FIELD OF INVENTION
The present disclosure relates generally a bubble producing device. More specifically, it relates to an electronic bubble producing toy, which is wirelessly activated and produces bubbles from more than one nozzle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bubble producing devices and electronic bubble producing devices are known. However, many known devices leak from the overproduction of bubbles or even during normal operations. Accordingly, the devices become less useful or even nonfunctional as a result of this excess solution leaking onto the components of the device. Moreover, this leakage results in the bubble solution being deposited onto the hands of the user, leading to a non-user-friendly bubble producing device. This leakage also leads to large quantities of bubble solution being wasted and the need for frequent refilling leading to a shortened lifetime of the device. Moreover, these devices tend to overheat as there is no fail-safe for when the speed of the motor is too high.
Further, many known devices do not have a structure that catches excess bubble solution and recirculates this solution through the bubble producing device. If such a structure exists, it is easily broken, which causes excess solution to leak internally. Moreover, due to these leakage issues, minimal electrical components are utilized as they become quickly damaged, which becomes costly for repair and replacement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A bubble producing device including a housing containing a motor, a pump, and an air producing device, a shaft with two ends, wherein a first end is connected to the housing and aa bubble producing solution reservoir connectable to a second end of the shaft. Connected to the air producing device is an air duct, which includes a nozzle secured to it. A channel with a tubular structure is submerged within the solution reservoir and connected on another end to the nozzle. A converter is secured within the channel and the diameter of the channel between the first end of the channel and the converter is larger than the diameter of the channel between the converter and the second end of the channel. The housing includes control circuitry, which wirelessly activates the device either via a unique beacon received or when placed within a proximity of a fixture. In another embodiment, the device creates bubbles from more than one nozzle. In that embodiment, the device includes a corresponding number of components necessary to create bubbles from multiple nozzles of the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a back view of a bubble producing device including a bubble producing solution reservoir connected by a shaft to a housing.
FIG. 2 is a back, perspective view of the housing of the bubble producing device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an open view of the housing with a nozzle of the bubble producing device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an open view of the housing of the bubble producing device of FIG. 1 with electrical components secured within an enclosure.
FIG. 5 is a back view of the bubble engine enclosure that contains the electrical components of the housing of the bubble device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a back, open faced view of the bubble engine enclosure of the bubble producing device of FIG. 1 with the nozzle, a nozzle cover and a wiper mechanism along with control circuitry.
FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of the nozzle, nozzle cover and air duct secured within the housing of the bubble producing device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the nozzle of the bubble producing device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 9 is a back view of the bubble engine enclosure, nozzle and solution channel of the bubble producing device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 10 is a back view of the solution channel and cover of the solution reservoir of the bubble producing device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 is a side view of a converter that is used in combination with a solution channel of the bubble producing device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 12 is a front view of the converter of FIG. 11 with a solution channel that has two pieces with different diameters.
FIG. 13 is a front view of the converter of FIG. 11 connected to a larger diameter piece of the solution channel.
FIG. 14 is a front view of a reservoir cover of the bubble producing device of FIG. 1 connected to the converter and larger diameter piece of the solution channel shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a front view of the components shown in FIG. 14, wherein the converter is further connected on a second end to a smaller diameter piece of a solution channel.
FIG. 16 is a front view of the reservoir cover connected to a solution recirculation channel and a solution channel.
FIG. 17 shows a front view of the internal components of a second embodiment of the bubble producing device, wherein the housing includes two bubble engines.
FIG. 18 shows a lid of the solution reservoir with a second embodiment of the converter for the bubble producing device shown in FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 shows the second embodiment of the converter shown in FIG. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1-10 show varying perspectives of a bubble producing device 10. The bubble producing device is any size depending on user demand and includes a bubble solution reservoir 20 that is connectable by a shaft 30 to a housing 50 (See FIG. 1).
As shown in FIG. 1, the reservoir 20 contains liquid, such as bubble solution, that is capable of creating bubbles. The bubble solution is preferably nontoxic and is advantageous because it is less slippery when it falls to the ground. The reservoir preferably has a flat bottom, so the device 10 can be placed on a surface and not topple over. The reservoir can vary in size depending on the overall size of the device. The reservoir is connected to the shaft 30 by any conventional securing system, for instance by twisting or rotating the reservoir onto the shaft. The reservoir is refillable, which is advantageous as the device can be used indefinitely.
As shown in FIGS. 10, 15 and 16 the reservoir 20 includes a cover 22, that connects to a top portion thereof, and prevents solution from spilling out of the reservoir into the shaft 30. One way in which the cover connects to the reservoir is via sides 21 that protrude downwardly from the cover and secure within the reservoir or around the reservoir. The cover includes an opening 28 for the connection of a solution channel 26 through which solution submerged within the reservoir is pumped or passed. The channel is connected to the opening by conventional methods and one end of the channel is located within the solution of the reservoir. The channel includes a tubular structure that travels throughout the device 10 from the reservoir, through the shaft 30, through a pump 60 with a gearbox 62, which are secured within the housing 50, and connects to a nozzle 72 secured in a top portion of the housing.
As shown in FIGS. 10, 15 and 16 the opening 28 may be connected to or include a converter 100. As shown in FIGS. 10-15 the converter includes a first end 102 and a second end 104, and each end includes a tip 106, 108. In this embodiment, the solution channel includes two tubular potions of differing diameters that are connected via the converter. As shown in 12-16, the larger diameter channel 112 connects to the tip of the first end of the converter. The larger diameter channel preferably has a larger inner diameter through which the solution is passed. The end of the larger diameter channel that is not connected to the converter is connected within the solution reservoir 20. The converter can be located anywhere within the length of the solution channel 26 but is preferably connected to or secured into the opening in the cover of the reservoir. Further, the recirculation channel 29 can include a converter therein. The converter can be form fitted into this opening or secured, for instance, via glue. The second end 104 of the converter also includes a tip 108 that is connected to a smaller diameter solution channel 114 that is of a smaller diameter than the larger diameter channel. The smaller channel is reduced in diameter from the larger channel by at least ten percent, preferably about ten to seventy percent, most preferably about ten to fifty percent. In this embodiment, the end of the smaller diameter channel that is not connected to the converter runs vertically through the shaft 30 through a pump 60 with a gearbox 62 secured within the housing 50. The solution within the reservoir is pumped through this channel and the channel eventually merges with and connects to an outlet 78 located within a trough 76 of the nozzle 72 of the device 10.
As shown in FIGS. 10-15 the converter 100 includes a middle body portion 110 that is located between the tips 106, 108 of the converter. The converter is molded as one continuous piece during production. The larger and smaller diameter solution channels 112, 114 are suction fitted onto the respective tips of the converter and can be further secured by other methods. The middle body portion aids in this securement.
The diameter of the smaller diameter solution channels 114 is of a reduced size to reduce the quantity of solution that passes through the channel, which ultimately produces the desired drip rate of the fluid onto the trough 76 of the nozzle 72. The converter 100 functions to reduce the quantity of the solution and the size of the opening through which the solution passes. The converter reduces the quantity of passing solution by at least ten percent, preferably about ten to seventy percent, most preferably about ten to fifty percent. The tubular structure of the channel aids in producing the preferred drip rate of the solution onto the trough to create the desired number and quality of bubbles.
As shown in FIGS. 10, 15 and 16 the cover 22 of the reservoir 20 also includes a recirculation channel connection device 25 that includes a tip 24, that is connected to the cover by a body portion 23. The converter 100 can be used in conjunction with or in place of the recirculation channel connection device. The tip connects to a solution recirculation channel 29 that includes a tubular structure that runs vertically downward through the shaft 30 to permit excess solution produced during operation of the device 10 to drain back into the reservoir for reuse. The solution recirculation channel is advantageous because it recycles solution, so it is not wasted. Further, the recirculation channel collects excess liquid that is caught in trough 76 of the nozzle 72 and safely returns it to the solution reservoir. This prevents leakage of the excess solution into the inner electronics of the device. The body portion of the recirculation channel connection device includes a ball valve or ball bearing, so that if a user turns the device upside down, liquid is prevented from leaking out of the reservoir.
As shown in FIG. 1, the shaft 30 is preferably connected to a top portion of the reservoir 20 via a twisting or screwing mechanism. The shaft is enclosed and is designed to act as a handle for the user to comfortably hold the device 10. The shaft is preferably made of a lightweight, but durable, material, such as plastic that can withstand being dropped without breaking. The shaft is hollow and can be made of one monolithic piece or may consist of a front and back cover secured together, for instance via screws. The shaft preferably includes a power source for operation of the device, although the power source can be located anywhere within the device 10. The power source includes batteries 35, which are secured within a battery compartment 36, which in one embodiment is located on a back side of the shaft. The battery compartment includes a casing 38 that secures the batteries within the compartment, for instance via screws. The batteries are electrically connected to a switch 40 that is palpable to a user through an outlet 42 located in a surface of the shaft. In one embodiment, the battery compartment includes a fuse that protects the power source from overheating by cutting the power source if temperature rises above safety requirements. This switch is multi-functional and thus can control multiple settings of various electrical operations of the device 10. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, for example, the device includes an LED(s) 48 secured within the device, which LEDs vary in color, luminosity, and intensity. In one manner of operation, when a user pushes the switch once, it illuminates all the LEDs. If a user pushes the switch again, the LEDs flicker. If the user pushes the switch again, the LEDs change color. These functions are capable of being configured to user specifications and are programmable as such. Furthermore, the switch controls other functions of the device, such as the speed at which the bubbles are produced.
The device 10 includes circuitry or control circuitry 37, such as a printed circuit board and/or microcontroller unit, that controls the various electrical operations of the device, as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, or in place thereof, the switch 40 can be replaced with a software or signal-controlled switch that is controlled by an internal controller and circuitry of the device 10 and which can be communicatively activated by a remote device. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the switch or other circuitry also incorporates activation through embedded instructions and or receipt of activation signals received by a receiver 41 and included electronics and circuitry. For example, the device includes a receiver for receiving signals which activates the features of the device such as illumination of various LEDS secured therein, bubble production from the nozzle(s) and/or sound through a speaker. The switch or other circuitry further incorporates proximity detection devices 45, such as, for example, RFID or other types of electronics, which sense location, proximity or other wireless operations which provide instructions for or instruct illumination, bubble production and/or other various functions of the device. Such devices include instructions and circuitry operable to detect location in respect to a transmitted beacon from a fixture. As shown in FIG. 4, the device includes a vibrational element 32 or speaker 33 that plays sound through a speaker located within the device.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the device 10 automatically activates upon nearing a display 46, feature, attraction, or other location within an amusement park which is transmitting a unique beacon which, when received by the device, causes the device to illuminate, and/or produce bubbles and/or play sound in a predetermined manner. Other possible automated instructions include emitting colors, playing predefined audio stored in memory of the device or received by the receiver of the device, playing signals which are streamed and received by the integrated receiver, and similar functionality.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the device 10 includes a sender 39 that transmits a signal to a display 46, feature, attraction of other location within an amusement park. Accordingly, when a user with the device nears a display, feature, attraction, or other location which receives a unique beacon sent from the device, the display, feature, attraction etc. illuminates in a predetermined manner. The features activated within the device, when receiving a signal or unique beacon from the fixture activates a synonymous feature in the fixture when the fixture receives a unique beacon or signal from the device.
As shown in FIG. 4, the shaft 30 includes wiring 43 that electrically connects the power source to the electrical components of the device 10, most of which are secured within the housing 50.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the housing can include one monolithic piece of material, made, for example, of plastic, or can include a front 51 and back 53 casing that are secured together, for example by screws. The housing can be any shape or size. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, within the housing is a bubble engine 55, which includes an outer enclosure 52 that secures the various components therein. This enclosure is secured to an inner surface of the housing. This enclosure is water resistant or waterproof and advantageously aids in protecting the electrical components from being damaged by liquid. As shown in FIG. 4, the enclosure is secured via screws to various pegs 57, which prevents the enclosure from shifting within the housing.
As shown in FIG. 4-6, the enclosure 52 is one piece or includes a front cover 54 and a back cover 56, which are secured together, for instance via screws. The components secured within and formed by this enclosure are the components of the bubble engine 55, which creates the bubbles from the device 10. The enclosure is configured in any predetermined shape so that, when the front and back covers are secured together, the various components therein are secured in place. The enclosure contains a motor 58 that is electrically connected to a pump 60 with a gearbox 62 and an air producing device 64. The motor can be any type of motor that most effectively produces the amount of energy needed to create the precise number of rotations necessary to generate the desired quantity of bubbles. Advantageously, the rotational speed of the motor is reduced to a specific rpm so that there is less solution on the nozzle 72 of the top portion of the device, which avoids solution overflow into the device. Further, this motor also generates the necessary air flow rate to create the desired quantity of bubbles. Further, the device advantageously uses less electric current because of the slowed speed of the motor, therefore increasing battery life of the device.
To further aid in producing the desired size and quantity of bubbles is the type of pump 60 utilized, which is preferably a peristaltic pump. This pump is connected to the gearbox 62, which includes a plurality of gears for controlling the speed of the pump to produce the correct number of bubbles per minute. The pump operates in combination with the gearbox, which draws the bubble solution from the reservoir 20 through the solution channel 26. The channel extends from the reservoir, through the shaft 30, through the pump and the gearbox. A second end of the channel secures to an outlet 78 located in a trough 76 of a nozzle 72. The air combines with the solution close to the discharge orifice 86 of a nozzle cover 90 and is advantageous in creating the desired quantity and size of bubbles.
The motor 58 is electrically connected to the air producing device 64. The air producing device can be any device that produces an air stream with the velocity needed to project the solution through the discharge orifice 86 of the nozzle cover 90. The air duct is a hollow tube that is secured to, part of, or formed by the enclosure 52. The air duct is bent at an angle to aid in creating the precise number of bubbles while not overheating the device.
As shown in FIG. 7, a top portion of the air duct 68 is connected to or includes a bracket-shaped shelf 70. The bracket shape of the shelf is manufactured to securely fit a base portion 74 of the nozzle 72 and a base portion 92 of the nozzle cover 90. The base of the nozzle is secured underneath the base of the cover, which fits together snuggly in the shelf. If further reinforcement is needed, screws can be utilized or a nozzle sealing sheet 69 may be used to seal the bases within the shelf. Extending from the base of the nozzle is an upper portion 73, which includes a trough 76 that surrounds the outer circumference of the upper portion of the nozzle. This trough includes an outlet 78 to which the bubble solution channel 26 connects and an inlet 80 to which the recirculation channel 29 connects. As shown in FIG. 9, each channel connects to an underside of the inlet and outlet. As shown in FIG. 8, inwardly located from the trough are two semicircle openings 82, 84. Air from the air duct is pushed upward through these two semicircle portions. Although these two open semi-circle portions can be any shape, the semi-circle shape is most beneficial for the 360-degree rotation of the wiper 85, which is centrally located within the nozzle via a central portion 83. The wiper shaft 88 is secured within the central portion and extends into the housing 50. When rotating, the wiper extends to the trough and rotates over the two semicircle openings to create bubbles. For example, in use, a user turns on the bubble device 10, which activates the internal electronic components of the device, such as the motor 85, the air producing device 64 and the pump 60. Solution is pumped from the solution reservoir 20 via the solution channel through the shaft 30 and to the outlet located within the trough of the nozzle. Solution then collects in the trough and then as the wiper rotates 360 around the entire trough, a film is created on the two semi-circle portions. Subsequently, air from the air producing device is pushed upwardly through the air duct and beneath the two semicircle portions. The air pushes the film into a bubble, which bubble is pushed through the discharge orifice 86 in the nozzle cover. Further secured to an outer portion of the nozzle cover is a gasket 94 or searing device that presses against the housing to make the device water resistant. This gasket advantageously prevents any liquid from entering the device.
It was surprisingly discovered that using the converter negated the leakage issues known with prior devices. Accordingly, without risk of damage due to leakage, it was advantageously discovered that the bubble producing device could include more electrical and/or electronic components. Prior to resolving the leakage issues, it was wasteful to include more electrical components than necessary as there was a significant risk of damage, which lead to high repair or replacement costs. Accordingly, more than one bubble engine and the components necessary to produce bubbles from more than one nozzle was not considered as it likely meant damage to double the components. When using the converter, even with double the amount of liquid being pumped through the device and bubbles being emitted from more than one source, leakage does not occur.
FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the bubble producing device, wherein the housing 250 includes a first and second bubble engine (255, 257), which engines contain various components, which aid in the precise amount of bubble production from a first and second bubble discharge orifice (286, 287). The disclosure herein for the embodiment of device 10 which contains one bubble engine 55, should be interpreted as applying to the device which includes two bubble engines.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the converter 200 includes a body 211 that is in the shape of a y split and therefore has three ends. A first and second end of the y split converter advantageously connect to a first and second solution channel (214, 215), which include a smaller diameter tubing than a third solution channel 212, which is submerged within the solution reservoir and connected to a third end of the converter. The use of a Y split converter permits the pumping of the precise amount of solution from the reservoir and through the first and second solution channels so that ample bubbles are produced from the first and second nozzles (272, 273) at a precise rate. Furthermore, the conversion from a larger diameter tubing to the smaller diameter tubing ensures that an overproduction of solution is not an issue, thereby resolving any overflow issues of liquid throughout the device. Moreover, advantageously, any liquid that gathers in the first and second nozzle drains back to the solution reservoir through a first and second recirculation channel (229, 231). This recirculation produces an improved bubble producing device as solution is recirculated from both nozzles, which adds to the longevity of the device without the need to constantly replace the solution.
As shown in FIGS. 17-19, there is a first and a second solution channel (214, 215) through which solution stored within the solution reservoir is pumped throughout the device. Due to the efficiency of this device, only one bubble reservoir is needed to create the desired number of bubbles from each engine. As shown in FIG. 18, the cover 220 of the solution reservoir includes an opening 228 into which a third solution channel 212 is secured. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the third solution channel, which is submerged within the liquid in the reservoir is of a larger diameter than the first and second solution channel (214, 215). Advantageously, in this embodiment, the body portion 211 of the converter 200 is a y split, which splits the larger diameter third solution channel into the first and second solution channels, which are made of tubing with a smaller diameter. The smaller channels are reduced in diameter from the larger channel by at least ten percent, preferably about ten to seventy percent, most preferably about ten to fifty percent. The converter functions to reduce the quantity of the solution and the size of the openings through which the solution passes. The converter reduces the quantity of passing solution by at least ten percent, preferably about ten to seventy percent, most preferably about ten to fifty percent. The larger diameter solution channel connects to a larger diameter tip 206 of the converter and the first and second solution channel connect to smaller diameter tip (208, 209). The channels are snug fit around the specifically sized tips. The converter not only splits this original tubing, but also decreases the tubing size to a smaller diameter tubing. This allows the device to not leak even with two channels. Accordingly, in use, as shown in FIG. 17, the first and second solution channels travel through the device and dispense liquid into the troughs of the first and second nozzles (272, 273). Accordingly, bubbles are produced from two separate sources, and the bubbles are capable of emitting at different distances and speeds. Furthermore, due to the efficiency of each bubble engine and the pump and motor that is used, solution is pumped through two channels at the precise rate to create bubbles from two nozzles. Advantageously in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18-19, the converter is utilized, which ensures that leakage will not occur even with the use of more than one bubble engine and more than one solution channel.
As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the housing 250 includes two bubble engines secured therein (255, 257). The first and second bubble engines are also capable of being stored in separate housings depending on user specification. As shown in FIG. 17, the two bubble engines are secured together via a plate 251. The bubble engines both include an enclosure (252, 253), which are secured to the plate and contain various components. This enclosure prevents shifting of the internal components during use and prevents them from breaking if the device is dropped. Secured within the enclosures are a first and second air producing device (264, 265) which push air through a respective first and second air duct (268, 269) and eventually through the first and second nozzles (272, 273), which are connected to the respective air ducts. The first and second air producing devices are further connected to a first and second motor, which motors independently control the rates of the of the first and second air producing devices. Further secured within the enclosure are a first and second pump (260, 261), which are preferably a peristaltic pump. The first and second solution channels pass through the respective pumps to draw liquid from the solution reservoir to be dispensed into the first and second nozzles. The nozzles each include a trough into which liquid is dispensed. The wipe rotates centrally within this trough to create a film through which air is pushed through the first and second discharge orifices (286, 287) to produce bubbles.
As shown in FIG. 18, as there are two bubble engines (255, 257) there is a first and second recirculation channel (229, 231), which connect to the respective first and second nozzles (272, 273). Liquid that is not produced into bubbles passes through a drain that flows into the recirculation channels. This liquid is then advantageously recirculated and reused by the device. The device is operable for much longer and the excess liquid does not drip into the device causing damage. Further, a converter may be used in the recirculation channels, which does away with the need for three holes in the lid as it is a y split.
In addition, the bubbles engines (255, 257) are capable of being configured in different positions and directions within singular or multiple housings. Further, the bubble engines are capable of being secured within the housing(s) and to the shaft on a swizzle, meaning that a user can rotate the direction in which the bubbles are emitted. Accordingly, one bubble engine may emit horizontal bubbles, and one engine may emit vertical bubbles. Further, the engines are capable of being secured within the housing so the first and second nozzles (286, 287) point in different directions. The number of bubble engines should not be construed as limiting, as they can vary depending on user specification.
Furthermore, the device shown in FIGS. 17-19 includes control circuitry that is programmed to activate bubbles from the first and second nozzles (286, 287), simultaneously or independently of each other. The control circuitry described herein for the embodiment 10 that includes one bubble engine should be construed as applying to the embodiment with more than one bubble engine. For example, the device includes a microcontroller unit that is secured within the housing and is programmed to activate both bubble engines separately or simultaneously. This activation can be achieved via manual activation via a button on the device and/or remote activation via a signal received. Further, these bubble engines are capable of being activated in sequence. For instance, one may operate for five seconds, then the other, then they operate together. Further, these may be activated in synchronization with a sound played through a speaker secured within the device. This is all programed within the control circuitry of the device, such as a PCB or an microcontroller unit. Furthermore, the device may automatically produce bubbles through one or both the nozzles when placed within the proximity of a fixture, such as within a theme park. Furthermore, the device may transmit a similar signal to the fixture to activate a similar effect in the fixture, for instance, bubble production. In addition, the first and second air producing devices (264, 265) may be activated separately from the other elements of the bubble engines. Accordingly, the device may independently or simultaneously be used as a fan with bubble production.
While several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the inventions as disclosed herein.
Patent Application
20250001324
