BUBBLE PRODUCING TOY

Abstract

A bubble producing toy that, through a sliding action between a closed position and open position, permits the immersion of at least one bubble wand within a reservoir of liquid bubble solution, and the removal of at least one wand upon which a film of bubble solution has been deposited. Bubbles can then be created using the bubble producing toy by forcing air through the wand, thus producing bubbles.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in the field of toys, more specifically in the field of bubble making/producing toys.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bubble producing toys have been around for some time. In one of its simplest forms, a user holds a container of liquid bubble solution in one hand and a bubble blowing wand in another. The wand is dipped into the liquid bubble solution, which forms a film over a dispensing ring of the wand. The dispensing ring is a rim or element with a perimeter surrounding an area around the film of a bubble solution. Air is moved through the dispensing ring, by blowing the air or moving the wand around in the air, and bubbles are produced until the bubble solution is exhausted. For example, the air can be blown by motorized fans. More complicated bubble production involves such motorized fans that can continuously or intermittently blow air, and can be combined with pumps that continuously or intermittently pump bubble solution to the dispensing ring upon which the film forms that the air blows through to create an automatic, sometimes constant, stream of bubbles.

Some wands add a three-dimensional width to the dispensing ring or rim consisting of ridges or protrusions or parallel plates that, due to capillary action, absorb and hold bubble solution like a small reservoir. This enables more bubbles to be blown from the wand per dip in the bubble solution.

Manual bubble producing toys generally require two hands, one to hold the bubble solution and one to hold the wand. However, there is known a one-handed, manual bubble producing toy in the shape of a bear which is difficult to use and messy. It differs greatly from the present invention which can be easily used manually, with one hand and without the mess. The present invention can also, unlike the bear, sport a number of different two- and/or three-dimensional figures, characters, scenes, decorations, designs, etc. to delight the user, and viewers of the bubbles and of the toy in operation. Also, the present invention can easily be adapted to be automated, using the motorized fans and pumps discussed above, so everyone can enjoy viewing the toy in operation and the bubbles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a bubble making and producing toy and mechanism. It can be a manually or electronically operated bubble producing toy. Additionally, it can be decorated and/or can emulate a character or scene, e.g., a Person, Place or Thing (as defined in the Definitions section of the Detailed Description of the Invention section), which blows bubbles. In one example, the toy can be two parts of a fictional character's face, an upper part that slides linearly relative to a lower part. When the upper part and lower part are split at the mouth of the character's face, then opening the space between them gives the appearance of a mouth opening. And in this example, when the mouth is open, bubbles can come through it! Besides using the present invention to show characters blowing bubbles, it's also fun to depict trains blowing bubbles, oceans blowing bubbles, water fountains blowing bubbles, etc.

In a first embodiment, the invention is a bubble producing toy comprising:

a lower section comprising a reservoir, which can optionally have a handle or other carrying device, the reservoir being a receptacle for bubble solution, and, optionally, there are one or more seals for the reservoir to help contain the bubble solution in the reservoir;

an upper section comprising an upper mount for a decorative unit and/or at least part of a decorative unit to be mounted upon (a decorative unit being defined in the DEFINITIONS section herein and including herein an item, display, article, object, or a part thereof (which can come together with the lower mount to form a whole), or a person, place and/or thing, specifically a representation of one or more persons and/or places and/or a representation or an actual thing), and at least one dipping wand being attached to the upper mount, the at least one dipping wand also being slidably connected to the reservoir (and being slidably connected to a handle on the reservoir, if such handle is present), whereby sliding the at least one dipping wand in a downwards direction lowers the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir where it can get bubble solution, and

sliding the at least one dipping wand in an upwards direction raises the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir, thereby exposing to air the at least one dipping wand and the bubble solution on the at least one dipping wand so that bubbles can be produced by the action of air passing through the bubble solution on the at least one bubble wand.

In a second embodiment, the invention is the bubble producing toy of the first embodiment, wherein:

the lower section further comprises a lower mount for a decorative unit, and/or at least a portion thereof, to be mounted upon; and

the upper section further comprises at least a decorative unit mounted on the upper mount for the decorative unit, which can include at least an upper portion of a decorative unit (the lower portion of the decorative unit can then be mounted on the lower decorative unit mount),

whereby the sliding of the at least one dipping wand permits linear motion of said upper section relative to said lower section, and linear motion occurs between a substantially closed position between the at least upper portion of the decorative unit and the mount for the decorative unit, and an open position between the at least one decorative unit or at least upper portion of the decorative unit and the lower mount,

the closing position being when the at least one dipping wand is slid in a downwards direction into the reservoir, the closed position being when the at least one dipping wand is in the reservoir and

the opening position being when the at least one dipping wand is slid in an upwards direction out of the reservoir, the open position being when the at least one dipping wand is out of the reservoir.

In a third embodiment, the invention is the bubble producing toy of the second embodiment, wherein:

the lower section further comprises, on the lower mount for the decorative unit, at least a decorative unit and/or a lower portion of the decorative unit mounted on the upper mount,

whereby the sliding of the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir permits the upper section and lower section to slide together to form at least one complete decorative unit in the closed position, and the sliding of the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir permits the upper section and lower section to slide apart creating a space in the open position,

thereby permitting bubbles to be produced through the space created in the open position between the upper portion of the decorative unit and the lower portion of the decorative unit.

In a fourth embodiment, the invention is a bubble producing toy comprising:

a lower section comprising a reservoir, which can optionally have a handle or other carrying device, the reservoir being a receptacle for bubble solution, and, optionally, there are one or more seals for the reservoir to help contain the bubble solution in the reservoir;

the lower section further comprises a lower mount for a decorative unit, and/or at least a portion of a decorative unit, to be mounted upon, the mount can be located on the front of the reservoir;

the lower section further comprises, on the lower mount for the decorative unit, at least a decorative unit and/or a lower portion of the decorative unit which is to be mounted on the upper mount,

an upper section comprising an upper mount for a decorative unit and/or at least part of a decorative unit to be mounted upon, and at least one dipping wand being attached to the upper mount, the at least one dipping wand also being slidably connected to the reservoir (and being slidably connected to a handle on the reservoir, if such handle is present), whereby sliding the at least one dipping wand in a downwards direction lowers the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir where it can get bubble solution, and

sliding the at least one dipping wand in an upwards direction raises the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir, thereby exposing to air the at least one dipping wand and the bubble solution on the at least one dipping wand so that bubbles can be produced by the action of air passing through the bubble solution on the at least one bubble wand;

the upper section further comprises at least a decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the upper mount for the decorative unit, which can include at least an upper portion of a decorative unit (the lower portion of the decorative unit can then be mounted on the lower decorative unit mount),

whereby the sliding of the at least one dipping wand permits linear motion of said upper section relative to said lower section, and linear motion occurs between a substantially closed position between the upper mounted decorative unit and/or the at least upper portion of the decorative unit and the lower mounted decorative unit and/or the at least lower portion of the decorative unit, and an open position between the at least one upper decorative unit or at least upper portion of the decorative unit and the at least one lower decorative unit or at least lower portion of the decorative unit,

the closing position being when the at least one dipping wand is slid in a downwards direction into the reservoir, the closed position being when the at least one dipping wand is in the reservoir and

the opening position being when the at least one dipping wand is slid in an upwards direction out of the reservoir, the open position being when the at least one dipping wand is out of the reservoir.

whereby the sliding of the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir permits the upper section and lower section to slide together to form at least one complete decorative unit in the closed position, and the sliding of the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir permits the upper section and lower section to slide apart creating a space in the open position,

thereby permitting bubbles to be produced through the space created in the open position between the upper portion of the decorative unit and the lower portion of the decorative unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a bubble producing toy of the invention in the closed position;

FIG. 2 depicts the bubble producing toy of FIG. 1 in the open position;

FIG. 3A depicts a mechanism of the bubble producing toy of the invention in the closed or retracted position;

FIG. 3B depicts a mechanism of the bubble producing toy of FIG. 3A in the open position;

FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged version of the mechanism of the bubble producing toy of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged version of the mechanism of the bubble producing toy of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective back view of a mechanism of a bubble producing toy of the invention in the closed or retracted position;

FIG. 6B depicts an exploded perspective side view of some of the components of a mechanism of a bubble producing toy of the invention;

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded perspective front view of some of the components of a mechanism of a bubble producing toy of the invention;

FIG. 8 depicts an exploded perspective top view of some of the components of a mechanism of a bubble producing toy of the invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a back view of a mechanism of a bubble producing toy of the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts an example of a handle of a bubble producing toy of the invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a back view of an example of an upper slider sub assembly for use with a bubble producing toy of the invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a front view of the example of an upper slider sub assembly shown in

FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 depicts a back view of the upper slider assembly of FIG. 11 together with a lower slider sub assembly of a bubble producing toy of the invention;

FIG. 14A depicts commercial packaging for a bubble producing toy of the invention showing one example of a fictional character's face; and

FIG. 14B depicts commercial packaging for a bubble producing toy of the invention showing another example of a fictional character's face.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms used herein shall have their ordinary and usual meanings as well as any meanings further defined as set forth in the following Definitions section. The meaning set forth in the following Definitions section shall take precedence if there is any dispute between the ordinary and usual meaning and that set forth in the Definitions section.

Definitions

Aperture: As used herein, an aperture refers to an opening of any shape; it does not have to be uniformly shaped; it can be squiggly shaped such that opposing ends come together at points making the shape closed as some points and open at other points;

Character: As used herein, a Character refers to a decorative unit that is a two-, or three-dimensional representation of a person, place and/or thing;

Decorative Unit: As used herein, a Decorative Unit refers to at least one two-, or three-dimensional decoration for the bubble producing toy of the invention. More specifically, it is one or more items mounted on or to be mounted on the bubble producing toy of the present invention. These items are generally representations of a person, place or thing, as defined herein, or can be an actual thing, like googly eyes, rubbery tentacles, a toy train, etc. Further, these items can be a Character, Figure, Figurine, Picture and/or Scene, as defined herein. A decorative unit can include any item, display, article, object, or a part thereof (where an upper and lower part can come together to form a whole), or a person, place and/or thing, specifically a representation of one or more persons and/or places and/or a representation or an actual thing. Other examples of decorative units include a three-dimensional figure on top of a two-dimensional character or scene, animals, products, items, food, beverages, structures, geographic areas, plants, trees, living organisms, hero, man, women, child, planet, star, galaxy, transportation or travel means, vehicle, a living, deceased or imaginary character, creature, etc., including a design, mask, or costume element for creating visual puppet-like movement of the design, mask, or costume element as the pieces move together when the wand(s) are hidden in the trough(s) (reservoir) and apart when the wand(s) are exposed and producing bubbles. The possible types of decorative units can be as endless as the imagination. These decorative units can be made of any material, but are preferably water-resistant to withstand contact with the bubble solution. For example, different types of plastic and rubber can be used, polystyrene, nylon, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene, etc.

Figure and/or Figurine: As used herein, a Figure and/or Figurine refers to a decorative unit that is a two-, or three-dimensional representation of a person, place and/or thing;

Person, Place and/or Thing: As used herein, a Person, Place and/or Thing refers generally to something used as a decorative unit and more specifically to at least one traditional “person, place and/or thing”, that is, a noun, and/or a graphic representation of a speech bubble and/or other parts of speech, by way of non-limiting example, a verb (by way of non-limiting example, a tension spring to show jumping), adjective (by way of non-limiting example, a gold star to show intelligence), adverb (by way of non-limiting example, the dust being kicked up by feet displayed in rotating, stop-gap animation to show how fast someone (or something) is running), an interjection (by way of non-limiting example, an exclamation mark to show excitement), etc. Also as used herein, any type of creature, object, thing, theme, scene, picture, place, person, etc. Further, as used herein, such Person, Place and/or Thing can be two-, or three-dimensional or a combination of both two- and three-dimensional.

Picture: As used herein, a Picture refers to a decorative unit that is a two-, or three-dimensional representation of a person, place and/or thing;

Scene: As used herein, a Scene refers to a decorative unit that is a two-, or three-dimensional representation of a person, place and/or thing;

The following is a list of components identified in the figures.

COMPONENTS IN THE FIGURES

• Bubble Producing Toy 1
• Upper Part of Decorative Unit 3
• Lower Part of Decorative Unit 5
• Bubble Wands 6a, 6b
• Bubble Wand Aperture 6c
• Bubble Wand Ridges 6d
• Upper Decorative Unit Mount 7
• Lower Decorative Unit Mount 8
• Reservoir Space 9
• Handle 10
• Groove 10a
• First Detent 10b
• Second Detent 10c
• Reservoir 11
• Left Side/slide Support Holder 11a
• Right Side/slide Support Holder 11b
• Central Support Holder 11c
• Lower Slider Sub-Assembly 12
• Reservoir Lid 14
• Reservoir Seal 16
• Slider 17
• First Set of Slider Notches 17a and 17b
• Second Set of Slider Notches 17c and 17d
• Left Side Support 18a
• Right Side Support 18b
• Central Support 18c
• Upper Decorative Unit-Holder Assembly 19
• Upper Slider Sub-Assembly 20
• Connecting Pegs 21
• Connecting Holes 22
• Image of Decorative Unit A 30
• Image of Decorative Unit B 35
• Image of Decorative Unit C 40
• Ruler 50 (on ruled background)

Components and functions of exemplary devices and methods will now be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description includes specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary bubble producing toys and methods for using the bubble producing toys. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the bubble producing toys and bubble producing toy mechanisms may be constructed implemented. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the novel products and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the teachings herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a front view of the bubble producing toy 1 in the closed position. Note the upper 3 and lower 5 portion of decorative unit come together in the closed position to form the face of a cartoon character. This is an example of one cartoon character image that can be used. An infinite number of different images are possible. This example of the toy also uses a handle 10 and the ruler 50 on the background of the drawing shows one example of how large the toy can be.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of the bubble producing toy of FIG. 1 in the open position.

FIG. 3A depicts a mechanism of the bubble producing toy of the invention in the closed or retracted position. In this position the bubble wands are retracted within a reservoir containing liquid bubble solution. This figure also provides an example of the dimensions of the mechanism.

FIG. 3B depicts a mechanism of the bubble producing toy of FIG. 3A in the open position. In this position, it can be seen that this example has both left and right slides and two bubble wands. This example also uses seals (not shown) to prevent spillage of bubble solution contained within the reservoir. As the top portion is slid from the retracted or closed position to the open position, the bubble wands slide past the seals which help apply bubble solution across the perimeter containing the area forming the hole or dispensing ring of the wand (AKA the aperture, which is defined herein in this Detailed Description Section).

FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged version of the mechanism of the bubble producing toy of FIG. 3A. With the mechanism for the toy 1 in this closed position, visible is the upper decorative item mount 7, which is closed against the lower decorative item mount 8. Also visible are left side support or slider 18a and right side support or slider 18b and handle 10. These slides permit vertical motion to open and close the mechanism. Although the invention can use more slides than the two shown or it can use one slide as shown in other figures.

FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged version of the mechanism of the bubble producing toy of FIG. 3B. With the mechanism for the toy 1 in this open position, visible, in addition to those elements above, are a seal 16 which can be shaped to fit into a beveled edge of the reservoir lid 14 (shown in the exploded figure views) to prevent spillage of the bubble solution in reservoir 11, wands 6a and 6b, with the figure marked to show the aperture or hole 6c of wand 6a, and the figure marked to show the ridges 6d of wand 6b. This example uses two bubble wands, but one wand or more than two can be used. Even a series of apertures could be used to produce bubbles.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective back view of a mechanism of a bubble producing toy of the invention in the closed or retracted position. From this view it is easier to see reservoir 11 and the optional empty spaces 9, which are not used for the reservoir. At least two benefits are gained by keeping these rear reservoir spaces empty, instead of leaving this volume of the reservoir available to be filled with bubble solution. Firstly, it insures that the reservoir will not have much more bubble solution than it can use to make bubbles, not so much unused solution at the bottom of the reservoir. Secondly, the surface created inside the reservoir, by the empty spaces outside the reservoir, actually operates as a bubble solution applicator to apply bubble solution all over the holes and ridges of the wands. Also seen in this figure is right side or slide support holder 11b for holding right side support or slider 18b.

FIG. 6B depicts an exploded view of another example of the bubble producing toy of the invention. Shown in order from right to left is lower slider sub-assembly 12, which has handle 10 and reservoir 11. Then shown is upper slider sub-assembly 20 with reservoir lid 14, reservoir seal 16, slider 17 with left side support, or slider, 18a and right side support, or slider, 18b, and upper decorative item holder assembly 19, including upper decorative item holder 2 and wand(s) 6. The components used to make the mechanism for the bubble producing toy of the invention can be made of any suitable material, but are preferably water-resistant to withstand contact with the bubble solution. For example, different types of plastic can be used, polystyrene, nylon, polypropylene, etc.

Shown in the example of FIG. 6B is the top decorative item mount (upper decorative item-holder assembly 19) upon which the two bubble wands 6 are also attached. This also connects to the slider 17, which is connected to left side support 18a, which also functions as a slider, and right side support 18b, which also functions as a slider, each of which are slidably connected to the lower slider sub-assembly 12. More specifically, the slider 17 is slidably connected to handle 10. An example of this connection is shown in more detail in the example shown in FIG. 7. Also, FIG. 6A shows an example of the manner in which the left side support 18a and right side support 18b can slidably connect to the reservoir 11. Specifically, left side support 18a and right side support 18b can slide within left side support holder 11a and right side support holder 11b, respectfully, which are located on the back of the reservoir on the left and right sides thereof.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, more detail is shown than in FIG. 6B, especially with respect to connecting pegs 21 and connecting holes 22, since these larger figures make it easier to see how these connecting pieces fit together to form a bubble producing toy of the invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a back view of a mechanism of a bubble producing toy of the invention. This figure presents a good view of reservoir spaces 9, some of the benefits of which are discussed above. Additionally shown is more detail on handle 10, such as groove 10a into which fits and slides slider 17. Also shown are a set of notches 17a and 17b on slider 17 to catch in a set of detents shown in the next figure.

FIG. 10 shows a close-up of an example of a handle of a bubble producing toy of the invention. It makes it easier to see the set of detents 10c and 10d, which are there to catch slider 17 at either of its two sets of notches. The set of detents 10c and 10d, catch slider 17 at its set of notches 17a and 17b when the bubble producing toy is in a closed position. Then, when the bubble producing toy is in an open position, the set of detents 10c and 10d, catch slider 17 at its set of notches 17c and 17d.

In one example of the invention, the at least one slider and/or handle controlling, and/or turn on/off and/or move to at least one open and at least one closed position, and having, or having as part thereof, at least one on/off switch or device, and/or positioning device, or at least two positioning areas, to control, lock, unlock, and/or move from, at least one on and at least one off position, or at least one open and at least one closed position. Said stick or handle is removably or permanently attached to said housing/frame. The switch or control device may be electric or battery operated and include the necessary components therefore.

FIGS. 11-13 depict an example using a central support/slide 18c, instead of left side and right side supports 18a and 18b. FIG. 11 depicts a back view of an example of an upper slider sub assembly for use with a bubble producing toy of the invention. In it, slider 17 becomes central support/slide 18c. FIG. 12 is a front view of the upper slider sub assembly shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 depicts a back view of the upper slider assembly of FIG. 11 together with a lower slider sub assembly of a bubble producing toy of the invention. A strip holder 11c is used to hold central support/slide 18c in place. It's not necessary, and neither is 11a or 11b, but it tends to work better.

FIG. 14A depicts commercial packaging for a bubble producing toy of the invention showing one example of a fictional character's face 30 and FIG. 14B depicts another example of a fictional character's face 35. Also shown is what it looks like to have bubbles coming through a character's mouth 40.

When the bubble producing toy is in an open position, the toy can be manually shaken back and forth, or waved back and forth (or any reciprocating motion through the air) to allow air to flow through the bubble solution spread on the apertures of the wands in order to produce bubbles. Alternatively, a user can blow air through the bubble solution spread on the apertures of the wands in order to produce bubbles, or a user can use a mechanically powered blower (not shown) to blow air through the bubble solution spread on the apertures of the wands in order to produce bubbles. Such a mechanically powered blower can be set up behind the toy with the reservoir seated on a surface or the handle held on a surface. There can further be a mechanism for raising and lowering the one or more wands out of and into the reservoir, and, once raised, the blower mechanism can be set to automatically blow air and produce bubbles.

As shown in the figures discussed above, there are embodiments of the invention which have two bubble wands attached to the upper part or section of the device, but according to the invention there can be any number of wands, or an area with holes (apertures) of the same or varying shapes and sizes that function the same as a wand to produce bubbles. Further, although not shown in the figures, the bubble producing toy of the invention can be mechanized. It can be motorized and automated so that everyone can watch the bubbles coming out. The reservoir can have a tube feeding it to an even larger reservoir of bubble solution for endless bubble making fun. Whether manual or automated (e.g., with battery power), the bubble wands on the upper part can be retracted/dipped into a reservoir contained within the lower part where wands, or the area with holes, are immersed in bubble solution. The upper part can then be moved into an open position, giving the appearance of opening a mouth in one graphic embodiment. The lower part has a handle attached, and the entire toy can be shaken back and forth to force air through the wands loaded with soap solution, thus producing bubbles. Alternatively, a user can blow air through the apertures of the wands or the device can be held by a machine which slides open the upper portion and blows air through one or more apertures of the at least one wands and/or waves the toy back and forth to force air through the soap solution spread over the aperture of the at least one wand to create bubbles.

In at least one example, the invention is a hand held bubble producing toy with a handle for the user to hold, a bottom mechanism with a bottom figurine and/or other decorative unit and a top mechanism with a top figurine and/or other decorative unit, and the top and bottom mechanisms or sub-assemblies slide relative to one another. There is an open position, where the top and bottom mechanisms are apart, that exposes at least one bubble wand and there is a closed or retracted position, where the top and bottom mechanisms are substantially together, in which the bubble wands are retracted into a bubble reservoir which holds liquid bubble solution. When the top mechanism is in the open position relative to the bottom mechanism and handle, and separated therefrom, the bubble wand(s) exits the bubble solution and is exposed to the air. The bubble toy can then be shaken back and forth, or a user can blow air at the wand(s), thus forcing air through the bubble wands and producing bubbles.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the top item is the top portion of a cartoon face and there is a bottom portion of a cartoon face, the lower jaw (as the bottom item), and in this figure the mouth is closed. When in the open position as shown in FIG. 2, there are two bubble wands exposed along with a left and right slide and support elements. In this position the mouth is open. There can be many figurines and images used for the upper and lower portions of the toy, and the invention is not limited to a face. The item can be a three-dimensional figure or it can be a planar surface upon which an image is printed. The figurines can be removeable or replaceable. The toy can be sold in a kit with choices of one or more items to decorate its upper and lower mount sections, and/or optionally additional bubble producing solution and/or a tube to make it easier to refill the reservoir with the additional bubble producing solution.

Rather than slides to separate and allow movement between the top and bottom portions of the mechanism, in other embodiments of the invention there can be a series of linkages that essentially perform the same equivalent function as any number of slides. This can be accomplished with at least one four-bar mechanism or a scissor jack like mechanism or any number of linkages that permit separation, stabilization during bubble production, and connection of the two halves.

Further, although the figures show the invention with only an upper and lower portion, it is within the scope of the invention to add additional portions or sections, with or without additional wands, or just apertures for bubbles, and with or without additional decorative items to contribute to the appearance of the Person, Place or Thing, and with or without any known or soon to be discovered sound or light producing devices to increase the amount of play in the bubble producing toy of the invention.

There are different ways the reservoir can be sealed to prevent spillage of bubble solution while permitting the bubble wands to pass through the seal and enter the reservoir to load the bubble wands with liquid bubble solution and create a film across the enclosed areas that is necessary to create bubbles. An example of one type of seal is a type of cap over the opening of the reservoir. An example of one of these types of caps is shown in the figures where it is situated above the wand(s), so that when the wand(s) is lowered into the reservoir, the cap is lowered onto the reservoir. Alternatively, the seal can be one or two or more rubber or squeegee type rubber elements that overlap to create a flexible enclosure (not shown) to contain the liquid bubble solution. Otherwise, the seal can be rubber or brushes or other construction and materials that perform a sealing function.

The bubble producing toy can include one or more detents to lock the mechanism into an open position and/or a closed position.

The reservoir can include a filling hole or area through which the reservoir can be filled or emptied.

The invention can also include a stand to support or secure the bubble producing toy in the upright or predominantly vertical position to prevent spillage of bubble solution from the reservoir. This can also serve as a means to display the toy as if it were a piece of art.

One example of the invention is a bubble producing toy comprising a top section and a bottom section that move relative to one another. The top section comprises a top figurine mount. A top figurine can mount upon the top figurine mount. The top section also has least one slide to permit linear motion. This can be a left slide and a right slide, and there can also be a center slide to stabilize the motion as well. The top section also has at least one bubble wand that can accept and be dipped into liquid bubble solution to load the wand with solution to produce bubbles when air passes through the center area where a film of bubble solution forms. The bottom section comprises a bottom figurine mount. A bottom figurine can mount upon the bottom figurine mount. The bottom section also has a handle with which to hold the bubble producing toy. The bottom section also has at least one slide receptacle that accepts at least one slide to permit linear motion of the top section relative to the bottom section, and linear motion occurs between an open position and a closed position. The bottom section contains a reservoir that when filled contains a liquid bubble solution. The bottom section can also have at least one sealing element or component to contain the bubble solution to minimize spillage and to permit the passage of bubble wands to pass so they can be immersed within the bubble solution. When in the closed position at least one bubble wand can be immersed within the bubble solution contained within the reservoir, and when the top section is moved into the open position at least one bubble wand can be removed from the reservoir, and thus the wands slide past at least one sealing element or component, and are exposed to the outside air. When the bubble producing toy is shaken back and forth by holding by the handle, or air is blown through the wand(s), bubbles are produced through the action of air passing through at least one bubble wand. When no more bubbles can be produced by shaking back and forth, the top portion is moved from the open position to the closed position to reload the wands with bubble solution, then the top portion is moved to the open position and once again air can flow through the aperture of the wand(s) (either by shaking the toy or blowing at it) to produce more bubbles.

The wand(s) used in the invention can have ridges, these increase the surface area of the ring. This allows the ring to ‘hold’ more bubble liquid, which in turn means you can produce more and/or larger bubbles since there is more fluid available.

The bubble producing end or aperture of the wand can be oval, circular, rectangle, square, regular, irregularly, or other shaped, etc. Further, at least one bubble wand can be removably or permanently attached to and set inside a housing/frame for the upper slider assembly.

The bubble producing toy can further comprise at least one detent to lock or secure the top section and bottom section into an open position and/or a closed position.

The figurine can be at least one three-dimensional figurine or a plate or planar surface upon which at least one image can be printed.

The bubble producing toy can further comprise a filling tube or pipe interposed between a bottle or source of liquid bubble solution and the reservoir.

The bubble producing toy can further comprise a stand upon which to mount or display the bubble producing toy.

At least one sealing element or component can be at least one of individually or in any combination one of brushes, one rubber protrusion or wedge, two overlapping rubber protrusions or wedges, or any number of rubber protrusions or wedges.

The figurine or unit mounted on the upper (top) and/or lower (bottom) mount can be removeable, replaceable and interchangeable. A user can mix and match the top of one person, place or thing with that of another so that, for example, a top half of a lion has the bottom half of a mouse.

In addition, there can be at least one sound producing element or device that can be mechanical or electrical.

Further, the entire bubble producing toy can be mechanized or automated such that the handle is held by an apparatus (or, alternatively, there is no handle and the reservoir can stand alone with the slider 17 sliding along the reservoir instead of the handle), and the apparatus can slide the slider 17 to dip the at least one wand into and out of the reservoir of bubble solution and the apparatus can blow air through the aperture(s) of the wand, or wave it around in the air, to produce bubbles. Such an apparatus for blowing air through one or more bubble wand apertures to create bubbles is known, see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,062,935, 6,102,764, 6,139,391 and 6,149,486, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

When the decorative unit (or portion thereof) on the upper section is the upper half of a person, place or thing, and the decorative unit (or portion thereof) on the lower section is the bottom half of a person, place or thing, the sliding of the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir permits the upper section and lower section to slide together to form at least one complete decorative unit in the closed position, and the sliding of the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir permits the upper section and lower section to slide apart creating a space in the open position,

thereby permitting bubbles to be produced through the space created in the open position between the upper portion of the decorative unit and the lower portion of the decorative unit.

A bubble producing toy comprising:

a lower section comprising a reservoir, the reservoir being a receptacle for bubble solution;

an upper section comprising an upper mount for mounting at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit, and at least one dipping wand being attached to the upper mount, the at least one dipping wand also being slidably connected to the reservoir, whereby sliding the at least one dipping wand in a downwards direction lowers the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir where it can get bubble solution, and

sliding the at least one dipping wand in an upwards direction raises the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir, thereby exposing to air the at least one dipping wand and the bubble solution on the at least one dipping wand so that bubbles can be produced by the action of air passing through the bubble solution on the at least one bubble wand.

The bubble producing toy, wherein:

the lower section further comprises a lower mount for mounting at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit; and

the upper section further comprises at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the upper mount,

whereby the sliding of the at least one dipping wand permits linear motion of said upper section relative to said lower section, and linear motion occurs between a substantially closed position between the at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the upper mount, and the lower mount, and an open position between the at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the upper mount, and the lower mount,

the closed position being when the at least one dipping wand is in the reservoir, and

the open position being when the at least one dipping wand is out of the reservoir.

The bubble producing toy, wherein:

the lower section further comprises at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the lower mount,

whereby the sliding of the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir permits the upper section and lower section to slide together to bring together, in the closed position, the at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the lower mount and the upper mount, and the sliding of the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir, in the open position, permits the upper section and lower section to slide apart creating a space between the at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the lower mount and the upper mount,

thereby permitting bubbles to be produced through the space created in the open position between the upper decorative unit and/or portion of a decorative unit and the lower decorative unit and/or portion of a decorative unit.

The bubble producing toy, further comprising at least one detent to secure the upper section and the lower section into the open position and the closed position.

The bubble producing toy, wherein the decorative item is at least one three-dimensional figurine or a plate or planar surface upon which at least one image is printed.

The bubble producing toy, further comprising a filling tube or pipe interposed between a bottle or source of liquid bubble solution and said reservoir.

The bubble producing toy, further comprising a stand upon which to mount or display said bubble producing toy.

The bubble producing toy, further comprising at least one sealing element and said at least one sealing element is at least one of individually or in any combination one of brushes, one rubber protrusion or wedge, split rubber, a shape to fit an opening in the reservoir, a shape to fit an opening in the reservoir with a beveled edge opening to seal it, two overlapping rubber protrusions or wedges, or any number of rubber protrusions or wedges.

The bubble producing toy, wherein said decorative unit is removeable and replaceable.

The bubble producing toy, further comprising at least one sound producing element or module that can be mechanical or electrical.

The bubble producing toy, further comprising a handle attached to the reservoir.

A bubble producing toy kit comprising:

a lower section comprising a reservoir, the reservoir being a receptacle for bubble solution;

the lower section further comprises a lower mount for a decorative unit, and/or at least a portion of a decorative unit, to be mounted upon;

an upper section comprising an upper mount for a decorative unit and/or at least part of a decorative unit to be mounted upon, and at least one dipping wand being attached to the upper mount, the at least one dipping wand also being slidably connected to the reservoir, whereby sliding the at least one dipping wand in a downwards direction lowers the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir where it can get bubble solution, and

sliding the at least one dipping wand in an upwards direction raises the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir, thereby exposing to air the at least one dipping wand and the bubble solution on the at least one dipping wand so that bubbles can be produced by the action of air passing through the bubble solution on the at least one bubble wand;

whereby the sliding of the at least one dipping wand permits linear motion of said upper section relative to said lower section, and linear motion occurs between a substantially closed position between the upper mount and the lower mount, and an open position between the upper mount and the lower mount,

the closed position being when the at least one dipping wand is slid in a downwards direction into the reservoir, the closed position being when the at least one dipping wand is in the reservoir and

the opening position being when the at least one dipping wand is slid in an upwards direction out of the reservoir, the open position being when the at least one dipping wand is out of the reservoir; and

at least one interchangeable decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit for mounting on the upper and/or lower mount.

The kit, further comprising bubble solution and/or concentrated bubble solution.

The kit, further comprising a tube to fill the reservoir with bubble solution and/or concentrated bubble solution.

A bubble producing toy comprising:

a top section comprising:

a top figurine mount;

a top figurine that mounts upon said top figurine mount;

at least one slide to permit linear motion;

at least one bubble wand;

a bottom section comprising:

a bottom figurine mount;

a bottom figurine that mounts upon said bottom figurine mount;

a handle;

at least one slide receptacle that accepts said at least one slide to permit linear motion of said top section relative to said bottom section, and linear motion occurs between an open position and a closed position;

a reservoir that can contain a liquid bubble solution;

at least one sealing element or component to contain the bubble solution within the reservoir to minimize spillage;

and when in said closed position said at least one bubble wand is immersed within said bubble solution contained within said reservoir, and when said top section is moved into said open position said at least one bubble wand is removed from said reservoir, sliding past said at least one sealing element or component, and is exposed to the outside air, and bubbles are produced through the action of air passing through said at least one bubble wand.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the described preferred embodiments. Rather, various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

All of the material in this patent document and the other documents of this patent application are subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in the remainder of the application, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

Claims

1. A bubble producing toy comprising: a lower section comprising a reservoir, the reservoir being a receptacle for bubble solution;an upper section comprising an upper mount for mounting at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit, and at least one dipping wand being attached to the upper mount, the at least one dipping wand also being slidably connected to the reservoir, whereby sliding the at least one dipping wand in a downwards direction lowers the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir where it can get bubble solution, andsliding the at least one dipping wand in an upwards direction raises the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir, thereby exposing to air the at least one dipping wand and the bubble solution on the at least one dipping wand so that bubbles can be produced by the action of air passing through the bubble solution on the at least one bubble wand.

2. The bubble producing toy of claim 1, wherein: the lower section further comprises a lower mount for mounting at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit; andthe upper section further comprises at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the upper mount,whereby the sliding of the at least one dipping wand permits linear motion of said upper section relative to said lower section, and linear motion occurs between a substantially closed position between the at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the upper mount, and the lower mount, and an open position between the at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the upper mount, and the lower mount,the closed position being when the at least one dipping wand is in the reservoir, andthe open position being when the at least one dipping wand is out of the reservoir.

3. The bubble producing toy of claim 2, wherein: the lower section further comprises at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the lower mount,whereby the sliding of the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir permits the upper section and lower section to slide together to bring together, in the closed position, the at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the lower mount and the upper mount, and the sliding of the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir, in the open position, permits the upper section and lower section to slide apart creating a space between the at least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit mounted on the lower mount and the upper mount,thereby permitting bubbles to be produced through the space created in the open position between the upper decorative unit and/or portion of a decorative unit and the lower decorative unit and/or portion of a decorative unit.

4. The bubble producing toy of claim 2, further comprising at least one detent to secure the upper section and the lower section into the open position and the closed position.

5. The bubble producing toy of claim 1, wherein the decorative item is at least one three-dimensional figurine or a plate or planar surface upon which at least one image is printed.

6. The bubble producing toy of claim 1, further comprising a filling tube or pipe interposed between a bottle or source of liquid bubble solution and said reservoir.

7. The bubble producing toy of claim 1, further comprising a stand upon which to mount or display said bubble producing toy.

8. The bubble producing toy of claim 1, further comprising at least one sealing element and said at least one sealing element is at least one of individually or in any combination one of brushes, one rubber protrusion or wedge, split rubber, a shape to fit an opening in the reservoir, a shape to fit an opening in the reservoir with a beveled edge opening to seal it, two overlapping rubber protrusions or wedges, or any number of rubber protrusions or wedges.

9. The bubble producing toy of claim 1, wherein said decorative unit is removeable and replaceable.

10. The bubble producing toy of claim 1, further comprising at least one sound producing element or module that can be mechanical or electrical.

11. The bubble producing toy of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the reservoir.

12. A bubble producing toy kit comprising: a lower section comprising a reservoir, the reservoir being a receptacle for bubble solution;the lower section further comprises a lower mount for a decorative unit, and/or at least a portion of a decorative unit, to be mounted upon;an upper section comprising an upper mount for a decorative unit and/or at least part of a decorative unit to be mounted upon, and at least one dipping wand being attached to the upper mount, the at least one dipping wand also being slidably connected to the reservoir, whereby sliding the at least one dipping wand in a downwards direction lowers the at least one dipping wand into the reservoir where it can get bubble solution, andsliding the at least one dipping wand in an upwards direction raises the at least one dipping wand out of the reservoir, thereby exposing to air the at least one dipping wand and the bubble solution on the at least one dipping wand so that bubbles can be produced by the action of air passing through the bubble solution on the at least one bubble wand;whereby the sliding of the at least one dipping wand permits linear motion of said upper section relative to said lower section, and linear motion occurs between a substantially closed position between the upper mount and the lower mount, and an open position between the upper mount and the lower mount,the closed position being when the at least one dipping wand is slid in a downwards direction into the reservoir, the closed position being when the at least one dipping wand is in the reservoir; andthe opening position being when the at least one dipping wand is slid in an upwards direction out of the reservoir, the open position being when the at least one dipping wand is out of the reservoir; andat least one decorative unit and/or a portion of a decorative unit for mounting on the upper and/or lower mount.

13. The kit of claim 12, further comprising bubble solution and/or concentrated bubble solution.

14. The kit of claim 12, further comprising a tube to fill the reservoir with bubble solution and/or concentrated bubble solution.

15. A bubble producing toy comprising: a top section comprising:a top figurine mount;a top figurine that mounts upon said top figurine mount;at least one slide to permit linear motion;at least one bubble wand;a bottom section comprising:a bottom figurine mount;a bottom figurine that mounts upon said bottom figurine mount;a handle;at least one slide receptacle that accepts said at least one slide to permit linear motion of said top section relative to said bottom section, and linear motion occurs between an open position and a closed position;a reservoir that can contain a liquid bubble solution;at least one sealing element or component to contain the bubble solution within the reservoir to minimize spillage;and when in said closed position said at least one bubble wand is immersed within said bubble solution contained within said reservoir, and when said top section is moved into said open position said at least one bubble wand is removed from said reservoir, sliding past said at least one sealing element or component, and is exposed to the outside air, and bubbles are produced through the action of air passing through said at least one bubble wand.