Patent Publication Number: US-10780365-B2

Title: Bubble generating apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Children love bubbles and the bubble makers that are used to create them. At least as far as children are concerned, there is a general understanding that the more bubbles that are made and the quicker they are made, the better the bubble maker. Simple wands that produce bubbles by loading the wands with a bubble solution and blowing through the wands with air from a person&#39;s mouth are well known. Furthermore, certain types of automated bubble producing devices, such as bubble producing guns, are also known. However, these types of devices can make a terrible mess in the hands of a child (the same goes for some adults, too) and are only entertaining to a child for a brief period of time. Thus, a need exists for an apparatus for generating bubbles which is more interactive and overcomes the above-noted deficiencies. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus for generating bubbles. The apparatus may include a wheel having an outer surface that lies on a reference cylinder. The wheel may be configured to rotate about a first rotational axis. A fan device that is configured to generate an air stream may be located within the reference cylinder. A bubble generating assembly may also be located within the reference cylinder. The bubble generating assembly may include at least one bubble generating device. In use, rotation of the wheel about the first rotational axis may be configured to load a bubble solution onto the bubble generating device of the bubble generating assembly. In addition, or as an alternative, rotation of the wheel about the first rotational axis may be configured to rotate the fan device about a second rotational axis to generate the air stream. 
     In one aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a wheel having an outer surface that lies on a reference cylinder, the wheel configured to rotate about a first rotational axis; a fan device located within the reference cylinder, the fan device configured to generate an air stream; a bubble generating assembly located within the reference cylinder, the bubble generating assembly comprising at least one bubble generating device; and wherein rotation of the wheel about the first rotational axis is configured to at least one of: (1) load a bubble solution onto the bubble generating device of the bubble generating assembly; or (2) rotate the fan device about a second rotational axis to generate the air stream. 
     In another aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a wheel that is rotatable about a first rotational axis; a reservoir for holding a supply of a bubble solution; a fan device operably coupled to the wheel and located within the wheel; a bubble generating assembly operably coupled to the wheel, the bubble generating assembly comprising at least one bubble generating device; and wherein rotation of the wheel about the first rotational axis is configured to: (1) rotate the fan device about a second rotational axis to generate an air stream; and (2) rotate the bubble generating assembly about the first rotational axis to load the bubble solution onto the bubble generating device and then align the bubble generating device that is loaded with the bubble solution with the air stream to generate bubbles. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention may be a bubble generating toy comprising: a wheel that is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis, the wheel having an inner surface that defines an interior space; a hub assembly coupled to the wheel and comprising a reservoir containing a supply of a bubble solution, the hub assembly comprising an opening that forms a passageway between the ambient environment and the reservoir; a handle assembly coupled to the hub assembly and configured to be gripped by a user so that the user can push the bubble generating toy with the wheel in contact with a ground surface, thereby causing the wheel to rotate about the first rotational axis relative to the hub assembly; a fan device located within the interior space of the wheel, wherein the fan device is operably coupled to the wheel so that rotation of the wheel about the first rotational axis causes the fan device to generate an air stream; and a bubble generating assembly comprising a plurality of bubble generating devices located within the reservoir of the hub assembly, wherein the bubble generating assembly is operably coupled to the wheel so that rotation of the wheel about the first rotational axis causes the plurality of bubble generating devices to repetitively move: (1) into contact with the bubble solution in the cavity to load the bubble generating devices with the bubble solution; and (2) into simultaneous alignment with the air stream generated by the fan device and the opening in the hub assembly to generate bubbles from the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating devices and allow the bubbles to flow into the ambient environment. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an apparatus for generating bubbles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with a portion of a reservoir component broken away to expose a fan device; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front view of a bubble generating assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are schematic illustrations of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in use; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of  FIG. 1  and illustrating bubble solution being poured into a reservoir of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 7  is the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6  illustrating a cap being placed to close the reservoir; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along FIG. IX-IX of  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6  illustrating bubbles being generated. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
     The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 and 6 , an apparatus for generating bubbles (hereinafter “the apparatus”)  1000  will be described. The apparatus  1000  may be a toy that can be used by a child to generate bubbles from a bubble solution. In the exemplified embodiment, the apparatus  1000  is intended to be pushed along a ground surface by a user, with such action causing the apparatus  1000  to automatically generate bubbles (assuming that there is bubble solution located in the reservoir as described herein). In the exemplified embodiment, the apparatus  1000  does not include any electronic components that would require a power source. Specifically, the apparatus  1000  may not include any batteries or other components that can be used as a power source, and thus the bubble generation is achieved in an entirely mechanical way. The apparatus  1000  may be devoid of batteries, electric pumps, electronic circuits, motors, or the like. Of course, in some alternative embodiments which may be mentioned briefly below, the apparatus  1000  could include batteries, pumps, motors, etc. However, in the preferred embodiment the apparatus  1000  does not include any such components, which keeps costs down for the manufacturer and the consumer without detracting from the end result and entertainment value of the apparatus  1000 . 
     The apparatus  1000  generally comprises a wheel  100 , a hub assembly  200 , and a handle assembly  300  that are operably coupled together and interact with one another in a desired manner that will be described in greater detail below. The apparatus  1000  also includes an air stream generator or fan device  400 , a bubble generating assembly  500 , and a gear assembly  600 . The apparatus  1000  may also include a kickstand  700  for supporting the apparatus  1000  in an upright position when it is not in use, as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . In the exemplified embodiment, the apparatus  1000  has a single wheel  100  and may be used as a support for a child who is learning to walk while also providing entertainment to the child by generating bubbles as the child walks with the apparatus  1000 . Thus, the apparatus  1000  may serve as an encouragement to a child to learn how to walk so that the child can be rewarded with bubble generation. In the exemplified embodiment, normal use of the apparatus  1000  causes the wheel  100  to rotate, which automatically causes bubbles to be generated so long as bubble solution is present in a reservoir. In some embodiments, the apparatus  1000  may include multiple wheels (two wheels, three wheels, four wheels, etc.). In some embodiments bubbles may be generated within each of the wheels, and in other embodiments bubbles may be generated in only one or some but less than all of the wheels. 
     The wheel  100  comprises an inner surface  101  and an outer surface  102 . The inner surface  101  defines or bounds an interior space  103  within which certain other components of the apparatus  100  are located. The wheel  100  has a first opening  104  that provides a passageway into the interior space  103 , best seen in  FIG. 2 . The outer surface  102  of the wheel  100 , or a portion thereof, lies on a reference cylinder RC, depicted in  FIG. 6 . The reference cylinder RC is a cylinder that contacts the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100  without extending through any part of the wheel  100  and without intersecting the interior space  103 . Thus, the reference cylinder RC may be tangent to the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100 . Stated another way, an outermost portion of the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100  lies on the reference cylinder RC. The reference cylinder RC only touches the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100  but does not penetrate the wheel  100  at any location. The wheel  100  is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis R 1 . In the exemplified embodiment, the first rotational axis R 1  forms a longitudinal axis of the reference cylinder RC and is centrally located within the reference cylinder RC. Thus, the first rotational axis R 1  and the reference cylinder RC are parallel to one another. In the exemplified embodiment, an annular portion of the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100  that is located furthest from the first rotational axis R 1  of the wheel  100  lies on the reference cylinder RC. This annular portion of the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100  is the portion that contacts a ground surface when the apparatus  1000  is in use as described below. 
     The gear assembly  600  is located within the reference cylinder RC, and in the exemplified embodiment the gear assembly  600  is located within interior space  103  of the wheel  100 . As used herein, the interior space  103  of the wheel  100  is defined as the empty space that is located within the bounds of the wheel  100  if the openings into the empty space (such as the first opening  104 ) were to be closed. Thus, to be located within the interior space  103  of the wheel  100 , a component must not extend beyond the boundary of the wheel  100  in any direction. Of course, it is possible for some components to be partially located within the interior space  103  so that a portion of said component is located within the interior space  103  and another portion of said component extends to the outside of the interior space  103 . In the exemplified embodiment, the gear assembly  600  is located entirely within the interior space  103  of the wheel  100 . 
     The gear assembly  600  comprises a plurality of gears that are operably coupled to the wheel  100 , the fan device  400 , and the bubble generating assembly  500  so that upon rotation of the wheel  100 , the fan device  400  and the bubble generating assembly  500  are also made to rotate. Thus, in an entirely mechanical way and without any power sources, motors, or the like, the fan device  400  may rotate to generate an air stream and the bubble generating assembly  500  may rotate to become loaded with a bubble solution simply by moving the apparatus  100  in such a manner so that the wheel  100  rotates about the first rotational axis R 1 . The gear assembly  600  may be configured to rotate the fan device  400  at a rotational velocity that is greater than the rotational velocity of the wheel  100 . The gear assembly  600  may configured to rotate the bubble generating assembly  500  at a rotational velocity that is less than the rotational velocity of the fan device  400 . In some embodiments, the bubble generating assembly  500  may rotate at the same rotational velocity as the wheel  100 , although this is not required in all embodiments and the bubble generating assembly  500  could rotate faster or slower than the wheel  100 . Moreover, the bubble generating assembly  500  may not rotate in all embodiments but may move in other, non-rotational ways, or not at all, as described in greater detail below. 
     The fan device  400  is also located within the reference cylinder RC and within the interior space  103  of the wheel  100 . In the exemplified embodiment, the fan device  400  is located entirely within the interior space  103  of the wheel  100 . This may be desirable to prevent any chance of injury by having a user&#39;s finger or other extremity contact the fan device  400  while it is rotating. However, in other embodiments it may be possible to position the fan device  400  only partially within the interior space  103  of the wheel  100 . In any case, the fan device  400  is located within the reference cylinder RC defined by the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100 . 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the fan device  400  is positioned within an air stream guide member  450  and the fan device  400  is coupled to one of the gears of the gear assembly  600 . Thus, when the wheel  100  rotates about the first rotational axis R 1 , the fan device  400  will rotate about a second rotational axis R 2  due to the coupling between: (1) the wheel  100  and the gear assembly  600 ; and (2) the fan device  400  and the gear assembly  600 . As noted above, the fan device  400  and the air stream guide member  450  are located within the interior space  103  of the wheel  100  in the exemplified embodiment. Furthermore, the fan device  400  and the air stream guide member  450  are located within the reference cylinder RC on which the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100  lies. Stated another way, the fan device  400  is located radially inward from the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100 , relative to the first rotational axis R 1 , such that no portion of the fan device  400  extends radially beyond the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100 . Thus, even if the fan device  400  is not located directly inside of the interior space  103  of the wheel  100 , the fan device  400  will still remain located within the reference cylinder RC. 
     The fan device  400  may take on any desired structure so long as the fan device  400  is configured to generate an air stream upon the fan device  400  being rotated about the second rotational axis R 2 . In the exemplified embodiment, the fan device  400  comprises a hub portion  401  and a plurality of blades  402  extending from the hub portion  401  (depicted in  FIG. 9 ). Thus, as the fan device  400  rotates about the second rotational axis R 2 , the blades  402  will generate an air stream that will be guided by the air stream guide member  450  to the bubble generating assembly  500  as described herein with particular reference to  FIG. 9 . Of course, the fan device  400  is not limited to the structure shown in the drawings. Although in the exemplified embodiment there are no power sources or batteries in the apparatus  1000 , in alternative embodiments the fan device may be an electrical blower that generates an air stream upon being powered on. Thus, a user may actuate a switch to activate the fan device in some embodiments if a power source were to be included in the apparatus  1000 . Of course, other variations to the fan device  400  are also possible as would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. 
     The air stream guide member  450  houses the fan device  400  and guides the air stream generated by the fan device  400  towards bubble generating devices  503  of the bubble generating assembly  500 . In the exemplified embodiment, the air stream guide member  450  comprises a first portion  451  that is sized and shaped to receive the fan device  400  therein and a second portion  452  that is fluidly coupled to the first portion  451 . The second portion  452  has a reduced cross-sectional area relative to the first portion  451  to guide the air stream to the desired location where it can flow through the bubble generating devices  503  of the bubble generating assembly  500  to generate bubbles. As will be described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 9 , during operation the air stream generated by the fan device  400  flows from the first portion  451  of the air stream guide member  450  into the second portion  452  of the air stream guide member  450 , and from the second portion  452  to an opening that is aligned with the bubble generating assembly  500  so that bubbles can be produced from a bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating assembly  500 . 
     The wheel  100  rotates on and relative to the hub assembly  200 . Specifically, the hub assembly  200  is coupled to the wheel  100  and closes the first opening  104  of the wheel  100 , thereby enclosing the fan device  400 , the air stream guide member  450 , and the gear assembly  600  within the interior space  103  of the wheel  100 . In the exemplified embodiment, the hub assembly  200  comprises a reservoir component  210  and a cover plate  250  that are coupled together. However, in other embodiments the hub assembly  200  may be a unitary structure instead of being formed from multiple parts. The hub assembly  200  defines a reservoir  201  for holding a supply of a bubble solution that is used to generate or produce bubbles during use of the apparatus  100 . The reservoir  201  is formed by a floor  202  and a sidewall  203  of the hub portion  200 . More specifically, the reservoir component  210  comprises the floor  202  and a first portion  203   a  of the sidewall  203  and the cover plate  250  comprises a second portion  203   b  of the sidewall  203 . Thus, the reservoir  201  is formed between the cover plate  250  and the reservoir component  210 . 
     The hub assembly  200 , and more specifically the reservoir component  210 , comprises a reservoir portion  211  and an attachment portion  212 . The attachment portion  212  extends from the reservoir portion  211  so that a tunnel portion  213  is formed between the attachment portion  212  and the reservoir portion  211 . Specifically, the attachment portion  212  forms an arch that extends from the reservoir portion  211  and thereby defines the tunnel portion  213  of the reservoir component  210 . The hub assembly  200  is coupled to the wheel  100  so that the wheel  100 , or a portion thereof, is always located within the tunnel portion  213 . Specifically, the attachment portion  212  extends around a portion of the wheel  100  so that the wheel  100  is sandwiched or trapped between the reservoir portion  211  and the attachment portion  212  of the reservoir component  210 . The tunnel portion  213  has a cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of the wheel  100  so that the wheel  100  is capable of freely rotating relative to the hub portion  200 . As the wheel  100  rotates about the first rotational axis R 1 , the specific portion of the wheel  100  that is located within the tunnel portion  213  of the reservoir component  210  will change. However, a portion of the wheel  100  will always remain within the tunnel portion  213  so long as the hub assembly  200  is coupled to the wheel  100 . 
     The reservoir portion  211  of the reservoir component  210  comprises a body portion  214  that includes the floor  202  and the first portion  203   a  of the sidewall  203  of the reservoir  201  and a collar portion  215  that extends from the body portion  214 . The tunnel portion  213  is formed between the attachment portion  212  and the collar portion  215  of the reservoir portion  211 . During use, the wheel  100  rotates along the collar portion  215  of the reservoir portion  211  of the reservoir component  210 . 
     The hub assembly  200  comprises a second opening  216  formed into the first portion  203   a  of the sidewall  203  of the reservoir component  210 . As will be described in greater detail below, the air stream generated by the fan device  400  is configured to flow through the second opening  216 . Furthermore, the bubble generating devices  503  of the bubble generating assembly  500  are configured to become aligned with the second opening  216  so that the air stream can flow therethrough for the production of bubbles. In the exemplified embodiment, the second opening  216  may have a diameter that is less than or equal to a diameter of the bubble generating devices  503  of the bubble generating assembly  500 . Thus, the opening  216  forms a discrete region through which the air stream can flow to the bubble generating devices  503 . 
     As mentioned above, the cover plate  250  is coupled to the reservoir component  210  so that the reservoir  201  is formed between the cover plate  250  and the reservoir component  210 . In the exemplified embodiment, the cover plate  250  comprises a third opening  251  that forms a passageway between the ambient environment and the reservoir  201 . In the exemplified embodiment, the third opening  251  is arcuate in shape, although the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. Furthermore, the third opening  251 , or at least a portion thereof, is aligned with the second opening  216  in the reservoir component  210  of the hub assembly  200 . Thus, the air stream flows through the second opening  216  and through the bubble generating devices  503  to produce bubbles, and the bubbles are then able to flow through the third opening  250  in the cover plate  250  to the ambient environment. 
     The cover plate  250  also comprises a fourth opening  252  and a cap  253  for closing the fourth opening  252 . The fourth opening  252  also provides a passageway from the exterior/ambient environment into the reservoir  201 . The cap  253  is removably coupled to the cover plate  250  between an attached state ( FIG. 3 ) and a detached state  FIGS. 2 and 6 . The cap  253  may be coupled to the cover plate  250  using threaded screws, interference fit, mechanical couplers, or the like. In use, the cap  253  is detached from the cover plate  250  to expose the fourth opening  252 . Then, a user can pour a bubble solution into the reservoir  201  through the fourth opening  252  in the cover plate  253 . Thus, the fourth opening  252  operates as a refill opening so that the bubble solution can be filled and refilled into the reservoir  201 . The bubble solution can also be removed from the reservoir  201  through the fourth opening  252  if it is not all used up after a play session (although he bubble solution can simply be stored in the reservoir  201  until a user desires to use the apparatus  1000  again. In some embodiments, the fourth opening  252  could be omitted and filling/refilling the reservoir  201  with the bubble solution can take place through the third opening  251 . 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the bubble generating assembly  500  is located within the reservoir  201 . Specifically, the bubble generating assembly  500  is located within the space formed between the reservoir component  210  and the cover plate  250  of the hub assembly  200 . Furthermore, the bubble generating assembly  500  is located within the reference cylinder RC defined by the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100  or on which the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100  lies. In the exemplified embodiment, the bubble generating assembly  500  is positioned, in its entirety, within the reference cylinder RC. Thus, no portion of the bubble generating assembly  500  extends past or protrudes through the reference cylinder RC. Stated yet another way, the bubble generating assembly  500  is positioned radially inward of the outer surface  102  of the wheel  100  relative to the first rotational axis R 1 . 
     Thus, in the exemplified embodiment all of the components needed for bubble generation are located within the wheel  100  or within the reference cylinder RC that is parallel to the rotational axis R 1  of the wheel  100 . Thus, during use the bubbles are formed within the wheel  100  itself, and not at some other location along the apparatus  1000 . The rotation of the wheel  100  causes bubble generating, and the generated bubbles are formed within and then flow out of the wheel  100 . 
     Referring briefly to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the structure of the bubble generating assembly  500  will be described. The bubble generating assembly  500  generally comprises a hub portion  501 , a plurality of arm members  502  extending radially from the hub portion  501 , and one of the bubble generating devices  503  coupled to a distal end of each of the arm members  502 . In the exemplified embodiment, each of the bubble generating devices  503  extends obliquely from the arm member  502  to which it is attached. Thus, taking one of the arm members  502  as an example, the arm member  502  extends along an axis A-A and the bubble generating device  503  attached to that arm member  502  extends along an axis B-B, the axis B-B being oblique to the axis A-A. More specifically, the angle between the axes A-A, B-B is an acute angle. As seen in  FIG. 4B , the hub portion  501  of the bubble generating assembly  500  comprises a recess  504  for receiving a shaft of a gear of the gear assembly  600  to operably couple the bubble generating assembly  500  to the gear assembly  600 . 
     Each of the bubble generating devices  503  is a ring-shaped structure having an inner surface  505  that defines a central aperture  506 . Of course, the shape need not be circular in all embodiments. The ring structure  505  has an inner diameter D 1  defined by the inner surface  505  (the inner diameter D 1  being the diameter of the central aperture  506 ). As mentioned above, the inner diameter D 1  may be equal to or greater than the diameter of the second opening  216  in the hub assembly  200 . Although not shown in the exemplified embodiment, there may be ribs, notches, or the like provided on the inner surface  505  of the ring structure  505  to enhance the attachment of the bubble solution to the bubble generating devices  503  during operation of the apparatus  1000 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 and 6 , the bubble generating assembly  500  is located within the reservoir  201  of the hub assembly  200  and is operably coupled to the gear assembly  600 . Thus, as the wheel  100  rotates about the first rotational axis R 1 , the bubble generating assembly  500  rotates about a third rotational axis R 3 . In the exemplified embodiment, the third rotational axis R 3  is the same as the first rotational axis R 1 , but in other embodiments the third rotational axis R 3  could be parallel to and offset from the first rotational axis R 1 . In the exemplified embodiment, rotation of the wheel  100  about the first rotational axis R 1  may be configured to load the bubble generating devices  503  of the bubble generating assembly  500  with the bubble solution. In the exemplified embodiment, this occurs by the bubble generating assembly  500  rotating about the third rotational axis R 3 , which causes the bubble generating devices  503  to rotate into and out of the bubble solution in the reservoir  201 . As the bubble generating devices  503  rotate through the bubble solution in the reservoir  201 , the bubble generating devices  503  become loaded with the bubble solution. Specifically, the bubble solution forms a film that covers or spans across the central apertures  506  of the bubble generating devices  503 , and this film ultimately turns to bubbles as air from the fan device  400  flows through the central apertures  506 . 
     Although rotation of the bubble generating assembly  500  is the way that the bubble generating devices  503  become loaded with the bubble solution in the exemplified embodiment, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. In other embodiments, loading of the bubble generating devices  503  with the bubble solution may occur by the bubble generating assembly  500  moving linearly or in another non-rotatable manner. In still other embodiments the loading of the bubble generating devices  503  with the bubble solution may occur by the bubble solution being pumped to the bubble generating devices  503 . For example, rotation of the wheel  100  may activate a pump that pumps the bubble solution from the reservoir  201  to the bubble generating devices  503 . Such a pump may be a peristaltic pump in some embodiments, although other types of pumps may also be used (i.e., centrifugal pumps, rotary pumps, reciprocating pumps, piston pumps, diaphragm pumps, gear pumps, or the like). In still other embodiments, a motor and power source may be included to initiate rotation of the bubble generating assembly  500  for loading the bubble generating devices  503  with the bubble solution. However, as mentioned above, in the preferred embodiment there is no power source and there is no motor. 
     Referring again to the exemplary embodiment, as the bubble generating assembly  500  rotates about the rotational axis R 1 , the bubble generating devices  503  rotate into and out of the bubble solution that is located along the bottom portion of the reservoir  201 . As the bubble generating devices  503  rotate out of the bubble solution, the bubble generating devices  503  becomes visible through the third opening  251  (which may also be referred to as a window). Thus, a user can watch the bubble generating assembly  500  rotate about the third rotational axis R 3  through the third opening  251  in the cover plate  250 . As the bubble generating devices  503  loaded with the bubble solution pass by the third opening  251  in the cover plate  250 , the air stream generated by the fan device  400  flows through the bubble generating devices  503  via the second opening  216  in the reservoir component  210  and produces bubbles that can then flow out to the ambient environment through the third opening  251 . 
     In the exemplified embodiment, rotation of the wheel  100  about the rotational axis R 1  is configured to load the bubble solution onto the bubble generating devices  503  of the bubble generating assembly  500 , rotate the fan device  400  about the second rotational axis R 2  to generate an air stream, or both. As a general matter and to provide a general understanding, the wheel  100  rotates about the first rotational axis R 1  in use but the hub assembly  200  does not also rotate. Although it is possible for the hub assembly  200  to also rotate, it does not do so as a result of the rotation of the wheel  100 . Rather, the wheel  100  rotates relative to and around the hub assembly  200  during use and the hub assembly  200  may be stationary during the rotation of the wheel  100 . It should be appreciated that the hub assembly  200  may also be capable of rotating or pivoting due to a user moving the handle assembly  300 , which is coupled to the hub assembly  200 , as described in more detail below. However, the rotation of the wheel  100  by itself does not cause any movement of the hub portion  200 . 
     The handle assembly  300  comprises a pair of rod members  301  coupled to and extending from the attachment portion  212  of the reservoir component  210  of the hub assembly  200 . The rod members  301  extend from the hub assembly  200  to a dashboard  302 . A first handle  303  and a second handle  304  extend from the dashboard  302  in generally opposite directions. The first and second handles  303 ,  304  may include grips or the like to enhance comfort to a user. During use of the apparatus  1000 , a user such as a child will grip the first and second handles  303 ,  304  with his/her hands to operate/manipulate/move the apparatus  100 . Specifically, the user can grip the handles  303 ,  304  and push forward, thereby causing the wheel  100  to rotate in a clockwise direction. The user can alternatively pull the apparatus  100  backwards, thereby causing the wheel  100  to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. In either case, the apparatus  100  may generate bubbles as a result of rotation of the wheel  100  as described herein. A user may also be able to pivot the handle assembly  300  upwardly and downwardly which will cause the hub assembly  200  to rotate/pivot relative to the wheel  100 . This may be done to accommodate users of different height (the handle assembly  300  being pivoted downwardly for a shorter user and pivoted upwardly for a taller user). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the apparatus  1000  is depicted in use. During typical use of the apparatus  1000 , the wheel  100  is placed into contact with a ground surface  10 , such as a floor in an interior environment or a driveway, street, patio, grass, or the like in an outdoor environment. A user then grips the handles  303 ,  304  and moves the apparatus  1000  along the ground surface  10 , which causes the wheel  100  to rotate about the first rotational axis R 1 . As a result and in direct response to the rotation of the wheel  100  about the first rotational axis R 1 , the bubble generating assembly  500  rotates about the third rotational axis R 3  and the fan device  400  rotates about the second rotational axis R 2 . Thus, in direct response to the rotation of the wheel  100  about the first rotational axis R 1 , the fan device  400  generates an air stream that flows through the second opening  216  in the hub assembly  200 . At the same time, the bubble generating assembly  500  rotates about the third rotational axis R 3  (which in the exemplified embodiment is the same as the first rotational axis R 1 ) so that the bubble generating devices  503  move into the bubble solution in the reservoir  201  and then move into alignment with the second opening  216  in the hub assembly  200 . As the air stream generated by the fan device  400  flows out through the second opening  216 , it passes through the bubble generating devices  503  that are loaded with the bubble solution to produce bubbles that then flow out through the third opening  251  and into the ambient environment. The details of this operation and the internal workings of the components will be described further below with reference to  FIGS. 6-10 . 
     Although the description above is related to use by moving the apparatus  1000  along the ground surface  10 , it should be appreciated that simply rotating the wheel  100  by hand will achieve the same results. Moreover, as mentioned above, although in the exemplified embodiment rotation of the wheel  100  causes rotation or movement of the bubble generating assembly  500  and of the fan device  400 , this is not required in all embodiments. In other embodiments rotation of the wheel  100  may cause either movement of the bubble generating assembly  500  or movement of the fan device  400 . In still other embodiments, rotation of the wheel  100  may cause the bubble generating devices  503  to become loaded with the bubble solution whether or not the bubble generating assembly  500  is made to move. Thus, variations are possible and the invention should be construed in terms of the scope set forth in the claims. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  also illustrate the functionality of the kickstand  700 . As mentioned above, the kickstand  700  is pivotably or rotatably coupled to the hub assembly  200  so that the kickstand  700  can be adjusted between: (1) a first position, shown in  FIG. 5A , in which the kickstand  700  contacts the ground surface  10  and supports the apparatus  1000  in an upright position; and (2) a second position, shown in  FIG. 5B , in which the kickstand  700  does not contact the ground surface  10 . Thus, when the apparatus  1000  is not being used, a user can place the kickstand  700  into the first position and the kickstand  700  will support the apparatus  1000  in the upright position. This is important because a user may decide to stop using the apparatus  1000  before all of the bubble solution in the reservoir  201  is depleted. As such, resting the apparatus  1000  on the ground may cause some of the bubble solution to spill out of the reservoir  201 , creating a mess. By using the kickstand  700 , this can be avoided. Altering the kickstand  700  between the first and second positions is simple, quite similar to the same process on a bicycle or motorcycle. Of course, in some embodiments the kickstand  700  may be omitted as it is not essential to operation of the apparatus  1000 . 
     Next, the operation of the apparatus  1000  will be described in greater detail. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the first step in the operation of the apparatus  1000  is for a user to detach the cap  253  from the cover plate  250  to expose the fourth opening  252 . Next, a user pours a bubble solution into the reservoir  201  through the fourth opening  252 . In  FIG. 6 , this is accomplished by positioning a neck of a bottle containing bubble solution into the fourth opening  252  so that the bubble solution pours out and into the reservoir  201 . There are other ways that this can be achieved, such as by using a funnel or by directly pouring the bubble solution into the reservoir  201  without inserting the neck of the bottle through the fourth opening  252 . No matter how this is done, the result is that a supply of the bubble solution  20  fills a bottom portion of the reservoir  201 . The apparatus  1000  may come with instructions to inform a user of the maximum volume of bubble solution that should be put into the reservoir  201  at one time. Alternatively, there may be a fill line or another window on the cover plate  250  to indicate to a user when the reservoir  201  is full. The reservoir  201  should have a sufficient volume of the bubble solution  20  so that the bubble generating devices  503  are completely submerged in the supply of the bubble solution  20  as they pass through it during rotation of the bubble generating assembly  500 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , once the reservoir  201  is filled to a desired level, the cap  253  is coupled to the cover plate  250  to close the fourth opening  253 . The fan device  400  is not visible in  FIG. 7 , but the second portion  452  of the air stream guide member  450  is visible. Viewing  FIGS. 3 and 7-10  collectively should give a person skilled in the art an understanding of the operation of the apparatus  1000 , which will be described further below. 
     After the supply of the bubble solution  20  has been placed into the reservoir  201  and the cap  253  has been coupled to the cover plate  250  of the hub assembly  200 , the apparatus  1000  is ready for use to generate bubbles. Thus, at this stage a user can push or pull the apparatus  1000  across the ground surface  10  as described above with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , with the result being that bubbles are generated that flow outwardly away from the apparatus  1000  via the fourth opening or window  251 . The process that takes place when the user pushes or pulls the apparatus  1000  across the ground surface  10  will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 8-10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the arrows along the wheel  100  illustrate that the wheel  100  is rotating about the first rotational axis R 1  in a clockwise direction across the ground surface  10 . Of course, the apparatus  1000  may work in a similar fashion regardless of whether the wheel  100  is rotating in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. In the exemplified embodiment, as the wheel  100  rotates about the first rotational axis R 1  in the clockwise direction, the bubble generating assembly  500  also rotates about the first rotational axis R 1  in the clockwise direction. Of course, it is possible in alternative embodiments for the bubble generating assembly  500  to rotate in the opposite direction than the wheel  100 . Furthermore, in alternative embodiments the bubble generating assembly  500  may rotate about an axis that is different than the first rotational axis R 1 , such as an axis that is spaced apart from and parallel to the first rotational axis R 1 . The bubble generating assembly  500  is made to rotate due to its coupling to the gear assembly  600 , which is also coupled to the wheel  100 . Thus, the bubble generating assembly  500  is indirectly coupled to the wheel  100  via the gear assembly  600 , which ensures that the bubble generating assembly  500  rotates (or moves, depending on the embodiment) as the wheel  100  rotates. 
     As the bubble generating assembly  500  rotates about the first rotational axis R 1 , the bubble generating devices  503  of the bubble generating assembly  500  move into the bottom portion of the reservoir  201  within which the supply of the bubble solution  20  is located. As the bubble generating devices  503  pass through the bubble solution  20 , the bubble solution  20  adheres to the bubble generating devices  503  and forms a film of the bubble solution that extends across the central apertures  506  of the bubble generating devices  503 . A bubble generating device  503  that has the bubble solution adhered thereto may be described herein as being loaded with the bubble solution. 
     As the bubble generating assembly  500  continues to rotate about the first rotational axis R 1 , the bubble generating devices  503  that are loaded with the bubble solution eventually pass by the second opening  216 . As seen best in this figure, the second opening  216  has a diameter that is equal to or less than the diameter of the bubble generating devices  216  so that all of the air flowing out of the second opening  216  flows through the central aperture  506  of the bubble generating device  216  as it passes the second opening  216 . As discussed above and described in greater detail below, the air stream generated by the fan device  400  flows through the second opening  216 . Thus, as the air stream flows through the second opening  216  the air stream will pass through the bubble generating devices  503  that are loaded with the bubble solution, which will cause bubbles to be formed from the bubble solution. Those bubbles will then flow out through the third opening  251  in the cover plate  250 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the apparatus  1000  is illustrated at the same moment in time as  FIG. 8 , except from the reverse side so that the fan device  400 , which is hidden behind the reservoir component  210  in  FIG. 8 , is visible. As noted above, the fan device  400  is positioned within the first portion  451  of the air stream guide member  450 . The fan device  400  is operably coupled to the gear assembly  600  so that as the wheel  100  rotates about the first rotational axis R 1 , the fan device  400  rotates about the second rotational axis R 2 . In the exemplified embodiment, the wheel  100  and the fan device  400  are rotating in opposite directions, but they could rotate in the same direction in other embodiments. 
     As the fan device  400  rotates, it generates an air stream. As shown with the arrows in  FIG. 9 , the air stream is forced, by the air stream guide member  450 , to flow into the second portion  452  of the air stream guide member  450 . The second portion  452  of the air stream guide member  450  has an outlet portion  453  that is aligned with the second opening  216 . Thus, the air stream flows through the second portion  452  of the air stream guide member  450 , out of the outlet portion  453 , and through the second opening  216 , where it then flows through the central apertures  506  of the bubble generating devices  503  as described above. 
     To reiterate, in the exemplified embodiment the wheel  100 , the fan device  400 , and the bubble generating assembly  500  are all operably coupled to the gear assembly  600 . Thus, when the wheel  100  is made to rotate about the first rotational axis R 1 , this causes a driver gear to rotate. The driver gear is coupled to other gears in the gear assembly  600 , which causes those other gears to rotate. If the other gears are larger than the driver gear, then they will rotate slower than the driver gear. If the other gears are smaller than the driver gear, then they will rotate faster than the driver gear. The fan device  400  is coupled to one of the other gears that is smaller than the driver gear so that the fan device  400  rotates faster than the wheel  100 . The bubble generating assembly  500  is coupled to another one of the gears and such gear may be smaller than, the same size as, or larger than the driver gear so that the bubble generating assembly  500  may rotate slower, faster, or at the same speed as the wheel  100 . At any rate, in the exemplified embodiment rotation of the wheel  100  about the first rotational axis R 1  directly causes the bubble generating assembly  500  to rotate to become loaded with the bubble solution and directly causes the fan device  400  to rotate to generate the air stream. Thus, by rotating the wheel  100 , the apparatus  100  can generate bubbles as long as there is a sufficient amount of the bubble solution present in the reservoir  201 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the result of operation of the apparatus  1000 . Specifically,  FIG. 10  shows the air stream flowing out of the outlet portion  453  of the air stream guide member  450 , through the second opening  216  in the hub assembly  200 , and through the central aperture  506  of the bubble generating device  503  that is loaded with the bubble solution. As a result, bubbles are formed from the bubble solution. Thus, if there is a supply of the bubble solution  20  in the reservoir  201  and the apparatus  1000  is used by rotating the wheel  100  such as by moving the apparatus  1000  with the wheel in contact with a ground surface, bubbles will be formed. 
     As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.