System and method for microbubble generation

One or more systems are disclosed for producing microbubbles in a standard tub as well as a pedicure tub for performing pedicures on a user. The one or more systems include a microbubble generating device. The microbubble generating device includes its own housing and is portable or can be attachable to one or more structures such as a pedicure chair. The microbubble generating device includes a pump, an air mixing chamber, a solenoid valve, and electrical timer. After passing through the pump and the air mixing chamber of the microbubble generating device, the outgoing water is infused with microbubbles and redirected from an outlet of the microbubble generating device to the tub or pedicure tub. The system further includes an aerator assembly and one or more filters. Microbubbles are included in the water to provide deep cleaning and other health benefits to the user.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a system and method for microbubble generation. In particular, the system and methods herein relate to embodiments that allow for microbubble cleaning using a pedicure style salon chair and tub. Other systems and methods described herein relate to microbubble generating device that can be independently used with any type of tub or container for generally washing pets, objects, or any item that needs cleansing and that may benefit from the incorporation of microbubbles in the cleaning process.

BACKGROUND

The use of microbubbles while washing and bathing people, pets, or other entities is becoming more popular. Microbubbles are bubbles of water and gas (e.g. air) that are very small in size. To qualify as a microbubble, the bubble is usually less than one millimeter and greater than one micrometer. In general, for effective deep cleaning, the microbubbles are preferably very small and may range, in one or more exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, anywhere from 1-200 micrometers in size. Such small sizes may allow the microbubbles to penetrate hair follicles and skin pores to effectively remove dirt while not passing through the epidermis layer of the skin.

There are many benefits for the use of microbubbles when cleansing or bathing humans or animals. For example, microbubbles in the water expose the bather or user to oxygen-rich water. Additionally, the microbubbles provide a deeper cleaning than the use of regular water, because the microbubbles are better at attracting dirt, impurities, and toxins from the skin. Further, the use of microbubbles provides additional health benefits to the user because microbubbles help improve the overall circulation of the blood as well as an overall sense of relaxation and well-being. Microbubbles have many additional benefits. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to produce such microbubbles and the equipment typically used for such a purpose is complex.

Pedicures are often used to relax and to maintain the hygiene and good appearance of one's legs and feet. It would be desirable to easily incorporate microbubbles in one's pedicure treatments. The problem with existing foot baths that may include microbubbles in pedicure treatments for customers is that the foot baths have to be purchased having the requisite microbubble generating technology. Owners of salons and other pedicure tubs or chairs are not able to retrofit their existing equipment to provide microbubble infused water during the pedicure. Further, any existing foot baths that incorporate the microbubble technology require complicated plumbing to pipe in the microbubble enhanced water. These existing systems are not portable and not easily connectable to most pedicure tubs and chairs that exist in an abundance of nail salons, spas, and other locations.

In addition to the use of microbubbles to enhance a user's pedicure experience, it would be desirable for a user to be able to use an easily portable microbubble generating device that can be used for various purposes including washing animals such as dogs and other pets. As noted above, it would be beneficial to incorporate microbubbles in the water used to wash the animal so that the animal is thoroughly cleaned, and more dirt and impurities are removed effectively. Existing devices and systems for providing microbubbles are unable to provide such features and are often overly complex and non-portable.

Accordingly, there is still an unsolved need for microbubble generating technology that may address these and other existing issues.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, one or more embodiments are provided below for a microbubble generating device adapted to produce microbubbles in water. The microbubble generating device may include a housing having an inlet and an outlet, whereby the inlet is configured to flow incoming water through the inlet in order for the microbubbles produced by the microbubble generating device to be added to the incoming water. One or more openings may be located on the housing, whereby the one or more openings allow air from a surrounding environment of the microbubble generating device to be directed through the one or more openings and into the housing. The microbubble generating device, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, may include one or more conduits configured to direct the air and incoming water within the housing of the microbubble generating device. The microbubble generating device may further include a solenoid valve and a timer, whereby the timer is configured to be control the solenoid valve. The microbubble generating device may further include an air mixing chamber for the air and the incoming water to mix together to form microbubbles, whereby the air mixing chamber further includes an air mixing core member that is disposed within the air mixing chamber and aids in the production of the microbubbles. The microbubble generating device may further include a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump the air and the incoming water to the air mixing chamber. The outlet of the microbubble generating device may be configured to direct outgoing water from the air mixing chamber, whereby the outgoing water includes the microbubbles.

According to a second embodiment, the present description includes a system for generating microbubbles in a pedicure tub. The system may include the pedicure tub, whereby the pedicure tub is configured for providing a pedicure to a user and for containing water. The pedicure tub may further include an opening located on one side of the pedicure tub. The system may include a tub fitting, whereby the tub fitting is configured to fit in the opening located on the one side of the pedicure tub. The tub fitting may further include a body having an inlet and an outlet, whereby the water in the pedicure tub is configured to flow from the pedicure tub through the outlet of the tub fitting to a microbubble generating device. Further, the microbubbles that are generated using the microbubble generating device are configured to flow into the inlet of the tub fitting and into the pedicure tub. The system may further include one or more filters as well as a first conduit, wherein the one or more filters is connected by the first conduit to the outlet of the tub fitting. The microbubble generating device in the system may include its own inlet and outlet, whereby the first conduit connects the one or more filters to the inlet of the microbubble generating device. The system may further include a second conduit, whereby the second conduit connects the outlet of the microbubble generating device to the inlet of the pedicure tub fitting.

According to another embodiment, the present description may further include a method for generating microbubbles in the water in a tub. The method may include providing the water in the tub and activating a microbubble generating device connected to the tub. The method may further include flowing the water from the tub through a first conduit to one or more filters and then filtering the water from the tub by flowing the water through the filters. The filtered water may then flow through the inlet of the microbubble generating device and to the pump located in the microbubble generating device. The method may further include activating the solenoid valve in the microbubble generating device to open an orifice in a conduit that provides access to air for a first predetermined period of time. The method may further include flowing the air and the water through the pump and to the air mixing chamber located within the housing of the microbubble generating device. The method may further include closing the solenoid valve for a second predetermined period of time while the air and the water are mixing in the air mixing chamber and flowing the air and the water through the air mixing chamber to form the microbubbles. The method may further include flowing the water having the microbubbles from the air mixing chamber through the outlet of the microbubble generating device, and flowing the water having the microbubbles from the microbubble generating device to the tub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “coupled to” as used herein may mean a direct or indirect connection via one or more components.

The present disclosure is generally drawn to various embodiments for microbubble cleaning devices and systems. The use of microbubbles has many known health related and therapeutic benefits. Notably, incorporating microbubbles the bathing or washing of a human or animal has been shown to help increase body circulation and decrease muscle tension. Additionally, microbubbles provided enhanced cleaning of the epidermal layer of a human body or animal body by surrounding the body with negatively charged microbubbles small enough that they can enter the pores of the epidermis and remove dirt and impurities more effectively. In yet another benefit, the microbubbles oxygenate and soften the skin by increasing the dissolved oxygen levels in the water, kill bacteria with its negative ions, and reduce or eliminate the need for excessive use of soap and chemicals in the bath. Microbubbles may further help water retain heat for longer periods of time, which makes a more pleasant bathing or cleaning experience for a human or animal.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the present description provides embodiments for a microbubble generating device that makes it possible to include microbubbles in a pedicure tub. In particular, the one or more non-limiting embodiments for a microbubble generating device for a pedicure tub enable existing pedicure tubs to be retrofitted, because the microbubble generating device includes a tub fitting that is sized to fit existing openings in most pedicure tubs (e.g. the openings that are currently used for one or more jets). Accordingly, the user can locate the tub fitting in the existing opening of the pedicure tub, and using the method and system described herein, make the microbubble bathing process available to a customer or user during the pedicure treatment. This is advantageous as many people require pedicures to maintain the health and good appearance of their feet, as well as seek the helpful massage and health benefits provided during the pedicure. The ability to include microbubbles for the customer in any existing pedicure chair or pedicure tub combination enhances the pedicure experience for the customer and improves the pedicure overall by promoting blood circulation and allowing the extra oxygen in the water due to the microbubbles to oxygenate the skin leaving the skin softer.

In addition to the use of microbubbles with pedicures in either a nail salon or spa or other location, it would be desirable to have the same technology available to those who want to incorporate the benefits of using microbubble enhanced water to clean their pets. In particular, it may be beneficial for washing one's dog or other pet. The benefits that are provided to a human using microbubble enhanced water are the same benefits provided to the pet or animal. Namely, as noted above, more dirt, toxins, and impurities are attracted to the microbubbles and thus removed during the washing process, and the overall experience is also very pleasant and relaxing to the animal.

Accordingly, the one or more non-limiting embodiments provided below describe a microbubble generating device, system, and method of use of the microbubble generating device in conjunction with various types of tubs configured to contain water. The embodiments provided herein may be used for multiple purposes, including for pedicures or washing one's pets. Further details are provided below with reference to the Figures.

Turning toFIG. 1,FIG. 1is a diagram depicting system100which is an example of a system for providing microbubbles, such as microbubbles101, that are generated using a microbubble generating device102. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, water110located in the pedicure tub108is routed to the microbubble generating device102, and then returned having multiple or a plurality of microbubbles101to pedicure tub108. Pedicure tub108may be a tub that is suited or adapted for use when providing pedicures to a customer or user. It is noted that the term “tub” as used herein may be interchangeably used with the words “container” or “storage container” which further explain the meaning of the term “tub.”

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, pedicure tub108may be attached to a pedicure chair such as pedicure chair104. Alternatively, pedicure tub108may not be attached to a pedicure chair104, but rather be located proximately to the pedicure chair104so that it is convenient for a user to sit in pedicure chair104with their feet comfortably resting in pedicure tub108during portions of the pedicure treatment.

Many pedicure chairs104are frequently found in nail salons, spas, gymnasiums, malls, or anywhere where one may receive a pedicure. The customers usually enjoy sitting in pedicure chairs104as they may include many features designed to enhance the comfort and relaxation of the user during a pedicure. For example, pedicure chairs104may include a wider seat, taller back portion, soft seating material, as well as incorporate or include built in massaging capabilities in the back or seat area. Further, pedicure chairs104may recline or extend forward for better positioning of the user during the pedicure. Accordingly, it is common that when a user goes to a location for pedicure, he or she may be seated in a pedicure chair such as pedicure chair104and may be able to also place his or her feet on a footrest, such as footrest140shown inFIG. 1, attached to and located above the pedicure tub108. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, pedicure chair104may include a base such as base106. Such bases106may be made of any material, but it is noted that it is common for such bases106of pedicure chairs104to be made from a combination of fiberglass, wood, or plastic. The base106may help to support the structure of the pedicure chair104and further to conceal certain electrical and structural elements of the pedicure chair104.

It is noted that pedicure tub108may be used in any location suitable to the user. For example, it may be desirable at a salon to locate pedicure tub108proximate to a massage bed or the like. Further, pedicure tub108may be available for personal and home use in which case pedicure tub108may be located in front of any kind of chair or spot conducive to using the pedicure tub108.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, pedicure tub108is adapted for use for pedicures. Pedicure tub108may be a typical tub that has four or more raised sides and a deep basin or reservoir for holding liquids. In particular, pedicure tub108may contain water110. Additionally, any other fragrances, soaps, lotions, or additives may be added to the water110as part of the pedicure process. Most pedicure tubs108include faucets (not shown) that dispense hot and cold water directly into the pedicure tub108, whereby the faucets may be positioned conveniently on the pedicure tub108or near the pedicure tub108. The water110may be temperature adjustable to make the water110hotter or colder to suit the desired temperature for the customer using these faucets. Any other water source other than a faucet may be used to fill pedicure tub108. Accordingly, pedicure tub108may be filled with water110in anyway.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, system100includes microbubble generating device102which connects to pedicure tub108using one or more conduits, such as first conduit120and second conduit122. Microbubble generating device102is a unit that includes its own housing (e.g. housing204as shown inFIG. 2) that encompasses many electrical and non-electrical components needed to produce microbubbles in the water110of the pedicure tub108. As further explained below with reference toFIG. 2, microbubble generating device102may further include, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, one or more openings128located in or on one or more surfaces of the microbubble generating device102. The one or more openings128may have multiple functions, including dissipating heat from the microbubble generating device102as well as allowing the atmospheric air130for generating microbubbles101to flow in through the one or more openings128in the microbubble generating device102.

Microbubbles101are liquid particles that include a gas cavity. The liquid in this case is water and the gas cavity is air (e.g. air130as shown inFIG. 1). Microbubbles101are typically very small (e.g. 1-100 micrometers in size although other sizes are possible as well). Water110may normally be clear colored without the incorporation of microbubbles101. When microbubbles101are directed in water110in the pedicure tub108, the water110very quickly becomes a very cloudy, dense, white color so that the water110is no longer clear. This change in appearance in the water110is an indication that there are many microbubbles101and is due to the incorporation of the additional air (and oxygen) in the water110.FIG. 11depicts an illustration of pedicure tub108that includes the microbubble generating device outgoing water236pouring into the pedicure tub108and having many microbubbles101that were generated by the microbubble generating device102. As shown inFIG. 11, the device outgoing water236poured from the pedicure tub fitting112into the pedicure tub108causes the clear water110in the pedicure tub108to be replaced with water having a dense, white cloudy color and composition, whereby the outgoing water236includes many microbubbles101. The original water110is continuously replaced with outgoing water236containing microbubbles101as long as the microbubble generating device102(and202as shown inFIG. 2and throughout the description) is activated and powered on.

As long as microbubble generating device102is activated or powered on, the microbubbles101will be present in the water110in the pedicure tub108as indicated by the white, cloudy, dense areas of the water110. Once the microbubble generating device102is deactivated or powered off, then the microbubbles101will dissolve and dissipate returning the water110to its previous clear color and composition.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, pedicure tub108includes a pedicure tub fitting112. The components of pedicure tub fitting112, according to one or more non-limiting embodiments, are described further in association withFIG. 3andFIG. 4. It is noted that pedicure tub fitting112may be interchangeably referred to herein as a “tub fitting”. Pedicure tub fitting112is a fitting that is designed to fit into a hole or opening in a side wall of pedicure tub108. Pedicure tub fitting112is configured to include an inlet113that directs the existing water110from the pedicure tub108. Pedicure tub fitting112further includes outlet114. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, water which includes a plurality of microbubbles101(e.g. outgoing water236as shown inFIG. 2) is returned to pedicure tub108from microbubble generating device102through the outlet114of the pedicure tub fitting112. Further, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, pedicure tub fitting112is configured to include an aerator assembly, such as aerator assembly116which assists in producing finer or smaller sized microbubbles101. Aerator assembly116is further discussed below with reference toFIG. 5.

Pedicure tub fitting112, as shown inFIG. 1, is located or positioned on one side wall of the pedicure tub108. InFIG. 1, pedicure tub fitting is shown on the wall of the pedicure tub108opposite the front of the pedicure chair104. It is noted that pedicure tub fitting112may be located on any of the side walls of the pedicure tub108, but for convenience it may be desirable to position the pedicure tub fitting112on either the side wall of the pedicure tub108closest to the front of the pedicure chair104or just directly opposite the front of the pedicure chair104(e.g. as shown inFIG. 1).

Advantageously, pedicure tub fitting112is a fitting that may enable nail salon owners or other entities that own pedicure chairs104and pedicure tubs108to retrofit the pedicure tub108such that it is not required to purchase brand new pedicure tubs108or pedicure chairs104. Rather, the system100incorporates pedicure tub fitting112and microbubble generating device102so that the nail salon owners or other entities may continue to use their existing pedicure chairs104and pedicure tubs108, but with the added appeal offered to their customers who seek the benefits of including microbubbles101during their pedicures. It is also possible for pedicure tubs104and/or pedicure chairs104to be obtained that are not retrofitted, but rather include pedicure tub fitting112and microbubble generating device102when purchased from a manufacturer or seller as new purchases.

Most pedicure tubs104currently include a designated opening or hole on a side wall of the pedicure tub108for a jet. The standard diameter of such designated openings or holes for including such jets in most pedicure tubs108are about 3.5 inches in diameter, although other diameters are possible. It is noted that the faucets used to pour hot and cold water110into the pedicure tub108are usually separately located on pedicure tub108from the one or more jets and these designated openings or holes located in the side walls for the jets.

Conventional pedicure tubs108use jets help to circulate the water in the pedicure tub108so that the water moves quickly around the feet of the customer creating a whirlpool effect and massaging the feet of the customer. A jet that is commonly used is a magnetic jet, although other jets may be used as well other than magnetic jets in most existing pedicure tubs (e.g. pedicure tub108). In one or more non-limiting embodiment, pedicure tub fitting112may replace these jets and by doing so, the owner of the pedicure tub108is able to retrofit their pedicure tub108to enable the pedicure tub108to contain microbubble enriched water110.

In most existing or conventionally available pedicure tubs108, a jet is usually positioned on one of the upright walls of the pedicure tub108. The jet is usually a circular disk that includes holes and water110flows through the holes of the jet into the pedicure tub108. It is common for such jets to be referred to as magnetic jets. Magnetic jets include a couple of components as part of its assembly. The jet portion may be attached to a motor that sits on the outside of the pedicure tub108over the hole for this jet. The jet and motor may be fixedly attached to the outside of the pedicure tub108.

During pedicures, it is common for sanitization purposes for the pedicure technician to use a disposable plastic liner for each customer during a pedicure. Accordingly, the pedicure technician places the disposable plastic liner over the sides of the pedicure tub108and in the center. Any water110that fills the pedicure tub108fills over the disposable liner which has strategically created holes for the position of the jet and the drain of the pedicure tub108. A magnetic jet has a top magnet component that allows the pedicure technician to place the top component of the magnetic jet over the hole of the plastic liner, and the top component of the magnetic jet connects magnetically or through other clips to the back portion of the jet so that the water110from the jet can pour into the disposable plastic liner and the pedicure tub108directly.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the dimension and shape of pedicure tub fitting112enables the pedicure tub fitting112to replace the existing jet located in a pedicure tub108. Accordingly, the owner of the pedicure tub108or other entity may remove the existing jet, which should provide access to the underlying hole or opening in the pedicure tub108and replace the jet with the pedicure tub fitting112instead. As noted above, such hole or opening tends to be a standard diameter size of about 3.5 inches. Accordingly, pedicure tub fitting112may have a diameter of approximately 3.5 inches to fit in this standard size designated opening in pedicure tube108. However, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that other sizes may also be possible and pedicure tub fitting112may be sized as needed. The owner of the pedicure tub108or other entity may remove a jet (including a magnet jet) and the relevant components from the pedicure108, and replace that jet with the pedicure tub fitting112in this designated location to retrofit the pedicure tub108or to otherwise enable the pedicure tub108to include microbubbles101in the water110as generated by the pedicure generating device102.

In addition, system100may include conduits120and conduits122as shown inFIG. 1. Conduit120may be attached or otherwise connected to the inlet113of the pedicure tub fitting112. Conduit120transports the water110from pedicure tub108towards the microbubble generating device102. Initially, when the water110is first poured in the pedicure tub108, this water110may not include any or only a negligible amount of microbubbles110. Conduit120acts as a conduit to transport the water110to microbubble generating device102. Conduit122acts as a conduit to transport the water that has been infused with microbubbles101after circulating through microbubble generating device102back to the pedicure tub108. The term “conduit” as used herein may refer to a pipe, tube, or other component capable of carrying fluid. The conduits described throughout (including conduits120and122) have bores or passageways inside their generally cylindrical bodies with an opening on each end to allow the fluid (e.g. water110) to be carried through the conduits.

In one non-limiting embodiment, a filter, such as filter118may be located along conduit120. Filter118may filter out any unwanted elements from water110as it comes from pedicure tub108and travels to microbubble generating device102. Filter118acts to filter out impurities or unwanted elements from water110in order to clean and sanitize the water110to avoid recirculating these undesirable elements back to the pedicure tub108as well as to avoid such unwanted elements from building up within the microbubble generating device102. Advantageously, filter118may filter out undesirable elements such as dirt, skin, nail clippings, hair, large pieces of soap or sugar scrubs, or any other elements that commonly end up in water110during a pedicure. In one non-limiting embodiment, the filter118is advantageously located externally from the microbubble generating device102which makes it easier for the pedicure technician or another person to change and clean out the filter118regularly. It is also possible for filter118to be located internally within microbubble generating device102. Additionally, there may be more than one filter118located along conduit120or conduit112so that there may be two or more filters118along conduit120and conduit122. Alternatively, a filter118may be located along conduit120and also internally within the microbubble generation device102in other alternative embodiments. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, filter118may be a two-screen type of filter, although any other type of filter118may be used as well. As noted above, it is beneficial to place filter118externally from microbubble generating device102in such a manner that it is accessible for quick cleaning and/or replacement.

Filter118may be configured to connect to conduit120whereby filter118includes a filter inlet132and a filter outlet134whereby conduit120can connect to both the inlet132and outlet134of filter118. It is noted that the configuration depicted inFIG. 1is non-limiting as filter118may also be placed much closer to inlet113of pedicure tub fitting112. Filter118may further be coupled closer to inlet124on conduit120in alternative embodiments.

After water110passes through filter118from pedicure tub108, the water110may travel to the inlet124of microbubble generating device102. After circulating through the system components within the microbubble generating device102, the water110is released through the outlet126of microbubble generating device102having a plurality of microbubbles101and returned through conduit122to pedicure tub108. Conduit122may be connected at the opposite end from outlet126to the outlet114of the pedicure tub fitting112.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the water110that has been circulated through microbubble generating device102passes through the return conduit122into the aerator assembly116and then into pedicure tub108through the inlet114of the pedicure tub fitting112. The microbubbles101are dispersed throughout the water110of the pedicure tub and continuously replenished as long as the microbubble generating device102is activated or powered on. Accordingly, the customer may enjoy a pedicure while sitting in a chair, such as a pedicure chair104and their feet located in pedicure tub108that includes the microbubbles101.

As shown inFIG. 1, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, microbubble generating device102may be coupled to the pedicure chair104. Accordingly, microbubble generating device102may be removably or permanently attached to pedicure chair104. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, microbubble generating device102may be conveniently attached to or within base106of pedicure chair104. In a preferred embodiment, the microbubble generating device102may be located within the base106under the pedicure chair104.

Microbubble generating device102may be attached using fasteners, adhesives, or any other means of attachment known in the art. Alternatively, microbubble generating device102may be attached to another structure other than pedicure chair104if so desired. Additionally, microbubble generating device102is also capable of being freestanding without being attached to pedicure chair104or another structure and may be located proximate to the pedicure tub108as a free-standing unit. Advantageously, microbubble generating device104may be relatively lightweight and portable so that microbubble generating device104may be easily moved from place to place.

It may be advantageous for microbubble generating device104to be closely rather than remotely located from pedicure tub108so as to minimize the amount of pressure needed to cause the water110to travel through the conduit120, microbubble generating device102, conduit122and back to the pedicure tub108. Accordingly, it is recommended that microbubble generating device102be located proximate to the pedicure tub108and pedicure chair104when used for such a purpose.

Turning toFIG. 2andFIG. 16,FIG. 2is a block diagram depicting one or more exemplary components of a microbubble generating device, such as microbubble generating device202. It is noted that microbubble generating device202is in accordance with microbubble generating device102as pictured and described above inFIG. 1. Accordingly, microbubble generating device202may function in accordance with the description of microbubble generating device101inFIG. 1and vice versa.

Microbubble generating device202may be a single unit that has its own housing204. As shown inFIG. 1, in one embodiment, microbubble generating device202(i.e. microbubble generating device102) has a box like housing204although other shapes and configurations are possible as well. In one non-limiting embodiment, the housing204of the microbubble generating device202may be approximately 11-12 inches high by 14-15 inches wide and 5-6 inches deep. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that such figures are exemplary only and that the microbubble generating device202may be manufactured having any range of dimensions.

In one non-limiting embodiment, microbubble generating device202includes inlet210and outlet212. Inlet210of microbubble generating device202may be in accordance with inlet124and outlet126as shown inFIG. 1. Inlet210of microbubble generating device202may connect to one end of a conduit (e.g. conduit120as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2) that is configured to transport incoming water234to the inlet210of microbubble generating device202. The incoming water234may have first passed through a filter, such as filter118, shown inFIG. 1prior to entering microbubble generating device102so as to remove any undesirable elements prior to traveling through the components of microbubble generating device102. Further, outlet212of microbubble generating device202may connect to one end of a conduit (e.g. conduit122as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2) to direct outgoing water236having microbubbles such as microbubbles101to pedicure tub108.

Microbubble generating device202may include multiple air openings208located anywhere on a surface of microbubble generating device202. Openings208may function and act in accordance with openings128as shown and described with respect toFIG. 1. Accordingly, openings208may act to allow air130from the atmosphere or surrounding environment around microbubble generating device202to enter the housing204of microbubble generating device202through openings208. Further, openings208may allow any heat generated by one or more components within the microbubble generating device202, such as pump226or solenoid valve228, to dissipate through the openings208and to keep the device from overheating. Openings208may have any shape or form as desired. In one non-limiting embodiments, openings208may be a series of holes or slits but in either a top or side surface of microbubble generating device202. However, this is a non-limiting example as other configurations are contemplated and within the scope of the present invention as well.

There may be several conduits224that are interconnected within the microbubble generating device202and that connect one or more components shown inFIG. 2. As noted above, conduits224may be pipes or tubes capable of transporting fluids and gases such as water and air. For example, a conduit224may connect from inlet210of microbubble generating device202and may route the incoming water234to pump226.

Pump226may be any type of pump known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, pump226may be a diaphragm pump. A diaphragm pump is also known as a booster pump. In an additional preferred embodiment, the pump226may operate using a 24 volt direct current (24 VDC). Pump226may draw in and move fluids such as air130and water110throughout system100and help with the flow of the fluids throughout system100. More specifically, air130and water110may be drawn into and out of pump226due to differences in pressure. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, pump226may be electrically powered by power source232. In a preferred embodiment, power source232may be the electricity provided by an electrical outlet. Accordingly, microbubble generating device202may include an electrical power cord (e.g. as shown inFIG. 10) that is connectable to the housing204of microbubble generating device202. Alternatively, or additionally, the power source232may be in the form of batteries that may provide power to microbubble generating device202and the electrical components within.

Activating microbubble generating device202may cause pump226to be activated. When pump226is powered while located within the housing of microbubble generating device202, pump226may cause the water110and incoming air130to circulate throughout the microbubble generating device202(e.g. via conduits224) and to and from the pedicure tub108(e.g. through conduit120and conduit122). Accordingly, microbubble generating device202may include an on/off power button on the side of the housing in one or more non-limiting embodiments.

In one or more non-limiting embodiment, incoming water234routed to travel through pump226may travel through an inlet and outlet of pump226via one or more conduits224. The incoming water234may be routed to air mixing chamber238. Air mixing chamber238is further described and shown inFIGS. 6-9. Air mixing chamber238acts as a chamber for mixing air130and incoming water234together to produce microbubbles101that will be routed with the outgoing water236to the pedicure tub108. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, air mixing chamber238may further include an air mixing core member240, an example of which is shown inFIGS. 7-9, and further discussed below.

Microbubble generating device202may further include a solenoid valve, such as solenoid valve228within the housing204of microbubble generating device202. Solenoid valve228may be a type of electromechanically operated valve. Solenoid valve228in microbubble generating device202may function to open and close an orifice in a conduit, such as conduit224, that allows air130to travel through the pump226and to air mixing chamber238. The opening and closing of solenoid valve228may be controlled using timer230. Timer230may be an electrical or digital timer that acts to open solenoid valve228for a first predetermined amount of time and close solenoid valve228for a second predetermined amount of time. Solenoid valve228and timer230may both receive their power from power source232which is coupled to microbubble generating device202.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, solenoid valve228is attached or otherwise connected to a conduit224that draws in air130, and timer230is connected to solenoid valve228to control the opening and closing of the orifice to this conduit224. Once the air130is drawn towards pump226, the air130may be mixed with the incoming water234to the air mixing chamber238. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, it may be desirable to open solenoid valve228for a first pre-determined period of time and then to close the solenoid valve228for a second pre-determined period of time. For example, the solenoid valve228may be opened for 20 seconds to allow air130through and then closed for 60 seconds while the air130and incoming water234mix together within the air mixing chamber238and the microbubbles101begin to form within the air mixing chamber238. One of ordinary skill will recognize that other amounts of time may be used instead of the 20 seconds for the first predetermined period of time and 60 second for the second predetermined amount of time and that these are intended to be non-limiting examples.

Once the air130and incoming water234have been mixed together within the air mixing chamber, the water that leaves the air mixing chamber238should become the outgoing water236having microbubbles101and may be routed through the outlet212of the microbubble generating device202back through an outgoing conduit (e.g. conduit122).

Prior to flowing the outgoing water236having microbubbles101into pedicure tub108, it may be necessary to pass the outgoing water236through an aerator assembly such as aerator assembly116(e.g. as shown inFIG. 1) which is further described below with respect toFIG. 5. Aerator assembly116may be coupled to one end of the outgoing conduit122and may be coupled at another end to the pedicure tub fitting112.

In one or more nonlimiting embodiments, maintenance of microbubble generating device202is relatively easy because the housing204of the microbubble generating device202may include one or more panels that may be removed for easy access to an interior of the housing204. If the components need to be maintained or repaired or replaced, it may be possible to do so by removing one or more panels of housing204.

Turning toFIG. 16,FIG. 16may illustrate an example of the arrangement of one or more components of microbubble generating device202as described above and as shown inFIG. 2.FIG. 16is a pictorial illustration showing an interior view of one or more components of microbubble generating device202within the housing204of microbubble generating device202. As shown inFIG. 16, the housing204of the microbubble generating device202may have any number of openings208for allowing air in through the housing204as well as for dissipating heat. The location of openings208inFIG. 16is exemplary and non-limiting as openings208may be located anywhere on housing204of microbubble generating device202. It is noted that the microbubble generating device202may not necessarily need to include openings208as the air located within the housing204of the microbubble generating device202may be used to circulate into the conduit (e.g. conduit1612as shown inFIG. 16) transporting air130to the pump226and air mixing chamber238.

FIG. 16further shows examples of inlet210and outlet212of microbubble generating device202. Inlet210is shown having a conduit, such as conduit1610attached to the inlet210. In operation, conduit1610is configured to transport incoming water234within the interior of the housing204of the microbubble generating device202. This incoming water234is directed towards the pump226located within the housing204of the microbubble generating device202and shown inFIG. 16. As noted above, the incoming water234is provided from a tub, such as tub108shown inFIG. 1which needs to be infused with microbubbles that may be created within the air mixing chamber238.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, microbubble generating device202may include a tee connector, such as tee connector1602as shown inFIG. 16. Tee connector1602is a type of connector shaped like a “T” and may also be referred to as a three port connector because it has three ports, namely, port1604, port1606, and port1608. As shown inFIG. 16, a conduit, such as conduit1610can connect to one port1604of tee connector1602. Another conduit, such as conduit1612can connect to another port1606of tee connector1602, while a third conduit1614may connect to a third port1608of tee connector1602. Conduits1610,1612, and1614may be in accordance with conduits224as shown inFIG. 2and discussed above.

As shown inFIG. 16, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, the solenoid valve228is connected to conduit1612which connects to port1606of tee connector1602. In a non-limiting embodiment, conduit1612may be a conduit through which air130is directed to the port1606of tee connector1602. The solenoid valve228may be attached to one end of conduit1612and may control the opening and closing of an orifice inside of conduit1612as noted above for pre-determined periods of time.

The tee connector1602functions as a connector whereby the incoming water234can travel through the first port1604of the tee connector1602, the air130can travel through a second port1606of the tee connector1602, and then mix together and travel into an inlet of pump226through the third port1608of the tee connector1602. The inlet of pump226may be aligned with port1608of tee connector1602and conduit1614in order to allow the directed air130and incoming water234to travel through pump226and into the air mixing chamber238for mixing as shown inFIG. 16. Further, information is provided below about air mixing chamber238in reference toFIGS. 6-9.

FIG. 16further illustrates timer230connected to solenoid valve228, whereby timer230controls the opening and closing of solenoid valve228for the pre-determined periods of time. Namely, the solenoid valve228may be regulated by timer230to open for a first pre-determined period of time when air130travels through conduit1612and to close when the mixture of the air130and incoming water234are mixed within the air mixing chamber238for a second pre-determined period of time as noted above.

Microbubble generating device202as shown in the block diagram ofFIG. 2is not limited to the illustrated components as one or more components may be removed, while other components not shown may be added. In particular, additional elements may be added that assist in the distribution of electrical power to the various components, such as the pump226, solenoid valve228, and timer230as well as various other elements which have been omitted for purposes of simplification, but which would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Turning toFIG. 3andFIG. 4,FIG. 3is a block diagram depicting exemplary components of a pedicure tub fitting112andFIG. 4is a pictorial illustration of pedicure tub fitting112according to a non-limiting embodiment. Pedicure tub fitting112inFIG. 3andFIG. 4may include housing304. The housing304of pedicure tub fitting112may include an inlet113and an outlet114. Inlet113may be a port through which water110is drawn out from the pedicure tub108shown inFIG. 1to the microbubble generating device102in order to infuse the water110with microbubbles101. Outlet114may be the port through which the microbubble infused water236is directed into pedicure tub108. It may be beneficial for the water level of the water in the pedicure tub108to be kept above the inlet113and outlet114of the pedicure tub fitting112as shown inFIG. 1so that the water110may continuously travel through the inlet113of the tub fitting112and be returned through the outlet114of the tub fitting112.

In one non-limiting embodiment, housing304of pedicure tub fitting112may be a circular disk or plate as shown inFIG. 4. The circular shape of the housing304of pedicure tub fitting112may be advantageous because the pedicure tub fitting112may replace the circular jets located in most existing pedicure tubs108. In this manner, the pedicure tub fitting112may be used to retrofit the pedicure tub108to make it usable with the microbubble generating device102. The circular plate housing304may include a front surface, such as front surface320shown inFIG. 4and a back surface, such as back surface322as shown inFIG. 4. The inlet113may be a type of port or conduit that extends from the front surface320through the body of the circular plate housing304to the back surface322of the circular plate housing304. Similarly, the outlet114may be a type of port or conduit that extends from the front surface320through the circular plate housing304to the back surface322.

In one or more non-limiting embodiment, the circular plate housing304of the pedicure tub fitting112may be 3½ inches in diameter, because this is the standard diameter size of most jets located in a pedicure tub108as discussed already above. In any case, regardless of the diameter size, the pedicure tub fitting112may be sized to fit in such an opening located on one side wall of pedicure tub108. Alternatively, it may be possible that pedicure tub fitting112is located on a bottom surface or other surface of pedicure tub108.

Pedicure tub fitting112may be inserted into a corresponding hole or opening in pedicure tub108. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, pedicure tub fitting112may be made of a combination of rubber, plastic, silicone or any other type of material. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, pedicure tub fitting112may include a front surface320having a wider diameter than the back surface322of the pedicure tub fitting, whereby the front surface320reduces in diameter towards the back surface322so that when the pedicure tub fitting112is inserted in the corresponding hole in pedicure tub108(e.g. in the same location where a jet usually is positioned in the pedicure tub108) the pedicure tub fitting112fits snugly in place. In other words, the pedicure tub fitting112may act as a seal to prevent water from spilling through the sides of the corresponding hole in the pedicure tub108. Any additional sealant or other fixing liquid may be used to seal the pedicure tub fitting112in place. Additionally, the pedicure tub fitting112may be held in place against the pedicure tub108using one or more fasteners, adhesives, a combination thereof, or any other means for attachment known in the art.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, inlet113may include a filter screen such as filter screen312depicted in the block diagram ofFIG. 3and shown in the pictorial illustration inFIG. 4. The filter screen312may be an additional filter that acts to filter out unwanted elements from circulating through the microbubble generating device202, which may include hair, skin, cleaning elements such as sugar scrubs or sand, as well as other undesirable elements. Filter screen312may be replaceable such that filter screen312may be easily replaced for each customer or sanitized and cleaned in between each use. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, filter screen312may be considered the primary filter and filter118may be considered the secondary filter. This may be because filter screen312initially catches much of the unwanted elements such as hair, skin, or anything else before the water110exiting from the pedicure tub108travels to the second filter118.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the filter screen312may be inserted within the bore of inlet113of tub fitting112in order to filter out any items that may block the microbubble generating device202. More specifically, the filter screen312may be located in the front side of inlet113and extends from the front surface320of pedicure tub fitting112as shown inFIG. 4. The opposite end of the inlet113that extends from the back surface322of the pedicure tub fitting112may connect to one end of a conduit that will transport the water110to the microbubble generating device102, such as conduit120as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 3.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the outlet114may be coupled to an aerator assembly116. Aerator assembly116acts to produce finer or smaller sized microbubbles101in the water being poured back into pedicure tub108through outlet114. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, as shown inFIG. 4, aerator assembly116may be coupled to the back of the outlet114as outlet114protrudes from the back surface322of pedicure tube fitting112.

Turning toFIG. 5,FIG. 5is a pictorial illustration of an aerator assembly such as aerator assembly116. The pictorial illustration inFIG. 5provides an expanded view of one or more exemplary components of aerator assembly116and how they may be assembled together. Aerator assembly116is also illustrated inFIG. 4as discussed above and further appears inFIG. 1,FIG. 10,FIG. 13, andFIG. 14.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, aerator assembly116includes housing502. Housing502may be a type of conduit having a small interior bore503. The front opening and back opening of housing502may be connectable to other components. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the front side of the housing502of aerator assembly116is connected to the outlet114of pedicure tub fitting112. Housing502may include an aerator such as aerator504within its bore503. Aerator504is an aerator as known in the art that includes a mesh screen with small holes that break up the water directed through the mesh screen. Aerator504breaks up the water stream coming from conduit122and returning back to pedicure tub108from microbubble generating device202and adds additional air to the returning water which helps to contribute to even smaller and finer microbubbles101being included in the returning water.

Aerator assembly116may further include gasket506that fits within a connector, such as connector508. Connector508may be a small connection piece of piping that includes a bore510through connector508. Connector508may have threads512to threadably engage with the interior of housing502. It is noted that the orifice of the connector508may be sized to suit the water flow through aerator assembly116. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the orifice of the connector508may be at least 1/16 inches in diameter. The addition of aerator assembly116at the end of the conduit122returning the water having microbubbles101into the pedicure tub108may be necessary for generating the smaller sized microbubbles101that are desirable and produce the white, dense, cloudy effect in the water110in the pedicure tub108.

In addition to the aerator assembly116, the air mixing chamber238depicted inFIG. 2and air mixing core member240further contribute to the creation of microbubbles101in the water and are located within the housing204of the microbubble generating device202.

It is noted that pedicure tub fitting112and aerator assembly116may be regularly cleaned using wipes or cleaning solutions so that any bacteria or undesired elements are minimized or eliminated in order to ensure the cleanliness of these parts which makes the washing treatment process more sanitary for the intended user (e.g. whether a human or an animal). The components of tub fitting112as shown inFIG. 4and aerator assembly as shown inFIG. 5are relatively easily accessible and may be cleaned often.

Turning toFIGS. 6-9,FIGS. 6-9provide various illustrations of the air mixing chamber238and air mixing core member240according to one or more non-limiting embodiments.FIG. 6is a pictorial illustration depicting an exemplary embodiment of air mixing chamber238.FIG. 7is a pictorial illustration depicting an exemplary embodiment of air mixing core member240.FIG. 8depicts a top down view of the air mixing core member240shown inFIG. 7with a view of the interior of the air mixing core member240.FIG. 9depicts a cross-sectional view of air mixing chamber238with the air mixing core member240located inside of the air mixing chamber238.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, in operation, the air mixing core member240is located within the inside of the air mixing chamber238. The air mixing chamber238may include a top piece604that can fit over the bottom piece606of the air mixing chamber238. The top piece604of the air mixing chamber238may have a larger diameter than the bottom piece606so that the top piece604can fit over and onto the top surface of the bottom piece606as shown inFIG. 6. Additionally, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, the top piece604may be separate from the bottom piece606of the air mixing chamber238but may be connected or attached together at joint610using a sealant or other means of attachment. The air mixing chamber238, as the name implies, is where the incoming air130and incoming water234are thoroughly mixed together so as to generate microbubbles101. The water exiting the air mixing chamber238via the outlet608of the air mixing chamber238includes a plurality of microbubbles101. While the microbubble generating device202is activated or powered on (e.g. connected to power source232), the pump226provides pumping action to direct the flow of the air130and incoming water234through the inlet602of the air mixing chamber238and out through the outlet608of the air mixing chamber238.

FIG. 7provides a pictorial illustration of an exterior of the air mixing core member240. Air mixing core member240, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, may be a uniform piece, but in alternative embodiments, air mixing core member240may be a collection of pieces.

Air mixing core member240may have several tiers such as top tier702, second tier704, third tier706, fourth tier708, and bottom tier710. The tiers702-710may cascade downwardly, whereby each tier has a decreasing diameter except for the last tier710in one non-limiting embodiment. The top surface714of tier702may have the widest diameter which may narrow progressively down towards the bottom surface712of air mixing core member240.

FIG. 8depicts an internal view of air mixing core member240. In one non-limiting embodiment, air mixing core member240is hollow on the inside and has a bore802that extends from the top surface714to the bottom surface712. As shown inFIG. 8, the tiers702-710cascade downwards and have a decreasing diameter.

Turning toFIG. 9,FIG. 9shows a cross-sectional view of the air mixing core member240located in the air mixing chamber238in accordance with how the two are arranged in microbubble generating device202. In a non-limiting embodiment, the air mixing core member240is free standing and able to move freely within the air mixing chamber238. When located within the microbubble generating device202, the air mixing core member240assists in the creation of microbubbles101. As the air130and incoming water234mix within the air mixing chamber202, the movement of the air130and incoming water234causes the air mixing core member240to move within the air mixing chamber238. Additionally, the air130and incoming water234may flow within the interior bore802of air mixing core member240as shown inFIG. 8. The direct contact of the air130and incoming water234with the exterior and interior surfaces of the air mixing core member240helps in the creation of microbubbles101within the incoming water234. The air mixing core member240may be described as a “grinder” whereby the contact of the air130and incoming water234with the air mixing core member240assists in forcing the air130to form a cavity within the water234and form the desired microbubbles101. As shown inFIG. 9, the incoming water234may flow in through the inlet602of the air mixing chamber238. As the air130and incoming water234flows through the air mixing chamber238, the air130and the incoming water234may contact the interior surfaces902of air mixing chamber238. Additionally, any air130and incoming water234may make contact with the exterior and interior surfaces of air mixing core member240while undergoing pumping from the pump226and thus produce microbubbles101. The pump226keeps the flow of the air130and incoming water234at a desired velocity and desired pressure to contribute to the formation of the microbubbles101. Any outgoing water236exiting from the air mixing chamber238may include a plurality of microbubbles101that may be then directed via conduit122to the pedicure tub108.

Turning toFIG. 10,FIG. 10is a pictorial illustration depicting a non-limiting embodiment for an exterior of microbubble generating device202. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, microbubble generating device202as shown inFIG. 10may include a compact housing204containing the components of microbubble generating device202as shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 16in one or more non-limiting embodiments. Further, the power source232may be a connection to an electrical outlet such that a power cord is connected to the housing204of the microbubble generating device202.FIG. 10further shows an example of filter118that is located along the conduit (e.g. conduit120as shown inFIG. 1) as well as the filter screen312located in the opening of inlet113of tub fitting112. Accordingly, there may be a primary filter such as filter screen312as well as a secondary filter such as filter118in one or more non-limiting embodiments to filter out undesirable elements such as hair, skin, or other elements that may cause blockage in the microbubble generating device202.

FIG. 10further depicts an example of pedicure tub fitting112. Pedicure tub fitting112is shown attached to one or more conduits120and122. Normally, the pedicure tub fitting112may be located within the pedicure tub108and then attached to the one or more conduits120and122but the illustration inFIG. 10is meant to provide a visualization of how the components may connect together. Pedicure tub fitting112includes a conduit connected to the inlet113as well as a conduit connected to the outlet114of the pedicure tub fitting112as shown inFIG. 3.FIG. 10further illustrates aerator assembly connected to the outlet114of pedicure tub fitting112.

Turning toFIG. 11,FIG. 11shows an example of pedicure tub fitting112as positioned in pedicure tub108in use delivering microbubbles101into the pedicure tub108. The pedicure tub fitting112may be positioned in place of a magnet jet that existed in pedicure tub108. Accordingly, pedicure tub108may be retrofitted to include pedicure tub fitting112so that the microbubble generating device202can be connected to the pedicure tub108and produce the cloudy outgoing water236with the multiple microbubbles101.FIG. 11further illustrates that the pedicure tub fitting112may be oriented so that the front surface320of the pedicure tub fitting112faces the interior basin of pedicure tub108so that the outgoing water236from the microbubble generating device202flows through outlet114of the pedicure tub fitting112and into the pedicure tub108. The use of the pump226(e.g. as shown inFIG. 2) in the microbubble generating device202may further cause the outgoing water236from the microbubble generating device202to swirl and flow within the pedicure tub108at a sufficient speed to further massage and relax the user. Any water in the tub108may flow through the inlet113of the pedicure tub fitting112(as well as through filter screen312in one or more non-limiting embodiments) towards the microbubble generating device202.

Turning toFIG. 12,FIG. 12is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for using the microbubble generating device202to generate microbubbles101within a pedicure tub, such as pedicure tub108. At step1202, the process may begin by providing water110in the pedicure tub108. The water110may be provided from one or more faucets attached to the pedicure tub108or may be provided from another water source. It may be beneficial for the water level of the water in the pedicure tub108to be kept above the inlet113and outlet114of the pedicure tub fitting112so that the water110may continuously travel through the inlet113of the tub fitting112and return through the outlet114of the tub fitting112.

At step1204, the process may continue with activating microbubble generating device202that is connected with one or more conduits (e.g. conduit120and conduit122) to the pedicure tub108. At step1206, the water110from the pedicure tub108is enabled to flow from the pedicure tub108through a pedicure tub fitting112that is connected to a side of the pedicure tub108. The water110from the pedicure tub108may flow from the inlet113of the pedicure tub fitting112. At step1208, the water110from the pedicure tub108may be filtered by flowing the water110through a filter, such as filter118.

At step1210, the process may continue by flowing the filtered water110to an inlet210of microbubble generating device202. At step1212, the incoming water234may flow to a pump, such as pump226located within the microbubble generating device202. At step1214, the solenoid valve228may be activated to open an orifice in a conduit224within the microbubble generating device202that allows air130to pass through the conduit224for a first predetermined period of time. At step1216, the air130and the incoming water234may flow through the pump226and to an air mixing chamber238located within the microbubble generating device202. At step1218, the solenoid valve228may be closed for a second predetermined period of time while the air130and the incoming water234are mixing in the air mixing chamber238to form the microbubbles101. At step1220, the air130and incoming water234may flow through the air mixing chamber238whereby the air mixing chamber238includes an air mixing core member240that moves freely within the air mixing chamber238. At step1222, the outgoing water236having the plurality of microbubbles101may flow from the air mixing chamber238through an outlet212of the microbubble generating device202. The outgoing water236may be directed to the aerator assembly116that is connected to the outlet114of the pedicure tub fitting112. At step1224, the outgoing water236from the microbubble generating device202having the plurality of microbubbles101may pass through the aerator assembly116and through the outlet114of the pedicure tub fitting112and into the reservoir of the pedicure tub108. Thus, the customer is able to benefit from the health and therapeutic effects of microbubbles101during their pedicure. As noted above, the method may further include locating a pedicure chair104proximate to the pedicure tub108or including a pedicure chair104that is already attached to the pedicure tub108. Further, the method may include attaching the microbubble generating device202to the pedicure chair104or locating the microbubble generating device202near the pedicure tub108in order to allow the user to sit comfortably during the pedicure.

Turning toFIG. 13,FIG. 13may be a pictorial illustration depicting a system such as system1300that enables a user to use microbubble generating device202with any type of tub1304even if tub1304is not specifically adapted for or useable as a pedicure tub such as pedicure tub108shown above inFIG. 1.

As shown in the system1300inFIG. 13, in one non-limiting embodiment, microbubble generating device202may be used to produce microbubbles101to improve the cleaning and bathing experience for a pet or other animal1302. As shown inFIG. 13, in one non-limiting embodiment, the pet1302may be a dog. Tub1304may be any type of tub the user desires to use for infusing microbubbles101within tub1304. Tub1304may be used for any purpose the user desires and may be used to wash and thoroughly clean any part of a human or animal. Tub1304may further be used to wash and thoroughly clean any other type of item or object. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, tub1304may even be used as a pedicure tub so that the user may receive a pedicure using tub1304. Tub1304may include one or more side walls and a basin or reservoir filled with water1306. The user may provide water1304in tub1304from any suitable water source. If the microbubble generating device202may be used to wash a pet1302, the pet1302may be located within the tub1304. As noted above, the pet1302should experience a relaxing and enhancing washing experience because of the inclusion of microbubbles101.

The system1300shown inFIG. 13is very similar to the system100shown inFIG. 1. System1300may utilize microbubble generating device202which may have the same components as shown inFIG. 2. Accordingly, the microbubble generating device202shown inFIG. 13may operate in accordance with the microbubble generating device202shown inFIG. 2, which may include pump226to pump air130and water234through the pump226towards an air mixing chamber238that includes air mixing core member240. Additionally, the housing204of microbubble generating device202may include one or more openings208(not shown inFIG. 13) that may be used to dissipate heat from the microbubble generating device202as well as to allow access to the air130from the environment which may flow through the openings208.

The microbubble generating device202may include inlet210and outlet212. Conduit120may be arranged so that one end of conduit120is submerged beneath the water surface level of the water1306in the tub1304. The other end of the conduit120may be connected to inlet210of microbubble generating device202. The conduit120may include one or more filters such as filter312and filter118to filter out unwanted elements from the water1306in the tub1304, including hair, skin, or any other elements that may be filtered through filter118. Filter312and filter118may be in accordance with filter312and filter118as described above and shown inFIG. 1,FIG. 3, andFIG. 5. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, filter312and filter118may be located externally from microbubble generating device202so that the filter118may be easily cleaned and/or replaced as needed. Multiple filters118may be positioned in system1300along the conduits120or122or even located internally within microbubble generating device202.

Conduit122may be a conduit connected to the outlet212of microbubble generating device202. Any outgoing water236having microbubbles101exiting the outlet212of the microbubble generating device202may be routed through aerator assembly116and then into the tub1304as well as over the body of the pet1302or other entity being washed. Aerator assembly116acts in accordance with the description provided above for aerator assembly116as shown inFIG. 5in which the size of the microbubbles101of the outgoing water236exiting the microbubble generating device202may be made smaller and finer after passing through the aerator assembly116. Any outgoing water236exiting the aerator assembly116having the microbubbles101may cause the water1306in tub1304to appear cloudy and white, thereby indicating the presence of microbubbles101. Advantageously, the system1300is designed such that tub1304does not need a tub fitting such as tub fitting112in order for the microbubbles101to be provided through the conduit122and aerator assembly116to the pet1302. It may be beneficial for conduit120to be submerged beneath the surface water level of the water1306so that the water1306may be continuously directed out of the tub1304towards the microbubble generating device202once the microbubble generating device202is activated or powered on for a period of time. The user may turn off or deactivate the microbubble generating device202at any time which will cause the returned water having the microbubbles101to stop flowing out of the aerator assembly116from conduit122.

Advantageously, microbubble generating device202may be compact, lightweight, and portable so that microbubble generating device202may be easily used where needed to clean pet1102or any other entity. Additionally, in a non-limiting embodiment, microbubble generating device202may be connected to standard electrical outlets to provide power to microbubble generating device202, although in alternative embodiments, other power sources232may be used to power microbubble generating device202such as batteries.

Turning toFIG. 14,FIG. 14depicts an example of microbubble generating device202that may be used to wash a pet1302or other entity in system1300. The components of microbubble generating device202as shown in the block diagram ofFIG. 2and in the interior view shown inFIG. 16may be included within the housing204of microbubble generating device202as shown inFIG. 14.

In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the microbubble generating device202shown inFIG. 14may be located near or proximate to tub1304. The aerator assembly116may be connected to an opening of the conduit122and outgoing water238having a plurality of microbubbles101dispensed directly from the aerator assembly116onto the pet1302and into the tub1304. Any water dispensed from the aerator assembly116will have a whiter, cloudier appearance as the water pours out of the aerator assembly116and into the tub1304due to the presence of the microbubbles101. As shown inFIG. 14, the one or more filters118may be positioned at the end of conduit120near the inlet210of microbubble generating device202in one non-limiting embodiment.

Turning toFIG. 15,FIG. 15is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method of using a microbubble generating device202with any type of tub1304. At step1502, the process may begin by providing water1306in a tub1304. At step1504, the microbubble generating device202may be activated. At step1506, the process may continue by flowing the water1306from the tub1304through a first conduit120to an inlet210of the microbubble generating device202. At step1508, the water1306may be filtered by flowing the water1306through a filter118. At step1510, the filtered water1306may flow from the filter118to an inlet210of the microbubble generating device202. At step1512, the incoming water234may flow in the microbubble generating device202to a pump, such as pump226located within microbubble generating device202. At step1514, the process may continue by activating the solenoid valve228to open an orifice in a conduit224that allows air130to travel through the conduit224for a first predetermined period of time. At step1516, the air130and the incoming water234may flow through the pump226and to an air mixing chamber238located within the microbubble generating device202. At step1518, the solenoid valve228may be closed for a second predetermined period of time while the air130and the incoming water234are mixing in the air mixing chamber238to form the microbubbles101. At step1520, the air130and the incoming water234may flow through the air mixing chamber238, whereby the air mixing chamber238includes an air mixing core member240that moves freely within the air mixing chamber238.

At step1522, the outgoing water236having microbubbles101flows from the air mixing chamber238through an outlet212of the microbubble generating device202. At step1524, the outgoing water236having microbubbles101flows through the conduit122from the outlet212of the microbubble generating device202through aerator assembly116, whereby the aerator assembly116is connected to an opposite end of the conduit122(i.e. the end of the conduit122oriented towards the tub1304as shown inFIG. 13). At step1526, the outgoing water236having the microbubbles101may flow through the aerator assembly116and into the tub1304to wash any animal1302or other entity located in the tub1304. It may be beneficial for the microbubble generating device202to be conveniently positioned relatively near the tub1304for easy transport of the water to and from the tub1304and for the conduits120and122to reach.

Accordingly, the present description provides for various embodiments for a microbubble generating device, systems, and one or more exemplary methods of use. Many uses and advantages are offered by these microbubble generating systems as described above in one or more non-limiting embodiments. The microbubble generating device may be relatively compact, portable, and used in various locations for convenient washing and incorporation of the microbubbles into a tub. Further, the microbubble generating device may be attached to one or more pedicure chairs or located near a pedicure chair to conveniently include the microbubbles in the pedicure treatment. Additionally, a tub may be retrofitted to include the pedicure tub fitting discussed above so that the microbubbles may be routed to the pedicure tub fitting and into the tub. This may allow owners of pedicure chairs or tubs to save money by not having to purchase brand new tubs or chairs and providing them with the option to retrofit these items. Many additional advantages and uses are offered by the one or more systems described herein.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention according to one or more embodiments described in the present description may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.