US20070275630A1 - Bubble generating assembly - Google Patents
Bubble generating assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20070275630A1 US20070275630A1 US11/700,559 US70055907A US2007275630A1 US 20070275630 A1 US20070275630 A1 US 20070275630A1 US 70055907 A US70055907 A US 70055907A US 2007275630 A1 US2007275630 A1 US 2007275630A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ring
- assembly
- bubble
- container
- trigger mechanism
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/28—Soap-bubble toys; Smoke toys
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- Toys (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
Abstract
A bubble generating assembly has a housing with a wiping bar secured to a permanent location extending across a portion of the front opening of the housing. The bubble generating assembly further includes a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a bubble generating ring positioned adjacent the front opening, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the ring, and a link assembly that couples the trigger mechanism and the ring in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the ring to be moved from a first position to a second position across the wiping bar.
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 10/195,816, entitled “Bubble Generating Assembly”, filed Jul. 15, 2002, which is in turn a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 10/133,195, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Delivering Bubble Solution to a Dipping Container”, filed Apr. 26, 2002, which is in turn a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 10/099,431, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Delivering Bubble Solution to a Dipping Container”, filed Mar. 15, 2002, whose disclosures are incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to bubble toys, and in particular, to a bubble generating assembly which automatically forms a bubble film over a bubble ring without the need to dip the bubble ring into a container or a dish of bubble solution.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- Bubble producing toys are very popular among children who enjoy producing bubbles of different shapes and sizes. Many bubble producing toys have previously been provided. Perhaps the simplest example has a stick with a circular opening or ring at one end, resembling a wand. A bubble solution film is produced when the ring is dipped into a dish that holds bubble solution or bubble producing fluid (such as soap) and then removed therefrom. Bubbles are then formed by blowing carefully against the film. Such a toy requires dipping every time a bubble is to created, and the bubble solution must accompany the wand from one location to another.
- Recently, the market has provided a number of different bubble generating assemblies that are capable of producing a plurality of bubbles. Examples of such assemblies are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,149,486 (Thai), 6,331,130 (Thai) and 6,200,184 (Rich et al.). The bubble rings in the bubble generating assemblies in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,149,486 (Thai), 6,331,130 (Thai) and 6,200,184 (Rich et al.) need to be dipped into a dish that holds bubble solution to produce films of bubble solution across the rings. The motors in these assemblies are then actuated to generate air against the films to produce bubbles.
- All of these aforementioned bubble generating assemblies require that one or more bubble rings be dipped into a dish of bubble solution. In particular, the child must initially pour bubble solution into the dish, then replenish the solution in the dish as the solution is being used up. After play has been completed, the child must then pour the remaining solution from the dish back into the original bubble solution container. Unfortunately, this continuous pouring and re-pouring of bubble solution from the bottle to the dish, and from the dish back to the bottle, often results in unintended spillage, which can be messy, dirty, and a waste of bubble solution.
- Thus, there remains a need to provide an apparatus and method for forming a film of bubble solution across a bubble ring without the need to dip the bubble ring into a dish of bubble solution.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for effectively forming a film of bubble solution across a bubble ring.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for effectively forming a film of bubble solution across a bubble ring in a manner which minimizes spillage of the bubble solution.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus having a simple construction that effectively forms a film of bubble solution across a bubble ring.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus where droplets of unused bubble solution can be returned to the bubble solution container, and having a valve that prevents bubble solution from spilling from the bubble solution container.
- The objectives of the present invention are accomplished by providing a bubble generating assembly that has a housing with a wiping bar secured to a permanent location extending across a portion of the front opening of the housing. The bubble generating assembly further includes a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a bubble generating ring positioned adjacent the front opening, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the ring, and a link assembly that couples the trigger mechanism and the ring in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the ring to be moved from a first position to a second position across the wiping bar.
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FIG. 1 is a side view of a bubble generating assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly ofFIG. 1 shown with the trigger in the normal position. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly ofFIG. 1 shown with the trigger being actuated. -
FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the assembly ofFIG. 1 shown with the bubble ring in the normal position. -
FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the assembly ofFIG. 1 shown with the bubble ring in the actuated position. -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the internal components of the assembly ofFIG. 1 shown with the bubble ring in the normal position. -
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the internal components of the assembly ofFIG. 1 shown with the bubble ring in the actuated position. -
FIG. 8 is an isolated and enlarged perspective view of the link system of the assembly ofFIG. 1 shown with the bubble ring in the normal position. -
FIG. 9 is an isolated and enlarged perspective view of the link system of the assembly ofFIG. 1 shown with the bubble ring in the actuated position. -
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the actuation system of the assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 11 is a side plan view of the pivot bar of the actuation system ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the pump system of the assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 13 is an isolated perspective view of the fan system of the assembly ofFIG. 1 showing the air control system in a first position. -
FIG. 14 is an isolated perspective view of the fan system of the assembly ofFIG. 1 showing the air control system in a second position. -
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the bubble ring of the assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the slider of the pump system ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 17 is an isolated top plan view illustrating the relationship between the pressure rollers and the tubing when the assembly ofFIG. 1 is in the normal non-operational condition. -
FIG. 18 is an isolated top plan view illustrating the relationship between the pressure rollers and the tube when the assembly ofFIG. 1 is in the bubble-generating position. -
FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of the assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the valve element of the connector ofFIG. 19 . - The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. In certain instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices and mechanisms are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.
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FIGS. 1-14 illustrate one embodiment of abubble generating assembly 20 according to the present invention. Theassembly 20 has ahousing 22 that includes ahandle section 24 and anbarrel section 26. Thehousing 22 can be provided in the form of two symmetrical outer shells that are connected together by, for example, screws or welding or glue. These outer shells together define a hollow interior for housing the internal components of theassembly 20, as described below. Thehandle section 24 has afirst opening 28 through which a user can extend his or her fingers to grip thehandle section 24, and asecond opening 42 in which atrigger 44 is positioned. The front portion of theopening 28 defines a receivingspace 30 that removably couples a conventionalbubble solution bottle 32. Thebubble solution bottle 32 can be provided in the form of any of the conventional bubble solution containers that are currently available in the marketplace. A connectingsection 34, which resembles an annular wall, is provided at the receivingspace 30, and hasinternal threads 36 that are adapted to releasably engage the external threads (not shown) on the neck of thesolution bottle 32. Aconnector 35 separates the interior of thehousing 22 from the connectingsection 34. In addition, a front opening 38 (seeFIGS. 4 and 5 ) is provided at the front of thebarrel section 26. - The
handle section 24 houses apower source 48 which can include at least one conventional battery. Amotor 50 is secured to thehousing 22 at a location that is adjacent thetrigger 44. Themotor 50 is electrically coupled to thepower source 48 via afirst wire 52 and a firstelectrical contact 54. Asecond wire 58 couples a secondelectrical contact 56 of thepower source 48 to a thirdelectrical contact 60, which is adapted to releasably contact themotor 50 to form a closed electrical circuit. The thirdelectrical contact 60 is attached to thetrigger 44. A pump system 61 (described in greater detail below) is secured to thehousing 22 at a position between themotor 50 and thepower source 48, and is operatively coupled to themotor 50. - Referring to
FIGS. 2, 3 , 8 and 9, thetrigger 44 comprises twovertical walls horizontal slots walls horizontal shaft 72 extends through the alignedslots horizontal shaft 72 fixedly secured to thehousing 22 so that the firsthorizontal shaft 72 can slide back and forth along thehorizontal slots trigger 44 moves back and forth. The firsthorizontal shaft 72 has a central hole through which a second horizontal shaft 74 (which is oriented transverse to the first horizontal shaft 72) extends. A resilient member 76 (such as a spring) is carried on the forward end of the secondhorizontal shaft 74 and is positioned between the twowalls front wall 67 of thetrigger 44. Since the position of the firsthorizontal shaft 72 is fixed, theresilient member 76 normally biases thetrigger 44 in the forward direction (see arrow F inFIG. 2 ) into theopening 42. When a user presses thetrigger 44, the pressing force overcomes the natural bias of theresilient member 76 and pushes thetrigger 44 in the rearward direction (see arrow R inFIG. 2 ) until theelectrical contact 60 engages themotor 50, closing the electrical circuit and actuating themotor 50. When the user releases his or her grip on thetrigger 44, the bias of theresilient member 76 will bias thetrigger 44 in the forward direction to cause theelectrical contact 60 to disengage themotor 50, thereby opening the electrical circuit so that themotor 50 is not powered by thepower source 48 under normal (non-operation) circumstances. - Referring to
FIGS. 2, 3 and 6-10, ahorizontal platform 80 is carried on top of thewalls trigger 44. Avertical piece 82 extends vertically from the top surface of theplatform 80 at the front end of theplatform 80, and ashelf 84 extends horizontally in a lateral manner from the top of thevertical piece 82. Theshelf 84 is oriented to be parallel to theplatform 80. Aguide bar 86 is provided on the upper surface of theshelf 84. Theguide bar 86 has ahorizontal segment 88 and anangled segment 90. Theguide bar 86 is operatively coupled to an actuation system that functions to cause abubble ring 106 to experience reciprocating movement across astationery wiping bar 94 that is fixedly secured to acollection funnel 186 at the location of thefront opening 38. The wipingbar 94 can be a vertical bar that is positioned offset from the center of the front opening 38 (seeFIGS. 4 and 5 ), and further reinforced by a transverse reinforcing segment 96 (secured to the housing 22) that connects the wipingbar 94 to thehousing 22 so as to provide structural support to the rigidity of the wipingbar 94. Without the support provided by the reinforcingsegment 96, the wipingbar 94 may break after extended contact with thebubble ring 106. In this regard, theplatform 80, thevertical piece 82 and theshelf 84 also function as a link system between thetrigger 44 and the actuation system so that movement of thetrigger 44 is translated into movement by the actuation system. - Referring to
FIGS. 2, 3 , 6-11, the actuation system includes anangled pivot bar 100 and aresilient member 102. Thepivot bar 100 has a horizontalrear segment 104 and anangled front segment 105 that angles downwardly with respect to the horizontal axis defined by therear segment 104, theplatform 80 and theshelf 84. Abubble generating ring 106 is attached to the front end of thefront segment 105 at an upper portion of thering 106. Thepivot bar 100 further includes aguide leg 130 and ahook leg 132 that extend vertically downwardly from therear segment 104. The resilient member 102 (which can be a spring) has one end that is secured to thehousing 22 and an opposing end that is hooked to thehook leg 132. Theguide leg 130 is positioned alongside theangled segment 90 of theguide bar 86, and is adapted to slide back and forth along the inner surface of theangled segment 90. Thepivot bar 100 is retained in a fixed horizontal position (but with the capability of pivoting) with respect to thehousing 22 by a plurality of spaced-aparthangers 134 that are secured to the top of the inside of thehousing 22. Eachhanger 134 has an opening through which therear segment 104 extends, so that therear segment 104 essentially can pivot about the horizontal axis defined by aligning these openings in the plurality ofhangers 134. - The
bubble ring 106 is adapted to be moved between a normal (non-operational) position (seeFIGS. 2, 4 , 6 and 8), in which thebubble ring 106 is positioned away from the central part of thefront opening 38, to a bubble generating (actuated) position (seeFIGS. 3, 5 , 7 and 9), where thebubble ring 106 is positioned at about the central part of thefront opening 38. The structure of thebubble ring 106 is illustrated inFIG. 15 . Thering 106 has anannular base piece 108 that has acylindrical wall 110 extending therein to define anannular chamber 112 therein. Anopening 114 is provided in thebase piece 108. Thering 106 also has anannular cover piece 116 that fits into theannular chamber 112 of thebase piece 108. A plurality ofoutlets 118 can be provided along the inner annular surface, and/or thefront surface 120, of thecover piece 116. A tubing 122 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3 ) is attached to theopening 114 of thering 106 to deliver bubble solution from thesolution bottle 32 via thetubing 122 into thechamber 112 of thering 106. The bubble solution from thechamber 112 can then leak out of theoutlets 118 onto thefront surface 120 of thering 106. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2, 3 , 12 and 16-18, theassembly 20 includes a pump system that functions to pump the bubble solution from thesolution bottle 32 to thebubble ring 106. The pump system includes themotor 50, thetubing 122, aguide wall 150, and a gear system that functions to draw bubble solution through thetubing 122. The gear system includes amotor gear 152 that is rotatably coupled to ashaft 154 of themotor 50, agear housing plate 156, afirst gear 158, asecond gear 160, a resilient element 162 (such as a spring), twopressure rollers shaft 168, and aslider 174. Themotor gear 152 has teeth that are engaged with the teeth of thefirst gear 158. Thefirst gear 158 is rotatably coupled to thegear housing plate 156, and has teeth that are engaged with the teeth of thesecond gear 160. Thesecond gear 160 has anextension 161 positioned on the side of thesecond gear 160 adjacent to thegear housing plate 156. Thesecond gear 160 rotates about an axis defined by theshaft 168, and theresilient element 162 is carried on theshaft 168 between thesecond gear 160 and an enlarged end of theshaft 168. Theshaft 168 extends through thesecond gear 160 and anopening 169 in thegear housing plate 156 so that thesecond gear 160 rotates about theshaft 168 that is secured to thegear housing plate 156. Thepressure rollers second gear 160 and positioned to face away from thegear housing plate 156. Eachpressure roller base section 170 and anupper section 172 which has a smaller diameter than the diameter of thebase section 170. Thebase section 170 of eachroller bore 180 that receives a holdingpin 182 provided on a lateral surface of thesecond gear 160. - The
slider 174 is best illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 16 -18. Theslider 174 has abody section 1742 with anenlarged front portion 1741 that is adapted to be abutted by a pushingsection 45 provided at the rear of thewalls trigger 44. Acurved piece 1743 extends from the rear of thebody section 1742. The thickness of thecurved piece 1743 gradually decreases from thebody section 1742 until it reaches its smallest thickness at itsterminal tip 1744. In particular, this decreasing thickness (seeFIGS. 16-18 ) is accomplished by providing a flattop surface 1745 and abottom surface 1746 that gradually angles towards thetop surface 1745 to reduce the thickness of thecurved piece 1743. Anopening 1747 is provided at the rear end of thebody section 1742. Ashaft 178 carries a resilient member 176 (e.g., a spring), and one end of theshaft 178 extends through theopening 1747 and into anopening 157 in thegear housing plate 156. The other end of theshaft 178 is fixedly secured to thehousing 22. Theresilient member 176 has a firsthooked end 177 that is secured to ahole 179 in theslider 174, and a secondhooked end 181 that is secured to a pole (not shown) in thehousing 22. Thus, theslider 174 can be pivoted with respect to thegear housing plate 156 about an axis defined by theshaft 178, with theresilient member 176 functioning to normally bias theslider 174 to a first normal position that is shown inFIG. 17 . In this normal position, theextension 161 of thesecond gear 160 is positioned adjacent theterminal tip 1744 of theslider 174, where the thickness of thecurved piece 1743 is smallest. In addition, thetubing 122 extends from the interior of thesolution bottle 32, through theconnector 35, into thehousing 22, and passes through a path (that is defined by thepressure rollers opening 114 of thebubble ring 106. At the location of thepressure rollers guide wall 150, thetubing 122 is positioned between thepressure rollers guide wall 150. - The pump system operates in the following manner. When the
motor 50 is actuated, themotor gear 152 will rotate, thereby causing the first andsecond gears second gear 160 rotates, thepressure rollers second gear 160. As thepressure rollers tubing 122 in the manner described below to draw bubble solution from thesolution bottle 32 to thebubble ring 106. - A fan system is illustrated in
FIGS. 2, 3 , 6, 7, 13 and 14. An air generator 188 (such as a fan) is rotatably coupled to the top of themotor 50. Awind tunnel 190 is positioned in thebarrel section 26, and has anopening 192 through which theair generator 188 is positioned. Theopening 192 communicates with anopening 194 at the top of thehousing 22 so that air from the outside can be directed through theopening 194 into thehousing 22, and then through theopening 192 into thewind tunnel 190 so that theair generator 188 can direct the air as a stream of air through the length of thewind tunnel 190 to thefront end 196 of thewind tunnel 190. Thefront end 196 of thewind tunnel 190 has an opening, and is positioned adjacent thebubble ring 106 so that the stream of air can be blown against thebubble ring 106 to generate bubbles. - The fan system is provided with an air control system that regulates the amount of air being introduced into the
housing 22 from the outside. The air control system includes twoparallel guide members 210 and 212 (shown in phantom inFIGS. 6, 7 , 13 and 14) that are attached to thehousing 22. A space is defined between theparallel guide members FIG. 1 , aslide member 214 extends through aslot 216 in thehousing 22 to the exterior so that the user can adjust the air control system by sliding theslide member 214 back and forth in theslot 216. Theslide member 214 has aridge 218 that is positioned between theparallel guide members slide member 214 is positioned entirely above the wind tunnel 190 (i.e., to the front-most position as viewed in the orientation ofFIG. 1 ) such that theslide member 214 does not cover any part of the opening 192 (seeFIGS. 6 and 13 ), the maximum amount of external air is allowed to enter and flow through theopenings slide member 214 is slid rearwardly along the slot 216 (as viewed from the orientation ofFIG. 1 ), theslide member 214 will cover varying portions of the opening 192 (seeFIGS. 7 and 14 ), so that decreasing amounts of external air are allowed to enter and flow through theopenings air generator 188 will be stronger so that less external air is needed to generate a consistent stream of air to be directed through thewind tunnel 190 at thebubble ring 106. On the other hand, when the batteries get older, theair generator 188 will become progressively weaker so that more external air is needed to generate a consistent stream of air to be directed through thewind tunnel 190 at thebubble ring 106. Thus, depending on the strength of thepower supply 48 and theair generator 188, the user can adjust the amount of external air introduced through theopenings wind tunnel 190 by blocking varying portions of theopening 192. - In addition to the above, a
collection funnel 186 is positioned inside thehousing 22 and below the location of thebubble ring 106. Thecollection funnel 186 can collect and receive droplets of bubble solution that have dripped from thebubble ring 106, and deliver these droplets of bubble solution back into the interior of thesolution bottle 32. -
FIG. 19 illustrates theconnector 35. Theconnector 35 has acap 351 that is fixedly secured to thehousing 22 adjacent the receivingspace 30. Thecap 351 has afirst opening 352 through which thetubing 122 extends, and asecond opening 353. Thefunnel 186 is fixedly attached (e.g., by welding, glue, etc.) to thetop surface 354 of thecap 351. Acylindrical extension 355 extends from thebottom surface 356 of thecap 351, and is adapted to receive avalve element 360, which is shown in greater detail inFIG. 20 . Thevalve element 360 has acylindrical body 362 with ashoulder 364 at its lower end. Abore 366 extends through thecylindrical body 362, and aball 368 is retained inside thebore 366. Thebottom wall 370 of thecylindrical body 362 has anelongated slit 372 which has a width that is smaller than the diameter of theball 368. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 20 , theball 368 cannot pass through theslit 372, but can only be seated against theslit 372 in a manner that partially, but not completely, blocks theslit 372. Awasher 374 can be positioned between thecap 351 and thesolution container 32 to prevent leakage of the bubble solution from thesolution container 32. - The
cylindrical body 362 is inserted into thecylindrical extension 355 and fixedly secured thereto. In addition, thesecond opening 353 is smaller than the diameter of theball 368 and the diameter of thebore 366, so that theball 368 cannot pass through thesecond opening 353. Thus, when theassembly 20 is oriented in the orientation shown inFIGS. 1-3 , theball 368 will be seated at the bottom of thebore 366 against theslit 372, thereby allowing bubble solution collected by thefunnel 186 to flow through thesecond opening 353, thebore 366, and the portions ofslit 372 that are not blocked by theball 368, back into thesolution container 32. On the other hand, if theassembly 20 is inverted, theball 368 will be abutted against thesecond opening 353, and will completely block thesecond opening 353, so that bubble solution from thesolution container 32 can flow through theslit 372 and thebore 366, but cannot be spilled through thesecond opening 353 and thefunnel 186. - The
assembly 20 operates in the following manner. In the normal (non-operational) position, which is illustrated inFIGS. 2, 4 , 6 and 8, thebubble ring 106 is positioned away from the central part of thefront opening 38, and in fact, is positioned on the side of the wipingbar 94 that is opposite to the center of thefront opening 38. In this normal position, theresilient member 102 normally biases thepivot bar 100 towards one side of the housing 22 (seeFIGS. 6 and 8 ), and theresilient member 76 normally biases thetrigger 44 into theopening 42 in the direction of the arrow F. At this time, the user can threadably secure the neck of asolution bottle 32 to the connectingsection 34 so that theassembly 20 is ready for use. - The
assembly 20 is actuated merely by pressing thetrigger 44 in the direction of the arrow R (seeFIG. 3 ) to overcome the natural bias of theresilient member 76, which causes three sequences of events occur at about the same time. - First, bubble solution is pumped to the
bubble ring 106. In this regard, the rearward movement of thetrigger 44 causes theelectrical contact 60 to engage themotor 50, thereby forming a closed electrical circuit that will deliver power from thepower source 48 to themotor 50. Themotor 50 will turn on, thereby causing themotor gear 152 to drive and rotate the first andsecond gears pressure rollers second gear 160 rotate, they will apply selected pressure on different parts of thetubing 122.FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate this in greater detail.FIG. 17 illustrates the relationship between thepressure rollers tubing 122 when theassembly 20 is in the normal non-operational condition, andFIG. 18 illustrates the relationship between thepressure rollers tubing 122 when theassembly 20 is in the actuated (i.e., bubble-generating) position. As shown inFIG. 17 , thetubing 122 is normally fitted between the smaller-diameterupper section 172 of thepressure rollers guide wall 150. Theresilient element 162 normally biases thesecond gear 160 towards thegear housing plate 156, and theextension 161 is positioned adjacent thebottom surface 1746 of theterminal tip 1744 of theslider 174. When thetrigger 44 is pressed, thetrigger 44 pushes thefront portion 1741 of the slider 174 (seeFIG. 3 ), overcoming the normal bias of theresilient element 176 and causing theslider 174 to pivot about the axis defined by theshaft 178. As theslider 174 pivots, thecurved piece 1743 pushes theextension 161 towards theguide wall 150, causing thepressure rollers tubing 122 so that thetubing 122 is now positioned between theguide wall 150 and the larger-diameter base section 170 of thepressure rollers tubing 122 as shown inFIG. 18 . Thus, rotation of thepressure rollers tubing 122, thereby creating air pressure to draw the bubble solution from the interior of thesolution bottle 32 through thetubing 122 into thechamber 112 of thebubble ring 106, where the bubble solution will bleed out through theoutlets 118 on to thefront surface 120 of thebubble ring 106. - This arrangement and structure of the
pressure rollers tubing 122 and the pump system. In particular, thepressure rollers tubing 122 when thetrigger 44 is pressed (i.e., the larger-diameter base section 170 only compresses thetubing 122 when thetrigger 44 is pressed), so that thetubing 122 does not experience any pressure when thetrigger 44 is not pressed (i.e., the smaller-diameterupper section 172 is positioned adjacent to, but does not compress, thetubing 122 when thetrigger 44 is not pressed). This is to be contrasted with conventional pump systems used for pumping bubble solution to a bubble producing device, where pressure is always applied to the tubing regardless of whether the trigger is actuated. Over a long period of time, this constant pressure will deform the tubing, making it difficult for bubble solution to be drawn through the tubing. - Second, the
bubble ring 106 will be moved from the position shown inFIG. 4 to a position at about the center of thefront opening 38, as shown inFIG. 5 . As best shown by comparingFIGS. 2, 6 and 8 withFIGS. 3, 7 and 9, respectively, when thetrigger 44 is pressed in the direction of arrow R, theplatform 80,vertical piece 82, andshelf 84 carried by thetrigger 44 will also move in the same direction R. Theguide bar 86 that is carried on theshelf 84 will also move in the same direction R. Theguide leg 130 is normally biased by theresilient member 102 to be positioned at the rear-most part of theangled segment 90 of the guide bar 86 (seeFIGS. 6 and 8 ). However, as theguide bar 86 moves in the direction R, theguide leg 130 is dragged along the surface of theangled segment 90 from the rear to the front of theangled segment 90. As theguide leg 130 travels along the surface of theangled segment 90 from the rear to the front, thepivot bar 100 is pushed by theangled segment 90 of theguide bar 86 to be pivoted in the curved direction of the arrow P inFIG. 8 (counterclockwise if viewed from the rear of the pivot bar 100), which causes thebubble ring 106 to pivot in the same curved direction P. The curved direction P can approximate the shape of a semi-circle. As thebubble ring 106 pivots in this curved direction P, thebubble ring 106 will travel in a curved path as thefront surface 120 of thebubble ring 106 wipes across thestationery wiping bar 94. The limit of the sliding motion of theguide leg 130 along the surface of theangled segment 90 is defined by the point where theangled segment 90 bends into the horizontal segment 88 (seeFIGS. 7 and 9 ). In other words, theguide leg 130 cannot slide beyond this point. At this point, thebubble ring 106 will have completed it curved path across the wipingbar 94 and will be positioned at about the center of the front opening 38 (seeFIG. 5 ), with the opening in thebubble ring 106 being completely clear of the wipingbar 94 and directly facing the openfront end 196 of thewind tunnel 190. The wiping motion of the wipingbar 94 along thefront surface 120 of thebubble ring 106 will generate a film of bubble solution (from the bubble droplets emitted from the outlets 118) that extends across the opening of thebubble ring 106. - Third, the
air generator 188 that is secured to themotor 50 is actuated when themotor 50 is turned on. In this regard, the rearward movement of thetrigger 44 causes theelectrical contact 60 to engage themotor 50, thereby forming a closed electrical circuit that will deliver power from thepower source 48 to themotor 50 to rotate theair generator 188. Theair generator 188 blows a stream of air along thewind tunnel 190 towards thebubble ring 106. This stream of air will then travel through the film of bubble solution that has been formed over thebubble ring 106, thereby creating bubbles. The amount of air blown by theair generator 188 through thewind tunnel 190 can be adjusted by manipulating the air control system in the manner described above. - Thus, pressing the
trigger 44 will create a film of bubble solution across thebubble ring 106 by (i) pumping bubble solution from thesolution bottle 32 to thebubble ring 106, and (ii) and causing thebubble ring 106 to be moved across the wipingbar 94 to the center of thefront opening 38 so that bubbles can be created. Pressing thetrigger 44 will also actuate theair generator 188 to blow streams of air at thebubble ring 106 to create bubbles. - When the user releases his or her pressing grip on the
trigger 44, theresilient member 76 will normally bias thetrigger 44 back in the direction F into theopening 42, causing three events to occur. - First, this will cause the
electrical contact 60 carried on thetrigger 44 to be biased away from themotor 50 so that the electrical circuit is opened, thereby cutting power to themotor 50. As a result, theair generator 188 will stop producing streams of air. This is the first event. - The second event is that the pump system will stop drawing bubble solution from the
solution bottle 32 to thebubble ring 106. This occurs because power to themotor 50 has been cut so that thegears trigger 44 back in the direction F into theopening 42 will cause the pushingsection 45 of thetrigger 44 to disengage thefront portion 1741 of theslider 174, so that the normal bias of theresilient member 176 will cause thecurved piece 1743 of theslider 174 to move from the position shown inFIG. 18 back to the normal (non-operational) position shown inFIG. 17 . This movement of thecurved piece 1743 allows the normal bias of theresilient member 162 to push thesecond gear 160 towards thegear housing plate 156 as theextension 161 slides along thebottom surface 1746 of thecurved piece 1743. As thesecond gear 160 moves towards thegear housing plate 156, thetubing 122 will again be positioned between theguide wall 150 and the smaller-diameterupper section 172 of thepressure rollers pressure rollers tubing 122 as shown inFIG. 17 . - In the third event, the movement of the
trigger 44 in the direction F will also cause theplatform 80,vertical piece 82,shelf 84 and guidebar 86 to move in the direction F. As theguide bar 86 moves in the direction F, the normal bias of theresilient member 102 will cause theguide leg 130 to be dragged along the surface of theangled segment 90 of theguide bar 86 from the front to the rear of theangled segment 90. As theguide leg 130 travels along the surface of theangled segment 90 from the front to the rear thereof, the bias of theresilient member 102 will pivot thepivot bar 100 to be pivoted in the curved direction X (which can also approximate a semi-circular shape) that is opposite to the arrow P inFIG. 8 (clockwise if viewed from the rear of the pivot bar 100), which causes thebubble ring 106 to pivot in the same curved direction X. As thebubble ring 106 pivots in this opposite curved direction X, thebubble ring 106 will travel in a curved path as thefront surface 120 of thebubble ring 106 wipes across thestationery wiping bar 94, back to the normal (non-operation) position shown inFIGS. 2, 4 , 6 and 8. - In addition, the
collection funnel 186 is positioned directly below thebubble ring 106 to collect any stray droplets of bubble solution that drip from thebubble ring 106. These stray droplets can flow back into thesolution bottle 32 via thecollection funnel 186 and thevalve element 360. In addition, thesolution bottle 32 can be removed from thehousing 22 by threadably disengaging the neck of thesolution bottle 32 from the connectingsection 34. - While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
Claims (22)
1. A bubble generating assembly comprising:
a housing having a front opening, with a wiping bar secured to a permanent location extending across a portion of the front opening;
a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, the container having an interior;
a trigger mechanism;
a bubble generating ring positioned adjacent the front opening;
a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the ring; and
a link assembly that couples the trigger mechanism and the ring in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the ring to be moved from a first position to a second position across the wiping bar.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , further including:
a motor operatively coupled to the trigger mechanism;
an air generator coupled to the motor and directing air towards the ring; and
a gear system coupled to the motor and applying pressure to the tubing to cause bubble solution to be delivered from the container to the ring.
3. The assembly of claim 2 , wherein actuation of the trigger mechanism simultaneously causes (i) the air generator to direct air towards the ring, (ii) the gear system to deliver bubble solution from the container to the ring, and (iii) the ring to move from the first position to the second position.
4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein release of the trigger will cause the ring to move from the second position to the first position across the wiping bar.
5. The assembly of claim 1 , further including means for drawing bubble solution from the container, and to deliver the bubble solution to the ring.
6. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein actuation of the trigger mechanism simultaneously causes (i) the drawing means to deliver bubble solution from the container to the ring, and (ii) the ring to move from the first position to the second position.
7. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the drawing means includes the trigger mechanism, at least one rotating pressure roller and a guide wall, the pressure roller having a base section and an upper section that has a smaller diameter than the base section, with the tubing positioned between the upper section of the pressure roller and the guide wall when the trigger mechanism is not actuated, and with the tubing positioned between the base section of the pressure roller and the guide wall when the trigger mechanism is actuated.
8. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein actuation of the trigger mechanism pushes the pressure roller towards the guide wall such that the tubing is moved from the upper section to the base section of the pressure roller.
9. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the container is removably coupled to the housing.
10. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ring is positioned inside the housing.
11. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the air generator includes a fan, and a wind tunnel that extends from the fan to adjacent the front opening.
12. The assembly of claim 1 , further including a collection funnel positioned below the ring, with the container being removably coupled to the collection funnel so that droplets received on the collection funnel can flow into the container.
13. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ring has an interior chamber and an opening communicating with the interior chamber and through which the tubing extends, and a plurality of outlets on the front surface through which bubble solution can flow out.
14. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the trigger mechanism has an electrical contact that removably couples the motor to actuate the motor, and a resilient member that normally biases the electrical contact away from the motor.
15. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the link assembly includes:
a link element connected to the trigger mechanism;
a guide bar positioned on the link element, the guide bar having a guide surface;
a pivot bar pivotably coupled to the housing, the pivot bar have a front end that is attached to the ring, and a guide leg that slidably engages the guide surface;
a resilient member coupled to the pivot bar and normally biasing the pivot bar to pivot in a first direction; and
wherein actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the guide leg to slide along the guide surface to overcome the bias of the resilient member, so that the pivot bar pivots in a second direction.
16. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ring experiences a curved movement as the ring moves from the first position to the second position across the wiping bar.
17. The assembly of claim 1 , further including an air control system that has a cover element which is adjusted to cover selected portions of the air generator to vary the amount of air provided to the air generator.
18. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ring experiences a semi-circular movement as the ring moves from the first position to the second position across the wiping bar.
19. A bubble generating assembly comprising:
a housing having a front opening and an air inlet;
a trigger mechanism;
a bubble generating ring positioned adjacent the front opening;
an air generator positioned adjacent the air inlet nd directing air towards the ring; and
an air control system having a slidable cover that covers selected portions of the air inlet to ary the amount of air provided to the air generator.
20. A bubble generating assembly comprising:
a housing having a front opening;
a bubble generating ring positioned adjacent the front opening;
a funnel positioned below the bubble generating ring;
a connector provided in the housing and coupled to the funnel, the connector having a valve element that allows the flow of fluid from the funnel into the container, but prevents flow of fluid from the container into the funnel;
a container coupled to the connector and retaining bubble solution, the container having an interior;
a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the ring; and
means for delivering bubble solution from the container to the bubble generating ring.
21. The assembly of claim 20 , wherein the connector has a cap, and the tubing and the funnel extend through the cap.
22. The assembly of claim 20 , wherein the valve element is coupled to the funnel; and has a housing defining a bottom wall and a bore, a ball that is retained in the bore, and an elongated slit provided along the bottom wall, with the slit having a width that is smaller than the diameter of the ball such that the ball cannot pass through the slit yet still defines space on either side of the ball so that fluid can flow around the ball and through the slit.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/700,559 US20070275630A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2007-01-31 | Bubble generating assembly |
US12/291,903 US8272916B2 (en) | 2002-09-20 | 2008-11-14 | Bubble generating assembly that produces vertical bubbles |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/099,431 US6659834B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2002-03-15 | Apparatus and method for delivering bubble solution to a dipping container |
US10/133,195 US6659831B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2002-04-26 | Apparatus and method for delivering bubble solution to a dipping container |
US10/195,816 US6620016B1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2002-07-15 | Bubble generating assembly |
US10/247,994 US6616498B1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2002-09-20 | Bubble generating assembly |
US10/655,842 US7182665B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2003-09-05 | Bubble generating assembly |
US11/700,559 US20070275630A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2007-01-31 | Bubble generating assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/655,842 Continuation US7182665B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2003-09-05 | Bubble generating assembly |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/291,903 Continuation-In-Part US8272916B2 (en) | 2002-09-20 | 2008-11-14 | Bubble generating assembly that produces vertical bubbles |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070275630A1 true US20070275630A1 (en) | 2007-11-29 |
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ID=27792100
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/247,994 Expired - Lifetime US6616498B1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2002-09-20 | Bubble generating assembly |
US10/655,842 Expired - Lifetime US7182665B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2003-09-05 | Bubble generating assembly |
US11/700,559 Abandoned US20070275630A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2007-01-31 | Bubble generating assembly |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/247,994 Expired - Lifetime US6616498B1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2002-09-20 | Bubble generating assembly |
US10/655,842 Expired - Lifetime US7182665B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2003-09-05 | Bubble generating assembly |
Country Status (1)
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US (3) | US6616498B1 (en) |
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US20090149107A1 (en) * | 2007-12-10 | 2009-06-11 | Douglas Thai | Bubble generating assembly |
US8038500B2 (en) * | 2007-12-10 | 2011-10-18 | Arko Development Limited | Bubble generating assembly |
US20120270462A1 (en) * | 2010-11-05 | 2012-10-25 | Wing Hing Manufacturing Co. Ltd. | Bubble generating apparatus with shutter |
US8888549B2 (en) * | 2010-11-05 | 2014-11-18 | Wing Hing Manufacturing Co. Ltd. | Bubble generating apparatus with shutter |
US20180304168A1 (en) * | 2017-04-21 | 2018-10-25 | Sergei Baranoff | Self-leveling bubble producing system |
US10279279B2 (en) * | 2017-04-21 | 2019-05-07 | Sergei Baranoff | Self-leveling bubble producing system |
Also Published As
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US20040082253A1 (en) | 2004-04-29 |
US6616498B1 (en) | 2003-09-09 |
US7182665B2 (en) | 2007-02-27 |
US20030176140A1 (en) | 2003-09-18 |
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