Abstract:
The present invention is an apparatus for generating foam shapes that float in air having a container, a gas source, an aeration nozzle for aerating a gas from the gas source, an outlet, and a separator for separating extruded foam into individualized foam shapes.

Description:
INDEX TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/026,006, filed Feb. 5, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing floating foam shapes and a method of advertising using floating foam shapes. 
         [0003]    In order for foam to achieve flight, the overall mass of a given volume of foam must be less than the air it is displacing (Archimedes principle). It is desirable to have foam with a large bubble size. Large bubble size foam has water to surfactant percentage of 86% or less, and an expansion ratio of more than 200. Larger sized bubbles within the foam hold more gas, and hence have more lift. Tightly packed foam, also called low expansion foam, has small sized bubbles. 
         [0004]    One example of low expansion foam is shaving cream. Low expansion foam is undesirable for incorporation into flying foam. Low expansion foam does not entrap sufficient gas in order to produce the desired lifting effect. 
         [0005]    The gas used to create lighter than air foam must be one having particular properties desired to create the lifting effect. Ideally, the gas should have a molecular mass of less than about 28.97. Molecular mass is the mass of one molecule of that substance, relative to the unified atomic mass unit u (equal to 1/12 the mass of one atom of carbon-12). Many chemists use molecular mass as a synonym of molar mass, differing only in units. As used herein, they are considered synonymous. For example, Hydrogen has a molecular mass of approximately 1, or 1 atomic mass unit (amu), acetylene has a molecular mass of about 26.0373. 
         [0006]    There are numerous compounds and elements that satisfy the desired molecular mass requirement. Some examples of suitable gases include, but are not limited to, helium, hydrogen, methane, ammonium, neon, acetylene, hydrogen cyanide, ethylene, carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, diborane, nitrogen, heated ambient air, and mixtures thereof. Additionally the gas may be compressed ambient air mixed with a lighter than air gas. This list is not intended to be complete but only illustrative of some suitable gases. 
         [0007]    Additionally, heated ambient air may be used to accomplish the desired lifting effect. Charles&#39; Law states that the density of a gas can be reduced by raising its temperature while leaving its intrinsic pressure unchanged. For example, hot air balloons use heated air to create great lift in achieving flight. The altitude of hot air flying foam can be regulated by controlling the relative temperature of the extruded foam. 
         [0008]    In a preferred embodiment, a lighter than air gas is introduced into a reservoir containing a foam forming solution. Preferably the foam forming solution is a water-based solution having a least one surfactant. 
         [0009]    The present invention provides for an apparatus to create foam shapes that float. A container having a foam solution has a gas line for introduction of gas to the interior of the solution container. The gas line has a first end and a second end. The first end of the gas line is on the exterior of the foam solution container and is connected to a source of gas. Gas travels from a source through the gas line into the foam solution container and exits the second end of the gas line into an aeration assembly. The gas entering the chamber is preferably regulated to less than about 60 pounds per square inch (psi) using gas cylinder regulators as are commonly known. The second end of the gas inlet has an aeration nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the aeration nozzle has openings ranging in size from about 0.062 to about 0.125 inches in diameter. The aeration nozzle disperses the gas throughout the foam solution. 
         [0010]    As gas is introduced into the solution chamber, foam is created on the upper surface of the solution. As foam is continually created, the difference in air pressure inside the solution container relative to the pressure outside the solution container, urges the foam upward towards the opening in a cap or logo board. The foam is extruded through a stencil shaped opening incorporated into the surface of the solution chamber cap that is a logo board. Included on the solution chamber assembly is a foam shape separator. In one embodiment, the separator is a cutting blade. The cutting blade is a mechanism that separates an individualized foam shape from the extrudate, or extruded foam shape, and does not necessarily require any degree of sharpness. Once the cutting blade has separated an extruded shape, the separated foam shape floats from the top of the chamber into the air. 
         [0011]    Foam produced from common surfactants is typically white in color. The present invention further contemplates adding a color to the foam solution. Any acceptable color may be added. One type of acceptable dye is commonly used in food, drug, and cosmetic dyes. These dyes include but would not be limited to FD&amp;C (Food Drug and Cosmetic) Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue), FD&amp;C Blue No. 2 (Dark Blue), FD&amp;C Green No. 3 (Blue-Green shade), FD&amp;C Red No. 40, FD&amp;C Red No. 3 (Pink shade), FD&amp;C Yellow No. 5, FD&amp;C Yellow No. 6 (Orange shade). The colors may include combinations of colorants. 
         [0012]    The present invention also includes the ability to produce a flammable foam shape. Flammable foam would be accomplished by utilizing a flammable gas as the lighter than air gas. The flammable gases may include but would not be limited to methane, acetylene, ethylene, and hydrogen. The flammable foam may then be ignited by any ignition source as is commonly known. The pyrotechnic and fireworks industry utilize wireless ignition, and chemical ignition techniques that include but would not be limited to nichrome wire and potassium chlorate. Flammable foam may produce a prominent visual effect at night where the flammable foam is set against a dark night sky. 
         [0013]    The present invention also includes the ability to produce a foam shape that is sensitive to ultraviolet or black light. Foam that illuminates when exposed to black lights may be achieved by adding a blacklight sensitive compound to either or both of the inlet gas or foam solution. Such compounds may include but would not be limited to Quinine, Vitamin B-12, and Stilbene. 
         [0014]    The present invention also includes the ability to produce foam that glows in the dark. A bioluminescence and/or chemiluminescent compound may be added to either or both of the inlet gas or foam solution. Some luminescent compounds may include but would not be limited to Luminol (5-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione), Cyalume (Diphenylefhandioate), Ruthenium(II)tris(bipyridine)dichioride, Oxalyl chloride and Pyrogallol. Additionally Luciferases, which emit bioluminescent properties, are routinely isolated from fireflies, aquatic sea creatures, and bacteria, may be used. 
         [0015]    Also included in the present invention is a method for using flying foam to create a well-known corporate logo as a means for advertising. There are many shapes that have become well-known as being identified with particular companies and products. 
         [0016]    The present invention also includes using multiple foam generating containers that may produce any or a combination of a plurality of shapes at one time, a plurality of shapes in succession, or a plurality of shapes that may be attached as they become airborne. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of the assembly of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view in perspective view depicting the various components separate from one another. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a view of two compressed gas cylinders with respective outlet lines connected by a “Y” connector to form a single gas line. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective showing an extruded floating shape after being separated. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view with a partial cut away depicting placement of an aeration assembly on the bottom interior surface of the solution tank. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is side perspective view of the aeration nozzle assembly. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a side cross section view showing the foam formation and direction of exit. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the assembly with an iris mechanism. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the assembly in housing. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the assembly in the housing from  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    The present invention includes a flying foam assembly  5  having solution tank  10  that has an open end  25 . Open end  25  receives logo board  60  that is removably attached to tank  10  with mounting ring  20 . Tank  10  has a circumferal vertical side  18  that is substantially perpendicular to tank base  15 . Logo board  60  is removed by detaching mounting ring  20  in order to add foam solution into tank  10 . 
         [0028]    Mounting ring  20  further incorporates cutting arm assembly  75  that is circumferally attached to mounting ring  20 . Cutting arm assembly  75  has cutting arm  40  that moves about pivot  50 . Pivot  50  is connected to motor  30  which further is incorporated with timer  80 . Motor  30  electronically moves cutting arm  40  across the upper planar surface of logo board  60 . Further incorporated onto cutting arm assembly  75  is a pair of bump stop protrusions  110  that limit the motion of cutting arm  40 . Limit switch  100  is electronically connected to motor  30 . When cutting arm  40  contacts limit switch  100 , motor  30  reverses direction and subsequently reverses direction of cutting arm  40 . The change in motor direction imparts reciprocal motion on pivot  50  and subsequently cutting arm  40 . 
         [0029]    Logo board  60  includes opening  65  that is configured as desired to produce an extruded foam shape  90 . Tank  10  also includes inlet  120  configured to receive gas line  160 . Aeration assembly  70  is attached to the interior of tank  10  on base  15 . Aeration assembly  70  includes aeration inlet  72  suitably configured to receive gas line  160 . Aeration assembly  70  additionally includes aeration head  71  for dispersing gas throughout solution contained in tank  10 . 
         [0030]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the present invention may incorporate a mixture of two or more cylinders of compressed gas. An atmospheric air gas cylinder  180  with a gas line outlet  190  may be combined with a lighter than air gas cylinder  150  with a gas line outlet  210 . Gas line outlets  190  and  210  are combined with gas line “Y” connector  170  directing the combined gas into a single gas line  160 . Gas cylinder  180  has outlet pressure regulator  130 . Gas cylinder  150  has outlet pressure regulator  140 . Each of regulators  130  and  140  can be independently adjusted to provide a desired mixture composition of gas from each of cylinders  180  and  150 . 
         [0031]    Gas line  160  passes through gas line inlet  120  incorporated into outer wall  18  of tank  10 . Gas line  160  attached to gas line fitting inlet  72  on aeration assembly  70 . Preferably, gas line fitting inlet  72  is tapered, as is known, and gas line  160  is attached and held in place by tension exerted on the inner walls of gas line  160 . Aeration assembly  70  has an aeration nozzle  71  for dispersing the received gas into the solution contained on the interior region  19  within tank  10 . 
         [0032]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , foam shape  200  may be a word. 
         [0033]    In use, mounting ring  20  is detached from the circumference of the upper portion of tank wall  18  exposing tank opening  25 . An appropriate solution, such as those set forth above, for creating foam is placed in interior region  19  of tank  10  through tank opening  25 . Mounting ring  20  circumferrally surrounds logo board  60 . Mounting ring  20  with attached cutting arm assembly  75  is secured over tank opening  25  circumferally around the top portion of tank wall  18 . 
         [0034]    In use, electric motor  30  reciprocally moves pivot  50  and attached cutting arm  40 . Cutting arm  40  reciprocates forward and back along the upper planar surface of logo board  60  and said reciprocation is effectuated by a limit switch  110  placed on the surface of logo board  60 . The rate of movement and reciprocation of cutting arm  40  is adjustable by utilization of motor timer mechanism  80 . 
         [0035]    In use, gas flow is initiated through at least one source of compressed gas. The gas may be a lighter than air gas from a compressed cylinder  150  or may be a combination of lighter than air gas from a compressed cylinder  150  mixed with compressed ambient air from compressed gas cylinder  180 . Cylinder  150  has pressure regulator  140  and cylinder  180  has pressure regulator  130 . 
         [0036]    Compressed gas travels through gas line  160 . Gas line  160  enters tank  10  through inlet  120 . Gas line  160  attaches to aeration assembly  70  at gas inlet  72 . The gas exits aeration assembly  70  at aeration nozzle  71 . The gas disperses through the solution contained on the interior  19  of tank  10 . When the gas mixes with foam solution  220 , foam  230  is produced along the surface of solution  220 . Gas pressure is created by compressed gas entering interior  19  of tank  10 . Logo board  60  has opening  65  which forms an exit to the outside of tank  10 . The outside of tank  10  is at approximately atmospheric pressure. The gas, and created foam is urged upward by the pressure differential between the inside of tank  10  and the outside atmospheric pressure. Foam  230  travels upward from the surface of foam solution  220  as shown by the arrow in  FIG. 7 . The foam is pushed against the underside of logo board  60  foam is extruded through opening  65  in logo board  60 . Extruded foam above the upper surface of logo board  60  is separated into individual shapes  90  by cutting arm  40 . The separated shape  90  then floats upward away from assembly  5 . 
         [0037]    In another embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 8 , tank  10  has an iris  240  that opens and closes with iris motor  250 . In using iris  240 , the size of an extruded foam may be varied and would depend on the size of the opening and duration the iris is open. 
         [0038]    The iris may be configured to close partially or totally. Additionally, if the iris were to close partially, the iris may be used in cooperation with the cutting arm as previously described. 
         [0039]    In the embodiment using iris  240 , the flying foam may be similar shapes of varying sizes that may be either connected or individualized. 
         [0040]    In an alternative embodiment, an iris may be formed with any combination of circular and square openings that interact to alter the extruded shape. 
         [0041]    The present invention also provides an electronic and computer controlled iris to alter the shape of foam during extrusion and prior to said foam being detached from the assembly. 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9 , solution tank  10  is placed within housing  270 . Housing  270  has walls  280  and doors  340  that enclose tank  10 . Housing  270  has an upper surface  380  on which stencil  60  is positioned over tank  10 . Housing  270  has inner wall portions  290  that extend upward past upper surface  380 . Housing  270  further has casters  370  for moving housing  270  and assembly  5  contained therein. In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , inner wall portions  290  extend upward from upper surface  380  a distance of about 6 to 24 inches. Inner wall portions  290  divert wind away from upper surface  380 . In a windy environment, wind can pass across upper surface  380  and prematurely dislodge extruded floating foam shape  90  from opening  65  on logo board  60 . Extruded floating foam shape  90  has a thickness of between about 2-20 inches. Wind that prematurely dislodges extruded floating foam shape  90  would result in shapes having non-uniform thickness. The desired thickness is determined based partly on the intricacy of the shape to be extruded. 
         [0043]    A board  300  has paired regulator valves  310  and  320  that independently regulate the input of gas to the apparatus. Input gas may be a single gas or mixture of gasses as desired. A visual meter  300  monitors input of gas. A refill reservoir  350  and solution line  360  is mounted on the interior of doors  340  of housing  270 . In one embodiment, line  400  delivers compressed air and line  410  delivers helium to apparatus assembly  5 . A stated above, one or pairs of valves  310  and  320  are constructed and arranged to independently regulate more than one gas delivery line to assembly  5 . A power cord  420  provides required electricity to the assembly. 
         [0044]    Tank  10 , as shown in  FIG. 10  has a plurality of aeration assemblies  70  that are fixed into position on aeration assembly mounting  390  that is secured to the bottom of tank  10 . 
         [0045]    While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.