Abstract:
A handheld bubble making device includes a reservoir of bubble making solution that is drawn by a motorized pumping assembly and distributed over a dispensing surface. A motorized fan assembly blows air through the dispensing surface to generate bubbles. A dispensing ring is positioned adjacent to the dispensing surface and is moveable by the operator to aid in the distribution of the fluid across the dispensing surface. One or more lights are provided to illuminate the bubbles that are dispensed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/229,586, dated Aug. 31, 2000. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to amusement devices or toys. More specifically, the present invention relates to an amusement device in the form of a bubble blowing device.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Children and adults have enjoyed producing bubbles for many years. Tradtionally, a device having a ring portion is dipped into a liquid bubble making solution. The solution is formulated to reduce the surface tension of the liquid causing the solution to form a thin film across the ring. The operator causes air to flow through the ring, either by blowing through the ring or waving the ring through the air. The air flow causes the thin film to separate from the ring and form one or more bubbles.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention provides an automated hand held bubble making device with an included light source that illuminates the bubbles generated by the device. The operator engages the device by pulling a trigger which actuates a motor and the light source. The motor drives a fan and a pump assembly that pumps fluids from a tank and applies the fluid against a dispensing surface. Air flow from the fan assembly blows against the fluid, causing the formation of bubbles that are ejected from the device and illuminated.  
           [0005]    In one embodiment, the present invention is a bubble producing toy comprising a housing having an internal chamber, a dispensing opening connecting with the internal chamber and substantially open to the outside air, a sleeve mounted within the dispensing opening, and having a central opening and a dispensing surface, a reservoir mounted on the housing to contain a liquid capable of producing air bubbles, a pump mounted on the housing and connected to the reservoir by a tube to supply liquid to the pump, a source of blown air originating from within the internal chamber, the blown air to be dispensed into the central opening of the sleeve and out of the toy, and a film producing mechanism operably carried by the housing and including a dispensing ring located against the dispensing surface and movable across the dispensing surface, wherein liquid from the reservoir is moved by the pump to the dispensing surface and the dispensing ring helps provide a thin film of the liquid across the dispensing surface as the dispensing ring is moved across the dispensing surface to create an air bubble upon the blown air flowing against the thin film.  
           [0006]    In one embodiment, the bubble producing amusement device or toy of the present invention comprises a handheld device generally including a handle portion and a bubble emitting portion, and is formed by a housing which supports a trigger mechanism. The housing contains and supports a tank for containing a bubble forming solution, a dispensing assembly, including a fan, a capillary pump assembly, an electrical motor for driving the fan and the pump assemblies, and a battery box.  
           [0007]    In one embodiment, the dispensing assembly comprises a fan case with a generally cylindrical portion for containing the fan and the electrical motor, and a generally tubular portion having a free end adapted to carry a generally cylindrical dispensing nozzle with a circular dispensing surface. An annular dispensing ring is operably and movably mounted immediately adjacent to the dispensing nozzle for relative movement thereto, and is coupled to the trigger mechanism which also comprises the “switch” for actuating the pump and fan. The dispensing ring and the circular dispensing surface are generally parallel, and the center of the dispensing ring may be moved into and out of alignment with the central axis of the nozzle. A suitable feed tube or hose operably links the tank to the dispensing nozzle. The end of the feed tube or hose adjacent to the dispensing nozzle carries a funnel or fanning tip for allowing bubble solution to drip onto the dispensing surface and dispensing ring.  
           [0008]    The pump arrangement comprises a transfer gear coupled to a pump gear which carries pump pushers or rollers for contacting the feed hose to create a capillary action to move bubble solution from the tank to the fanning tip. A portion of the housing wall may be shaped to allow the pump to pinch the feed tube to create the vacuum to transport the solution through the feed hose to the fanning tip adjacent to the nozzle.  
           [0009]    In one embodiment, suitable light sources, such as LED&#39;s, are carried by the housing generally in the bubble emitting portion adjacent to the dispensing nozzle. A recycling arrangement, including a catch funnel located generally under the dispensing nozzle, suitable tubing and a one-way valve, is provided. Additional light sources and light source controls may be provided in some embodiments, and light sources may be selectively located and operable to provide selected effects, e.g., continuous light, flashing, alternative or periodic lighting of selected portions of the device and/or bubbles produced, selected colors and/or intensities, etc.  
           [0010]    In use, the tank, which may have a selected capacity, is filled with a suitable bubble solution. The trigger is pulled to start the motor to drive the pump to move bubble solution through the feed tube from the tank out to the fanning tip. The bubble solution is pumped and dripped out of the fanning tip on to the dispensing ring and nozzle, the annular dispensing ring helping to cause the solution to flow and/or be distributed around the dispensing surface of the nozzle. In addition to starting the pump, pulling the trigger starts the fan, and slides the dispensing ring out of congruence with the dispensing surface of the nozzle, to one side of the nozzle, to create a thin film of solution across the nozzle. Bubbles are created as the fan blows air against the thin film. The blown air also serves to launch or propel bubbles from the device.  
           [0011]    In one embodiment, pulling the trigger also turns on the light sources, e.g., one or more LED&#39;s, to illuminate the bubbles as they are dispensed. In some embodiments, switches may be provided to actuate and/or control the light sources. Excess bubble solution from the dispensing ring and nozzle drips into the recycling funnel for recycling back into the tank.  
           [0012]    In some embodiments, the present invention may further comprise a device and method for smart operation wherein a microprocessor or chip provides intelligence and control of, for example, operable components of the invention, including operation of the light sources for creating a selected effect, fan speed, or the like.  
           [0013]    The housing or body forming portions of the device may include transparent, semi-transparent or opaque portions or areas to enhance the light emission or display, and/or the interest of the user.  
           [0014]    The amusement device of the present invention may be used with any suitable bubble producing solution.  
           [0015]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential spirit or attributes thereof. It is desired that the described embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive.  
           [0016]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein is shown and described only the embodiments of the invention, by way of illustration, of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is side elevational view of a hand held bubble making device consistent with the principals of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is partially sectional, side elevational view of the hand held bubble making device of FIG. 1.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a partially sectional, side elevational view of the hand held bubble making device of FIG. 1.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of certain subassemblies of the hand held bubble making device of FIG. 1.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views illustrating a dispensing nozzle and dispensing ring, consistent with the principles of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0022]    Features and advantages of the bubble producing amusement device and method of the present invention will become more fully apparent and understood with reference to the accompanying Figures, this description and the descriptive material enclosed herewith, including the described embodiments of a mechanized, substantially automatic bubble producing device and the method of its use and/or operation. The device is automated at least in the sense that it will operate to produce bubbles when actuated while containing sufficient bubble solution.  
         [0023]    Fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting the components of the present invention to form the device as a whole, unless specifically described otherwise, are intended to encompass conventional fasteners such as screws, nut and bolt connectors, threaded connectors, snap rings, hose clamps such as screw clamps and the like, rivets, nuts and bolts, toggles, pins and the like. Components may also be connected by welding, friction fitting or deformation, if appropriate. Electrical connections may be made using appropriate electrical components and connection methods, including conventional, commercially available electronic components, connectors and devices such as suitable wiring, connectors, power supplies, printed circuit boards, microchips, speakers, lights, liquid crystal displays, audio components, inputs, outputs and the like. Unless specifically otherwise disclosed or taught, materials for making components of the present invention are selected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys, fibers, plastics and the like, and appropriate manufacturing or production methods including casting, extruding, molding and machining may be used.  
         [0024]    Any references to front and back, right and left, top and bottom and upper and lower are intended for convenience of description, not to limit the present invention or its components to any one positional or spatial orientation.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bubble producing amusement device  10 . Device  10  includes a suitable housing  12  formed form plastic or various other appropriate materials. Device  10  includes a trigger  14  and a front nozzle  16 . Front nozzle  16  is positioned above a lens  20 , which covers light source  18 . Housing  12  may also include an optional two way switch  22  to allow for the selection of various lighting parameters, such as continuous emission, flashing, or the like. In use, an operator grips device  10  and may optionally select the appropriate lighting configuration. The operator then engages trigger  14  causing bubbles to be emitted from front nozzle  16 . At the same time, light source  18  is turned on and illuminates the bubbles departing from and proximate to front nozzle  16 .  
         [0026]    To facilitate the above operation, housing  12  includes various assemblies. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a capillary pump assembly  24 . A feed hose  26  has a first free end  28  disposed within a tank  30 . Tank  30  is a refillable vessel containing an appropriate volume of bubble making solution. Capillary pump assembly  24  includes a motor  32  (FIG. 4) that is coupled with a transfer gear  34  and a pump gear  36 . As illustrated, pump gear  36  includes a pair of pump rollers  38 . Capillary pump assembly  24  is configured so that a portion of feed hose  26  is disposed between pump rollers  38  and an arcuate portion  40  of housing  12 . Thus, motor  32  causes pump gear  36  to rotate, which in turn causes pump rollers  38  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (as illustrated) and to cyclically compress feed hose  26 . As feed hose  26  is compressed, fluid within feed hose  26  moves through feed hose  26  and out through nozzle  42 . The compression of feed hose  26  and the resultant movement of fluid generate a vacuum in the lower portion of feed hose  26 . The generated vacuum serves to draw fluid from tank  30  into feed hose  26 . In this manner, pump assembly  24  cyclically draws fluid into feed hose  26  and expels the fluid from nozzle  42 .  
         [0027]    As fluid is expelled from nozzle  42 , a fanning tip  44  distributes the fluid and serves to produce fluid flow over a specific width. Referring to FIGS. 4, 5A, and  5 B, that width generally corresponds with a dispensing nozzle  46  and a dispensing ring  48 . Dispensing ring  48  is a moveable annular ring that moves into and out of axial alignment with the generally circular dispensing ring. As most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, bubble making solution flows from fanning tip  44  onto and between dispensing nozzle  46  and dispensing ring,  46 . In FIG. 5A, dispensing nozzle  46  and dispensing ring  48  are axially aligned as the bubble making solution flows. The circular configuration of dispensing nozzle  46  and dispensing ring  48  serve to facilitate fluid flow about a majority of the perimeter of dispensing nozzle  46 . That is, as fluid drips down, the fluid flows between dispensing nozzle  46  and dispensing ring  48  (either because they are spaced apart or appropriate ridges or grooves are provided) and flows about the facing generally circular portions.  
         [0028]    As the operator engages trigger  14 , dispensing ring  48  moves out of axial alignment, as illustrated in FIG. 5B. As this occurs, dispensing ring  48  distributes the bubble making solution across dispensing nozzle  48  so as to create a thin film of bubble making solution  50  over the opening of dispensing nozzle  48 .  
         [0029]    Once the thin film is created and dispensing ring  48  is again axially aligned with dispensing nozzle  46 , air flow out of dispensing nozzle  46  causes bubbles to be formed and expelled through front nozzle  16 . Again referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the same motor  32  used to drive capillary pump assembly  24  drives a fan assembly  52 . Fan assembly  52  includes a circular set of fan blades  54  that generate air flow through sleeve  55  and out through dispensing nozzle  46  when rotated.  
         [0030]    Recycling funnel  54 , located below dispensing nozzle  46  and dispensing ring  48 , collects any excess bubble making solution that is dispensed. Recycling funnel  54  directs the excess fluid through recycling hose  56 , which empties into tank  30 . Gravity directs the fluid from the recycling funnel  54  to tank  30 . Should device  10  become inverted, a one way valve  58  prevents fluid flow toward the recycling funnel  54 .  
         [0031]    Referring to FIG. 3, a light assembly  60  is illustrated. Light assembly  60  includes a light source  18 , such as one or more LEDs, bulbs or other light emitting devices. A protective lens  20  covers light source  18 , and may optionally be configured to alter light emitted from light source  18  such as by focusing or filtering the light. Light assembly  60  is positioned proximate front nozzle  16  so that bubbles ejected from device  10  are illuminated. Other light assemblies could be provided for further illumination of the bubbles or to simply add visual appeal to other portions of device  10 .  
         [0032]    A power source  62  provides power for all of the electrical components of device  10 , such as motor  32  and light assembly  60 . Power source  62  can be one or more batteries  64  or any other suitable source of power. An optional circuit board  66  controls light assembly  60  so as to determine whether light assembly  60  is continuously illuminated or flashed during use. Furthermore, when multiple light sources  18  are utilized, circuit board  66  controls which light sources  18  are illuminated and their lighting sequence. The operator controls the lighting parameters by adjusting switch  22 , which toggles circuit board  66  in the appropriate manner.  
         [0033]    In use, an operator removes tank cover  70  and fills tank  30  with bubble making solution  50  and then replaces tank cover  70 . If not already provided, batteries  64  (or an alternate source of power) are inserted. The operator then grips device  10  in a gun-like manner and engages trigger  14 . Each time trigger  14  is pulled, motor  32  engages for a predetermined period of time. In addition, each time trigger  14  is pulled, a contact tip  72  that is attached to trigger  14  causes contact switch  74  to close. Contact switch  74  triggers the actuation of motor  32  and light source  18 . Motor  32  causes pump gear  36  to rotate, which in turn causes pump rollers  38  to cyclically compress feed hose  26 . The cyclical compression generates a vacuum that draws fluid from tank  30  into feed hose  26 . The compressions caused by pump rollers  38  force the drawn fluid out through fanning tip  44 .  
         [0034]    The bubble making solution  50  expelled from fanning tip  44  drips over dispensing nozzle  46  and dispensing ring  48 . Each time trigger  14  is pulled, trigger assembly  78  moves and pulls push arm  80 . Push arm  80  is coupled to dispensing ring  48 ; thus, each time trigger  14  is pulled, dispensing ring  48  moves across dispensing nozzle  46  and aides in the generation of a thin film of bubble making solution  50 . In one embodiment, dispensing ring  48  is spaced apart from dispensing nozzle  46  to allow fluid flow therebetween. Alternatively, dispensing ring  48  could contact dispensing nozzle  46 , either continuously or during a portion of the travel path. When dispensing nozzle  46  and dispensing ring  48  are configured to contact one another, slots or grooves may be provided in one or both components to facilitate fluid flow.  
         [0035]    As motor  32  has already been engaged, fan assembly  52  generates air flow out of dispensing nozzle  46 . The air flow passes through dispensing nozzle  46  and axially aligned dispensing ring  48  to form bubbles which are then ejected through front nozzle  16 . Recycling funnel collects excess bubble making solution and returns the solution to tank  30 .  
         [0036]    When trigger  14  is engaged, light source  18  illuminates, either continuously or in a flashing sequence, for a predetermined period of time. Thus, as bubbles are ejected from device  10  they are illuminated, providing a pleasing visual experience.  
         [0037]    The operator may repeatedly pull trigger  14  to continue the bubble making process. After a predetermined period of time has passed from the last pulling of trigger  14 , motor  32  and light source  18  are caused to turn off. Device  10  can then be stored for future use. That is, tank  30  provides a fluid tight seal whereby bubble making solution is retained therein. Furthermore, one-way valve  58  prevents fluid flow out of tank  30  and through recycling funnel  54 , should device  10  become inverted.  
         [0038]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to selected embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.