U.S. patent application number 13/537966 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-03 for bubble maker for personal mobility devices.
Invention is credited to Nathan Anthony Scolari.
Application Number | 20130005212 13/537966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47391109 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130005212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scolari; Nathan Anthony |
January 3, 2013 |
Bubble Maker For Personal Mobility Devices
Abstract
This invention is a mobility device such as a skateboard or
scooter manufactured in combination with a bubble maker or a bubble
making accessory comprising: a skateboard or scooter having a
platform; a fluid reservoir carried by said skateboard or scooter
in fluid communications with an actuator; a nozzle in fluid
communications with said reservoir and carried by said platform so
that fluid contained in said reservoir is forced through said
nozzle when said actuator is activated creating bubbles. In the
event the nozzle is mounted to the handle, the handle directed the
direction of the nozzle. The actuator can be activated by the
rider's hand or foot and be manual or motorized.
Inventors: |
Scolari; Nathan Anthony;
(Greenville, SC) |
Family ID: |
47391109 |
Appl. No.: |
13/537966 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61502369 |
Jun 29, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 17/01 20130101;
A63H 33/28 20130101; A63C 17/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/15 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/28 20060101
A63H033/28 |
Claims
1. A skateboard manufactured in combination with a bubble maker
comprising: a skateboard having a platform for supporting the
rider; a fluid reservoir carried by said skateboard in fluid
communications with an actuator; a nozzle in fluid communications
with said reservoir and carried by said platform so that the fluid
contained in said reservoir is forced through said nozzle when said
actuator is activated thereby creating bubbles.
2. The skateboard of claim 1 wherein said actuator includes a
manual pump having a plurality of valves.
3. The skateboard of claim 1 wherein said actuator is
motorized.
4. The skateboard of claim 1 including a second nozzle carried at
the rear of said platform so that fluid forced through said nozzle
creates bubbles behind the skateboard.
5. The skateboard of claim 1 wherein said actuator is a foot pedal
carried by the rear portion of said platform.
6. A bubble maker for use on a skateboard comprising: a fluid
reservoir carried by a skateboard in fluid communications with an
actuator; a nozzle in fluid communications with said reservoir and
carried by said skateboard so that fluid contained in said
reservoir is forced through said nozzle when said actuator is
activated creating bubbles.
7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said actuator includes a manual
pump having a plurality of valves.
8. The skateboard of claim 6 wherein said actuator is
motorized.
9. The skateboard of claim 6 including a second nozzle carried at
the rear of a platform included with said skateboard so that fluid
forced through said nozzle sprays bubbles behind the
skateboard.
10. The skateboard of claim 6 wherein said actuator is a foot pedal
carried by the rear portion of said platform.
11. A scooter manufactured in combination with a bubble maker
comprising: a platform for supporting the rider; a fluid reservoir
carried by said platform in fluid communications with an actuator;
a nozzle in fluid communications with said reservoir and carried by
said platform so that the fluid contained in said reservoir is
forced through said nozzle when said actuator is activated creating
bubbles.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is directed to an amusement device that
generates bubbles from a personal mobility device platform such as
a skateboard.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Bubble makers have been around for decades and include
manual, electric and automated bubble makers. Examples of bubbles
makers and their variations can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,295,248; 3,861,076; 4,775,348; 6,200,184; 6,450,851 and
6,953,376.
[0005] Skateboards are also well known and are believed to have
been invented in the 1950s gaining widespread popularity in the
1960s. The components of a typical skateboard include the platform
which supports the rider, trucks, which connect to the platform and
include an axle for attaching wheels. Traditionally, skateboards
contain a forward and rear truck each having an axle and two wheels
connected to each truck.
[0006] Scooters also have been around for decades with some of the
first patents directed to scooters beginning in the early 1900's.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,395,4978 is directed to a platform
having a plurality of wheels that can be ridden by an individual.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,516,105 is directed to platform having an upright
handle with three wheels. U.S. Pat. No. 1,832,018 is directed to a
motorized scooter including an upright handle bar, riding platform,
and steering bar. U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,832 is directed to a motor
scooter having a foldable handle and a friction drive system.
[0007] Few attempts have been made to integrated mobility devices
such as skateboards and scooters with bubble makers. Traditionally,
these attempts amount to nothing more than attachments or
accessories that are attached to the scooter or skateboard and have
inherent limitations. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,376
illustrates the bubble maker attached to the rear of a scooter or
roller blade. An obvious disadvantage is that the reservoir for the
bubble fluid has to be attached to the bubble maker and is not
integrated into the mobility device. Therefore, the capacity of the
reservoir is severely limited by the footprint and ground clearance
needed for the mobility device.
[0008] It would be advantageous to provide for the ability to
produce bubbles either automatically or electrically while riding a
skateboard, scooter or other personal mobility device without
requiring the rider to use his/her hands to turn on or off the
bubble maker while riding the skateboard.
[0009] It would be advantageous to provide for the ability to
produce bubbles either automatically or electrically while riding a
skateboard, scooter or other personal mobility device having a
fluid reservoir integrated into the platform of the mobility
device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The objectives of this invention are accomplished by
providing a system for providing a skateboard or scooter
manufactured in combination with a bubble maker comprising: a
platform; a bubble/fluid reservoir carried by said platform and in
fluid communications with an actuator; a nozzle in fluid
communications with said reservoir, and carried by said platform so
that fluid contained in said reservoir is forced through said
nozzle when said actuator is activated. The actuator can be
activated by the rider's foot or remotely by the rider's hand and
can be manual or motorized.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention
[0012] FIGS. 2 through 2C are cutout views of the portions of the
invention;
[0013] FIGS. 3A through 3C are cutout views of portions of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 5A through 5E are perspective views of an embodiment
of the invention;
[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an embodiment of
the invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a portion of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic of one aspect of the invention;
[0019] FIGS. 9A through 9D are top views of components of the
invention;
[0020] FIGS. 10A through 10B are top views of components of the
invention, and;
[0021] FIG. 11 includes perspective views of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] This invention is directed to water cannon that can be
integrated into a skateboard, or scooter or other personal mobility
deice having a platform for supporting the rider. The invention can
also be attached to a skateboard as an aftermarket accessory with
modifications to the platform. Referring to FIG. 1, skateboard 10
includes a platform 12, trucks 14 and wheels 16. As is well known
in the art, two trucks 14 are carried by the underside of the
platform 12 and each set of trucks includes a set of wheels 16. A
fluid reservoir 22 is carried by the skateboard and is in fluid
communication with the nozzle 18. Fluid is transferred to a nozzle
18 through hose 20. Actuator 24 can be used to case fluid to be
pumped or to activate a pump for pumping fluid from the reservoir
22 through the nozzle 18. In one embodiment, the fluid reservoir 22
is attached to or integrated into the platform 12 that supports the
rider.
[0023] The reservoir can have one portion 22 that is transparent so
that the fluid level can be observed by the rider by looking at the
reservoir. The fluid reservoir can be attached under or otherwise
to the platform. When attached under the platform, the fluid
reservoir it is out of the way and does not interfere with riding
the skateboard.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, one pump assembly for transporting
fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle is shown. One embodiment of
actuator 24 is shown having a button 26 that can be pressed in a
direction shown as 25. A spring 28 biases the button in a direction
27 so that the button will return to its original position after
being depressed. The actuator includes opening 30 which is
connected to the reservoir and opening 32 is connected to the
nozzle. When the actuator is activated, fluid will travel from the
reservoir to the nozzle.
[0025] In operation, and referring to FIG. 2A, the button is
pressed and travels in direction 25. This creates pressure in a
cavity 34. In reaction to the pressure, valve 36 opens and fluid is
forced from the cavity outwards toward the nozzle through opening
32. The next step, as shown in FIG. 2B, spring 28 forces the button
in a direction 27. This creates a vacuum in cavity 34 and forces
valve 36 to close and valve 38 opens. This allows fluid from the
reservoir to be drawn through valve 38 an into the cavity 34 to
fill the cavity so that it can be forced to the nozzle when the
button is subsequently pressed.
[0026] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the actuator can be
operated through a motorized assembly 40. Motorized assembly can
include a wheel 42 and arm 44. When the wheel 42 rotates, it causes
the arm to reciprocate in a lateral direction, thus causing the
plunger 46 to move in a direction shown as 48, creating pressure in
the cavity and creates a vacuum in the cavity to force fluid
through the nozzle and draw fluid from the reservoir.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3A, plunger 46 is forced in a direction 25
by the wheel and the arm when the wheel is turning in a direction
shown as 50. Valve 36 is forced open by pressure created in the
cavity and value 38 is forced closed. Fluid is forced through
opening 32 and through the nozzle. In FIG. 3B, the plunger is moved
in direction shown as 27 creating a vacuum in the cavity. Valve 38
opens and valve 36 closes so that the vacuum draws water from the
reservoir through the valve 38 into the cavity 34. FIG. 3C shows
the cycle beginning to repeat.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 4, wheel 42 and arm 44 can be driven by a
motor 52, such as an electric motor, connected to a switch 54 and
power supply 56. When the switch is closed, the electric motor
causes the wheel to rotate resulting in fluid being drawn from the
fluid reservoir and forced out through the nozzle. In one
embodiment, the switch 54 can be closed by a remote device that is
wirelessly connected to the motor and its electrical circuit. When
the wireless device is used to close the switch 54, the motor is
actuated, thus causing the wheel 50 and arm 44 to move the plunger
and directing fluid to the nozzle as described above. It should be
understood that this invention is not limited to a single nozzle or
that the nozzle be mounted only on the handles. Multiple nozzles
can be used and nozzles can exist on the front, side or rear of a
skateboard. For example, a rear mounted nozzle can be positioned
near the rear of the platform and aimed to spray fluid upwards into
a target that is positioned behind and above the platform.
[0029] In FIG. 5A, nozzle 16 is pivotally connected to the platform
through pivot 66 allowing the nozzle to rotate in a direction shown
as 68. A spring 70 biases the nozzle in a direction shown as 72 so
that, in this embodiment, the nozzle tends to point to the left of
the platform. Foot lever 74, when pressed forward, causes cable 76
to move in a direction shown as 78. This direction of force is
accomplished since the cable is pulled around idler 80. Referring
to FIG. 5B, the effect of the foot lever being moved is shown. When
tension is placed on the cable, the nozzle is pulled in a direction
78 resulting in the nozzle rotating counterclockwise and thereby
aiming to the right of the platform. Therefore, the nozzle spray
can be aimed without the need to move the board and interfere with
the direction of travel of the skateboard. In one embodiment, shown
in FIG. 5C, a plurality of foot levers are connected to the nozzle
through cables so that when one foot lever is pressed, the nozzle
rotates and changes the aim of the spray. The levers and nozzle can
be arranged so that the right lever moves the nozzle right and the
left lever moves the nozzle left or the directions can be
reversed.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 5D, another embodiment is shown wherein a
gear is connected to nozzle 16 wherein nozzle 16 includes teeth 84.
When the foot lever, connected to the gear through the cable is
moved, the gear rotates in a direction shown as 86 causing the
nozzle to rotate in an opposite direction causing the nozzle to aim
to the left. When tension on the cable is removed, the spring
connected to the gear pulls the gear in a direction opposite that
of direction 84 and causing the nozzle to rotate in direction 86
and aim to the right. In FIG. 5E, the idler is not present and the
cable causes the gear to rotate in a direction shown as 86 when the
foot lever is moved by switching the connection points of the cable
and spring on the gear. In one embodiment, the direction of the
gear rotation in response to the lever being pulled can be
reversed.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 6A, another embodiment of the invention is
shown. In this embodiment, actuator 88 is carried by the upper
portion of the platform and can be activated upon pressure from the
rider's foot. The actuator is connected to a manual pump or
electric pump which will force fluid from the reservoir to the
nozzle. Actuator 88 can force fluid to nozzle 18 carried by the
front portion of the platform or through nozzle 90 carried by the
rear portion of the platform, or both in combination.
[0032] As can be seen in FIG. 6B, in one embodiment, the actuator
92 is a foot pump assembly that forces fluid from the reservoir 22
out though the nozzle 18. In one embodiment, multiple actuators can
activate pumps to force water through multiple nozzles both
individually and in combination through a selector which can open
and close valves to only allow fluid to travel to certain
nozzles.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 7, the nozzle includes at least one bubble
wand 100 which is immersed in fluid in tank 106. Fluid is pumped
into tank 106 from the fluid reservoir 22 through delivery hose 20.
The babble wand 100 rotates in a direction shown as 112 and as each
wand elements enters and then exits the tank, air 104 from fan 102
drive by fan actuator 108 creates bubble 110a which eventually
forms a complete bubble 110b and disconnects from the nozzle. The
wands and fan can be electronically motivated or manually motivated
by the actuator.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 8, the invention is integrated with a
scooter that includes a standard 120 and a handle bar 114. A fluid
reservoir 22 is carried by the scooter and in one embodiment,
carried by standard 120. Fluid is transferred to a nozzle 116
through hose 118. Actuators 120 are used to pump fluid and activate
the nozzle and to create bubbles. In one embodiment, the fluid
reservoir is attached to or integrated into the platform that
supports the rider. The reservoir can have one portion 22 that is
transparent so that the fluid level can be observed by the rider by
looking at the reservoir. In another embodiment, the fluid
reservoir is attached under the platform so that it is out of the
way and does not interfere with riding the scooter.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 9A, a nozzle attached to a handle is
shown. The disadvantages with this design are that the handle bar
needs to be turned from position 158 to position 160 so that the
nozzle will spray in a direction shown as 162 from its original
direction 164. This requires that the direction of the scooter be
altered simply to change the direction of the spray of the
nozzle.
[0036] In FIG. 4B, nozzle 116 is pivotally connected to the handle
through pivot 166 allowing the nozzle to rotate in a direction
shown as 168. A spring 170 biases the nozzle in a direction shown
as 172 so that, in this embodiment, the nozzle tends to point to
the left of the handles. Lever 174, when pressed, causes cable 176
to move in a direction shown as 178. This direction of force is
accomplished since the cable is pulled around idler 180. Referring
to FIG. 4C, the effect of the lever being pressed is shown. When
tension is placed on the cable, the nozzle is pulled in a direction
178 resulting in the nozzle rotating counterclockwise and thereby
aiming to the right on the handles. Therefore, the nozzle created
bubbles that can be aimed without the need to move the handles and
interfere with the direction of travel of the scooter. In one
embodiment, shown in FIG. 4D, a plurality of levers are connected
to the nozzle through cables so that when one lever is pulled, the
nozzle rotates and changes the aim of the spray. The levers and
nozzle can be arranged so that the right lever moves the nozzle
right and the left lever moves the nozzle left or the directions
can be reversed.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 10A, another embodiment is shown wherein a
gear is connected to nozzle 116 wherein nozzle 116 includes teeth
184. When the lever, connected to the gear through the cable is
pulled, the gear rotates in a direction shown as 186 causing the
nozzle to rotate in an opposite direction causing the nozzle to aim
to the left. When tension on the cable is removed, the spring
connected to the gear pulls the gear in a direction opposite that
of direction 184 and causing the nozzle to rotate in direction 186
and aim to the right. In FIG. 5B, the idler is not present and the
cable causes the gear to rotate in a direction shown as 186 when
the lever is pulled by switching the connection points of the cable
and spring on the gear. In one embodiment, the direction of the
gear rotation in response to the lever being pulled can be
reversed.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment of the invention is
shown. In this embodiment, actuator 188 is carried by the rider's
platform and can be activated upon pressure from the rider's foot.
The actuator is connected to a manual pump or electric pump which
will force fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle. Actuator 188 can
force fluid to nozzle 116 carried by the handle or through nozzle
190, or both in combination. In one embodiment, the actuator 192 is
a foot pump assembly that forces fluid from the reservoir out
though the nozzle. In one embodiment, multiple actuators can
activate pumps to force water through multiple nozzles both
individually and in combination through a selector which can open
and close valves to only allow fluid to travel to certain
nozzles.
[0039] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *