U.S. patent application number 12/139235 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for soap bubble fountain.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOUNCING BRAIN INNOVATIONS SEASON TWO SUBSIDIARY 4, LLC. Invention is credited to Daniel Lee BIZZELL, Kevin DAHLQUIST, Sheldon LEVINSON, Carole RUFFIN.
Application Number | 20090061725 12/139235 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40405260 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090061725 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEVINSON; Sheldon ; et
al. |
March 5, 2009 |
SOAP BUBBLE FOUNTAIN
Abstract
A soap bubble fountain includes a soap holder that contains a
first portion of a soap and water mixture, a tubular column
extending upward from the soap holder and whose lower end contains
a second portion of the soap and water mixture, a catch basin
disposed at a lower portion of the tubular column, and an air
source arranged to inject air into second portion of the soap and
water mixture, thereby creating soap bubbles. The soap bubbles are
forced through the bubble openings in the upper end of the tubular
column and are subsequently collected in the catch basin.
Inventors: |
LEVINSON; Sheldon; (San
Diego, CA) ; BIZZELL; Daniel Lee; (Davidson, NC)
; DAHLQUIST; Kevin; (Charlotte, NC) ; RUFFIN;
Carole; (Charlotte, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TILLMAN WRIGHT, PLLC
P.O. BOX 473909
CHARLOTTE
NC
28247
US
|
Assignee: |
BOUNCING BRAIN INNOVATIONS SEASON
TWO SUBSIDIARY 4, LLC
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
40405260 |
Appl. No.: |
12/139235 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60968104 |
Aug 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
61031357 |
Feb 26, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 19/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/15 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/28 20060101
A63H033/28 |
Claims
1. A soap bubble fountain, comprising: (a) a soap holder adapted to
contain a soap and water mixture; (b) a tubular column extending
upward from the soap holder, wherein an upper end of the tubular
column is closed by a top cover, and wherein one or more bubble
openings, each penetrating a side wall of the upper end of the
tubular column, are arranged around the periphery; (c) a catch
basin disposed at a lower portion of the tubular column; and (d) an
air source arranged to inject air into the soap and water mixture,
thereby creating soap bubbles; (e) wherein the soap bubbles are
forced through the bubble openings in the upper end of the tubular
column and are subsequently collected in the catch basin.
2. The soap bubble fountain of claim 1, wherein the air source is
an air pump.
3. The soap bubble fountain of claim 2, wherein the air pump is
battery-operated.
4. The soap bubble fountain of claim 2, wherein the air pump is
operated by an electrical motor.
5. The soap bubble fountain of claim 1, further comprising one or
more light sources to provide a lighting effect in the collected
bubbles.
6. The soap bubble fountain of claim 5, wherein each light source
includes a light emitting diode (LED).
7. The soap bubble fountain of claim 6, wherein the LEDs are
configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubble
fountain.
8. The soap bubble fountain of claim 6, wherein the LEDs are
arranged generally beneath the tubular column.
9. The soap bubble fountain of claim 1, wherein the bubble fountain
is configured to have the shape of a bottle.
10. The soap bubble fountain of claim 1, wherein the bubble
fountain is configured to have the shape of a dragon.
11. A soap bubble fountain, comprising: (a) a soap holder adapted
to contain a first portion of a soap and water mixture; (b) a
tubular column extending upward from the soap holder, wherein a
lower end of the tubular column is adapted to contain a second
portion of the soap and water mixture, and wherein the lower end of
the tubular column is in fluid communication with, but partitioned
from, a bottom of the soap holder; (c) a catch basin disposed at a
lower portion of the tubular column; and (d) an air source arranged
to inject air into the second portion of the soap and water
mixture, contained in the lower end of the tubular column, thereby
creating soap bubbles; (e) wherein the soap bubbles are forced out
of an upper end of the tubular column and are subsequently
collected in the catch basin.
12. The soap bubble fountain of claim 11, wherein the air source is
an air pump.
13. The soap bubble fountain of claim 12, wherein the air pump is
battery-operated.
14. The soap bubble fountain of claim 12, wherein the air pump is
operated by an electrical motor.
15. The soap bubble fountain of claim 11, further comprising one or
more light sources to provide a lighting effect in the collected
bubbles.
16. The soap bubble fountain of claim 15, wherein each light source
includes a light emitting diode (LED).
17. The soap bubble fountain of claim 16, wherein the LEDs are
configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubble
fountain.
18. The soap bubble fountain of claim 16, wherein the LEDs are
arranged generally beneath the tubular column.
19. The soap bubble fountain of claim 11, wherein the bubble
fountain is configured to have the shape of a bottle.
20. The soap bubble fountain of claim 11, wherein the bubble
fountain is configured to have the shape of a dragon.
21. A soap bubble fountain, comprising: (a) a soap holder adapted
to contain a soap and water mixture; (b) a tubular column having a
non-uniform width along the length thereof extending upward from
the soap holder, wherein an upper end of the tubular column is open
to provide a bubble opening; (c) a catch basin disposed at a lower
portion of the tubular column; and (d) an air source arranged to
inject air into the soap and water mixture, thereby creating soap
bubbles; (e) wherein the soap bubbles are forced through the bubble
opening in the upper end of the tubular column and are subsequently
collected in the catch basin.
22. The soap bubble fountain of claim 21, further comprising one or
more light sources to provide a lighting effect in the collected
bubbles.
23. The soap bubble fountain of claim 21, wherein the tubular
column is flared at the upper end thereof.
24. The soap bubble fountain of claim 21, wherein the tubular
column has a bulbous portion at the upper end thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent
application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/968,104, filed
Aug. 27, 2007, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
61/031,357, filed Feb. 26, 2008, the entirety of each of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0002] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and of other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights
whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Present Invention
[0004] The present invention generally relates to the use of soap
bubbles for entertainment and aesthetic purposes, and, in
particular, to recirculating soap bubble fountains that generate
bubble sculptures that change or which may be sculpted by a
user.
[0005] 2. Background
[0006] Soap bubbles have fascinated people of all ages for
centuries. Children have long been entertained by "blowing bubbles"
or by the bubbles found in many soap and water mixtures. Scientists
of studied the properties of soap bubbles, analyzing how surface
tension creates near-perfect spherical objects with many
interesting properties. More recently, nightclubs have drawn
patrons by blowing soapy foam within or without their
establishments.
[0007] Over time, different devices have been created to enhance
the soap bubble experience through the controlled creation and
retention of individual soap bubbles or of soap bubble sculptures.
Examples of the latter may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 548,477 to
Tacy ("Tacy") and U.S. Pat. No. 710,814 to Steinhauser
("Steinhauser"), each of which discloses a soap bubble fountain. In
Tacy, the fountain utilizes a central upright tube at the upper end
of which is disposed a bowl containing a soap solution and at the
bottom end of which is arranged a catch-basin. Air is forced upward
through the tube to the bottom of the bowl and into the soap
solution therein, creating bubbles that fill the bowl and overflow,
eventually cascading downward to the catch-basin. Unfortunately,
the placement of the soap solution bowl at the top of the tube is
quite inconvenient and somewhat unsightly.
[0008] In Steinhauser, the bowl containing the soap solution has
been removed to the bottom of a vertically-disposed tube. As with
Tacy, air is forced into the bottom of this bowl, creating bubbles.
The bubbles are forced upward through the tube until they overflow
the open top end, again cascading downward to a shallow pan. The
resulting bubble sculpture was believed to be useful, at least, as
an advertising device.
[0009] Although presumably useful to some degree, the Steinhauser
device still suffered from at least several shortcomings. First,
the bubbles created by the device were forced directly out the top
of the vertically-disposed tube. In such an arrangement, the
bubbles forced up through the tube tend to stack up on top of the
tube, eventually making it difficult for more bubbles to escape the
top of the tube because of the weight and arrangement of the
bubbles. It is also difficult to control uniform distribution of
the bubbles around the tube.
[0010] Further inefficiency in the creation of the bubbles results
from the injection of air directly into the bottom of the bowl at
the bottom of the tube. To escape up the tube, bubbles must first
escape the bowl itself, and are frequently and undesirably burst by
the frothy or uniform liquid already in the bowl or by drops of
liquid falling back into the bowl from the collection pan. These
effects make it more difficult to get bubbles up the tube.
[0011] Additionally, the vertically-oriented tube set forth in
Steinhauser has a narrow opening at the top for emitting bubbles
from the tube. As mentioned above, the vertical orientation of the
tube forces bubbles to stack up on top of the tube, thereby
impeding the even distribution of bubbles from the fountain. This
difficulty is compounded by the fact that the tube has a narrow
opening at the top of tube, which limits the direction of the
bubbles to a single path directly above the tube. As a result,
bubbles emitted from the tube are even less likely to be dispersed
evenly around the pan.
[0012] Still further, Steinhauser fails to disclose any creative
interaction with the bubble sculptures creating by the device. The
Steinhauser device appears to be intended for use solely as an
advertising device that is to be viewed, rather than interacted or
"played" with.
[0013] In view of the foregoing, it is believed that greater
entertainment and aesthetic value could be achieved in a soap
bubble fountain than is achieved by prior art devices.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0014] The present invention includes many aspects and features.
Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect is a
soap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain a
soap and water mixture; a tubular column extending upward from the
soap holder, wherein an upper end of the tubular column is closed
by a top cover, and wherein one or more bubble openings, each
penetrating a side wall of the upper end of the tubular column, are
arranged around the periphery; a catch basin disposed at a lower
portion of the tubular column; and an air source arranged to inject
air into the soap and water mixture, thereby creating soap bubbles;
wherein the soap bubbles are forced through the bubble openings in
the upper end of the tubular column and are subsequently collected
in the catch basin.
[0015] In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump.
In further features, the air pump is battery-operated; and the air
pump is operated by an electrical motor.
[0016] In another feature of this aspect, the soap bubble fountain
further includes one or more light sources to provide a lighting
effect in the collected bubbles. In further features, each light
source includes a light emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are
configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubble fountain;
and the LEDs are arranged generally beneath the tubular column.
[0017] In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is
configured to have the shape of a bottle.
[0018] In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is
configured to have the shape of a dragon.
[0019] Broadly defined, the present invention according to another
aspect is a soap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted
to contain a first portion of a soap and water mixture; a tubular
column extending upward from the soap holder, wherein a lower end
of the tubular column is adapted to contain a second portion of the
soap and water mixture, and wherein the lower end of the tubular
column is in fluid communication with, but partitioned from, a
bottom of the soap holder; a catch basin disposed at a lower
portion of the tubular column; and an air source arranged to inject
air into the second portion of the soap and water mixture,
contained in the lower end of the tubular column, thereby creating
soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are forced out of an upper
end of the tubular column and are subsequently collected in the
catch basin.
[0020] In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump.
In further features, the air pump is battery-operated; and the air
pump is operated by an electrical motor.
[0021] In another feature of this aspect, the soap bubble fountain
further includes one or more light sources to provide a lighting
effect in the collected bubbles. In further features, each light
source includes a light emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are
configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubble fountain;
and the LEDs are arranged generally beneath the tubular column.
[0022] In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is
configured to have the shape of a bottle.
[0023] In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is
configured to have the shape of a dragon.
[0024] Broadly defined, the present invention according to another
aspect is a soap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted
to contain a soap and water mixture; a tubular column having a
non-uniform width along the length thereof extending upward from
the soap holder, wherein an upper end of the tubular column is open
to provide a bubble opening; a catch basin disposed at a lower
portion of the tubular column; and an air source arranged to inject
air into the soap and water mixture, thereby creating soap bubbles;
wherein the soap bubbles are forced through the bubble opening in
the upper end of the tubular column and are subsequently collected
in the catch basin.
[0025] In a feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain further
includes one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in
the collected bubbles.
[0026] In another feature of this aspect, the tubular column is
flared at the upper end thereof.
[0027] In another feature of this aspect, the tubular column has a
bulbous portion at the upper end thereof.
[0028] Broadly defined, the present invention according to another
aspect is a soap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted
to contain a soap and water mixture; a plurality of tubular columns
extending upward from the soap holder, wherein an upper end of each
of the tubular columns is open to provide a bubble opening
corresponding to each tubular column; a catch basin disposed at a
lower portion of the tubular columns; and an air source arranged to
inject air into the soap and water mixture, thereby creating soap
bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are distributed among and forced
through the bubble openings corresponding to the plurality of
tubular columns and are subsequently collected in the catch
basin.
[0029] In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump.
In further features, the air pump is battery-operated; the air pump
is operated by an electrical motor; and the air pump is a
double-diaphragm pump.
[0030] In another feature of this aspect, the soap bubble fountain
further includes one or more light sources to provide a lighting
effect in the collected bubbles. In further features, each light
source includes a light emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are
configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubble fountain;
and the LEDs are arranged generally beneath the plurality of
tubular columns.
[0031] In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the
tubular columns is flared at the upper end thereof.
[0032] In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the
tubular columns has a non-vertical orientation. In a further
feature, each of the plurality of tubular columns has a different
tilt angle.
[0033] In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the
tubular columns has a non-uniform width.
[0034] In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the
tubular columns has a bulbous portion at the upper end thereof.
[0035] In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is
configured to have the shape of a bottle.
[0036] In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is
configured to have the shape of a dragon.
[0037] Broadly defined, the present invention according to another
aspect is a soap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted
to contain a soap and water mixture; at least one tubular column
extending upward from the soap holder, wherein at least one bubble
opening is arranged at an upper end of the at least one tubular
column; a catch basin disposed at a lower portion of the at least
one tubular column; a plurality of tubes, each emptying directly
into an interior of at least one tubular column at the bottom
thereof, and an air source arranged to inject air into the soap and
water mixture by distributing the air through the plurality of
tubes and into the interior of the at least one tubular column,
thereby creating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are forced
through the at least one bubble opening and are subsequently
collected in the catch basin.
[0038] In a feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column
is a plurality of tubular columns, and each tube empties directly
into an interior of a respective tubular column. In further
features, the air source is an air pump; the air pump is a
double-diaphragm pump; the double-diaphragm pump has two pump
assemblies, and each side is connected to a respective one of the
plurality of tubes; each side of the pump assemblies is connected
to its respective tube via an inlet having an inlet port and two
outlet ports; each tube is an inverted J-tube; and the plurality of
tubular columns includes four tubular columns, and each pump
assembly is fluidly connected to two of the four tubular
columns.
[0039] In another feature of this aspect, each tube is an inverted
J-tube.
[0040] Broadly defined, the present invention according to another
aspect is a method of interacting with a soap bubble fountain,
having at least one tubular column extending above a catch basin
and provided with a sculpting tool, including the steps of:
generating soap bubbles with the soap bubble fountain; actuating an
air source to force the bubbles from an upper end of the at least
one tubular column; repeating the previous two steps at least until
a bubble sculpture is formed between the upper end of the at least
one tubular column and the catch basin; and sculpting the bubble
sculpture using the sculpting tool.
[0041] In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump.
In further features, the air pump is battery-operated; the air pump
is operated by an electrical motor; and the air pump is a
double-diaphragm pump.
[0042] In another feature of this aspect, the method further
includes actuating one or more light sources to provide a lighting
effect in the collected bubbles. In further features, each light
source includes a light emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are
configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubble fountain;
and the LEDs are arranged generally beneath the tubular column.
[0043] In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular
column is flared at the upper end thereof.
[0044] In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular
column has a non-vertical orientation.
[0045] In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular
column has a non-uniform width.
[0046] In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular
column has a bulbous portion at the upper end thereof.
[0047] In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is
configured to have the shape of a bottle.
[0048] In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is
configured to have the shape of a dragon.
[0049] Broadly defined, the present invention according to another
aspect is a method of interacting with a soap bubble fountain,
having a plurality of tubular columns extending above a catch basin
in a non-vertical orientation and provided with a sculpting tool,
including the steps of: generating soap bubbles with the soap
bubble fountain; actuating an air source to force the bubbles from
an upper end of the at least one tubular column; repeating the
previous two steps at least until a bubble sculpture is formed
between the upper end of the at least one tubular column and the
catch basin; sculpting the bubble sculpture using the sculpting
tool; and actuating one or more light sources to provide a lighting
effect in the bubble sculpture.
[0050] In a feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular
columns is flared at the upper end thereof.
[0051] In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the
tubular columns has a bulbous portion at the upper end thereof.
[0052] In another feature of this aspect, each of the plurality of
tubular columns has a different tilt angle.
[0053] In another feature of this aspect, soap bubbles are
distributed among the plurality of tubular columns.
[0054] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of
the present invention, it should be noted that the present
invention further encompasses the various possible combinations of
such aspects and features, as well as aspects and features
otherwise disclosed herein.
[0055] 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 embodiments 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
[0056] Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description with reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0057] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0058] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the bubble
fountain of FIG. 1;
[0059] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of an upper
portion of the bubble fountain of FIG. 1;
[0060] FIGS. 4A-4D are front perspective views of the bubble
fountain of FIG. 1, shown in various stages of operation;
[0061] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of a lower
portion of the bubble fountain of FIG. 1;
[0062] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0063] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0064] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0065] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0066] FIGS. 10A and 10B are front perspective views of a bubble
fountain in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0067] FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the bubble fountain
of FIGS. 10A and 10B;
[0068] FIG. 12 is a left side elevational view of the bubble
fountain of FIGS. 10A and 10B;
[0069] FIG. 13 is a right side elevational view of the bubble
fountain of FIGS. 10A and 10B;
[0070] FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the bubble fountain of
FIGS. 10A and 10B;
[0071] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the bubble fountain of FIGS.
10A and 10B;
[0072] FIG. 16A is a bottom plan view of the bubble fountain of
FIGS. 10A and 10B;
[0073] FIG. 16B is a sectional bottom plan view of the bubble
fountain of FIGS. 10A and 10B, shown with the base cover
removed;
[0074] FIGS. 17A and 17B are partial cross-sectional front views of
the bubble fountain of FIG. 13, taken along line 17-17;
[0075] FIGS. 18A and 18B are partial cross-sectional side views of
the bubble fountain of FIG. 12, taken along line 18-18;
[0076] FIGS. 19A and 19B are partial cross-sectional side views of
the bubble fountain of FIG. 12, taken along line 19-19;
[0077] FIGS. 20A and 20B are cross-sectional top view of the bubble
fountain of FIG. 13, taken along line 20-20;
[0078] FIGS. 21A and 21B are cross-sectional top views of the
bubble fountain of FIG. 13, taken along line 21-21;
[0079] FIGS. 22A and 22B are bottom orthogonal views of the catch
basin and base of the bubble fountain of FIGS. 10A and 10B;
[0080] FIGS. 23 and 24 are front perspective views of a bubble
fountain in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0081] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of bubble fountain in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0082] FIGS. 26-27 are front perspective views of a bubble fountain
in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0083] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application.
Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may
be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover,
many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications,
and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the
embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0084] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0085] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0086] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0087] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0088] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0089] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals
represent like components throughout the several views, the
preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described.
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.
[0090] FIGS. 1 and 2 are a front perspective view and an exploded
front perspective view, respectively, of a bubble fountain 10 in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As
shown therein, the bubble fountain 10 includes a base 12, a soap
holder 14, a pump 16, a tubular column 18 and a catch basin 20. The
tubular column 18 is seated in the bottom of the soap holder 14,
which is in turn disposed within, or optionally forms a part of,
the base 12, and extends upward through a center opening 21 in the
catch basin 20.
[0091] The pump 16 is preferably also disposed within the base 12
and has a fluid outlet that is connected to the interior of the
soap holder 14 via a flexible tube 26 or the like, thereby
permitting air to be pumped into the soap holder 14. The pump 16
and soap holder 14 may be supported within the base 12 by a base
cover 28 that is preferably removable in order to provide access to
the pump 16 or other components disposed therein. In at least some
embodiments, the pump 16 uses an electrical motor that may be
plugged into a standard wall outlet, but other embodiments may
utilize battery- or hand-operated pumps.
[0092] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of an upper
portion of the bubble fountain 10 of FIG. 1. As shown therein, the
upper end of the tubular column 18 is closed by a top cover 22 and
includes a plurality of bubble openings 24 arranged around its
periphery. The openings 24, which may be of any desired size, shape
and arrangement, each penetrate the side walls of upper end of the
column 18 and are provided to allow bubbles to escape therethrough
as described hereinbelow.
[0093] In use, the soap holder 14 is partially filled with a soap
and water mixture that is formulated to produce soap bubbles when
air is pumped into the holder 14. A number of conventional
formulations, typically including some mixture of water and
glycerin, are available for this purpose.
[0094] With the soap and water mixture in place, the pump 16 is
activated, thereby causing the mixture to be infused with air,
creating soap bubbles. With space limited between the top of the
soap holder 14 and the walls of the tubular column 18, the soap
bubbles are forced up into the column 18.
[0095] FIGS. 4A-4D are front perspective views of the bubble
fountain 10 of FIG. 1, shown in various stages of operation. As
more and more bubbles are created, they finally reach the top of
the column 18. The top cover 22 forces the bubbles to begin
escaping the column 18 via the bubble openings 24 around the
periphery thereof, as shown in FIG. 4A. Because bubbles escape
through the sides of the column 18, rather than an open end at the
top, the bubbles are less likely to stack up on themselves wherein
their own weight could cause them to pop or to compress into a
soapy foam rather than a more aesthetically-pleasing collection of
larger bubbles. Further, the closed end (top cover 22) improves the
distribution of bubbles around the top of the column 18 by forcing
bubbles out on all sides of the column 18. Alternatively, the
bubbles could be forced to one side or another through the use of a
more limited set of openings 24, i.e., through the use of openings
limited in distribution to a portion of the periphery of the column
18, rather than distributed around the entire periphery. Such a
bubble distribution would be more difficult to achieve with an open
ended-column.
[0096] As still more bubbles are created and are forced through the
openings 24, the bubbles begin to take on the form of a bubble
sculpture 40, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. More particularly, the
bubbles slowly inch down the outside of the column 18, as shown in
FIG. 4B, until they reach the catch basin 20, as shown in FIG. 4C.
Continued formation of the bubble sculpture 40 thereafter may
depend on the consistency of the selected soap and water mixture as
well as on environmental conditions during operation of the
fountain 10. Some number of bubbles in the sculpture 40,
particularly at the bottom thereof, will pop under the weight of
the bubbles above and as environmental factors affect the surface
tension thereof, and the liquid released thereby will be collected
in the catch basin 20 and will flow toward the center, where it
passes through to the soap holder 14 beneath. The remaining bubble
sculpture 40, however, may bulge at the bottom, the middle, or the
top, creating an ongoing and ever-changing variety of visually
pleasing shapes and forms. These shapes may be further varied
manually, by blowing, touching or otherwise manipulating portions
of the sculpture 40, such as is shown in FIG. 4D. Although not
shown, various tools, such as wands and scrapers having various
contours, may be provided for this purpose.
[0097] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of a lower
portion of the bubble fountain 10 of FIG. 1, illustrating the
circulation of the soap and water mixture through the fountain 10.
As shown therein, bubbles from the bubble sculpture 40 pop and the
liquid created thereby collects in the catch basin 20. The liquid
flows to the center of the catch basin 20 and drains through one or
more openings 42 into the soap holder 14 below. The openings 42 may
comprise spaces between the edges of the center opening 21 in the
catch basin 20 and the outer surfaces of the column 18, or they may
be dedicated perforations or other openings (not shown) that are
spaced apart a small distance from the center opening 21 and the
column 18 extending therethrough. In the soap holder 14, the
collected bubble liquid mixes with the soap and water already
there. The combined mixture enters the bottom of the tubular column
18, where air from the pump 16 once again causes the creation of
bubbles as described previously. The flow of liquid into the column
18 may be accomplished via openings (not shown) in the column 18,
or through a gap 30 at the bottom of the column 18 as shown in FIG.
5.
[0098] A useful aspect of the illustrated bubble creation process
is its improved efficiency in producing bubbles. More particularly,
creating bubbles directly in the tubular column 18 through the
injection of air into the soap and water mixture therein is
believed to be more efficient than creating the bubbles first in
the soap holder 14 and then forcing them into the column 18. One
reason for this is that the bubbles created in the tubular column
18 are protected by the walls of the column 18 from being burst
prematurely by liquid dripping back into the soap holder 14, and
thus relatively larger bubbles, rather than a mix of smaller
bubbles perhaps better characterized as foam or froth, may be
created. Further, a good supply of liquid, rather than the
aforementioned foam or forth, may be generated in the soap holder
14 and maintained in the bottom of the soap holder 14 and column 18
by the natural flow of liquid from burst soap bubbles into the soap
holder 14 and the natural settling effect of that liquid.
[0099] Further interest may be created by providing one or more
light sources (not shown) to provide various lighting effects in
the bubble sculpture 40. Such light sources may be arranged to
appear to emanate from within the bubble sculpture 40 or may be
arranged behind the bubble sculpture 40 as the sculpture is seen by
a viewer. Any conventional light source of any color may be used,
though in at least some embodiments it may be necessary to protect
the light source from the soap bubbles themselves.
[0100] The bubble fountain 10 may be configured to have any of a
variety of different shapes and sizes. In one contemplated
embodiment, the bubble fountain 10 may be configured to have the
general shape of a champagne or wine bottle, whereby bubbles may be
emitted, for example, from the mouth of the bottle. In another
contemplated embodiment, the bubble fountain 10 may be configured
to have the general shape of a creature such as a dragon, whereby
bubbles may be emitted from the mouth or nostrils of the dragon. It
can therefore be appreciated by the Ordinary Artisan that the
bubble fountain 10 of the present invention may be implemented
across a wide variety of different shapes and sizes without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0101] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain 110
in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain 110 has a tubular
column 118 that is flared at the upper end thereof. Additionally,
the upper end of the tubular column 118 is open to provide a bubble
opening 146 at the top of the bubble fountain 110. Bubbles created
by the bubble fountain 110 eventually reach the top of the tubular
column 118 and escape via the bubble opening 146. The flared shape
of the bubble opening 146 provides a broad range of direction to
the bubbles as they are emitted from the tubular column 118,
thereby permitting the bubbles to be distributed more evenly to the
periphery of the bubble fountain 110. In this regard, the flared
shape of the bubble opening 146 helps circumvent the concerns
associated with known bubble fountains with a narrow opening. In
particular, the flared shape of the bubble opening 146 helps to
avoid the problem of bubbles stacking on top of a narrow opening in
the tubular column.
[0102] As further shown in FIG. 6, a base 112 of the bubble
fountain 110 may be configured to have a catch basin 120 to collect
bubbles emitted from the tubular column 118. The catch basin 120
may be formed integrally with the base 112, as shown in FIG. 6, or
the catch basin 120 and the base 112 may be formed as separate
components.
[0103] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain 210
in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain 210 may be
configured to have one or more lights 244 to provide the bubble
fountain 210 with various lighting effects in a bubble sculpture
created by the bubble fountain 210. The lights 244 may be
configured in any manner that might be preferred and may be powered
by batteries or an electrical source (not shown). As shown in FIG.
7, the lights 244 are configured to emanate from the base 212 of
the bubble fountain 210. Additionally, the lights 244 may be
arranged in any manner that might be preferred. As shown in FIG. 7,
the lights 244 are arranged to be relatively evenly spaced along
the upper portion of the base 212 to direct lighting effects upward
toward a bubble sculpture. Any type of light source may be utilized
in connection with the lights 244. In at least one embodiment, the
light source corresponding to each light 244 is a light emitting
diode (LED).
[0104] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain 310
in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain 310 may be
configured to have an offset appearance. In particular, a catch
basin 320 may be slightly tilted so as to appear offset with
respect to a base 312 and a tubular column 318. The tilted
configuration of the catch basin 320 may also provide a different
appearance in a bubble sculpture created by the bubble fountain
310. As further shown in FIG. 8, the bubble opening 346 of the
tubular column 318 may be angled rather than straight. In this
regard, bubbles escaping via the bubble opening 346 may have a
natural tendency to collect at one side of the catch basin 320. The
angle of the bubble opening 346 may be varied across a range of
possible angles in order to adjust the likelihood of bubbles
collecting at one side of the catch basin 320. The angled bubble
opening 346 thereby facilitates the creation of a bubble sculpture
having a different appearance. The tilted catch basin 320 may be
oriented with its higher side generally beneath the angled lower
edge of the bubble opening 346, thereby more effectively collecting
the larger amount of bubbles that may accumulate on that side.
[0105] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain 410
in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain 410 may be
composed of a generally transparent material.
[0106] FIGS. 10A-22B set forth a bubble fountain 510 in accordance
with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As
shown therein, the bubble fountain 510 includes a base 512, a soap
holder 514, a pump 516, a plurality of tubular columns 518 and a
catch basin 520. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 10A-15, the bubble
fountain 510 may be configured to have a plurality of tubular
columns 518 extending upward and configured to emit bubbles created
by the bubble fountain 510. The tubular columns 518 are each seated
in a socket 519 (perhaps best shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B) in the
bottom of the base 512.
[0107] The upper end of each tubular column 518 includes a bubble
opening 546 at the top of the bubble fountain 510. In this regard,
bubbles created by the bubble fountain 510 eventually reach the top
of the tubular columns 518 and escape via the bubble openings 546.
Additionally, each of the tubular columns 518 may be arranged in a
non-vertical or non-linear orientation so as to permit the bubbles
emitting therefrom to be projected in a desired direction. In this
regard, non-vertical orientation of the tubular columns 518 may
provide enhanced distribution of bubbles to the periphery of the
bubble fountain 510. As shown in FIGS. 10A-15, each of the tubular
columns 518 is oriented in a direction such that the bubble
openings 546 emit bubbles away from the center of the bubble
fountain 510. Arrangement of the tubular columns 518 in this
non-vertical orientation may facilitate a relatively even
distribution of bubbles.
[0108] As further shown in FIGS. 10A-15, each of the tubular
columns 518 may be configured to have a bulbous portion 550 at the
upper end thereof adjacent the bubble opening 546. Bubbles may
collect in the bulbous portion 550 of the tubular columns 518 prior
to escaping from the bubble fountain 510. In particular, the bubble
opening 546 may be smaller than the cross-section of the bulbous
portion 550 of each tubular column 518. As bubbles are collected in
the bulbous portion 550 and, subsequently, are forced through the
smaller bubble opening 546, bubbles are emitted from the tubular
columns 518 with greater force. With greater force, the bubbles
emitted from the tubular columns 518 may be projected a slightly
greater distance from the tubular columns 518, thereby enhancing
the distribution of the bubbles.
[0109] As still further shown in FIGS. 10A-15, a catch basin 520
may be slightly offset with respect to a base 512 and the tubular
columns 518. The tilted configuration of the catch basin 520 may
also provide a different appearance in a bubble sculpture (not
shown) created by the bubble fountain 510. The catch basin 520 may
be formed integrally with the base 512, or the catch basin 520 and
the base 512 may be formed as separate components. The bottom of
the base 512 may be covered by a base cover 528, shown for example
in FIG. 16A, that is preferably removable in order to provide
access to the pump 516 or other components disposed therein.
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 16B-21B, the pump 516 is preferably a
double-diaphragm pump that is disposed within the base 512 and is
protected from the interior of the catch basin 520 by a seal panel
558. In this regard, each portion of the double-diaphragm pump 516
may function independently of the other. Moreover, each portion of
the double-diaphragm pump 516 may be configured to correspond with
different tubular columns 518 of the bubble fountain 510.
[0111] The pump 516 includes a field coil 564 that uses AC power to
charges and discharge, thereby causing magnets 562, each mounted at
the end of a flexible arm 560, to vibrate back and forth. The
vibration is translated from the magnets 562 through the flexible
arms 560 to a pair of diaphragms 566, attached to the arms 560 via
a fitting. Each diaphragm 560 thus vibrates, causing air to be
pumped from a respective chamber 567 through a section of flexible
tubing (not shown) to an inlet 559 attached to or molded in the
bottom of the seal panel 558. In particular, in at least one
embodiment, the seal panel 558 may be molded from ABS plastic and
the inlet 559 may be attached to the seal panel 558 by ABS bonding.
Each inlet includes one inlet port and two outlet ports, with each
outlet port extending upward into the bottom of a respective socket
519 and thus into the bottom of a respective tubular column 518.
Each outlet port is connected to its inlet port by a channel.
Because there are two inlets, there are thus a total of four outlet
ports, one in the bottom of each tubular column.
[0112] In at least some embodiments, the pump 516 uses an
electrical motor that may be plugged into a standard wall outlet,
but other embodiments may utilize battery- or hand-operated
pumps.
[0113] The inlet 559 is in fluid connection with an inverted
J-shaped tube 568 that empties into the bottom of the soap holder
514 from the short arm 570 thereof, perhaps best seen in FIGS. 19A
and 19B. The bent portion 572 of the J-shaped tube 568 is
configured to remain above the surface of the liquid. In this
regard, the J-shaped tube 568 acts as a stop to prevent liquid from
re-entering the pump 516.
[0114] The soap holder 514 is a chamber formed by interior surfaces
of the upper portion of the base 512 (perhaps best seen in FIGS.
22A and 22B) and the top surface of the seal panel 558. A pair of
notches 523 near the bottom of each of the sockets 519 allows fluid
in the soap holder 514 to flow into the bottom of each socket 519
and thus the bottom of each tubular column 518. Each tubular column
518 rests on a ledge, seen in FIGS. 22A and 22B, around the
periphery of each socket 519, thus separating the bottom of each
tubular column 518 from the top surface of the seal panel 558. The
soap-and-water mixture flows from the interior of the catch basin
520 into the soap holder 514 through a slot 542 in the edge
thereof. It will be appreciated that additional slots or other
openings (not illustrated) may likewise or alternatively be
provided for this purpose.
[0115] In at least some embodiments, one or more lights 536 such as
light emitting diodes (LEDs) or the like may be provided. In a
preferred arrangement, one LED 536 is located in the bottom of each
socket 519 so as to light each tubular column 518 from the inside.
If desired, the LEDs 536 may be of a type whose color varies
periodically, thus providing an enhanced lighting effect.
[0116] One opening 580 in the side of the base 512 may be provided
for a control switch (not shown). Another opening 582 in the bottom
rim of the base 512 may be provided for a power cord (not
shown).
[0117] FIGS. 23 and 24 are front perspective views of a bubble
fountain 610 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain 610 has a
plurality of tubular columns 618 extending upward and configured to
emit bubbles created by the bubble fountain 610. The tubular
columns 618 may be configured to have any particular shape that
might be desired. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 23-24, each
tubular column 618 may be configured to have an increasing width
along the length thereof that opens at a corresponding bubble
opening 646 at the top thereof. Additionally, each of the tubular
columns 618 may be arranged in a non-vertical orientation so as to
enhance the distribution of bubbles from the bubble fountain 610.
Further still, any quantity of tubular columns may be arranged to
distribute bubbles, as might be preferred. As shown in FIGS. 23-24,
four tubular columns 618 are arranged.
[0118] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain 710
in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain 710 has a
plurality of tubular columns 718 extending upward and configured to
emit bubbles created by the bubble fountain 710. The upper end of
each tubular column 718 is open to provide bubble openings 746 at
the top of the bubble fountain 710. In this regard, bubbles created
by the bubble fountain 710 eventually reach the top of the tubular
columns 718 and escape via the bubble openings 746. Additionally,
each of the tubular columns 718 may be arranged in a non-vertical
orientation so as to permit the bubbles emitting therefrom to be
projected in a desired direction. Orientation of the individual
tubular columns 718 may vary, and individual columns of the bubble
fountain 710 may be arranged to have varied angles of orientation
or tilt. Selection of a particular orientation may assist in
distributing bubbles in a particular pattern that might be
preferred. As shown in FIG. 25, each of the tubular columns 718 is
arranged to have a different orientation or tilt.
[0119] As further shown in FIG. 25, each of the tubular columns 718
may be configured to have a bulbous portion 750 at the upper end
thereof adjacent the bubble opening 746. Bubbles may collect in the
bulbous portion 750 of the tubular columns 718 prior to escaping
from the bubble fountain 710. In particular, the bubble opening 746
may be smaller relative to the bulbous portion 750 of each tubular
column 718. As bubbles are collected in the bulbous portion and,
subsequently, are forced through the smaller bubble opening 746,
bubbles are emitted from the tubular columns 718 with greater
force. With greater force, the bubbles emitted from the tubular
columns 718 may be projected a slightly greater distance from the
tubular columns 718, thereby enhancing the distribution of the
bubbles.
[0120] As still further shown in FIG. 25, the bubble fountain 710
may be configured to have one or more lights 744 to provide the
bubble fountain 710 with various lighting effects in a bubble
sculpture created by the bubble fountain 710. The lights 744 may be
configured in any manner that might be preferred and may be powered
by batteries or an electrical source (not shown). As shown in FIG.
25, the lights 744 are configured to emanate from the base 712 of
the bubble fountain 710. Additionally, the lights 744 may be
arranged in any manner that might be preferred. As shown in FIG.
25, the lights 744 are arranged to be relatively evenly spaced
along the upper portion of the base 712 to direct lighting effects
upward toward a bubble sculpture. Any type of light source may be
utilized in connection with the lights 744. In at least one
embodiment, the light source corresponding to each light 744 is a
light emitting diode (LED).
[0121] FIGS. 26 and 27 are front perspective views of a bubble
fountain 810 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention. As shown therein, the bubble fountain 810 may be
configured to have an offset appearance. In particular, a catch
basin 820 may be slightly tilted so as to appear offset with
respect to a base 812 and a tubular column 818. The tilted
configuration of the catch basin 820 may also provide a different
appearance in a bubble sculpture created by the bubble fountain
810.
[0122] In accordance with each of the foregoing embodiments, it is
further contemplated that an end cap (not shown) may provided at
the upper end of one or more of the tubular columns
18,118,218,318,418,518,618,718,818. In at least some embodiments,
the end caps are removable and are fitted to attach to the tubular
columns. Either type of end cap may further shift or shape the
bubbles emitted from the bubble fountain
10,110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810. In particular, it is
contemplated that end caps may have varying configurations or
varying arrangements of holes so as to funnel, fan or otherwise
move the emitted bubbles in a desired manner. As can be appreciated
by the Ordinary Artisan, end caps fitted at one or more of the
tubular columns 18,118,218,318,418,518,618,718,818 may be
interchangeable such that a user of the bubble fountain may select
and fit a particular end cap in order to alter the resulting bubble
sculpture.
[0123] Based on the foregoing information, it is readily understood
by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is
susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and
adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically
described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and
equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably
suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions
thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the
present invention.
[0124] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described
herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to
be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and
exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the
purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the
invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed
to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other
embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent
arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the
claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. Although
specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.
* * * * *