APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING BUBBLES

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. In addition to bubbles, there are machines in existence which generate fog, and there are also machines in existence that generate fog-filled bubbles. In addition to use by children, such machines are used by adults during celebratory events such as weddings and other gatherings. However, machines which generate fog-filled bubbles require the use of a special fog liquid formula that contains oil or other components that are messy, can stain skin and/or clothes, and are undesirable for other reasons. Thus, a need exists for a bubble machine that can generate bubbles having a cloudy appearance without having to use undesirable liquid formulas in the bubble forming process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure are directed to a bubble generating apparatus and a method for producing bubbles. The bubble generating apparatus may include a bubble solution reservoir containing a bubble solution, a water chamber containing water, an atomizer fluid configured to convert the water to vapor, and a bubble generating device having at least one opening. There may be a motor and a first fan device operably coupled to the motor. Upon activating the atomizer and the motor, the bubble generating device becomes loaded with the bubble solution, the atomizer converts the liquid in the liquid chamber to a vapor, and the first fan device generates a first air stream that causes the vapor to flow through the at least one opening of the bubble generating device to generate one or more bubbles from the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating device, the bubbles being filled with the vapor to give the bubbles a cloudy appearance

In one aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a housing comprising a bubble solution reservoir configured to hold a bubble solution and a water chamber configured to hold water; at least one ultrasonic atomizer fluidly coupled to the water in the water chamber and configured to convert the water in the water chamber to a vapor; a vapor chamber in fluid communication with the water chamber for containing the vapor; at least one motor positioned in the housing; a first fan device operably coupled to the at least one motor to generate a first air stream; a bubble generating device comprising a bubble generating opening; and wherein upon activating the ultrasonic atomizer and the at least one motor, the bubble generating device becomes loaded with the bubble solution, the ultrasonic atomizer converts the water in the water chamber to a vapor that flows into the vapor chamber, and the at least one motor drives the first fan device to generate the first air stream that flows through the vapor chamber and forces the vapor to flow towards the bubble generating opening to generate bubbles from the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating device that are filled with the vapor.

In another aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a bubble solution reservoir containing a bubble solution; a liquid chamber containing a liquid that is free of oil, glycerin and glycol; at least one atomizer fluidly coupled to the liquid in the liquid chamber, wherein the atomizer is configured to convert the liquid in the liquid chamber to vapor; a bubble generating device comprising at least one opening; at least one motor; a first fan device operably coupled to the at least one motor; and wherein upon activating the atomizer and the at least one motor, the bubble generating device becomes loaded with the bubble solution, the atomizer converts the liquid in the liquid chamber to a vapor, and the first fan device generates a first air stream that causes the vapor to flow through the at least one opening of the bubble generating device to generate one or more bubbles from the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating device, the bubbles being filled with the vapor to give the bubbles a cloudy appearance.

In yet another aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a bubble solution reservoir configured to hold a bubble solution; at least one motor; a first fan device operably coupled to the at least one motor to generate a first air stream; a second fan device operably coupled to the at least one motor to generate a second air stream; a bubble generating device comprising a bubble generating opening; a blower outlet adjacent to the bubble generating opening; and wherein upon activating the at least one motor, the bubble generating device becomes loaded with the bubble solution, the first air stream flows through the bubble generating opening to form bubbles from the bubble solution, and the second air stream flows through blower outlet towards the bubbles to separate the bubbles from the bubble generating device.

In a further aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a housing comprising a longitudinal axis and a bubble solution reservoir configured to hold a bubble solution; at least one motor positioned in the housing; a first fan device positioned in the housing and operably coupled to the at least one motor to generate a first air stream; a bubble generating device comprising a bubble generating opening; a bubble solution delivery mechanism for delivering the bubble solution from the bubble solution reservoir to the bubble generating device, the bubble solution delivery mechanism comprising a hub portion and at least one delivery arm extending from the hub portion, the motor operably coupled to the bubble solution delivery mechanism to rotate the bubble solution delivery mechanism about a rotational axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing; and wherein upon activating the at least one motor, the bubble solution delivery mechanism rotates about the rotational axis so that the at least one delivery arm carries the bubble solution from the bubble solution reservoir to the bubble generating device to load the bubble generating device with the bubble solution and the first fan device generates the first air stream that flows towards the bubble generating opening to generate bubbles from the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating device.

In a still further aspect, the invention may be a method of generating bubbles with a bubble generating apparatus, the method comprising: introducing a bubble solution into a bubble solution reservoir of the bubble generating apparatus; introducing water into a water chamber of the bubble generating apparatus; atomizing the water into a vapor with an ultrasonic atomizer and introducing the vapor into a vapor chamber; loading the bubble solution onto a bubble generating device; and generating a first air stream with a first fan device, the first air stream causing the vapor to flow through a bubble generating opening of the bubble generating device to form bubbles that are filled with the vapor so that the bubbles have a cloudy appearance.

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 perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating the electronic components and their connections to one another;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a bubble solution delivery mechanism of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bubble solution delivery mechanism of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a partial front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with bubble solution being poured into a bubble solution reservoir thereof and water being poured into a water chamber thereof;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7 with a cap covering the water chamber having been replaced;

FIG. 9A is a partial front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a bubble solution delivery mechanism delivering the bubble solution from the bubble solution reservoir to the bubble generating device;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXB-IXB of FIG. 9A, illustrating only a front part of the apparatus;

FIG. 10 is the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9B illustrate a more complete view of the apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI- of FIG. 9A illustrating a second air flow that facilitates the separation of the bubbles from the apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a partial front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the bubble generating device loaded with the bubble solution;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12 illustrating only a front part of the apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating clear bubbles being generated and separated from the apparatus;

FIG. 15 is the cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1 with bubble solution in the bubble solution reservoir, water in the water chamber, and arrows illustrating the direction of air flow during the formation of cloudy bubbles;

FIG. 16 is a close-up front perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 during the generation of cloudy bubbles;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating cloudy bubbles being generated and separated from the apparatus;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of an apparatus for generating bubbles in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX of FIG. 19.

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 first to FIGS. 1-4, an apparatus for generating bubbles 100 (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus 100) will be described. The apparatus 100 may also be referred to herein as a bubble generating machine. The apparatus 100 is designed to generate bubbles from a bubble solution in an automatic fashion by way of moving parts that are operably coupled to one or more motors. Thus, a bubble solution may be loaded onto bubble generating devices and then bubbles can be generated from the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating devices as an air stream flows through the bubble generating devices. In some embodiments, there are no pumps, valves, or other similar types of devices included for facilitating movement of the bubble solution to the bubble generating devices. Thus, the apparatus 100 may be devoid of any pumps in some embodiments. Moreover, the apparatus 100 is configured to generate clear bubbles and cloudy bubbles. The difference between clear bubbles and cloudy bubbles is that clear bubbles are generally transparent and cloudy bubbles are not transparent. In particular, the cloudy bubbles may be filled at least partially with a vapor or mist, thereby giving the bubbles a cloudy appearance. As discussed herein, the apparatus 100 may be configured to operate in accordance with multiple modes, including a first mode whereby the apparatus 100 generates clear bubbles and a second mode whereby the apparatus 100 generates cloudy bubbles.

Bubble machines that are capable of generating bubbles that are clear and/or cloudy presently exist. However, such machines use a special fog liquid or fog juice for purposes of generating the cloudy or foggy bubbles. Such special fog liquid may contain glycerin, glycol, or oils, which is generally undesirable, and certainly less desirable than being able to generate such cloudy bubbles with water. The apparatus 100 of the present invention is capable of generating cloudy/foggy bubbles with bubble solution and water only.

The apparatus 100 comprises a housing 110 comprising a bottom end 111 and a top end 112. The housing 110 extends from the bottom end 111 to the top end 112 along a longitudinal axis A-A. Moreover, the housing 110 can be divided into an anterior portion 113 and a posterior portion 114 by a frontal plane (i.e., a coronal plane). The longitudinal axis A-A lies in the frontal plane. The apparatus 100 generates bubbles at the anterior portion 113 of the housing 110, as discussed in greater detail below. That is, the bubbles that are generated by the apparatus 100 float away from the apparatus 100 in a direction that is either perpendicular or oblique relative to the longitudinal axis A-A, rather than the bubbles floating away in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A. The housing 110 is a generally enclosed structure that defines an internal cavity 115. The housing 110 has outlets or openings that provide a passageway from the internal cavity 115 to ambient for purposes of facilitating generation of bubbles as described herein. Furthermore, the housing 110 has a plurality of air inlets 116 arranged in a spaced apart manner along a lower portion of the housing 110. The air inlets 116 extend through the housing 110 from an inner surface thereof to an outer surface thereof. The air inlets 116 permit air from the ambient to be pulled into the interior cavity 115 as various streams of air are generated by the apparatus 100 during the creation of the bubbles by the apparatus 100.

The housing 110 comprises a first main body portion 101 and a second main body portion 102 that are coupled together to form a main body assembly of the housing 110. The first and second main body portions 101, 102 may be coupled together using mechanical structures, friction fit, snap fit, fasteners such as screws, etc. The housing 110 further comprises a top cover 103, a removable lid 104 (which forms a lid of a water chamber, discussed below), a front face panel 105 having openings therethrough for permitting various air streams generated within the apparatus 100 to exit the apparatus 100, and a bubble solution tank 106. The bubble solution tank 106 is attached (using mechanical structures that allow for snap-fit or friction fit connection or fasteners) to the front surface of the first and second main body portions 101, 102 of the housing 100. The bubble solution tank 106 is a bowl, container, or cup-shaped component that has an interior space which defines a bubble solution reservoir 107 that is configured to hold a bubble solution during operation of the apparatus 100 to generate bubbles. In the exemplified embodiment, the bubble solution tank 106 and therefore also the bubble solution reservoir 107 is located external to the interior cavity 115 of the housing 110. Thus, the bubble solution reservoir 107 is a cavity of sorts configured to hold the bubble solution which is located outside of the interior cavity 115 of the housing 110.

As noted above, the front face panel 105 has openings therethrough. In particular, the front face panel 105 of the housing 110 comprises a blower outlet 230 and a bubble generating device 220 comprising a bubble generating opening 221. Various air streams generated inside of the housing 100 are made to flow through the bubble generating opening 221 and the blower outlet 230 during the generation of bubbles. The bubble generating device 220 comprises a ring structure 222 that surrounds the bubble generating opening 221. In the exemplified embodiment, the ring structure 222 that protrudes from the exposed outer surface of the front face panel 105 of the housing 110. The ring structure 222 forms what is normally referred to as a bubble wand, in that it is the structure on which a film of the bubble solution is held for purposes of generating bubbles with the apparatus 100. The ring structure 222 comprises a plurality of bubble solution retention features 223 to facilitate its ability to hold and retain the bubble solution thereon. In the exemplified embodiment, the bubble solution retention features 223 are grooves or divots formed in an outer surface of the ring structure 222, but they could alternatively be ribs protruding from the outer surface of the ring structure 222 that define grooves therebetween. In the exemplified embodiment the outer surface of the front face panel 105 is a sort of smooth and continuous surface. In other embodiments, there may be a recessed portion in the front face panel 105 located counterclockwise of the bubble generating device 220. This recessed portion may help to minimize bubbles from sticking to the front face panel 105 and ensure they are blown away from the housing 110 during use.

The apparatus 100 comprises a drip tray 120 that is coupled to the bottom end 111 of the housing 110. The drip tray 120 generally comprises a floor 121 and a sidewall 122 that protrudes from the floor 121 to define a collection reservoir 123. During operation of the apparatus 100, condensate liquid is transferred into the collection reservoir 123 of the drip tray 120. In particular, a drip tube 124 extends from a vapor chamber (described below) downwardly within the internal cavity 115 towards the drip tray 120 so that any condensate formed in the vapor chamber is transferred into the drip tray 120. In particular, a vapor or mist is made to flow into and through the vapor chamber during operation of the apparatus 100, and thus excess vapor or mist may be generated or remain after the apparatus 100 is powered down. The drip tube 124 carries any such excess vapor or mist down to the drip tray 120 where it can be safely poured out into a sink, ground surface, or the like after a user is finished playing with or otherwise using the apparatus 100. The drip tray 120 is preferably detachably coupled to the housing 110 so that it can be separated for cleaning and removal of any liquid contained therein. The drip tray 120 may be coupled to the housing 110 using a snap-fit or friction fit or some other type of mechanical engagement, or fasteners such as screws may be used to facilitate the attachment of the drip tray 120 to the housing 110. Alternatively, the lower end of the housing 110 may simply rest within an annular channel in a top end of the drip tray 120 rather than having any type of positive attachment feature.

Having described the features and components which make up the outer surface of the housing 110, the components located within the internal cavity 115 of the housing 110 will be described. The apparatus 100 comprises a power source compartment 130 configured to hold the power source that provides power to the various electronic components of the apparatus 100. In particular, the power source compartment 130 may be configured to hold a plurality of batteries, such as AA batteries or the like. In one particular embodiment, the power source compartment 130 may hold eight AA batteries, but the invention is not to be limited to the type or number of batteries used in all embodiments. The apparatus 100 also includes a water (or liquid) chamber component 140 that defines a water chamber 141 having an open top end which is closed by the removable lid 104, one or more atomizers 150, a vapor chamber housing 160 that defines a vapor chamber 161, a first fan device 170 and a first motor 180 for driving the first fan device 170, a second fan device 190 and a second motor 200 for driving the second fan device 190, and a bubble solution delivery mechanism 210. In the exemplified embodiment, the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 is also driven and rotated by the second motor 200, although alternative embodiments and configurations may be possible in other embodiments, some examples of which are described herein.

The water chamber 140 is a chamber or compartment located within the internal cavity 115 of the housing 110 which is designed to hold a liquid. In the use of the apparatus 100 as described herein, the liquid that is intended to be stored in the water chamber 140 is water, and more specifically distilled water. While distilled water may be preferred, any type of water may be used including tap water, purified water, spring water, or the like. The liquid stored in the water chamber 140 should be free of any glycol, glycerin, or oils of any kind. The liquid stored in the water chamber 140 is atomized during operation of the apparatus 100 to create a vapor or mist that is made to flow into the interior of the bubbles that are formed by the apparatus 100. This is what gives the bubbles their cloudy or foggy or smoke-filled appearance.

In the exemplified embodiment, there are two of the atomizers 150. However, there could be just a single atomizer 150 or more than two atomizers in other embodiments. In one preferred embodiment, the atomizers 150 are ultrasonic atomizers. Thus, the atomizers 150 operate with a cold mist technology similar to what is used in humidifiers. Specifically, the atomizers 150 vibrate at an extremely high frequency, and those vibrations propel microscopic water droplets from the water chamber 140 to the vapor chamber 161. In that regard, the water chamber component 140 comprises a plurality of openings 142 and each of the atomizers 150 is disposed within one of the openings 142. Gaskets or other seals may be used to ensure that there is no leak between the atomizers 150 and the water chamber 140. The atomizers 150 are positioned within the openings 142 of the water chamber component 140 so that when the water chamber 141 of the water chamber component 140 is filled at least partially with water, the atomizers 150 are fluidly coupled to the water in the water chamber 141. Thus, when the atomizers 150 are activated, they will convert the water in the water chamber 141 to microscopic water droplets (i.e., vapor or mist) and will dispense those water droplets (i.e., vapor or mist) into the vapor chamber 161 of the vapor chamber housing 160.

The atomizers 150 are operably coupled to the power source stored in the power source compartment 130. That is, an electric wire or the like may extend from the power source to the atomizers 150. Furthermore, the activation and deactivation of the atomizers 150 may be controlled by a secondary actuation mechanism 152 that is distinct from a main actuation mechanism 155 of the apparatus that controls the motors and is mentioned below. Thus, during operation of the apparatus 100, the user will actuate the main actuation mechanism 155 to control activation/deactivation of the motors which causes bubble generation. The user will separately actuate the secondary actuation mechanism 152 to control activation/deactivation of the atomizers 150. When the motors are activated but the atomizers 150 are deactivated, the apparatus 100 will generate transparent bubbles (this may be operation in a first mode). When the motors and the atomizers 150 are activated, the apparatus 100 will generate cloudy/foggy bubbles (this may be operation in a second mode). In the exemplified embodiment, each of the main and secondary actuation mechanisms 152, 155 is a push button switch. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the main and secondary actuation mechanisms 152, 155 can take on other forms, such as being slide switches, conductive switches, toggle switches, or the like in various different embodiments. Moreover, there could be a single slide switch or similar with various actuation positions such as one position where the motors are activated and the atomizers are deactivated (first mode), one position where the motors and atomizers are activated (second mode), and one position where the motors and atomizers are deactivated (off). The apparatus 100 may also have a third mode where the atomizers 150 are operating only so that the apparatus 100 may act as a humidifier.

The vapor chamber housing 160 defines the vapor chamber 161. The vapor chamber housing 160 is open at its rear end 162 and has one or more openings in its front end 163. The rear end 162 of the vapor chamber 161 faces the openings 142 in the water chamber housing 140, and hence also the atomizers 150. That is, the rear end 162 of the vapor chamber 161 abuts against the water chamber housing 140 at the location of the atomizers 150. As a result, as the atomizers 150 atomize the water in the water chamber 141, the mist/vapor that is formed is dispensed or otherwise transferred from the atomizers 150 into the vapor chamber 161 through the openings in the rear end 162 of the vapor chamber 151. The vapor or mist can then flow towards the front end 163 of the vapor chamber 161 and exit the vapor chamber 161 through the opening(s) in the front end 162 during the formation of cloudy/foggy bubbles, as described in greater detail below.

The opening in the front end 163 of the vapor chamber 161 is positioned in alignment with the bubble generating opening 221 of the bubble generating device 220. Thus, as the vapor or mist flows through the vapor chamber 161 from the rear end 162 to the front end 163, the vapor or mist flows through the opening in the front end 163 and then through the bubble generating opening 221 of the bubble generating device 220. The vapor chamber housing 160 has an air inlet opening 164 through which a first air stream generated by the first fan device 170 flows into the vapor chamber 161. In the exemplified embodiment, the air inlet opening 164 is located along a bottom surface of the vapor chamber housing 160, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. When the apparatus 100 is in operation, bubble solution becomes loaded on the bubble generating device 220 so that a film of the bubble solution extends across the bubble generating opening 221. Furthermore, the vapor or mist (mixed with the first air stream) flows through the bubble generating opening 221 to form the bubbles from the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating device 220. As the bubbles are formed, they will be filled with the vapor or mist, thereby giving it the cloudy appearance. Additional details about the operation of the apparatus 100 will be described below.

The first fan device 170 is positioned in the interior cavity 115 of the housing 110. The first fan device 170 comprises a first fan member 171 that is rotated by the first motor 180 to generate a first air stream and a first fan housing 172 that encloses the first fan member 171 and the first motor 180 and directs the flow of the first air stream generated by the first fan member 171. The first motor 180 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A in the exemplified embodiment, and thus rotates the first fan device 170 along an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A of the housing 110. However, it should be appreciated that the orientation of the first motor 180 and the first fan member 171 could be modified in other embodiments.

The first fan housing 172 of the first fan device 170 forms an air flow passageway and has an air outlet 174 that is positioned adjacent to or within the air inlet 164 of the vapor chamber housing 160. Thus, the first air stream generated by the first fan device 170 exists through the air outlet 174 at which point the first air stream enters the vapor chamber 161 through the air inlet 164 of the vapor chamber housing 160. When the atomizers are activated as described above, the first air stream will cause the vapor to flow through the vapor chamber 161 to the front end 163 of the vapor chamber housing 160 (with the front end 163 having an opening that forms an air outlet of the vapor chamber 161) and into and through the bubble generating opening 221 of the bubble generating device 220. The air stream may not directly blow the vapor, as discussed below, because such direct blowing action may tend to dissipate the vapor. Instead, the first air stream generates a pressure which forces movement of the vapor towards the bubble generating outlet without the first air stream direction blowing the vapor. Thus, the first air stream may push the vapor towards the bubble generating opening 221. When the atomizers are not activated, the first air stream will simply flow through the vapor chamber 161 and through the opening in the front end 163 and into and through the bubble generating opening 221 of the bubble generating device 220. In either situation, the first air stream will cause the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating device 220 to expand into a bubble as it fills with air from the first air stream (and potentially also vapor from the water which has been atomized).

The air inlet 164 of the vapor chamber housing 160 is configured to force the first air stream generated by the first fan device 170 to flow towards the rear end 162 of the vapor chamber 161 before flowing toward the front end 163 of the vapor chamber 161. That is, the first air stream is forced to flow in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A of the housing as the first air stream enters the vapor chamber 161. This ensures that the first air stream circulates adequately within the vapor chamber 161 of the vapor chamber housing 160 to move any vapor/mist generated by the atomizers 150 towards the bubble generating device 220. This also minimizes or prevents the first air stream from directly contacting the vapor, which could cause the vapor to dissipate as noted above. The first air stream is generally intended to generate a pressure within the vapor chamber 161 to force the movement of the vapor towards the bubble generating device 220. In other embodiments the air inlet 164 may permit the first air stream to flow axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis A-A as it enters the vapor chamber 161.

The second fan device 190 is positioned in the interior cavity 115 of the housing 110 adjacent to the first fan device 170. The second fan device 190 comprises a second fan member 191 that is rotated by the second motor 200 to generate a second air stream and a second fan housing 192 that encloses the second fan member 191 and the second motor 200 and directs the flow of the second air stream generated by the second fan member 191. There is also a gear train 193 disposed within the second fan housing 192 in the exemplified embodiment. The gear train 193 is operably coupled to the second motor 200 and to the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 so that the second motor 200 drives rotation of the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 in addition to driving rotation of the second fan member 191, as discussed further below.

The second fan housing 192 has an air outlet 194 so that the second air stream generated by the second fan member 191 flows through the second fan housing 190 to the air outlet 194. The air outlet 194 of the second fan housing 190 is aligned with the blower outlet 230, as best shown in FIG. 11 described below. Thus, the second air stream generated by the second fan device 190 exits the housing 110 through the air outlet 194 and the blower outlet 230. The second air stream is used to separate the bubbles from the housing 110 after they are formed. Thus, the second air stream is directed towards the bubbles as they are formed to blow the bubbles away from the housing 110 and push the bubbles into the air. The air speed and direction will determine the amount and size of the bubbles. If the second fan device 190 were omitted, the bubbles would simply be formed on the housing 110 and would continue to get bigger until they started to droop or until they popped. This is because the first air stream generated by the first fan device 170 is sufficient to create the bubbles, but may be insufficient to cause the bubbles so formed to separate from the housing 110. The second fan device 192 is used for the purpose of separating the bubbles from the housing 110.

The invention is described herein whereby the first motor 180 drives the first fan device 170 and the second motor 200 drives the second fan device 190 and the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210. The invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and plenty of alternative configurations are possible. For example, in one embodiment a single motor could control operation of the first and second fan devices 180, 200 and the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210. In another embodiment, the same motor could control operation of the first and second fan devices 180, 200 while a second motor controls operation of the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210. In still another embodiment, the first motor 180 may control operation of the first fan device 170 and the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 and the second motor 200 may control operation of the second fan device 190. In yet another embodiment, there may be three distinct motors, one for controlling operation of the first fan device 170, one for controlling operation of the second fan device 190, and one for controlling operation of the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210. The invention may be described herein wherein “at least one motor” controls operation of the first and second fan devices 170, 190 and the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210. Such description includes all of the variations noted herein above whereby there is one motor, two motors, or three motors to achieve the control/movement of the three components. Thus, if the claims recite that the first fan device 170, the second fan device 190, and/or the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 are operably coupled to the at least one motor, this could mean that they are coupled to the same motor or to different motors, as noted herein.

In the exemplified embodiment, the bubble generating device 220 is static and does not move relative to the housing 110. Rather, the bubble generating device 220 comprises the bubble generating opening 221 which is a hole formed through the housing 110 (specifically through the front face panel 105 of the housing 110) and into the interior cavity 115 of the housing 110 in alignment with the outlet opening of the vapor chamber 161/vapor chamber housing 160. Thus, the bubble generating device 220 of the exemplified embodiment is non-movable relative to the housing 110. In this embodiment, the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 is movable to carry the bubble solution from the bubble solution reservoir 107 to the bubble generating device 220, and the structure and function of the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 of the exemplified embodiment will be described further below.

The bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 comprises a hub portion 211 and a plurality of delivery arms 212 extending radially outward from the hub portion 211. The hub portion 211 comprises a connection feature 213 which is coupled to the gear train 193 to operably couple the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 to the second motor 200. The coupling feature 213 may be a post with an interior channel configured to receive a rod or pin that is rotated by the gear train 193 and the second motor 200. The attachment between the coupling feature 213 and the rod/pin of the gear train 193 should be sufficient to ensure that rotation of the rod/pin of the gear train 193 causes the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 to rotate. Thus, the rod/pin should not rotate relative to the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210, but should instead drive rotation of the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210. The gear train 193 may be a step-down gear train in that it slows down the rotation speed of the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 as compared to the rotation speed of the second motor 200 and the second fan member 191.

During operation, the second motor 200 causes the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 to rotate about a rotational axis R-R. Due to the orientation of the various components of the apparatus 100, the rotational axis R-R of the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A of the housing 110. As used in this context, the term substantially perpendicular includes plus or minus five degrees from perpendicular (i.e., the rotational axis R-R of the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 intersects the longitudinal axis A-A of the housing 110 at an angle between 85° and 95°). As the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 rotates about the rotational axis R-R, the delivery arms 212 rotate into the bubble solution in the bubble solution reservoir 107 and then rotate past the bubble generating device 220 to carry the bubble solution to the bubble generating device 220. The bubble solution reservoir 107 has an open top end which permits the delivery arms 212 to rotate into and out of the bubble solution reservoir 107. The delivery arms 212 continue rotating into and out of the bubble solution reservoir 107 and past the bubble generating device 220 to continually load the bubble generating device 220 with bubble solution. In the exemplified embodiment, there are three of the delivery arms 212, but the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 could include fewer (as few as one) or more delivery arms 212 in other embodiments. The delivery arms 212 act sort of like windshield wipers as they wipe across the front face of the housing 110, except that instead of rotating about 120° back and forth, they rotate a full 360° around. Of course, in other embodiments it may be possible for the delivery arms 212 to instead move more like a windshield wiper oscillating in a back and forth manner rather than having a full 360° of rotation. Moreover, the delivery arms 212 may not directly contact the front face of the housing 110, but there may instead be a slight tolerance/gap between the delivery arms 212 and the front face of the housing 110. The bubble solution may fill in the gap between the delivery arms 212 and the front face of the housing 110 to ensure it is loaded onto the bubble generating device 220 as the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 rotates about the rotational axis R-R.

FIG. 4A schematically illustrates the coupling of the electronic components of the apparatus 100. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates the power source 109, which may comprise a plurality of batteries as described herein. The power source 109 may take on other forms, such as described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may have a plug for plugging into a wall outlet, rather than containing its own power source. The power source 109 is operably coupled to the atomizers 150, and as shown the secondary actuation mechanism 152 operates as a switch in the connection between the power source 109 and the atomizers 150. Thus, the secondary actuation mechanism 152 needs to be actuated to close the switch and allow power to flow from the power source 109 to the atomizers 150. The power source 109 is also operably coupled to each of the first and second motors 180, 200. Moreover, the main actuation mechanism 155 operates as a switch in the connection between the power source 109 and the first and second motors 180, 210. Thus, the main actuation mechanism 155 needs to be actuated to close the switch and allow power to flow from the power source 109 to the first and second motors 180, 200. In the exemplified embodiment, the main actuation mechanism 155 closes the switch between the power source 109 and both of the first and second motors 180, 200 simultaneously so that with the actuation of one switch (i.e., the main actuation mechanism 155), both of the first and second motors 180, 200 begin operating. In other embodiments, there could be separate switches to control activation of each of the first and second motors 180, 200, or as described herein a single motor could control all of the components that are controlled by the first and second motors 180, 200 in the exemplified embodiment.

The first motor 180 is operably coupled to the first fan member 171 of the first fan device 170. Thus, when the first motor 180 is activated, the first fan member 171 rotates to generate the first air stream. The second motor 200 is operably coupled to the second fan member 191 of the second fan device 190. Thus, when the second motor 200 is activated, the second fan member 191 rotates to generate the second air stream. The second motor 200 is also operably coupled to the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210. Thus, when the second motor 200 is activated, the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 rotates about the rotational axis R-R and carries the bubble solution from the bubble solution reservoir 107 to the bubble generating device 220.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 will be described in greater detail. In the exemplified embodiment, the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 comprises the hub portion 211 and three of the delivery arms 212, as mentioned above. Each of the delivery arms 212 comprises an arm portion 214 that extends from the hub portion 211 and terminates in a distal end 215. The arm portion 214 comprises a front surface 216 and a rear surface 217 opposite the front surface 216. In the exemplified embodiment, the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 rotates in a clockwise direction, and the front surface 216 of the arm portion 214 leads the rear surface 217 in its rotation (the front surface 216 passes the bubble generating device 220 before the rear surface 217 during each rotation). Furthermore, the delivery arms 212 comprises a plurality of ribs 218 protruding from the front surface 216 in a spaced apart manner. The plurality of ribs 218 and the front surface 216 define carrying chambers that are configured to carry the bubble solution from the bubble solution reservoir 107 to the bubble generating device 220 as the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 rotates about the rotational axis R-R. In the exemplified embodiment, one of the ribs 218 is located at the distal end 215 of the arm portion 214. There may also be a back wall 219 protruding from the front surface 216 and being oriented perpendicular to the ribs 218 to form a closed back end of the chambers. The back wall 219 may provide some additional structural rigidity to the delivery arms 212, to increase strength and reduce deformation.

The delivery arms 212 also comprise a plurality of ribs or teeth 240 protruding from the rear surface 217. In the exemplified embodiment, the teeth 240 on the rear surface 217 are more numerous and spaced closer together than the ribs 218 on the front surface 216. The ribs or teeth 240 on the rear surface 217 help to hold the bubble solution on the delivery arms 212 and prevent the bubble solution from dripping as the bubbles are being formed behind the delivery arms 212 during their rotation.

In the exemplified embodiment, the front surface 216 of the arm portions 214 of the delivery arms 212 are convex and the rear surface 217 of the arm portions 214 of the delivery arms 212 are concave. Furthermore, as best seen in FIG. 4, the delivery arms 212 comprise a rear edge 241 that faces the housing 110 and a front edge 242 that faces away from the housing 110. The front edge 242 is convex and the rear edge 241 is concave in the exemplified embodiment. The front surface portion of the housing 110 along which the delivery arms 212 rotate is convex, and thus having the rear edge 241 of the delivery arms 212 which face the housing 110 be concave allows for a corresponding shape and relationship between the delivery arms 212 and the housing 110.

While in the exemplified embodiment the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 rotates to carry the bubble solution to the bubble generating device 220, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. Specifically, in alternative embodiments, the bubble generating device 220 may comprise one or a plurality of bubble generating openings, and the bubble generating device 220 may be rotatable relative to the housing 110. Thus, instead of the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 rotating relative to the housing 110 as with the exemplified embodiment, the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 may be omitted and the bubble generating device 220 may be a mechanism that rotates relative to the housing 110. As such, the bubble generating openings of the bubble generating device 220 may dip into the bubble solution in the bubble solution reservoir 107 to become loaded with the bubble solution and may then rotate to a location in front of the outlet of the vapor chamber 161 for purposes of generating bubbles from the bubble solution that may be filled with vapor as described herein. In still other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include a pump to pump the bubble solution from the bubble solution reservoir 107 to the bubble generating device 220 to load the bubble generating device 220 with the bubble solution. Thus, there are other means and mechanisms for delivering the bubble solution from the bubble solution reservoir 107 to the bubble generating device 220 in alternative embodiments of the present invention.

Having described all of the components and structures of the apparatus 100, the operation will now be described in some detail. Referring to FIG. 7, the first step in the operation is to fill the bubble solution reservoir 107 with a bubble solution 300 and to fill the water chamber 141 with water 301. To fill the water chamber 141 with the water 301, the removable lid 104 may be separated from the remainder of the housing 110 to expose the water chamber 141. In other embodiments, a screw cap may be screwed off to expose the water chamber 141, or the water chamber 141 may be made accessible in other ways that would be readily understood by persons skilled in the art. The water 301 may then be poured directly into the water chamber 141 either from a faucet, a bottle, a container, or the like. Once the water chamber 141 has been filled with the water 301 to a desired level, the removable lid 104 may be replaced back over the water chamber 141. There is no lid covering the bubble solution reservoir 107, but instead the bubble solution reservoir 107 has an open top end that is exposed to ambient. Thus, a user can simply pour the bubble solution 300 directly into the bubble solution reservoir 107 without first having to remove a lid or cap. In accordance with the exemplified embodiment, the bubble solution reservoir 107 must have its top open so that the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 can rotate into and out of the bubble solution reservoir 107. The bubble solution reservoir 107 is located along a front of the housing 110 and the water chamber 141 is located along a rear of the housing 110. The bubble solution reservoir 107 is therefore located along the anterior portion 113 of the housing 110 and the water chamber 141 is located along the posterior portion 114 of the housing 110.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus 100 after the bubble solution reservoir 107 has been filled with the bubble solution 300 and the water chamber 141 has been filled with the water 301. The bubble solution reservoir 107 and the water chamber 141 need not be filled completely as shown in FIG. 8 in all embodiments. The main and secondary actuation mechanisms 152, 155 have not been actuated, and thus the motors are not being powered at this point. Next, the apparatus 100 will be described with the operator or user activating only the main actuation mechanism 155. This will result in the apparatus 100 generating standard bubbles, such as transparent bubbles, that are not filled with any vapor and therefore do not have a cloudy or foggy or smoke-filled appearance.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-11, after the user actuates the main actuation mechanism 155 (i.e., by pressing a button, sliding a slide switch, or the like), the first and second motors 180, 200 will be activated. Specifically, actuation of the main actuation mechanism 155 results in power being supplied from the power source to both of the first and second motors 180, 200, which causes the first and second motors 180, 200 to begin rotating. However, by only actuating the main actuation mechanism 155 and not also actuating the secondary actuation mechanism 152, the atomizers 150 will not be activated. Thus, the water 301 in the water chamber 141 will not be atomized and converted into vapor. In some embodiments, if a user is going to operate the apparatus 100 without activating the atomizers 150, the user may choose not to fill the water chamber 141 with the water 301.

As noted above, the first motor 180 is operably coupled to the first fan device 170. Thus, when the first motor 180 is activated as described herein, the first motor 180 cause the first fan member 171 of the first fan device 170 to rotate and generate the first air stream. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the first air stream (see arrows denoted with numeral 400) flowing through the first fan housing 172, into and through the vapor chamber 161, and then out through the bubble generating opening 221 of the bubble generating device 220 which is aligned with the outlet of the vapor chamber 161. The second fan device 190 is operably coupled to the second motor 200 Thus, when the second motor 200 is activated as described herein, the second motor 180 causes the second fan member 191 of the second fan device 190 to rotate and generate the second air stream. The second air stream (see arrows denoted with numeral 401) flows through the second fan housing 192, through the air outlet 194 of the second fan housing 192, and then out of the housing 110 through the blower outlet 230 which is aligned with the air outlet 194 of the second fan housing 192.

At this same time, the second motor 200 is also operably coupled to the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 (although as noted above the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 could instead be operably coupled to the first motor 180 or to a third motor distinct from the first and second motors 180, 200). Thus, the activation and rotation of the second motor 200 causes the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 to rotate about the rotational axis R-R. As the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 rotates about the rotational axis R-R, the delivery arms 212 thereof rotate into and out of the bubble solution 300 in the bubble solution reservoir 107. As the delivery arms 212 rotate out of the bubble solution 300 in the bubble solution reservoir 107, the delivery arms 212 carry a small amount of the bubble solution 300 from the bubble solution reservoir 107 to the bubble delivery device 220. Specifically, as the delivery arms 212 pass over the bubble generating device 220, the bubble solution 201 carried by the delivery arms 212 becomes loaded on the bubble generating device 220 such that a film of the bubble solution 300 spans across the bubble generating opening 221. The bubble solution 300 fills in the small gap between the delivery arms 212 and the bubble generating device 220 so that the delivery arms 212 create a skin or film of the bubble solution 300 as they move over and across the bubble generating device 220 and the bubble generating opening 221 thereof.

As the bubble solution 300 is being loaded onto the bubble generating device 220, the first air stream 400 flows towards the bubble generating opening 221 that is covered by the film of the bubble solution 300. The first air stream 400 flows through the bubble generating opening 221 along a first air stream axis B-B that is oblique to the longitudinal axis A-A of the housing 110. The first air stream axis B-B extends upwardly away from the housing 110 as it extends through the bubble generating opening 221. The first air stream 400 causes the film of the bubble solution 300 that is covering the bubble generating opening 221 to form into the shape of a bubble. However, the force of the first air stream 400 may be insufficient to cause the bubble to detach from the housing 110.

Thus, referring to FIG. 11, the second air stream 401 is used to facilitate the separation of the bubbles formed at the bubble generating device 220 from the housing 110. The second air stream 401 flows through the blower outlet 230 along a second air stream axis C-C that intersects the first air stream axis B-B at an acute angle. In particular, the blower outlet 230 is oriented and configured so that the second air stream 401 flows out of the blower outlet 230 towards the bubbles being formed on the bubble generating device 220. Thus, the second air stream 401 flows onto the bubbles with a sufficient force to separate them from the housing 110, and then the second air stream 401 continues to blow the bubbles through the air. As noted, the air speed and direction of the second air stream 401 may determine the amount and size of the bubbles generated by the apparatus 100.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the bubble solution delivery mechanism 210 having delivered the bubble solution 300 to the bubble generating device 220. In particular, FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a film of the bubble solution 300 extending across the bubble generating opening 221 of the bubble generating device 220. As one of the delivery arms 212 has passed by the bubble generating device 220, another delivery arm 212 carrying more of the bubble solution 300 to the bubble generating device 220 is moving towards the bubble generating device 220. Thus, as the film of the bubble solution 300 spanning across the bubble generating opening 221 turns to a bubble that is separated from the housing 110 as described above, more of the bubble solution is brought to the bubble generating device 220 so that the apparatus 100 can continue making bubbles. Thus, the apparatus 100 is intended to generate a continuous stream of the bubbles using the components described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates the apparatus 100 generating the bubbles 500 that are floating away from the housing 110. That is, the bubbles 500 are being formed on the bubble generating device 220, and then are being separated from the housing 110 by the second air stream blown through the blower outlet 230. Moreover, another bubble 501 is being formed at the bubble generating opening 221 of the bubble generating device 220 as the first air stream flows towards the film of the bubble solution located thereon. The second air stream continues flowing through the blower outlet 230 and will eventually blow the bubble 501 off of the housing 110 and into the air with the others. The bubbles 500 being formed are transparent and are not filled with any vapor or mist because the atomizers have not been activated.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate the apparatus 100 generating bubbles that are filled with the vapor such that the bubbles are cloudy or foggy or smoke-filled in appearance, rather than being transparent. The only difference between the operation to form transparent bubbles and the operation to form cloudy bubbles is that the atomizer 150 is activated during the formation of cloudy bubbles, whereas the atomizer 150 was deactivated during the formation of the transparent bubbles. As noted above, the atomizer 150 is activated in the exemplified embodiment by the user or operator actuating the secondary actuation mechanism 152. The user or operator can activate and deactivate the secondary actuation mechanism 152 as desired to change the bubbles being formed from standard transparent bubbles to cloudy/foggy bubbles. Specifically, by actuating the secondary actuation mechanism 152, the user can power the atomizers 150 on and off as desired to modify the bubbles between being transparent and being fog filled.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate the apparatus 100 with the bubble solution reservoir 107 already filled with the bubble solution 300 and the water chamber 141 already filled with the water 301. The main actuation mechanism 155 has been actuated so both of the first and second motors 180, 200 are activated and generating the first and second air streams 400, 401 as described previously (only the first air stream 400 is visible in these views, but the second air stream 401 is exactly as shown in the previous figures). The difference between this operation and that which was previously described is that the atomizer 150 in an activated state (the curvy lines are intended to indicate that the atomizer 150 is vibrating at a high frequency). Because the atomizer 150 is activated, it is converting the water 301 in the water chamber 141 to a vapor or a mist 600 and it is dispensing the vapor or mist 600 into the vapor chamber 161 of the vapor chamber housing 160.

While the vapor or mist 600 is being generated by the operation of the atomizers 150 atomizing the water 301 in the water chamber 141, the first air stream 400 is flowing through the vapor chamber 161 as previously described. The first air stream generates a pressure within the vapor chamber 161 which causes the vapor in the vapor chamber 161 to move towards the bubble generating opening 221. As the first air stream 400 flows into the vapor chamber 161, the vapor/mist is forced to move towards the bubble generating opening 221 where the film of the bubble solution thereon expands and fills with the vapor/mist. Thus, as the first air stream 400 causes the film of the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating device 220 to begin forming into the bubble shape, the vapor/mist flows into the interior of the bubbles that are being formed. As a result, when the bubbles are formed, they are filled not only with the air from the first air stream 400, but also with some of the vapor/mist. Thus, when the atomizers 150 are activated, the bubbles 500 formed by the apparatus 100 have a cloudy or foggy or smoke-filled appearance, owing to the fact that the vapor/mist is trapped inside of the bubbles 500.

Moreover, the second air stream flows through the blower outlet 230 in a direction towards the bubbles 500 as described previously. Thus, the second air stream flowing out of the blower outlet 230 facilitates the separation of the bubbles 500 that are filled with vapor/mist from the housing 110, as described above. Thus, the first air stream generated by the first fan device 170 operates to inflate the bubbles from the bubble solution and the second air stream generated by the second fan device 190 operates to separate the bubbles from the housing 110 and push them into the air.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, an apparatus for generating bubbles (hereinafter “the apparatus”) 700 will be described in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 700, like the apparatus 100 described above, is intended to form foggy or cloudy or smoke-filled bubbles. The apparatus 700 generally comprises a housing 710 having an interior cavity 711. A bubble solution reservoir 720 is positioned along a front of the housing 710 and is intended to hold or contain an amount of a bubble solution. Furthermore, the apparatus 700 comprises a bubble generating device 730 comprising a plurality of bubble generating openings 731. In this embodiment, the bubble generating device 730 is configured to rotate about a rotational axis so that the bubble generating openings 731 move into and out of the bubble solution in the bubble solution reservoir 720. Thus, there is no bubble solution delivery mechanism, but rather the bubble generating device 730 is rotatable for purposes of loading the different bubble generating openings 731 with the bubble solution. As the bubble generating device 730 continues to rotate, the bubble generating openings 731 that are loaded with the bubble solution become aligned with an air stream generated by a fan device to generate bubbles therefrom. Furthermore, like the prior described embodiment, a second air stream may be blown through a blower outlet 740 for separating the bubbles from the housing 710.

The apparatus 700 comprises a power source 701 located in the interior cavity 711 for providing power to the various motors of the apparatus 700. The apparatus 700 comprises a first motor 750 that is operably coupled to the bubble generating device 730 to cause the bubble generating device 730 to rotate when the first motor 750 is activated. The first motor 750 is also operably coupled to a first fan device 755 to generate a first air stream that flows through a bubble forming outlet 756 in a front face of the housing 710. During operation, the bubble generating device 730 is rotated into and out of the bubble solution in the bubble solution reservoir 720 and then becomes aligned with the bubble forming outlet 756 so that the first air stream flows through the bubble generating openings 731 to form bubbles from the bubble solution loaded thereon. The bubble generating device 730 comprises a plurality of the bubble generating openings 731 and each becomes loaded with the bubble solution as the bubble generating device 730 rotates. Thus, bubbles are continually formed as the bubble generating openings 731 become aligned with the bubble forming outlet 756 one by one.

The apparatus 700 comprises a water chamber 760 for holding water. Moreover, an atomizer 765 such as an ultrasonic atomizer 765 is positioned so as to float on top of the water in the water chamber 760. There may be two of the ultrasonic atomizers 765 which may run at nine volts total in some embodiments.

A second fan device 770 is operably coupled to a second motor 771 for generating a second air stream. The second air stream flows through the blower outlet 740. Similar to the prior described apparatus 100, the second air stream flows through the blower outlet 740 and pushes air over the bubble/skin that is formed on the bubble generating device 730. Furthermore, the second air stream causes the bubbles to separate from the bubble generating device 730 and lift off the wand by reducing the air pressure outside of the bubble.

During operation, the user actuates an actuation mechanism 790, which may be a push button, a slide switch, or the like. Although a single actuation mechanism 790 is shown in this embodiment, there may be multiple such that one activates the motors 750, 771 and the other activates the atomizers 765. Upon actuating the actuation mechanism 790, the first motor 750 is activated. The first motor 750 is operably coupled to the first fan device 755, which causes the first fan device 755 to begin generating the first air stream. The first motor 750 is also operably coupled to the bubble generating device 730, which causes the bubble generating device 730 to begin rotating about its rotational axis into and out of the bubble solution in the bubble solution reservoir 720. Furthermore, actuation of the actuation mechanism 790 also activates the second motor 771 which causes the second fan device 770 to generate the second air stream which flows out the blower outlet 740. Finally, actuation of the actuation mechanism 790 activates the atomizers 765 to begin atomizing the water in the water reservoir 760. As with the prior embodiment, the water reservoir 760 is intended to contain water, such as distilled water, which is free of any glycerin, glycol, or oils. Thus, when the atomizers 765 are activated, they atomize the water and convert it to vapor or mist. The atomizers 765 float atop of the water in the water chamber 711. The space above the atomizers 765 may form a vapor chamber 766.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first fan device 755 generates the first air stream and blows it down into the vapor chamber 766. Thus, the first air stream flows from the first fan device 755 downwardly towards the vapor chamber 766. The first air stream circulates the vapor in the vapor chamber 766 and forces it to flow upwardly towards the bubble forming outlet 756. The first air stream with the vapor circulating within flows out of the housing 710 via the bubble forming outlet 756. At the same time, the bubble generating device 730 is rotating, and the bubble generating openings 731 that are loaded with the bubble solution become aligned with the bubble forming outlet 756. The first and stream and the vapor inflates the bubble solution into a bubble that is filled with the air and the vapor. Thus, the bubbles formed in this manner have a cloudy/foggy/smoke-filled appearance. Moreover, the second air stream flows out of the housing 710 through the blower outlet 740, which facilitates separating the bubbles from the housing 710 as described above. In particular, the second air stream reduces the air pressure outside of the bubble so that the bubble can readily separate from the housing 710. Thus, the apparatus 700 achieves a similar result (generation of foggy/cloudy bubbles) in a different manner. However, both the apparatus 100 and the apparatus 700 generate foggy or cloudy bubbles without any oil, glycol, or glycerin, but instead use only bubble solution and water.

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.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING BUBBLES

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