Abstract:
A method of interacting with a soap bubble fountain, having at least one tubular column extending above a catch basin and provided with a sculpting tool, includes generating soap bubbles with the soap bubble fountain, actuating an air source to force the bubbles from an upper end of the at least one tubular column, repeating the foregoing steps at least until a bubble sculpture is formed between the upper end of the at least one tubular column and the catch basin, and sculpting the bubble sculpture using the sculpting tool.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/968,104, filed Aug. 27, 2007, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/031,357, filed Feb. 26, 2008, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
       [0002]    All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Present Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention generally relates to the use of soap bubbles for entertainment and aesthetic purposes, and, in particular, to recirculating soap bubble fountains that generate bubble sculptures that change or which may be sculpted by a user. 
         [0005]    2. Background 
         [0006]    Soap bubbles have fascinated people of all ages for centuries. Children have long been entertained by “blowing bubbles” or by the bubbles found in many soap and water mixtures. Scientists of studied the properties of soap bubbles, analyzing how surface tension creates near-perfect spherical objects with many interesting properties. More recently, nightclubs have drawn patrons by blowing soapy foam within or without their establishments. 
         [0007]    Over time, different devices have been created to enhance the soap bubble experience through the controlled creation and retention of individual soap bubbles or of soap bubble sculptures. Examples of the latter may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 548,477 to Tacy (“Tacy”) and U.S. Pat. No. 710,814 to Steinhauser (“Steinhauser”), each of which discloses a soap bubble fountain. In Tacy, the fountain utilizes a central upright tube at the upper end of which is disposed a bowl containing a soap solution and at the bottom end of which is arranged a catch-basin. Air is forced upward through the tube to the bottom of the bowl and into the soap solution therein, creating bubbles that fill the bowl and overflow, eventually cascading downward to the catch-basin. Unfortunately, the placement of the soap solution bowl at the top of the tube is quite inconvenient and somewhat unsightly. 
         [0008]    In Steinhauser, the bowl containing the soap solution has been removed to the bottom of a vertically-disposed tube. As with Tacy, air is forced into the bottom of this bowl, creating bubbles. The bubbles are forced upward through the tube until they overflow the open top end, again cascading downward to a shallow pan. The resulting bubble sculpture was believed to be useful, at least, as an advertising device. 
         [0009]    Although presumably useful to some degree, the Steinhauser device still suffered from at least several shortcomings. First, the bubbles created by the device were forced directly out the top of the vertically-disposed tube. In such an arrangement, the bubbles forced up through the tube tend to stack up on top of the tube, eventually making it difficult for more bubbles to escape the top of the tube because of the weight and arrangement of the bubbles. It is also difficult to control uniform distribution of the bubbles around the tube. 
         [0010]    Further inefficiency in the creation of the bubbles results from the injection of air directly into the bottom of the bowl at the bottom of the tube. To escape up the tube, bubbles must first escape the bowl itself, and are frequently and undesirably burst by the frothy or uniform liquid already in the bowl or by drops of liquid falling back into the bowl from the collection pan. These effects make it more difficult to get bubbles up the tube. 
         [0011]    Additionally, the vertically-oriented tube set forth in Steinhauser has a narrow opening at the top for emitting bubbles from the tube. As mentioned above, the vertical orientation of the tube forces bubbles to stack up on top of the tube, thereby impeding the even distribution of bubbles from the fountain. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that the tube has a narrow opening at the top of tube, which limits the direction of the bubbles to a single path directly above the tube. As a result, bubbles emitted from the tube are even less likely to be dispersed evenly around the pan. 
         [0012]    Still further, Steinhauser fails to disclose any creative interaction with the bubble sculptures creating by the device. The Steinhauser device appears to be intended for use solely as an advertising device that is to be viewed, rather than interacted or “played” with. 
         [0013]    In view of the foregoing, it is believed that greater entertainment and aesthetic value could be achieved in a soap bubble fountain than is achieved by prior art devices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention includes many aspects and features. Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect is a soap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain a soap and water mixture; a tubular column extending upward from the soap holder, wherein an upper end of the tubular column is closed by a top cover, and wherein one or more bubble openings, each penetrating a side wall of the upper end of the tubular column, are arranged around the periphery; a catch basin disposed at a lower portion of the tubular column; and an air source arranged to inject air into the soap and water mixture, thereby creating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are forced through the bubble openings in the upper end of the tubular column and are subsequently collected in the catch basin. 
         [0015]    In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump. In further features, the air pump is battery-operated; and the air pump is operated by an electrical motor. 
         [0016]    In another feature of this aspect, the soap bubble fountain further includes one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in the collected bubbles. In further features, each light source includes a light emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubble fountain; and the LEDs are arranged generally beneath the tubular column. 
         [0017]    In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured to have the shape of a bottle. 
         [0018]    In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured to have the shape of a dragon. 
         [0019]    Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a soap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain a first portion of a soap and water mixture; a tubular column extending upward from the soap holder, wherein a lower end of the tubular column is adapted to contain a second portion of the soap and water mixture, and wherein the lower end of the tubular column is in fluid communication with, but partitioned from, a bottom of the soap holder; a catch basin disposed at a lower portion of the tubular column; and an air source arranged to inject air into the second portion of the soap and water mixture, contained in the lower end of the tubular column, thereby creating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are forced out of an upper end of the tubular column and are subsequently collected in the catch basin. 
         [0020]    In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump. In further features, the air pump is battery-operated; and the air pump is operated by an electrical motor. 
         [0021]    In another feature of this aspect, the soap bubble fountain further includes one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in the collected bubbles. In further features, each light source includes a light emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubble fountain; and the LEDs are arranged generally beneath the tubular column. 
         [0022]    In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured to have the shape of a bottle. 
         [0023]    In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured to have the shape of a dragon. 
         [0024]    Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a soap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain a soap and water mixture; a tubular column having a non-uniform width along the length thereof extending upward from the soap holder, wherein an upper end of the tubular column is open to provide a bubble opening; a catch basin disposed at a lower portion of the tubular column; and an air source arranged to inject air into the soap and water mixture, thereby creating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are forced through the bubble opening in the upper end of the tubular column and are subsequently collected in the catch basin. 
         [0025]    In a feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain further includes one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in the collected bubbles. 
         [0026]    In another feature of this aspect, the tubular column is flared at the upper end thereof. 
         [0027]    In another feature of this aspect, the tubular column has a bulbous portion at the upper end thereof. 
         [0028]    Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a soap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain a soap and water mixture; a plurality of tubular columns extending upward from the soap holder, wherein an upper end of each of the tubular columns is open to provide a bubble opening corresponding to each tubular column; a catch basin disposed at a lower portion of the tubular columns; and an air source arranged to inject air into the soap and water mixture, thereby creating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are distributed among and forced through the bubble openings corresponding to the plurality of tubular columns and are subsequently collected in the catch basin. 
         [0029]    In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump. In further features, the air pump is battery-operated; the air pump is operated by an electrical motor; and the air pump is a double-diaphragm pump. 
         [0030]    In another feature of this aspect, the soap bubble fountain further includes one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in the collected bubbles. In further features, each light source includes a light emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubble fountain; and the LEDs are arranged generally beneath the plurality of tubular columns. 
         [0031]    In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columns is flared at the upper end thereof. 
         [0032]    In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columns has a non-vertical orientation. In a further feature, each of the plurality of tubular columns has a different tilt angle. 
         [0033]    In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columns has a non-uniform width. 
         [0034]    In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columns has a bulbous portion at the upper end thereof. 
         [0035]    In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured to have the shape of a bottle. 
         [0036]    In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured to have the shape of a dragon. 
         [0037]    Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a soap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain a soap and water mixture; at least one tubular column extending upward from the soap holder, wherein at least one bubble opening is arranged at an upper end of the at least one tubular column; a catch basin disposed at a lower portion of the at least one tubular column; a plurality of tubes, each emptying directly into an interior of at least one tubular column at the bottom thereof, and an air source arranged to inject air into the soap and water mixture by distributing the air through the plurality of tubes and into the interior of the at least one tubular column, thereby creating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are forced through the at least one bubble opening and are subsequently collected in the catch basin. 
         [0038]    In a feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column is a plurality of tubular columns, and each tube empties directly into an interior of a respective tubular column. In further features, the air source is an air pump; the air pump is a double-diaphragm pump; the double-diaphragm pump has two pump assemblies, and each side is connected to a respective one of the plurality of tubes; each side of the pump assemblies is connected to its respective tube via an inlet having an inlet port and two outlet ports; each tube is an inverted J-tube; and the plurality of tubular columns includes four tubular columns, and each pump assembly is fluidly connected to two of the four tubular columns. 
         [0039]    In another feature of this aspect, each tube is an inverted J-tube. 
         [0040]    Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a method of interacting with a soap bubble fountain, having at least one tubular column extending above a catch basin and provided with a sculpting tool, including the steps of: generating soap bubbles with the soap bubble fountain; actuating an air source to force the bubbles from an upper end of the at least one tubular column; repeating the previous two steps at least until a bubble sculpture is formed between the upper end of the at least one tubular column and the catch basin; and sculpting the bubble sculpture using the sculpting tool. 
         [0041]    In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump. In further features, the air pump is battery-operated; the air pump is operated by an electrical motor; and the air pump is a double-diaphragm pump. 
         [0042]    In another feature of this aspect, the method further includes actuating one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in the collected bubbles. In further features, each light source includes a light emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubble fountain; and the LEDs are arranged generally beneath the tubular column. 
         [0043]    In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column is flared at the upper end thereof. 
         [0044]    In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column has a non-vertical orientation. 
         [0045]    In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column has a non-uniform width. 
         [0046]    In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column has a bulbous portion at the upper end thereof. 
         [0047]    In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured to have the shape of a bottle. 
         [0048]    In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured to have the shape of a dragon. 
         [0049]    Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a method of interacting with a soap bubble fountain, having a plurality of tubular columns extending above a catch basin in a non-vertical orientation and provided with a sculpting tool, including the steps of: generating soap bubbles with the soap bubble fountain; actuating an air source to force the bubbles from an upper end of the at least one tubular column; repeating the previous two steps at least until a bubble sculpture is formed between the upper end of the at least one tubular column and the catch basin; sculpting the bubble sculpture using the sculpting tool; and actuating one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in the bubble sculpture. 
         [0050]    In a feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columns is flared at the upper end thereof. 
         [0051]    In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columns has a bulbous portion at the upper end thereof. 
         [0052]    In another feature of this aspect, each of the plurality of tubular columns has a different tilt angle. 
         [0053]    In another feature of this aspect, soap bubbles are distributed among the plurality of tubular columns. 
         [0054]    In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations of such aspects and features, as well as aspects and features otherwise disclosed herein. 
         [0055]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0056]    Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
           [0057]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 2  is an exploded front perspective view of the bubble fountain of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged front perspective view of an upper portion of the bubble fountain of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0060]      FIGS. 4A-4D  are front perspective views of the bubble fountain of  FIG. 1 , shown in various stages of operation; 
           [0061]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the bubble fountain of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are front perspective views of a bubble fountain in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of the bubble fountain of  FIGS. 10A and 10B ; 
           [0068]      FIG. 12  is a left side elevational view of the bubble fountain of  FIGS. 10A and 10B ; 
           [0069]      FIG. 13  is a right side elevational view of the bubble fountain of  FIGS. 10A and 10B ; 
           [0070]      FIG. 14  is a rear elevational view of the bubble fountain of  FIGS. 10A and 10B ; 
           [0071]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the bubble fountain of  FIGS. 10A and 10B ; 
           [0072]      FIG. 16A  is a bottom plan view of the bubble fountain of  FIGS. 10A and 10B ; 
           [0073]      FIG. 16B  is a sectional bottom plan view of the bubble fountain of  FIGS. 10A and 10B , shown with the base cover removed; 
           [0074]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  are partial cross-sectional front views of the bubble fountain of  FIG. 13 , taken along line  17 - 17 ; 
           [0075]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  are partial cross-sectional side views of the bubble fountain of  FIG. 12 , taken along line  18 - 18 ; 
           [0076]      FIGS. 19A and 19B  are partial cross-sectional side views of the bubble fountain of  FIG. 12 , taken along line  19 - 19 ; 
           [0077]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  are cross-sectional top view of the bubble fountain of  FIG. 13 , taken along line  20 - 20 ; 
           [0078]      FIGS. 21A and 21B  are cross-sectional top views of the bubble fountain of  FIG. 13 , taken along line  21 - 21 ; 
           [0079]      FIGS. 22A and 22B  are bottom orthogonal views of the catch basin and base of the bubble fountain of  FIGS. 10A and 10B ; 
           [0080]      FIGS. 23 and 24  are front perspective views of a bubble fountain in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0081]      FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of bubble fountain in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0082]      FIGS. 26-27  are front perspective views of a bubble fountain in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0083]    As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0084]    Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
         [0085]    Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein. 
         [0086]    Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein-as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail. 
         [0087]    Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.” 
         [0088]    When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.” 
         [0089]    Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
         [0090]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are a front perspective view and an exploded front perspective view, respectively, of a bubble fountain  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain  10  includes a base  12 , a soap holder  14 , a pump  16 , a tubular column  18  and a catch basin  20 . The tubular column  18  is seated in the bottom of the soap holder  14 , which is in turn disposed within, or optionally forms a part of, the base  12 , and extends upward through a center opening  21  in the catch basin  20 . 
         [0091]    The pump  16  is preferably also disposed within the base  12  and has a fluid outlet that is connected to the interior of the soap holder  14  via a flexible tube  26  or the like, thereby permitting air to be pumped into the soap holder  14 . The pump  16  and soap holder  14  may be supported within the base  12  by a base cover  28  that is preferably removable in order to provide access to the pump  16  or other components disposed therein. In at least some embodiments, the pump  16  uses an electrical motor that may be plugged into a standard wall outlet, but other embodiments may utilize battery- or hand-operated pumps. 
         [0092]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged front perspective view of an upper portion of the bubble fountain  10  of  FIG. 1 . As shown therein, the upper end of the tubular column  18  is closed by a top cover  22  and includes a plurality of bubble openings  24  arranged around its periphery. The openings  24 , which may be of any desired size, shape and arrangement, each penetrate the side walls of upper end of the column  18  and are provided to allow bubbles to escape therethrough as described hereinbelow. 
         [0093]    In use, the soap holder  14  is partially filled with a soap and water mixture that is formulated to produce soap bubbles when air is pumped into the holder  14 . A number of conventional formulations, typically including some mixture of water and glycerin, are available for this purpose. 
         [0094]    With the soap and water mixture in place, the pump  16  is activated, thereby causing the mixture to be infused with air, creating soap bubbles. With space limited between the top of the soap holder  14  and the walls of the tubular column  18 , the soap bubbles are forced up into the column  18 . 
         [0095]      FIGS. 4A-4D  are front perspective views of the bubble fountain  10  of  FIG. 1 , shown in various stages of operation. As more and more bubbles are created, they finally reach the top of the column  18 . The top cover  22  forces the bubbles to begin escaping the column  18  via the bubble openings  24  around the periphery thereof, as shown in  FIG. 4A . Because bubbles escape through the sides of the column  18 , rather than an open end at the top, the bubbles are less likely to stack up on themselves wherein their own weight could cause them to pop or to compress into a soapy foam rather than a more aesthetically-pleasing collection of larger bubbles. Further, the closed end (top cover  22 ) improves the distribution of bubbles around the top of the column  18  by forcing bubbles out on all sides of the column  18 . Alternatively, the bubbles could be forced to one side or another through the use of a more limited set of openings  24 , i.e., through the use of openings limited in distribution to a portion of the periphery of the column  18 , rather than distributed around the entire periphery. Such a bubble distribution would be more difficult to achieve with an open ended-column. 
         [0096]    As still more bubbles are created and are forced through the openings  24 , the bubbles begin to take on the form of a bubble sculpture  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C . More particularly, the bubbles slowly inch down the outside of the column  18 , as shown in  FIG. 4B , until they reach the catch basin  20 , as shown in  FIG. 4C . Continued formation of the bubble sculpture  40  thereafter may depend on the consistency of the selected soap and water mixture as well as on environmental conditions during operation of the fountain  10 . Some number of bubbles in the sculpture  40 , particularly at the bottom thereof, will pop under the weight of the bubbles above and as environmental factors affect the surface tension thereof, and the liquid released thereby will be collected in the catch basin  20  and will flow toward the center, where it passes through to the soap holder  14  beneath. The remaining bubble sculpture  40 , however, may bulge at the bottom, the middle, or the top, creating an ongoing and ever-changing variety of visually pleasing shapes and forms. These shapes may be further varied manually, by blowing, touching or otherwise manipulating portions of the sculpture  40 , such as is shown in  FIG. 4D . Although not shown, various tools, such as wands and scrapers having various contours, may be provided for this purpose. 
         [0097]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the bubble fountain  10  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the circulation of the soap and water mixture through the fountain  10 . As shown therein, bubbles from the bubble sculpture  40  pop and the liquid created thereby collects in the catch basin  20 . The liquid flows to the center of the catch basin  20  and drains through one or more openings  42  into the soap holder  14  below. The openings  42  may comprise spaces between the edges of the center opening  21  in the catch basin  20  and the outer surfaces of the column  18 , or they may be dedicated perforations or other openings (not shown) that are spaced apart a small distance from the center opening  21  and the column  18  extending therethrough. In the soap holder  14 , the collected bubble liquid mixes with the soap and water already there. The combined mixture enters the bottom of the tubular column  18 , where air from the pump  16  once again causes the creation of bubbles as described previously. The flow of liquid into the column  18  may be accomplished via openings (not shown) in the column  18 , or through a gap  30  at the bottom of the column  18  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0098]    A useful aspect of the illustrated bubble creation process is its improved efficiency in producing bubbles. More particularly, creating bubbles directly in the tubular column  18  through the injection of air into the soap and water mixture therein is believed to be more efficient than creating the bubbles first in the soap holder  14  and then forcing them into the column  18 . One reason for this is that the bubbles created in the tubular column  18  are protected by the walls of the column  18  from being burst prematurely by liquid dripping back into the soap holder  14 , and thus relatively larger bubbles, rather than a mix of smaller bubbles perhaps better characterized as foam or froth, may be created. Further, a good supply of liquid, rather than the aforementioned foam or forth, may be generated in the soap holder  14  and maintained in the bottom of the soap holder  14  and column  18  by the natural flow of liquid from burst soap bubbles into the soap holder  14  and the natural settling effect of that liquid. 
         [0099]    Further interest may be created by providing one or more light sources (not shown) to provide various lighting effects in the bubble sculpture  40 . Such light sources may be arranged to appear to emanate from within the bubble sculpture  40  or may be arranged behind the bubble sculpture  40  as the sculpture is seen by a viewer. Any conventional light source of any color may be used, though in at least some embodiments it may be necessary to protect the light source from the soap bubbles themselves. 
         [0100]    The bubble fountain  10  may be configured to have any of a variety of different shapes and sizes. In one contemplated embodiment, the bubble fountain  10  may be configured to have the general shape of a champagne or wine bottle, whereby bubbles may be emitted, for example, from the mouth of the bottle. In another contemplated embodiment, the bubble fountain  10  may be configured to have the general shape of a creature such as a dragon, whereby bubbles may be emitted from the mouth or nostrils of the dragon. It can therefore be appreciated by the Ordinary Artisan that the bubble fountain  10  of the present invention may be implemented across a wide variety of different shapes and sizes without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0101]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain  110  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain  110  has a tubular column  118  that is flared at the upper end thereof. Additionally, the upper end of the tubular column  118  is open to provide a bubble opening  146  at the top of the bubble fountain  110 . Bubbles created by the bubble fountain  110  eventually reach the top of the tubular column  118  and escape via the bubble opening  146 . The flared shape of the bubble opening  146  provides a broad range of direction to the bubbles as they are emitted from the tubular column  118 , thereby permitting the bubbles to be distributed more evenly to the periphery of the bubble fountain  110 . In this regard, the flared shape of the bubble opening  146  helps circumvent the concerns associated with known bubble fountains with a narrow opening. In particular, the flared shape of the bubble opening  146  helps to avoid the problem of bubbles stacking on top of a narrow opening in the tubular column. 
         [0102]    As further shown in  FIG. 6 , a base  112  of the bubble fountain  110  may be configured to have a catch basin  120  to collect bubbles emitted from the tubular column  118 . The catch basin  120  may be formed integrally with the base  112 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , or the catch basin  120  and the base  112  may be formed as separate components. 
         [0103]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain  210  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain  210  may be configured to have one or more lights  244  to provide the bubble fountain  210  with various lighting effects in a bubble sculpture created by the bubble fountain  210 . The lights  244  may be configured in any manner that might be preferred and may be powered by batteries or an electrical source (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 7 , the lights  244  are configured to emanate from the base  212  of the bubble fountain  210 . Additionally, the lights  244  may be arranged in any manner that might be preferred. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the lights  244  are arranged to be relatively evenly spaced along the upper portion of the base  212  to direct lighting effects upward toward a bubble sculpture. Any type of light source may be utilized in connection with the lights  244 . In at least one embodiment, the light source corresponding to each light  244  is a light emitting diode (LED). 
         [0104]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain  310  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain  310  may be configured to have an offset appearance. In particular, a catch basin  320  may be slightly tilted so as to appear offset with respect to a base  312  and a tubular column  318 . The tilted configuration of the catch basin  320  may also provide a different appearance in a bubble sculpture created by the bubble fountain  310 . As further shown in  FIG. 8 , the bubble opening  346  of the tubular column  318  may be angled rather than straight. In this regard, bubbles escaping via the bubble opening  346  may have a natural tendency to collect at one side of the catch basin  320 . The angle of the bubble opening  346  may be varied across a range of possible angles in order to adjust the likelihood of bubbles collecting at one side of the catch basin  320 . The angled bubble opening  346  thereby facilitates the creation of a bubble sculpture having a different appearance. The tilted catch basin  320  may be oriented with its higher side generally beneath the angled lower edge of the bubble opening  346 , thereby more effectively collecting the larger amount of bubbles that may accumulate on that side. 
         [0105]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain  410  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain  410  may be composed of a generally transparent material. 
         [0106]      FIGS. 10A-22B  set forth a bubble fountain  510  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain  510  includes a base  512 , a soap holder  514 , a pump  516 , a plurality of tubular columns  518  and a catch basin  520 . As perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 10A-15 , the bubble fountain  510  may be configured to have a plurality of tubular columns  518  extending upward and configured to emit bubbles created by the bubble fountain  510 . The tubular columns  518  are each seated in a socket  519  (perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 22A and 22B ) in the bottom of the base  512 . 
         [0107]    The upper end of each tubular column  518  includes a bubble opening  546  at the top of the bubble fountain  510 . In this regard, bubbles created by the bubble fountain  510  eventually reach the top of the tubular columns  518  and escape via the bubble openings  546 . Additionally, each of the tubular columns  518  may be arranged in a non-vertical or non-linear orientation so as to permit the bubbles emitting therefrom to be projected in a desired direction. In this regard, non-vertical orientation of the tubular columns  518  may provide enhanced distribution of bubbles to the periphery of the bubble fountain  510 . As shown in  FIGS. 10A-15 , each of the tubular columns  518  is oriented in a direction such that the bubble openings  546  emit bubbles away from the center of the bubble fountain  510 . Arrangement of the tubular columns  518  in this non-vertical orientation may facilitate a relatively even distribution of bubbles. 
         [0108]    As further shown in  FIGS. 10A-15 , each of the tubular columns  518  may be configured to have a bulbous portion  550  at the upper end thereof adjacent the bubble opening  546 . Bubbles may collect in the bulbous portion  550  of the tubular columns  518  prior to escaping from the bubble fountain  510 . In particular, the bubble opening  546  may be smaller than the cross-section of the bulbous portion  550  of each tubular column  518 . As bubbles are collected in the bulbous portion  550  and, subsequently, are forced through the smaller bubble opening  546 , bubbles are emitted from the tubular columns  518  with greater force. With greater force, the bubbles emitted from the tubular columns  518  may be projected a slightly greater distance from the tubular columns  518 , thereby enhancing the distribution of the bubbles. 
         [0109]    As still further shown in  FIGS. 10A-15 , a catch basin  520  may be slightly offset with respect to a base  512  and the tubular columns  518 . The tilted configuration of the catch basin  520  may also provide a different appearance in a bubble sculpture (not shown) created by the bubble fountain  510 . The catch basin  520  may be formed integrally with the base  512 , or the catch basin  520  and the base  512  may be formed as separate components. The bottom of the base  512  may be covered by a base cover  528 , shown for example in  FIG. 16A , that is preferably removable in order to provide access to the pump  516  or other components disposed therein. 
         [0110]    As shown in  FIGS. 16B-21B , the pump  516  is preferably a double-diaphragm pump that is disposed within the base  512  and is protected from the interior of the catch basin  520  by a seal panel  558 . In this regard, each portion of the double-diaphragm pump  516  may function independently of the other. Moreover, each portion of the double-diaphragm pump  516  may be configured to correspond with different tubular columns  518  of the bubble fountain  510 . 
         [0111]    The pump  516  includes a field coil  564  that uses AC power to charges and discharge, thereby causing magnets  562 , each mounted at the end of a flexible arm  560 , to vibrate back and forth. The vibration is translated from the magnets  562  through the flexible arms  560  to a pair of diaphragms  566 , attached to the arms  560  via a fitting. Each diaphragm  560  thus vibrates, causing air to be pumped from a respective chamber  567  through a section of flexible tubing (not shown) to an inlet  559  attached to or molded in the bottom of the seal panel  558 . In particular, in at least one embodiment, the seal panel  558  may be molded from ABS plastic and the inlet  559  may be attached to the seal panel  558  by ABS bonding. Each inlet includes one inlet port and two outlet ports, with each outlet port extending upward into the bottom of a respective socket  519  and thus into the bottom of a respective tubular column  518 . Each outlet port is connected to its inlet port by a channel. Because there are two inlets, there are thus a total of four outlet ports, one in the bottom of each tubular column. 
         [0112]    In at least some embodiments, the pump  516  uses an electrical motor that may be plugged into a standard wall outlet, but other embodiments may utilize battery- or hand-operated pumps. 
         [0113]    The inlet  559  is in fluid connection with an inverted J-shaped tube  568  that empties into the bottom of the soap holder  514  from the short arm  570  thereof, perhaps best seen in  FIGS. 19A and 19B . The bent portion  572  of the J-shaped tube  568  is configured to remain above the surface of the liquid. In this regard, the J-shaped tube  568  acts as a stop to prevent liquid from re-entering the pump  516 . 
         [0114]    The soap holder  514  is a chamber formed by interior surfaces of the upper portion of the base  512  (perhaps best seen in  FIGS. 22A and 22B ) and the top surface of the seal panel  558 . A pair of notches  523  near the bottom of each of the sockets  519  allows fluid in the soap holder  514  to flow into the bottom of each socket  519  and thus the bottom of each tubular column  518 . Each tubular column  518  rests on a ledge, seen in  FIGS. 22A and 22B , around the periphery of each socket  519 , thus separating the bottom of each tubular column  518  from the top surface of the seal panel  558 . The soap-and-water mixture flows from the interior of the catch basin  520  into the soap holder  514  through a slot  542  in the edge thereof. It will be appreciated that additional slots or other openings (not illustrated) may likewise or alternatively be provided for this purpose. 
         [0115]    In at least some embodiments, one or more lights  536  such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) or the like may be provided. In a preferred arrangement, one LED  536  is located in the bottom of each socket  519  so as to light each tubular column  518  from the inside. If desired, the LEDs  536  may be of a type whose color varies periodically, thus providing an enhanced lighting effect. 
         [0116]    One opening  580  in the side of the base  512  may be provided for a control switch (not shown). Another opening  582  in the bottom rim of the base  512  may be provided for a power cord (not shown). 
         [0117]      FIGS. 23 and 24  are front perspective views of a bubble fountain  610  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain  610  has a plurality of tubular columns  618  extending upward and configured to emit bubbles created by the bubble fountain  610 . The tubular columns  618  may be configured to have any particular shape that might be desired. In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 23-24 , each tubular column  618  may be configured to have an increasing width along the length thereof that opens at a corresponding bubble opening  646  at the top thereof. Additionally, each of the tubular columns  618  may be arranged in a non-vertical orientation so as to enhance the distribution of bubbles from the bubble fountain  610 . Further still, any quantity of tubular columns may be arranged to distribute bubbles, as might be preferred. As shown in  FIGS. 23-24 , four tubular columns  618  are arranged. 
         [0118]      FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain  710  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain  710  has a plurality of tubular columns  718  extending upward and configured to emit bubbles created by the bubble fountain  710 . The upper end of each tubular column  718  is open to provide bubble openings  746  at the top of the bubble fountain  710 . In this regard, bubbles created by the bubble fountain  710  eventually reach the top of the tubular columns  718  and escape via the bubble openings  746 . Additionally, each of the tubular columns  718  may be arranged in a non-vertical orientation so as to permit the bubbles emitting therefrom to be projected in a desired direction. Orientation of the individual tubular columns  718  may vary, and individual columns of the bubble fountain  710  may be arranged to have varied angles of orientation or tilt. Selection of a particular orientation may assist in distributing bubbles in a particular pattern that might be preferred. As shown in  FIG. 25 , each of the tubular columns  718  is arranged to have a different orientation or tilt. 
         [0119]    As further shown in  FIG. 25 , each of the tubular columns  718  may be configured to have a bulbous portion  750  at the upper end thereof adjacent the bubble opening  746 . Bubbles may collect in the bulbous portion  750  of the tubular columns  718  prior to escaping from the bubble fountain  710 . In particular, the bubble opening  746  may be smaller relative to the bulbous portion  750  of each tubular column  718 . As bubbles are collected in the bulbous portion and, subsequently, are forced through the smaller bubble opening  746 , bubbles are emitted from the tubular columns  718  with greater force. With greater force, the bubbles emitted from the tubular columns  718  may be projected a slightly greater distance from the tubular columns  718 , thereby enhancing the distribution of the bubbles. 
         [0120]    As still further shown in  FIG. 25 , the bubble fountain  710  may be configured to have one or more lights  744  to provide the bubble fountain  710  with various lighting effects in a bubble sculpture created by the bubble fountain  710 . The lights  744  may be configured in any manner that might be preferred and may be powered by batteries or an electrical source (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 25 , the lights  744  are configured to emanate from the base  712  of the bubble fountain  710 . Additionally, the lights  744  may be arranged in any manner that might be preferred. As shown in  FIG. 25 , the lights  744  are arranged to be relatively evenly spaced along the upper portion of the base  712  to direct lighting effects upward toward a bubble sculpture. Any type of light source may be utilized in connection with the lights  744 . In at least one embodiment, the light source corresponding to each light  744  is a light emitting diode (LED). 
         [0121]      FIGS. 26 and 27  are front perspective views of a bubble fountain  810  in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain  810  may be configured to have an offset appearance. In particular, a catch basin  820  may be slightly tilted so as to appear offset with respect to a base  812  and a tubular column  818 . The tilted configuration of the catch basin  820  may also provide a different appearance in a bubble sculpture created by the bubble fountain  810 . 
         [0122]    In accordance with each of the foregoing embodiments, it is further contemplated that an end cap (not shown) may provided at the upper end of one or more of the tubular columns  18 , 118 , 218 , 318 , 418 , 518 , 618 , 718 , 818 . In at least some embodiments, the end caps are removable and are fitted to attach to the tubular columns. Either type of end cap may further shift or shape the bubbles emitted from the bubble fountain  10 , 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 , 610 , 710 , 810 . In particular, it is contemplated that end caps may have varying configurations or varying arrangements of holes so as to funnel, fan or otherwise move the emitted bubbles in a desired manner. As can be appreciated by the Ordinary Artisan, end caps fitted at one or more of the tubular columns  18 , 118 , 218 , 318 , 418 , 518 , 618 , 718 , 818  may be interchangeable such that a user of the bubble fountain may select and fit a particular end cap in order to alter the resulting bubble sculpture. 
         [0123]    Based on the foregoing information, it is readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. 
         [0124]    Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.