Title: Bubble making amusement device
Abstract: A handheld bubble making device includes a reservoir of bubble making solution that is drawn by a motorized pumping assembly and distributed over a dispensing surface. A motorized fan assembly blows air through the dispensing surface to generate bubbles. A dispensing ring is positioned adjacent to the dispensing surface and is moveable by the operator to aid in the distribution of the fluid across the dispensing surface. One or more lights are provided to illuminate the bubbles that are dispensed.
Patent Number: 6,860,782 Issued on 03/01/2005 to Hornsby, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Hornsby; James Russell (St. Louis, MO);
Stuemke; Chad P. (St. Louis, MO);
Brown; Paul M. (St. Louis, MO)
|
| Assignee:
|
All Season Toys, Inc. (Malibu, CA)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
941473 |
| Filed:
|
August 29, 2001 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
446/15; 446/475 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A63H 033//28 |
| Field of Search: |
446/15,16,18,21,176,178,179,180,483,473,475
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
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| |
| 3775899 | Dec., 1973 | Wolf.
| |
| 3814394 | Jun., 1974 | Murray.
| |
| 3834066 | Sep., 1974 | Vargas | 446/21.
|
| 4128962 | Dec., 1978 | Anderson | 446/15.
|
| 4334383 | Jun., 1982 | Melotti.
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| 4423565 | Jan., 1984 | Bart.
| |
| 5224892 | Jul., 1993 | Messina.
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| 5224893 | Jul., 1993 | Routzong et al.
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| 5234129 | Aug., 1993 | Lau.
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| 5366402 | Nov., 1994 | Rudell et al.
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| 5462469 | Oct., 1995 | Lei | 446/15.
|
| 5498191 | Mar., 1996 | DeMars.
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| 5520564 | May., 1996 | DeMars | 446/15.
|
| 5613890 | Mar., 1997 | DeMars.
| |
| 5975358 | Nov., 1999 | Zheng et al.
| |
| 6015327 | Jan., 2000 | Kovacs | 446/15.
|
| 6193578 | Feb., 2001 | Weber | 446/267.
|
| 6331130 | Dec., 2001 | Thai | 446/15.
|
| 6386935 | May., 2002 | Lin | 446/16.
|
| 6416377 | Jul., 2002 | Bart | 446/15.
|
Primary Examiner: Banks; Derris H.
Assistant Examiner: Francis; Faye
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Klar; Richard B.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/229,586, dated Aug. 31, 2000.
Claims
I claim:
1. A bubble making apparatus comprising:
a housing having an internal chamber, a dispensing opening connecting with
the internal chamber and substantially open to outside air, a sleeve
mounted within the dispensing opening and having a dispensing surface;
a tank mounted on the housing to contain a liquid capable of producing
bubbles;
a pump mounted on the housing and connected to the tank by a tube so as to
supply liquid to the pump;
a source of blown air originating from within the internal chamber, the
blown air to be dispensed through the sleeve and out of the apparatus; and
a film producing mechanism operably carried by the housing and including a
dispensing ring located adjacent to the dispensing surface and movable
parallel to the dispensing surface, wherein liquid from the tank is moved
by the pump to the dispensing surface and the dispensing ring distribute a
thin film of the liquid across the dispensing surface, wherein the pump
arrangement comprises a pump gear that carries a pump roller for
contacting the feed hose to create a capillary action to move bubble
solution from the tank to the dispensing opening.
2. The bubble making apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an arcuate
portion of the housing positioned to allow the pump roller to pinch the
feed tube to create the vacuum to transport the solution through the feed
hose to the dispensing opening.
3. The bubble making apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light
source positioned on the housing adjacent to the dispensing surface,
wherein the light source illuminates bubbles ejected from the bubble
making apparatus.
4. The bubble making apparatus of claim 3, wherein the light source is an
LED.
5. The bubble making apparatus of claim 3, wherein the light source
flashes.
6. The bubble making apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a recycling funnel located proximate to the dispensing surface;
a recycling tube interconnecting the recycling funnel and the tank; and
a one-way valve disposed within the recycling tube to prevent fluid flow in
a direction from the tank to the recycling funnel.
7. The bubble making apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fanning tip
coupled with the dispensing opening to provide fluid across the dispensing
surface.
8. A bubble making device comprising:
a sleeve having a dispensing surface;
a dispensing ring positioned adjacent to said dispensing surface of said
sleeve, wherein said dispensing ring is moveable into and out of axial
alignment with said dispensing surface of said sleeve;
a reservoir for containing a bubble forming solution;
a feed hose which operately links said reservoir to said sleeve; and
a pump arrangement comprising a transfer gear coupled to a pump gear which
carries pump rollers for contacting said feed hose to create a capillary
action to move said bubble forming solution from said reservoir to said
dispensing surface.
9. The bubble making device of claim 8, further comprising a housing,
wherein said sleeve, said dispensing ring, said feed hose, said reservoir,
and said pump arrangement are all each disposed within said housing.
10. The bubble making device of claim 9, further comprising an arcuate
portion of the housing positioned to allow the pump roller to pinch the
feed tube to create the vacuum to transport the solution through the feed
hose to the dispensing opening.
11. The bubble making device of claim 8, further comprising a light source
positioned adjacent to the dispensing nozzle, wherein the light source
illuminates bubbles ejected from the bubble making apparatus.
12. The bubble making device of claim 11, wherein the light source is an
LED.
13. The bubble making apparatus of claim 11, wherein the light source
flashes.
14. The bubble making device of claim 8, further comprising:
a recycling funnel located proximate to the dispensing surface;
a recycling tube interconnecting the recycling funnel and the reservoir;
and
a one-way valve disposed within the recycling tube to prevent fluid flow in
a direction from the reservoir to the recycling funnel.
15. The bubble making apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a fanning
tip coupled with said sleeve to provide fluid across the dispensing
surface.
16. The bubble making device of claim 8, further comprising a motor
operatively coupled to said pump arrangement to cause said pump gear of
said pump arrangement to rotate, which in turn causes said pump rollers to
rotate and to compress feed hose.
17. The bubble making device of claim 16, further comprising a fan assembly
coupled with said motor and positioned to direct air flow through said
sleeve.
18. The bubble making device of claim 17, further comprising a trigger
assembly, wherein actuation of the trigger assembly engages said motor and
causes the dispensing ring to move out of and into axial alignment with
said dispensing surface, wherein movement of the dispensing ring causes a
thin film of bubble making solution to form across said dispensing
surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to amusement devices or toys. More
specifically, the present invention relates to an amusement device in the
form of a bubble blowing device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Children and adults have enjoyed producing bubbles for many years.
Tradtionally, a device having a ring portion is dipped into a liquid
bubble making solution. The solution is formulated to reduce the surface
tension of the liquid causing the solution to form a thin film across the
ring. The operator causes air to flow through the ring, either by blowing
through the ring or waving the ring through the air. The air flow causes
the thin film to separate from the ring and form one or more bubbles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an automated hand held bubble making device
with an included light source that illuminates the bubbles generated by
the device. The operator engages the device by pulling a trigger which
actuates a motor and the light source. The motor drives a fan and a pump
assembly that pumps fluids from a tank and applies the fluid against a
dispensing surface. Air flow from the fan assembly blows against the
fluid, causing the formation of bubbles that are ejected from the device
and illuminated.
In one embodiment, the present invention is a bubble producing toy
comprising a housing having an internal chamber, a dispensing opening
connecting with the internal chamber and substantially open to the outside
air, a sleeve mounted within the dispensing opening, and having a central
opening and a dispensing surface, a reservoir mounted on the housing to
contain a liquid capable of producing air bubbles, a pump mounted on the
housing and connected to the reservoir by a tube to supply liquid to the
pump, a source of blown air originating from within the internal chamber,
the blown air to be dispensed into the central opening of the sleeve and
out of the toy, and a film producing mechanism operably carried by the
housing and including a dispensing ring located against the dispensing
surface and movable across the dispensing surface, wherein liquid from the
reservoir is moved by the pump to the dispensing surface and the
dispensing ring helps provide a thin film of the liquid across the
dispensing surface as the dispensing ring is moved across the dispensing
surface to create an air bubble upon the blown air flowing against the
thin film.
In one embodiment, the bubble producing amusement device or toy of the
present invention comprises a handheld device generally including a handle
portion and a bubble emitting portion, and is formed by a housing which
supports a trigger mechanism. The housing contains and supports a tank for
containing a bubble forming solution, a dispensing assembly, including a
fan, a capillary pump assembly, an electrical motor for driving the fan
and the pump assemblies, and a battery box.
In one embodiment, the dispensing assembly comprises a fan case with a
generally cylindrical portion for containing the fan and the electrical
motor, and a generally tubular portion having a free end adapted to carry
a generally cylindrical dispensing nozzle with a circular dispensing
surface. An annular dispensing ring is operably and movably mounted
immediately adjacent to the dispensing nozzle for relative movement
thereto, and is coupled to the trigger mechanism which also comprises the
"switch" for actuating the pump and fan. The dispensing ring and the
circular dispensing surface are generally parallel, and the center of the
dispensing ring may be moved into and out of alignment with the central
axis of the nozzle. A suitable feed tube or hose operably links the tank
to the dispensing nozzle. The end of the feed tube or hose adjacent to the
dispensing nozzle carries a funnel or fanning tip for allowing bubble
solution to drip onto the dispensing surface and dispensing ring.
The pump arrangement comprises a transfer gear coupled to a pump gear which
carries pump pushers or rollers for contacting the feed hose to create a
capillary action to move bubble solution from the tank to the fanning tip.
A portion of the housing wall may be shaped, e.g. arcuate shaped portion,
to allow the pump to pinch the feed tube to create the vacuum to transport
the solution through the feed hose to the fanning tip adjacent to the
nozzle.
In one embodiment, suitable light sources, such as LED's, are carried by
the housing generally in the bubble emitting portion adjacent to the
dispensing nozzle. A recycling arrangement, including a catch funnel
located generally under the dispensing nozzle, suitable tubing and a
one-way valve, is provided. Additional light sources and light source
controls may be provided in some embodiments, and light sources may be
selectively located and operable to provide selected effects, e.g.,
continuous light, flashing, alternative or periodic lighting of selected
portions of the device and/or bubbles produced, selected colors and/or
intensities, etc.
In use, the tank, which may have a selected capacity, is filled with a
suitable bubble solution. The trigger is pulled to start the motor to
drive the pump to move bubble solution through the feed tube from the tank
out to the fanning tip. The bubble solution is pumped and dripped out of
the fanning tip on to the dispensing ring and nozzle, the annular
dispensing ring helping to cause the solution to flow and/or be
distributed around the dispensing surface of the nozzle. In addition to
starting the pump, pulling the trigger starts the fan, and slides the
dispensing ring out of congruence with the dispensing surface of the
nozzle, to one side of the nozzle, to create a thin film of solution
across the nozzle. Bubbles are created as the fan blows air against the
thin film. The blown air also serves to launch or propel bubbles from the
device.
In one embodiment, pulling the trigger also turns on the light sources,
e.g., one or more LED's, to illuminate the bubbles as they are dispensed.
In some embodiments, switches may be provided to actuate and/or control
the light sources. Excess bubble solution from the dispensing ring and
nozzle drips into the recycling funnel for recycling back into the tank.
In some embodiments, the present invention may further comprise a device
and method for smart operation wherein a microprocessor or chip provides
intelligence and control of, for example, operable components of the
invention, including operation of the light sources for creating a
selected effect, fan speed, or the like.
The housing or body forming portions of the device may include transparent,
semi-transparent or opaque portions or areas to enhance the light emission
or display, and/or the interest of the user.
The amusement device of the present invention may be used with any suitable
bubble producing solution.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the essential spirit or attributes thereof. It is desired
that the described embodiments be considered in all respects as
illustrative, not restrictive.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the
present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
the following detailed description, wherein is shown and described only
the embodiments of the invention, by way of illustration, of the best
modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized,
the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is side elevational view of a hand held bubble making device
consistent with the principals of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is partially sectional, side elevational view of the hand held
bubble making device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a partially sectional, side elevational view of the hand held
bubble making device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of certain subassemblies of the hand held bubble
making device of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views illustrating a dispensing nozzle and
dispensing ring, consistent with the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Features and advantages of the bubble producing amusement device and method
of the present invention will become more fully apparent and understood
with reference to the accompanying Figures, this description and the
descriptive material enclosed herewith, including the described
embodiments of a mechanized, substantially automatic bubble producing
device and the method of its use and/or operation. The device is automated
at least in the sense that it will operate to produce bubbles when
actuated while containing sufficient bubble solution.
Fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting the components of the present
invention to form the device as a whole, unless specifically described
otherwise, are intended to encompass conventional fasteners such as
screws, nut and bolt connectors, threaded connectors, snap rings, hose
clamps such as screw clamps and the like, rivets, nuts and bolts, toggles,
pins and the like. Components may also be connected by welding, friction
fitting or deformation, if appropriate. Electrical connections may be made
using appropriate electrical components and connection methods, including
conventional, commercially available electronic components, connectors and
devices such as suitable wiring, connectors, power supplies, printed
circuit boards, microchips, speakers, lights, liquid crystal displays,
audio components, inputs, outputs and the like. Unless specifically
otherwise disclosed or taught, materials for making components of the
present invention are selected from appropriate materials such as metal,
metallic alloys, fibers, plastics and the like, and appropriate
manufacturing or production methods including casting, extruding, molding
and machining may be used.
Any references to front and back, right and left, top and bottom and upper
and lower are intended for convenience of description, not to limit the
present invention or its components to any one positional or spatial
orientation.
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bubble producing amusement device
10. Device 10 includes a suitable housing 12 formed form plastic or
various other appropriate materials. Device 10 includes a trigger 14 and a
front nozzle 16. Front nozzle 16 is positioned above a lens 20, which
covers light source 18. Housing 12 may also include an optional two way
switch 22 to allow for the selection of various lighting parameters, such
as continuous emission, flashing, or the like. In use, an operator grips
device 10 and may optionally select the appropriate lighting
configuration. The operator then engages trigger 14 causing bubbles to be
emitted from front nozzle 16. At the same time, light source 18 is turned
on and illuminates the bubbles departing from and proximate to front
nozzle 16.
To facilitate the above operation, housing 12 includes various assemblies.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a capillary pump assembly 24. A feed hose 26 has
a first free end 28 disposed within a tank 30. Tank 30 is a refillable
vessel containing an appropriate volume of bubble making solution.
Capillary pump assembly 24 includes a motor 32 (FIG. 4) that is coupled
with a transfer gear 34 and a pump gear 36. As illustrated, pump gear 36
includes a pair of pump rollers 38. Capillary pump assembly 24 is
configured so that a portion of feed hose 26 is disposed between pump
rollers 38 and an arcuate portion 40 of housing 12. Thus, motor 32 causes
pump gear 36 to rotate, which in turn causes pump rollers 38 to rotate in
a counterclockwise direction (as illustrated) and to cyclically compress
feed hose 26. As feed hose 26 is compressed, fluid within feed hose 26
moves through feed hose 26 and out through nozzle 42. The compression of
feed hose 26 and the resultant movement of fluid generate a vacuum in the
lower portion of feed hose 26. The generated vacuum serves to draw fluid
from tank 30 into feed hose 26. In this manner, pump assembly 24
cyclically draws fluid into feed hose 26 and expels the fluid from nozzle
42.
As fluid is expelled from nozzle 42, a fanning tip 44 distributes the fluid
and serves to produce fluid flow over a specific width. Referring to FIGS.
4, 5A, and 5B, that width generally corresponds with a dispensing nozzle
46 and a dispensing ring 48. Dispensing ring 48 is a moveable annular ring
that moves into and out of axial alignment with the generally circular
dispensing ring 48. As most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, bubble
making solution flows from fanning tip 44 onto and between dispensing
nozzle 46 and dispensing ring, 48. In FIG. 5A, dispensing nozzle 46 and
dispensing ring 48 are axially aligned as the bubble making solution
flows. The circular configuration of dispensing nozzle 46 and dispensing
ring 48 serve to facilitate fluid flow about a majority of the perimeter
of dispensing nozzle 46. That is, as fluid drips down, the fluid flows
between dispensing nozzle 46 and dispensing ring 48 (either because they
are spaced apart or appropriate ridges or grooves are provided) and flows
about the facing generally circular portions.
As the operator engages trigger 14, dispensing ring 48 moves out of axial
alignment, as illustrated in FIG. 5B. As this occurs, dispensing ring 48
distributes the bubble making solution across dispensing nozzle 46 so as
to create a thin film of bubble making solution 50 over the opening of
dispensing nozzle 46.
Once the thin film is created and dispensing ring 48 is again axially
aligned with dispensing nozzle 46, air flow out of dispensing nozzle 46
causes bubbles to be formed and expelled through front nozzle 16. Again
referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the same motor 32 used to drive capillary pump
assembly 24 drives a fan assembly 52. Fan assembly 52 includes a circular
set of fan blades 54 that generate air flow through sleeve 55 and out
through dispensing nozzle 46 when rotated.
Recycling funnel 57, located below dispensing nozzle 46 and dispensing ring
48, collects any excess bubble making solution that is dispensed.
Recycling funnel 57 directs the excess fluid through recycling hose 56,
which empties into tank 30. Gravity directs the fluid from the recycling
funnel 57 to tank 30. Should device 10 become inverted, a one way valve 58
prevents fluid flow toward the recycling funnel 57.
Referring to FIG. 3, a light assembly 60 is illustrated. Light assembly 60
includes a light source 18, such as one or more LEDs, bulbs or other light
emitting devices. A protective lens 20 covers light source 18, and may
optionally be configured to alter light emitted from light source 18 such
as by focusing or filtering the light. Light assembly 60 is positioned
proximate front nozzle 16 so that bubbles ejected from device 10 are
illuminated. Other light assemblies could be provided for further
illumination of the bubbles or to simply add visual appeal to other
portions of device 10.
A power source 62 provides power for all of the electrical components of
device 10, such as motor 32 and light assembly 60. Power source 62 can be
one or more batteries 64 or any other suitable source of power. An
optional circuit board 66 controls light assembly 60 so as to determine
whether light assembly 60 is continuously illuminated or flashed during
use. Furthermore, when multiple light sources 18 are utilized, circuit
board 66 controls which light sources 18 are illuminated and their
lighting sequence. The operator controls the lighting parameters by
adjusting switch 22, which toggles circuit board 66 in the appropriate
manner.
In use, an operator removes tank cover 70 and fills tank 30 with bubble
making solution 50 and then replaces tank cover 70. If not already
provided, batteries 64 (or an alternate source of power) are inserted. The
operator then grips device 10 in a gun-like manner and engages trigger 14.
Each time trigger 14 is pulled, motor 32 engages for a predetermined
period of time. In addition, each time trigger 14 is pulled, a contact tip
72 that is attached to trigger 14 causes contact switch 74 to close.
Contact switch 74 triggers the actuation of motor 32 and light source 18.
Motor 32 causes pump gear 36 to rotate, which in turn causes pump rollers
38 to cyclically compress feed hose 26. The cyclical compression generates
a vacuum that draws fluid from tank 30 into feed hose 26. The compressions
caused by pump rollers 38 force the drawn fluid out through fanning tip
44.
The bubble making solution 50 expelled from fanning tip 44 drips over
dispensing nozzle 46 and dispensing ring 48. Each time trigger 14 is
pulled, trigger assembly 78 moves and pulls push arm 80. Push arm 80 is
coupled to dispensing ring 48; thus, each time trigger 14 is pulled,
dispensing ring 48 moves across dispensing nozzle 46 and aides in the
generation of a thin film of bubble making solution 50. In one embodiment,
dispensing ring 48 is spaced apart from dispensing nozzle 46 to allow
fluid flow therebetween. Alternatively, dispensing ring 48 could contact
dispensing nozzle 46, either continuously or during a portion of the
travel path. When dispensing nozzle 46 and dispensing ring 48 are
configured to contact one another, slots or grooves may be provided in one
or both components to facilitate fluid flow.
As motor 32 has already been engaged, fan assembly 52 generates air flow
out of dispensing nozzle 46. The air flow passes through dispensing nozzle
46 and axially aligned dispensing ring 48 to form bubbles which are then
ejected through front nozzle 16. Recycling funnel collects excess bubble
making solution and returns the solution to tank 30.
When trigger 14 is engaged, light source 18 illuminates, either
continuously or in a flashing sequence, for a predetermined period of
time. Thus, as bubbles are ejected from device 10 they are illuminated,
providing a pleasing visual experience.
The operator may repeatedly pull trigger 14 to continue the bubble making
process. After a predetermined period of time has passed from the last
pulling of trigger 14, motor 32 and light source 18 are caused to turn
off. Device 10 can then be stored for future use. That is, tank 30
provides a fluid tight seal whereby bubble making solution is retained
therein. Furthermore, one-way valve 58 prevents fluid flow out of tank 30
and through recycling funnel 57, should device 10 become inverted.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to
selected embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that
changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
*
