is desired to dispense a hot'soap solu tion in spray form from the apparatus of this invention the water bypass valve 94 is closed, and the pump '72 and flame source 37 are activated. The water level 3? is maintainedat the preferred level automatically by operation of the float valve 51, that is, as hot soap solution is withdrawn from the hot water tank 10 by the high-pressure system's purn 'p 72 the float valve functions to admit additional tap water into the hot water tank. As the apparatus discharges hot so?) solution the concentrated soap solution is metered into the ot water tank 10 by means of hand valve 59 in accordance with the volume of soap solution discharged per unit of time,rtherehy Pl'Qtliding a constant concentrated soap solution source for the water being admitted to the hot water tank by the float valve 51. The temperature of the hot soap solution in the hot water tank 10 is elevated to the desired level by means of the fuel oil burner 37 which provides flame heat directed into the heating chamber 24 through inlet pipe 40, the combustion gases exiting from the opposite end ofthe heating chamber through flue 32. The operation of the fuel oil burner 37 is regulated by means of water heat controller 45 which functions to initiate or discontinue the flame 39 as required by the temperature water of the solution inside the hot water tank, that temperature being continually monitored by the sensing means 46.

When it is desired to use hot rinse water in place of the hot soap solution, the apparatus is operated in the same manner as discussed above for the hot soap solution except that valve 59 is closed to prevent concentrated soap solution from entering tank 10.

When it is desired to utilize tap rinse water in place of hot soap solution or hot rinse water handle on the valve 94 in water bypass line 92 need merely be opened so that tap water from the water source is permitted to pass through .water bypass line 92 directly to the input side of the high-pressure pump 72. The hand valve 59 from the soap reservoir 55 should!- be closed to prevent an over supply of soap to the hot water in the hot water tank 10 during use of the rinse water spray. Further, flame source 37 may either be shut down or permitted to continue operation since controller 45 will not permit the water in the hot water tank 10 to exceed the predeterwater feed of the high-pressure pump 72 is now at a positive pressure, as opposed to the substantially atmospheric pressure of the hot soap solution in the hot water tank, the high-pressure pump discharges the relatively cold tap water through the nozzle 82 of the operator-held wand 81 to provide a rinse water spray. It will be noted that hot rinse water can be provided simply by operating the apparatus in the manner described for the hot soap solution but with hand valve 59 closed so that no concentrated soap solution is metered into the hot water tank 10.

The alternative embodiment of the portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles of this invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. in this embodiment the apparatus is carried in a housing which is mounted on a set of wheels 111 to permit easy movement from one washing position to another. The front end of the housing 110 is provided with two front wheels 112 which are mounted on a stub axle 113 connected to a bearing 114 fixed to the underside of the housing in a manner similar to the preferred embodiment. An extension arm 115 is mounted to the stub axle 113 at one end and provides a handle 116 at the other end. Two rear wheels 117 are carried on axle 118 at the other end of the housing 110, the axle being mounted by supports 119 to the underside of the housing and being of length substantially greater than the length of the stub axle 113 so as to provide a substantially three-point support which gives maneuverability to the apparatus.

A hot water tank 121 is carried inside the housing by supports, not shown, the hot water tank being cylindrical in shape and being positioned so that its axis is vertical. Within the elongated hot water tank there is provided an enclosed, elongated, substantially cylindrical heating chamber 122 that is positioned toward the bottom of the hot water tank 121 so that the axis of the heating chamber is substantially identical to the axisof the hot water tank, the heating chamber is completely enclosed except'for a flue port 123 and a flame port 124. Thus; the sides 125 and bottom 126 of the heating chamber adjacent the sides and bottom of the hot water tank are substantially equidistant therefrom.

As'is shown in FIG. 6, it is preferred that the water level 127 in the hot water tank be maintained at a preselected depth above the top 128 of the heating chamber 122 that is substantially'less that the depth required to completely till the hot water tank 121, and it is preferred that the water level 127 be at a depth above the heating chamber's flat top an amount substantially equal to the distance of the heating chambers side T125 and bottom 126 from the hot water tank's side 129 and b'ottom 131.

A flame source 132 is positioned at the bottom end 126 of the heating chamber 122 and is adapted to provide flame .heat for the heating chamber through the flame port 124 to heat that heating chamber to an elevated temperature leveL-The flame source is interconnected with the heating chamber through flame inlet pipe 133. The flame source is interconnected with water temperature controller 134 of any type that is known to the art, the controller being provided with water temperature sensing means 135 which extends into the water within the hot water tank. The water temperature controller 134 functions to control the on-off operation of the flame source by activating the fuel oil burner 132 or turning off the fuel oil burner in accordance with the water temperature sensed by the sensing means 135. When a fuel oil type burner is utilized it is desirable to provide a fuel oil tank 137 mounted inside the housing. The fuel oil tank 137 is fixed to the top of the housing and is provided with an air vent port 138. The fuel oil tank 137 is connected with the fuel oil burner 132 by a suitable feed line, not shown.

A flue pipe 140 is connected to flue port 123 at the top 128 of the heating chamber 122 and the flue pipe extends up through the top of the housing 110. A guard sleeve 139 is mounted to the top of the housing 110 around the top of the flue pipe 140, and a screen 141 is positioned over the top of the guard sleeve all as a safety measure to prevent an operator from coming in contact with the hot flue pipe 140 and the hot t the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5), instead of into the hot water outlet line 153 interconnected with the hot water tank 121 (as in the embodiment of FIG. 6), the hot water tank must be emptied of the hot soap solution before it is possible to get a hot rinse water for rinsing the vehicle being washed.

The high-pressure system 156 of the embodiment illustrated in H6. 6 is also mounted within the housing 110 on a base plate 157 structurally connected thereto. The high-pressure system 156 functions to discharge the hot soap solution or hot rinse water created in the hot water tank 121 in spray form,

and also discharges rinse water directly from the tap water ,source in spray form. The high-pressure system 156 includes the hot water delivery line 153 interconnected with the input side of a high-pressure pump 158 driven by motor 159. The soap line 152 interconnects the hot water line 153 between the hot water tank 121 and the high-pressure pump 158. A

flue gases. Thus, the excess heat and combustion gases created in the heating chamber 122 by fuel oil burner 132 pass vertically through the heating chamber and are directed vertically out through the flue into the atmosphere.

A water input line 143 is interconnected with the hot water tank 121 for delivering tap water to the hot water tank from any appropriate tap water source. The water input line 143 terminates in a float box 144 (mounted to structural supports, not shown) and a conduit 145 connects the float box with the hot water tank 121. A float valve 146 is positioned at the end of the water input line 143 in the float box 144 to maintain the water level 145 in the float box and, hence, in the hot water tank, at a preselected depth above the top-128 of the heating chamber 122. The float valve 146 includes a float ball 147 to sense the water depth in the hot water tank," the float ball being interconnected with the valve 146' by arm'148. Note that the preferred water level depth 127 as illustrated in F1G.'6 is such that the hot water tank is only about two-thirds filled at the preferred depth when the hot water tank 121 and heating chamber 122 are vertically disposed as shown. When the float ball 147 is in the position illustrated in FIG, 6; namely, that position which gives the preferred preselected water depth 7 127, no water is directed into the hot water tank 121 from the water input line 143, that is, the float valve 146 closes off the tap water source from the hot water tank. However, as the water level 127 recedes a distance from that pteferred level illustrated in FIG. 6, the float ball 147 follows the water level and causes arm 148 to pivot, thereby opening the valve 146 and admitting tap water into the hot water tank to raise the level back to that illustrated in FIG. 6; X

A soap reservoir 151 is also mounted on suitable structural supports, not shown, within the housing 110. Thcjl'es ervoir 151 is used for storing concentrated soap solution 'to be ad mixed with the water heated inside the hot water tank. The soap reservoir 151 is interconnected, by 'soap pipe 152, with a hot water outlet pipe 153 that is connected with the hot water tank 121 at the bottom thereof. A hand valve 154 is provided in soap pipe 152 to selectively admit or meter concentrated soap solution into the hot water outlet pipe 153 at the desired 7 water tank.

rate. The hand valve 154 is operated simply by rotating the 1 handle, and the opening of the valve is adjusted in accordance with the operational output of hot soap solution desired. Alternatively, the soap valve 154 may be completely closed to prevent further concentrated solution from passing into the head of the hot soap solution or hot rinse water is always maintained for the pump, when tap rinse water is being dispensed, because the hot water tank 121 is vertically positioned and the pump is disposed substantially toward the bottom of the hot water tank within the housing 110.

The output piping 161 of the pump is detachably interconnected through coupler 162 with an extended length hose 163.

A spray wand 164 having a nozzle 165 adapted to deliver the hot soap solution, hot rinse water, or tap rinse water, in spray forni'is attached to the wand 164. The wand is provided with a suitable hand grip 166 for holding by an operator. In the output piping 161 there is provided a shock chamber 167 comprised of an upstanding length of pipe with a rubber ball 168 therein. A pressurerelief, line 169 having a ptessure relief valve 171 is interconnected with the output piping also and is disposed so as to direct any pressure overflow onto the ground.

Also associated with the high-pressure system 156 is a tap water bypass line 174 interconnects the water input line 143 with the pumps hot fluid input piping 153. A selectively positionable valve 175 operated by handle 176 is provided in the bypass line 174 which valve functions to either open or close the bypass line to piping 153. When valve 175 is in a flrst or closed position, the tap water is directed solely into float box 144 and, hence, tank 121. When valve 176 is in a second or open position, and when float valve 146 is closed, the tap water is directed solely through water bypass line 174 to pump 158 for discharge of tap rinse water through the nozzle 165. That is, when the pump 158 of the high-pressure system 156 is operating, when the soap valve 154 is closed, when the water level 127 of the hot water tank 121 is at the preferred level as illustrated in FIG. 6 so that float valve 146 is closed, and when the valve 175 in the tap water bypass line 174 is open, the tap water from the water source will be directed into the pump at theihead pressure provided by the tap water source; no hot water will be transmitted by the pump and nozzle when the bypass valve 175 is open for the reason that the tap water is under a positive line pressure from the tap water source which is greater than the head pressure of the hot water in the hot In operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, when it is desired to dispense a hot soap solution in spray form the bypass valve 175 is closed, and the pump 158 and flame source 132 are activated. The water level 127 is maintained at the preferred level "automatically by operation of float valve 146' As hot water is withdrawn from hot water tank 121 through hot water output line 153, concentrated soap solution "is metered into the hot water line and admixed with the hot hot water outlet pipe 153. When the soap valve 154 is so closed it will be apparent that the hot water tank may be used as a source of hot water only, so as to provide a hot rinse water water by means of soap valve 154.

When it is desired to use hot rinse water spray in place of thefhot soap solution spray, the soap valve 154 need merely be only hot water is discharged from nozzle 165. Such a transition from hot soap solution to hot rinse water is quite easy to effect as only soap valve 154 need be closed.

When it is desired to use tap rinse water in place of the hot soap solution or hot rinse water, valve 175 need merely be opened so that tap water from the water source is permitted to pass directly to the input side of the high-pressure pump 158. The soap valve 154 is, of course, closed. Also. as mentioned, because the tap water feed to the high-pressure pump 158 is at a relatively high positive pressure, as opposed to the relatively low positive pressure of the hot water in the hot water tank 121 due to the head of water in the tank, the high-pressure pump discharges the tap water through nozzle 165 of the operator held wand 164 to present a tap rinse water spray.

lclaim:

1. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles comprising, in combination:

an enclosed, elongated hot water tank;

an enclosed, elongated heating chamber positioned within and toward the bottom of said hot water tank so that the axis of said heating chamber is substantially parallel to the axis of said hot water tank;

a flue connected at one end to said heating chamber and extending up through the top of said hot water tank;

a flame source located at the other end of said heating chamber and adapted to provide flame heat for said heating chamber, said flame source being mounted to said apparatus;

a tap water input line connected to said hot water tank for delivering tap water to said hot water tank;

a float valve in said water input line adapted to maintain the water level in said hot water tank at a preselected depth above the top of said heating chamber, that preselected depth being substantially less than that depth required to completely fill said hot water tank;

a water temperature controller interconnected with said flame source and adapted to sense continually the water temperature of the water heated inside said hot water tank, said controller controlling the operation of said flame source to maintain the temperature of the water in said hot water tank at a preselected value:

a soap reservoir mounted to said apparatus for storing a supply of soap, said reservoir including valve means interconnecting said soap reservoir with the hot water formed in said hot water tank to selectively meter soap from said supply into the hot water for forming a hot soap solution;

a high-pressure system mounted to said apparatus and adapted to dispense hot water rinse water, hot soap solution or tap rinse water in spray forms, said system having a delivery line with an end located toward the bottom of said hot water tank. an operator-held wand with a nozzle adapted to deliver the hot rinse water. hot soap solution or tap rinse water in spray form. and a high pressure pump between the delivery line and the nozzle;

a tap water bypass line interconnecting said water input line and said high-pressure pump, said bypass line including a selectively positionable valve to direct the tap water either to said hot water tank for heating or to said high pressure pump for discharge through said nozzle as a spray of tap rinse water; and

a set of wheels connected to said apparatus to permit easy movement of said apparatus from one washing position to another.

2. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles as set forth in claim 1 wherein the top of said heating chamber is substantially flat and wherein said float valve is adapted to maintain the water level in said hot water tank at a depth above the flat top of spid heating chamber an amount substantially equal to the distance of said heating chamber's sides and bottom from said hot water tanks sides and bottom.

3. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles as set forth in claim 1 wherein the axis of said heating chamber and the axis of said hot water tank are horizontally disposed, and wherein the sides and bottom of said heating chamber adjacent the sides and bottom of said hot water tank are substantially equidistant therefrom said heating chambers cross-sectional area being less than one-half that of said hot water tank s cross-sectional area;

4. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles as set forth in claim 3 wherein said hot water tank is substantially cylindrical and said heating chambers sides and bottom are arcuate in configuration, the sides and bottom of said hot water tank being substantially concentric with the sides and bottom of said heating chamber.

5, Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles as set forth in claim I wherein said flame source is a fuel oil-type burner and including a fuel oil tank mounted to said apparatus for supplying said fuel oil burner with fuel oil.

6. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles as set forth in claim 1 wherein the axis of said heating chamber and the axis of said hot water tank are vertically disposed, and wherein the sides and bottom of said heating chamber adjacent the sides and bottom of said hot water tank are substantially equidistant therefrom.

7. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles as set forth in claim 6 wherein said hot water tank, soap reservoir, and high pressure system are all positioned within a housing mounted on said set of wheels.

Claims

1. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles comprising, in combination: an enclosed, elongated hot water tank; an enclosed, elongated heating chamber positioned within and toward the bottom of said hot water tank so that the axis of said heating chamber is substantially parallel to the axis of said hot water tank; a flue connected at one end to said heating chamber and extending up through the top of said hot water tank; a flame source located at the other end of said heating chamber and adapted to provide flame heat for said heating chamber, said flame source being mounted to said apparatus; a tap water input line connected to said hot water tank for delivering tap water to said hot water tank; a float valve in said water input line adapted to maintain the water level in said hot water tank at a preselected depth above the top of said heating chamber, that preselected depth being substantially less than that depth required to completely fill said hot water tank; a water temperature controller interconnected with said flame source and adapted to sense continually the water temperature of the water heated inside said hot water tank, said controller controlling the operation of said flame source to maintain the temperature of the water in said hot water tank at a preselected value; a soap reservoir mounted to said apparatus for storing a supply of soap, said reservoir including valve means interconnecting said soap reservoir with the hot water formed in said hot water tank to selectively meter soap from said supply into the hot water for forming a hot soap solution; a high-pressure system mounted to said apparatus and adapted to dispense hot water rinse water, hot soap solution or tap rinse water in spray forms, said system having a delivery line with an end located toward the bottom of said hot water tank, an operator-held wand with a nozzle adapted to deliver the hot rinse water, hot soap solution or tap rinse water in spray form, and a high pressure pump between the delivery line and the nozzle; a tap water bypass line interconnecting said water input line and said high-pressure pump, said bypass line including a selectively positionable valve to direct the tap water either to said hot water tank for heating or to said high pressure pump for discharge through said nozzle as a spray of tap rinse water; and a set of wheels connected to said apparatus to permit easy movement of said apparatus from one washing position to another.

2. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles as set forth in claim 1 wherein the top of said heating chamber is substantially flat and wherein said float valve is adapted to maintain the water level in said hot water tank at a depth above the flat top of said heating chamber an amount substantially equal to the distance of said heating chamber''s sides and bottom from said hot water tank''s sides and bottom.

3. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles as set forth in claim 1 wHerein the axis of said heating chamber and the axis of said hot water tank are horizontally disposed, and wherein the sides and bottom of said heating chamber adjacent the sides and bottom of said hot water tank are substantially equidistant therefrom said heating chamber''s cross-sectional area being less than one-half that of said hot water tank''s cross-sectional area.

4. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles as set forth in claim 3 wherein said hot water tank is substantially cylindrical and said heating chamber''s sides and bottom are arcuate in configuration, the sides and bottom of said hot water tank being substantially concentric with the sides and bottom of said heating chamber.

5. Portable spraying apparatus for washing vehicles as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flame source is a fuel oil-type burner and including a fuel oil tank mounted to said apparatus for supplying said fuel oil burner with fuel oil.