Patent Publication Number: US-9427765-B1

Title: Tank system for producing bubbles and illuminating the bubbles as they fall from the tank onto a passing vehicle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/801,600, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, which is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/655,328, filed on Dec. 29, 2009, entitled, “Bubble tank system.”, and of which was also a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/613,612, filed on Mar. 21, 2012, and entitled, “Bubble Tank System For Producing Bubbles And Illuminating The Bubbles As They Fall From The Tank To Simulate Falling Lava On A Passing Vehicle.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to a bubble tank and, more particularly, to a bubble tank system for generating bubbles and illuminating the bubbles as they fall from the bubble tank onto a passing vehicle. 
     (2) Description of Related Art 
     Vehicle washing systems have long been known in the art. By way of example, automatic vehicle-washing systems are well-known and are in widespread use for washing passenger automobiles, trucks, buses, railroad equipment, and the like. A typical system includes a conveyor for moving the vehicle through the installation, and a series of power-driven brushes which are moved around the vehicle under a drenching spray of water and soap or detergent to remove dirt and grease. The washed vehicle is given a spray of clean rinse water, and is then moved to a drying station. 
     While such drenching spray systems are operable for introducing soap and water to a passing vehicle, they require multiple spray heads, each of which is prone to breakage and maintenance. Additionally, typical spray heads introduce a low volume to the passing vehicle and, therefore, are operated under high pressure to be effective. Further, due to the pumps that are required to operate such spray systems, traditional drenching spray systems utilize a lot of electricity and are otherwise not environmentally sensitive. Such spray systems do not evenly distribute the solution as any distribution is largely limited to the location and reach of the spray heads. Finally, typical spray systems do not include unique light systems that provide for a variety of lighting effects. 
     Thus, a continuing need exists for an environmentally sensitive system for introducing a relatively large volume of soap and water (i.e., bubbles) to a passing vehicle without the need for multiple, high-pressure spray heads. A need also exists for a system that illuminates the bubbles as they fall from the system onto the passing vehicle to provide for a variety of lighting effects. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     While considering the failure of others to make and/or use all of the above factors/ingredients/steps/components in this technology space, the inventor unexpectedly realized that a bubble tank system can be employed to introduce a large volume of water, soap, and bubbles to a passing vehicle without the need for multiple high-pressure spray heads and, thereby provide for an even distribution of water, soap, etc., to the passing vehicle. 
     Further, when illuminating the bubbles as they fall from the tank system, it was unexpectedly realized that the bubbles provide the appearance of actual lava. Thus, in addition to being a bubble tank system, the present invention is also directed to a bubble tank system for generating bubbles and illuminating the bubbles as they fall from the bubble tank onto a passing vehicle. 
     The system includes a tank having a trough portion and an overflow lip of any desired width (e.g., that is at least as wide as a passing vehicle). A support system is connected with the tank for elevating the tank above a ground surface to allow a vehicle to pass beneath the tank. A fluid supply inlet is fluidly connected with the trough portion of the tank for receiving a fluid flow from an external fluid source and introducing fluid into the tank. Further, a light system is attached with the tank. The light system includes a light element to direct light toward a fluid as it falls from the tank, whereby upon receiving fluid, the trough portion collects the fluid until the fluid reaches the overflow lip, at which point the fluid flows over the overflow lip and falls from the tank onto a passing vehicle, such that upon falling from the tank, the fluid is illuminated by the light system. 
     In another aspect, the tank system includes a soap injector fluidly connected with the fluid supply inlet for injecting soap into the fluid flow to create a soap mix that is supplied to the tank. In this aspect, an air manifold is positioned in the trough portion of the tank. Additionally, an air motor is fluidly connected with the air manifold to introduce air through the air manifold and into the soap mix, whereby upon receiving the soap mix and air, bubbles are created that fill the tank until reaching the overflow lip, at which point the bubbles and soap mix flow over the overflow lip and fall onto a passing vehicle. 
     In yet another aspect, the light element includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) such that light emitted from the LEDs is directed toward the fluid falling from the tank. In another aspect, the light system includes a front signage. 
     In another aspect, the light element includes multi-colored LEDs that are directed downward to illuminate a falling fluid, such that when the falling fluid is illuminated by the multi-colored LEDs, the falling fluid simulates the appearance of falling lava. 
     In yet another aspect, the tank system includes a heating system for heating the fluid within the tank. The heating system further comprises a heating element to heat the fluid; a temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the fluid; a temperature switch to control the operability of the heating element; and a low liquid level switch to turn off the heating element if the fluid in the tank falls below a predetermined threshold. 
     In another aspect a curtain is attached with the tank such that it hangs from the tank proximate the overflow lip. 
     Additionally, a mechanical float valve is operably connected with the fluid supply inlet. The float valve is adapted to close upon the fluid exceeding a predetermined level within the tank and to open upon the fluid falling below the predetermined level. 
     In another aspect, the tank includes two troughs with a drop opening positioned therebetween, such that each trough includes an air manifold. 
     In another aspect, the external fluid source includes wax, chemicals, soap, water, or any combination thereof. For example, if wax, when in the tank, the heating system heats the wax to generate a hot wax that falls from the tank onto a passing vehicle. 
     Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming and using the tank system described herein. The method comprises a plurality of acts of forming and operating the tank system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevated, perspective-view illustration of a bubble tank system according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a left, side-view illustration of the bubble tank system; 
         FIG. 2B  is a right, side-view illustration of the bubble tank system; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear-view illustration of the bubble tank system; 
         FIG. 4  is a front-view illustration of the bubble tank system; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevated, perspective-view illustration of the bubble tank system and its support system, depicting a lid of the tank system in an open position; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevated, perspective-view illustration of the bubble tank system and its support system, depicting a lid of the tank system in a closed position; 
         FIG. 7  is an elevated, perspective-view illustration of the bubble tank system, depicting the system in operation; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevated, perspective-view illustration of the bubble tank system according to the principles of the present invention, depicting a light system, an electric control panel and a heating system; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevated, rear perspective-view illustration of the bubble tank system; 
         FIG. 10  is a front-view illustration of the light system and bubble tank system; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of the bubble tank system, depicting an aspect where the tank is cylindrical; 
         FIG. 12A  is an illustration of the bubble tank system, depicting an aspect where the fluid falls from below the bubble tank system; 
         FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view illustration of the bubble tank system as depicted in  FIG. 12A ; and 
         FIG. 13  is an interior-view illustration of the bubble tank system depicted in  FIG. 12A  to illustrate the flow of fluid as it falls from the bubble tank system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     The reader&#39;s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of“step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. 
     (1) Description 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the present invention is a bubble tank system  100  that provides an improvement over the prior art by using a tank  102  to collect water and a soap mix (or any other fluid), which then overflows to provide a gravity-fed waterfall that dumps a relatively large volume of water and bubbles (and/or other fluids, e.g., wax) onto a passing vehicle. 
     In this aspect, the bubble tank system  100  includes a tank  102  having a trough portion  104  and an overflow lip  106 . The trough portion  104  acts as a trough to collect water (and/or other fluids) that is introduced into the tank  102  from a supply inlet  108  (e.g., water supply and/or chemical, wax, etc). The supply inlet  108  is fluidly connected (e.g., via piping) with the trough portion  104 . In operation, the supply inlet  108  receives fluid (e.g., water) from an external source and introduces the fluid into the tank  102  where it gathers in the trough portion  104 . It should be understood that although the system as described uses water, the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto as it can be used with any fluid and/or fluid source. Thus, the supply inlet  108  is, in its broadest form, a fluid supply inlet, with water being but one non-limiting example. Other non-limiting examples of which include wax, chemicals, soap mix, etc. 
     Upon receiving water, the trough portion  104  collects the water until the water level reaches the overflow lip  106 , at which point the water flows over the overflow lip  106  and falls from the tank  102  onto a passing vehicle (as depicted in  FIG. 7 ). The overflow lip  106  is approximately level or at an angle, or undulated across its entire width. For example, if level, the water flowing over the overflow lip  106  will not gather and drain at one side or point and, instead, will fall evenly from the overflow lip  106 . Alternatively, if formed at an angle or with undulations, the water falls from the tank according to the angle or shape of undulations. 
     In addition to providing water (or wax, etc.) onto a passing vehicle, the present invention provides soap and bubbles to said vehicle. The soap or any other chemicals can be added to the fluid in the tank  102  using any suitable mechanism or device. As a non-limiting example and as depicted in  FIG. 1 , a soap injector  110  is fluidly connected with the water supply inlet  108  for injecting soap (from a soap line  111 ) into the water flow to create a soap mix that is supplied to the tank  102 . The soap injector  110  is any suitable mechanism or device for injecting/dispensing soap into a water flow, a non-limiting example of which includes an injector/dispenser as produced by Viking LLC, a DEMA Company, located at 512 Industrial Road, Nesquehoning, Pa. 18240, United States of America. 
     To create bubbles (e.g., soap bubbles), an air manifold  112  is positioned in the trough portion  104  of the tank  102 . An air motor  114  is fluidly connected with the air manifold  112  to introduce air through the air manifold  112  and into the soap mix. The air motor  114  is any suitable mechanism or device that is operable for pumping air, a non-limiting example of which includes a 1.5 horse power (HP), 120 Volt Alternating Current (VAC) electric air motor. Upon receiving the soap mix and air, bubbles are created that fill the tank  102  until reaching the overflow lip  106 , at which point the bubbles and soap mix flow over the overflow lip  106  and onto a passing vehicle (as depicted in  FIG. 7 ). 
     Referring again to the air manifold  112 , the manifold is any suitable mechanism or device that is operable for receiving air and distributing the air into a fluid (e.g., soap mix), a non-limiting example of which includes a two-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The air manifold  112  is perforated to allow air that is introduced into the manifold  112  from the air motor  114  to escape into the soap mix. As a non-limiting example, the perforated air manifold  112  is an elongated pipe manifold with a top half and a bottom half, with two rows of holes formed along the top half and a single row of holes formed along the bottom half (e.g., facing downward). 
     To control the amount of water and soap (and the corresponding soap mix) that is introduced to the tank, a volume control valve  116  is operably connected with the water supply. As a non-limiting example, the volume control valve  116  is a mechanical float valve that is operably connected with water supply inlet to close upon the soap mix exceeding a predetermined level within the tank and to open upon the soap mix falling below the predetermined level. 
     In operation, as bubbles flow from the overflow lip  106 , they fall onto a passing car. However, wind and other air turbulence can sometimes affect the fall of the bubbles. As such, a curtain  118  is attached with the tank  102  to block such air turbulence and prevent the falling bubbles from blowing uncontrollably away from a car surface. For example, the curtain  118  hangs from the tank  102  proximate the overflow lip  106  is formed of any suitably durable and semi-rigid material, a non-limiting example of which includes vinyl. Thus, the curtain  118  allows the bubbles to freely fall, yet blocks wind and other air turbulence. 
     As noted above, wind and other air turbulence can sometimes affect the fall of the bubbles. To control the flow of water and bubbles from the tank  102 , a flow director  119  can be connected with the overflow lip  106  to direct water and bubbles that are flowing over the overflow lip  106 . The flow director  119  is any suitable mechanism or device that is capable of directing the flow from the overflow lip  106 , a non-limiting example of which includes a pair of pivoting arms. For example, a first pivoting arm  119 A and a second pivoting arm  119 B are pivotally connected with the overflow lip  106  such that they can independently reside on the overflow lip  106  to narrow a width of flow of fluid flowing over the overflow lip  106 . Alternatively, each of the pivoting arms  119 A and  119 B can pivot away from the overflow lip  106  to increase the width of flow of water (and bubbles, soap mix, etc.) flowing over the overflow lip  106 . In other words, the pivoting arms  119 A and  119 B operate to alter the flow of water by decreasing or increasing the width of the overflow lip  106  (or at least the portion of the overflow lip  106  from which the water can escape and flow) 
     By narrowing the portion of the overflow lip  106  from which water escapes, the thickness or depth of the water is increased (due the volume of water remaining relatively constant). As such, the sheet of water that now falls from the overflow lip  106  is thicker and less susceptible to air turbulence. 
     Alternatively, in a situation of low air turbulence, it may be desirable to pivot the pivoting arms  119 A and  119 B away from the overflow lip  106  to maximize the width of the overflow lip  106  (or the portion of the overflow lip  106  from which water escapes) and, thereby, the width of falling fluid. In this example, the depth of fluid that flows over the overflow lip  106  is thinner (than the circumstance described above), which creates a thinner, yet wider, fall of fluid. 
     Additionally, a lid  120  is attached with the tank  102  to cover the tank  102  yet allow selective access thereto. For example, the lid  120  is pivotally connected with the tank  102  via hinges  122  or any other suitable connection. 
     For further understanding,  FIG. 2A  is a left, side-view illustration of the bubble tank system  100 . As shown, the tank  102  includes a hingedly connected lid  120 . Also shown are the water supply inlet  108  and the soap injector  110 , and the curtain  118  for blocking wind and air turbulence. Alternatively,  FIG. 2B  is a right, side-view illustration of the tank system  100 , depicting the tank  102 , lid  120 , curtain  118 , and air motor  114 . 
     Additionally,  FIG. 3  is a rear-view illustration of the bubble tank system  100 , showing the tank  102 , curtain  118 , air motor  114 , and lid  120 . 
       FIG. 4  provides yet another view of the bubble tank system  100 , showing a front-view that illustrates the tank  102 , curtain  118 , lid  120  and air motor  114 . Also shown is the overflow lip  106 , which is depicted at a level that is below the top  400  of the tank  102 . The tank  102  is bound on all sides by walls that rise to a first level  402  (except at the overflow lip  106 ). The first level  402  is the top  400  of the tank  102 , while the overflow lip  106  is at a second level  404  that is below the top  400  of the tank  102 . Water, soap mix, bubbles, etc., that rise above the second level  404  will flow from the tank  102  via the overflow lip  106 . Thus, the fluid level in the tank will never reach the first level  402  or the top  400  of the tank  102  as the fluid will always drain via the overflow lip  106 . 
     Pivoting arms  119 A and  119 B are shown residing on top of the overflow lip  106 . As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art and as described above, the flow director (e.g., pivoting arms  119 A and  119 B) is used to alter the width  400  of the flow that flows over the overflow lip  106 . Such width  400  control can be used to manage the thickness (or depth) of the flow of fluid that falls from the tank  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the bubble tank system  100  is formed such that the tank  102  is elevated (using a support system  502 ) above a ground surface  500  to allow a vehicle to pass beneath the tank  102 . The support system  502  is any suitable mechanism or device for elevating the tank  102 . As a non-limiting example, the support system  502  includes a set of posts connected with the tank  102  (to raise the tank  102  above the ground surface  500 ). The posts are of any suitable height to allow a vehicle to pass below the tank  102 , a non-limiting example of which includes being 10 feet tall. As yet another non-limiting example, the support system  502  includes a set of brackets for attaching the tank  102  to a lateral wall surface such that the tank  102  is elevated sufficiently. 
       FIG. 6  depicts the bubble tank system  100  with the lid  120  in a closed position to cover the tank  102 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts the bubble tank system  100  in operation. As shown, the tank  102  is elevated above the ground surface  500  through the support system  502 . The tank  102  is elevated sufficiently to allow a vehicle  700  to pass below the tank  102 . Upon introducing water, soap, and air to the tank  102 , a soap mix is formed with bubbles  702 . After reaching the level of the overflow lip (not shown), the soap mix/water (and bubbles  702 ) flow over the overflow lip and sheet  704  from the tank  102  onto the passing vehicle  700 . The tank  102  and overflow lip themselves are of a sufficient size to have a width  706  that is as least as wide as the passing vehicle  700 . As a non-limiting example, the width is greater than 48 inches and less than 144 inches. Thus, using the present invention, a vehicle can safely pass below the tank  102  to receive a relatively even distribution of a large volume of soap, water, and bubbles without the need for multiple, high-pressure spray heads. 
       FIG. 8  depicts another aspect of the bubble tank system  100  in which a light system  804  and heating system are included. In this rear-view illustration, several internal components of the tank system  100  are also depicted. Specifically, the heating system is any suitable mechanism or device that is operable for heating the fluid within the tank  102 . As a non-limiting example and as shown, the heating system includes a heating element  812 , a low liquid level switch  810 , a temperature sensor  808  (e.g., switch thermostat capillary tube), an adjustable temperature switch  806 , and an electric control panel  802 . Also depicted is a mechanical fill float  814 , which is described in further detail below. 
     The electric control panel  802  is operatively connected (via a wired or wireless connection) to the light system  804 . While the light system  804  can be self contained, it is desirable to have the light system  804  controlled by a more easily accessible component, such as the control panel  802 . The electric control panel  802  controls the features and functions of the light system  804 . For example, the light system  804  can be formed to direct light down toward the falling bubbles and, in another aspect, can also be formed to illuminate signage and operate as a sign (such as a flashing light sign). Thus, the electric control panel  802  can control which lights (or colors) operate and what effects they provide, etc. As non-limiting examples, the sign may flash the type of car wash the user is receiving, the wax treatment they are receiving, the name of the business of the carwash, or even a funny quote. The light system  804  is attached to the tank  102  using any suitable mechanism or technique. As a non-limiting example, the light system  804  is bolted to the tank  102  (via a bracket  820 ) and is positioned slightly forward from the overflow lip  106 . Because it is slightly forward from the overflow lip  106 , bubbles falling from the overflow lip  106  fall beneath the light system  804  for illumination. 
     The electric control panel  802  is also operatively connected to the air motor  114 . Upon receiving a signal from the electric control panel  802 , the electric air motor  114  introduces air through the air manifold  112  and into the soap mix. The chemical (e.g., soap or wax) is located in the chemical container  818  and is optionally mixed with water (introduced via a water line  819 ) at an injector  816  (e.g., a non-limiting example of such an injector is a Dosatron injector). The fluid is pumped to the tank  102  through the mechanical fill float  814 . Bubbles are created that fill the tank  102  until reaching the overflow lip  106 , at which point the bubbles fall from the tank  102 . It should be understood the chemical can alternatively be wax or any other chemical that is directly provided to the tank with or without the addition of water or any other fluid. 
     An adjustable temperature switch  806  has a temperature sensor  808  which is located toward the bottom of the tank  102  and is communicatively connected (e.g., via wired or wirelessly) to the electric control panel  802 . The temperature sensor  808  senses fluid temperature and automatically controls the heating element  812  inside the tank  102  to turn on (i.e., heat the fluid) or to shut off. As a non-limiting example, the fluid temperature inside the tank  102  may be adjusted to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or any other desired temperature. 
     The temperature switch  806  is operatively connected to the electric control panel  802 . Once the desired temperature is set in the electric control pane  802 , the temperature switch  806  automatically controls the heating element  812 . As such, when the temperature of the fluid reaches a pre-determined temperature, the heating element  812  shuts-off. However, if the temperature of the fluid falls below the pr-determined temperature, the heating element  812  turns back on to heat the fluid. 
     The low liquid level switch  810  is located within the tank  102  to sense when the fluid within the tank is reaching a low level. As a non-limiting example, the low liquid level switch  810  is located toward the bottom of the tank  102 . The low liquid level switch  810  is any suitable sensor or switch device that is operable for sensing the level of a fluid. As a non-limiting example, the low liquid level switch  810  is an electric fluid sensing switch that is operatively connected to the electric control panel  802 . When the fluid level inside the tank  102  reaches a low level, power to the heating element  812  will shut off in order to prevent over-heating and damage to the system. 
       FIG. 9  depicts another view of the bubble tank system  100 , with several components detached for illustrative purposes. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the tank system  100  includes a light system  804  and a tank  102 . The air motor cover  904  is also removed to illustrate the air motor  114 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 10 , the light system  804  is attached to the tank  102 . Importantly, the light system  804  is attached to the tank  102  in any suitable manner as to illuminate the falling fluid  1001  (e.g., bubbles). As a non-limiting example, the light system  804  is attached with the overflow lip  106  of the tank  102  such that a portion of the light  1003  emitted from the light system  804  is projected downward to illuminate falling bubbles as they fall from the tank  102  and below the light system  804 . 
     The light system  804  includes any suitable illumination mechanism or device for generating and directing light  1003  toward the falling fluid  1001 . As a non-limiting example, the light system  804  includes a light element  1002  (e.g., light bar) with a plurality of LEDs  1005  (or light bulbs, etc.) that generate light  1003 . 
     The lights (or LEDs  1005 ) can be provided in any desired color and in any display pattern. As a non-limiting example, the light element  1002  includes multi-colored LEDs  1005  to illuminate the fluid in different colors. As noted above and as another non-limiting example, the multi-colored LEDs  1005  are directed toward the falling fluid  1001  so that when the falling fluid  1001  is illuminated by the multi-colored LEDs  1005 , the falling fluid  1001  simulates the appearance of falling lava. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the multi-colored LEDs  1005  may shine a red or a combination of different colored lights (e.g., red, orange, yellow, and blue) onto the falling fluid  1001  to simulate the color of lava or to create a desired mood (e.g., such as blue for peaceful, or flashing yellow and white for chaotic lightening effects, etc.). 
     Further, the LEDs  1005  may be provided or illuminated in any number according to the desired effect. As a non-limiting example, there may be as little as one light element  1005  (each with 20 LEDs  1005 ) or as many as twenty light elements  1005  (each with 20 LEDs  1005 ). 
     As noted above, the light system  804  can also be formed to include signage  1004 . Thus, the light elements  1005  can be positioned at any suitable location to illuminate the fluid  1001  and, optionally, the signage  1004 . As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the light elements  1005  can be positioned toward the bottom  1007  of the light system  804  to illuminate the fluid  1001 . However, in an alternative aspect, the light system  804  includes an open or translucent bottom  1007  portion and the light elements  1005  are positioned within the light system  804  and toward a top portion  1009 . Further, in this aspect, a front portion  1011  of the light system  804  can be formed with translucent signage  1004 . Thus, in this aspect, the light  1003  provided by the light elements  1005  passes through the front portion  1011  to illuminate the signage  1004  in addition to the falling fluid  1001 . 
     As noted above, the signage  1004  can be used to provide any desired message to a passing vehicle (and its passengers). As a non-limiting example, the signage  1004  is a translucent plastic with a combination of words or a phrase, or may include any other desired message, such as the name of the carwash. As another non-limiting example, the light system  804  can be configured such that the light elements  1005  flash (or stay constantly illuminated) to illuminate the word “lava.” 
     It should be understood that although the system  100  (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) is depicted as having a traditional trough-shaped tank  102 , the invention is not intended to be limited thereto as the tank can be formed in a suitably shape. As a non-limiting example and as depicted in  FIG. 11 , the tank can be provided as a cylindrical-shaped tank  1102 . In this aspect, the cylindrical-shaped tank  1102  has a fluid inlet  1106  to provide fluid (e.g., water and soap, etc.) to the tank  1102 . Also included is an inner air manifold  1108  with several air holes  1110 . The inner air manifold  1108  delivers air into the fluid to generate bubbles (using an air motor as described above). Once the cylindrical shaped tank  1102  is filled with the fluid and/or bubbles, the fluid  1104  will overflow through an opening  1105  and fall onto a passing car in a controlled manner. 
     Another variation of the tank is shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . More specifically,  FIG. 12A  provides an external view of the tank  1202 , while  FIG. 12B  provides a cross-sectional view of the tank  1202  as depicted in  FIG. 12A . As shown, the tank  1202  can be formed to include two or more smaller troughs  1206 A and  1206 B, each operable to collect a fluid (e.g., water and/or soap, etc.) that is introduced into the tank  1202  from a fluid supply inlet  108 . 
     Additionally, in another aspect, each trough  1206 A and  1206 B optionally includes an air manifold  1208  to generate bubbles as described above (i.e., via air generated through the connected air motors  114 ). In operation, the fluid supply inlet  108  receives water (and/or soap, etc.) from an external fluid source and introduces the fluid into the tank  1202  where it gathers in the trough portions  1206 A and  1206 B. 
     Importantly, each trough portion  1206 A and  1206 B includes an overflow lip  1210 A and  1210 B. Positioned between the trough portions  1206 A and  1206 B is a drop opening  1212 . Thus, as the fluid gathers in the trough portions  1206 A and  1206 B and reaches the overflow lips  1210 A and  1210 B, the fluid flows over the overflow lips  1210 A and  1210 B and falls from the drop opening  1212  onto a passing vehicle. This is further illustrated in  FIG. 13 , which depicts the flow of the fluid  1001  as it flows from the trough portions  1206 A and  1206 B and falls from the drop opening  1212 . 
     It should be understood that the alternative tank variations as depicted in  FIGS. 12A through 13  are provided as non-limiting examples of tank shapes that can be incorporated into the bubble tank system as described herein. Thus, although all of the various components described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 through 10  are not illustrated in  FIGS. 12A through 13 , it should be understood that the components can be similarly incorporated into all tank variations. Further, it should also be noted that although the tank system is described as having an air manifold, heater, light system, etc., it is not intended to be limited thereto as it can be similarly formed with any or all of the relevant components as desired. Thus, in its most simple aspect, the tank system simply includes a tank (in any desired shape) and a water inlet to drop water alone, or alternatively, a wax inlet alone. In another aspect, the tank system can be formed to include all or any number of the components described herein (or any combination thereof), such as the soap injector, air manifold, heater, etc. 
     As such, it should be understood that the specific examples provided herein are a non-limiting example according to the principles of the present invention and that other embodiments and/or aspects are conceived by the present invention. Thus, as can be appreciated, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.