U.S. patent application number 15/398154 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-18 for bubble producing device, toy, or wand with bubble release, lights, and sound.
The applicant listed for this patent is LightUpToys.com LLC. Invention is credited to Macaulay Bruton, Christopher D. Kelly, Joshua C. Kelly, Max Armendariz Lalama.
Application Number | 20190111358 15/398154 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66097244 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190111358 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kelly; Christopher D. ; et
al. |
April 18, 2019 |
BUBBLE PRODUCING DEVICE, TOY, OR WAND WITH BUBBLE RELEASE, LIGHTS,
AND SOUND
Abstract
A device that produces bubbles and adds lighting to the bubbles
being released and including a synchronized series of lights
producing a light show and/or sounds, an at least three-way switch,
as well as, a mechanical or electrical system with an improved
engine design, chimney and extensions, as well as, an improved
battery compartment.
Inventors: |
Kelly; Christopher D.; (New
Albany, IN) ; Kelly; Joshua C.; (Sellersburg, IN)
; Lalama; Max Armendariz; (Sellersburg, IN) ;
Bruton; Macaulay; (Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LightUpToys.com LLC |
Sellersburg |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66097244 |
Appl. No.: |
15/398154 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 5/00 20130101; A63H
33/28 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/28 20060101
A63H033/28 |
Claims
1. A device for producing bubbles comprising: At least one housing;
at least one light or LED light; at least one of: at least one
power source; at least one electrical connection system; at least
one battery compartment; at least one battery compartment door; at
least one of the following; at least one activation and/or mode
switch that operates at least one mechanism and makes at least one
electrical closure; at least one fan driven by an electric or
mechanical motor or engine which produces an air stream from the
said bubble device to an ambient environment; a dispensing device,
such as, a dispensing ring with a dispensing aperture, venturi,
chimney, or other dispensing device provided or provided therein;
at least one electric or mechanical pump that receives bubble
solution from at least one delivery tube and outputs bubble
solution to at least one feed line that feeds said bubble solution
to said dispensing device, venturi, chimney, or said dispensing
ring; a propelling bubble solution film applicator device, such as,
a film applicator radially oriented and moving in a circular motion
via the action of a motorized or mechanical central shaft, that
engages bubble solution onto and/or throughout the said dispensing
ring or other said dispensing device; an electromechanical power
sequence activated by the initiation of the trigger mechanism, and
said at least one electrical closure, which delivers electrical
power from said at least one power source to said electric motor
that operates said fan, said pump, said bubble solution film
applicator, said at least one light, and/or a sound and/or music
and/or amplification system; at least one orifice, that houses said
dispensing device, venturi, chimney, or said dispensing ring and/or
bubble solution film applicator, located at the surface or other
location or locations of said bubble producing device, to emit
bubbles through the surface of said bubble producing device, or
such other location or locations as desired for any embodiment.
2. The bubble producing device of claim 1 further comprising at
least one of a at least three-way activation and/or mode switch to
operate at least one of: said at least one light or LED light,
sound, and/or said motor, or any combination thereof, in any order
or sequence thereof.
3. The bubble producing device of claim 1 further comprising of a
sound amplification system and/or a sound producing device or
system.
4. The bubble producing device of claim 1 further comprising of at
least one light that emits upwardly and/or outwardly and/or through
and/or near the at least one orifice of said bubble producing
device, and thus illuminating bubbles as they pass through this at
least one orifice and exit said bubble producing device.
4. a. The bubble producing device of claim 1 further comprising of
at least one independent and independently programed light and/or
lighting system creating a light show, light show device, and/or
light show toy.
4. b. The bubble producing device of claim 4a further comprising of
at least one independent and independently programed light and/or
lighting system creating a light show, light show device, and/or
light show toy, additionally comprising sound, and/or at least one
sound device, and/or at least one sound system which is either
independent, or synchronized, programed together with, sequenced
with, or combined with said light show, light show device, and/or
light show toy.
4. c. The bubble producing device of claim 4b further comprising
that the bubbles produced are either independent, or synchronized,
programed together with, sequenced with, or combined with said
lights and or said sound.
5. The bubble producing device of claim 1 further comprising a
sealed container with external contacts that can hold at least one
removably-insertable battery, wherein the at least one removably
insert able battery is contained within a sealed container with or
without external contacts and said container is at least one of:
isolated, water resistant, or water proof.
5. a. The invention of claim 1 further comprising that the battery
pack is more isolated from the rest of the product or toy which
better protects the batteries from dirt and liquids from external
sources Better protects batteries from possible contamination from
internal bubble solution Limits access to the inside of the product
or toy via the battery door.
5. b. The invention of claim 5 wherein the battery compartment
contains spacers or separators between batteries which aides in the
prevention of reverse polarization.
6. The bubble producing device in claim 5 wherein said sealed
container has a door on the side that is attached and separated or
opened by use of an attaching and removing device and/or fastener
and/or screw to be tightened to close and loosened or removed to
open.
7. The bubble producing device of claim 5 wherein said sealed
container allows insertion and removal of batteries from the side
of said bubble producing device.
8. The bubble producing device of claim 2 wherein said at least one
light is multicolored and the light therefrom generated is
transmitted throughout the entirety or a portion thereof of said
bubble producing device and said at least one light emitted
vertically beyond the device, past, and/or through the uppermost
vertical or other outermost portion of said bubble producing
device, thus illuminating the bubbles as they exit said dispensing
device and/or dispensing ring.
9. The bubble producing device of claim 3 wherein said at least one
light partially and/or completely change colors in rhythmic time
with the sound and/or music produced by said sound amplification
system and/or a sound producing device or system to achieve a
synchronized light and sound show.
10. The bubble producing device of claim 1 wherein said sound
and/or music amplification system and/or a sound producing device
or system has its own activation mechanism which allows said sound
and/or music amplification system and/or sound producing device or
system to be engaged or disengaged under operator control when said
bubble producing device is active and emitting light and
bubbles.
11. A bubble producing device of claim 1 wherein said bubble
solution is at least one of: contained inside, attached, inserted,
incorporated therein, decompartmentalized, and/or
removably-attachable or attached, refillable bubble solution
reservoir which removably-attaches to said housing.
12. A bubble producing device of claim 1 further comprising
electronics that controls the lighting of said at least one light
in at least one sequence.
13. The bubble producing device of claim 1 wherein said at least
one activation and/or mode switch initiates at least one lighting
sequence.
14. The bubble device of device claim 13 wherein said at least one
lighting sequence is repetitive.
15. The bubble producing device of claim 13 wherein said at least
one lighting sequence is random.
16. The bubble producing device of claim 13 wherein said at least
one lighting sequence is determined by time and/or is a function of
time.
17. The bubble producing device of claim 13 wherein said at least
one lighting sequence incorporates constant timing.
18. The bubble producing device of claim 13 wherein said at least
one lighting sequence incorporates variable timing.
19. The bubble producing device of claim 18 whereby said timing is
determined by the time interval between bubbles and/or the speed
and/or rate of bubble production.
20. The bubble producing device of claim 13 wherein said at least
one lighting sequence incorporates a dimming function as part of
said at least one lighting sequence.
21. The bubble producing device of claim 12 further comprising at
least one acoustic sensor that senses acoustic energy and/or audio
from the environment and converts said acoustic energy and/or audio
into at least one signal used to initiate and/or affect said at
least one lighting sequence.
22. The bubble producing device of claim 21 wherein said at least
one signal is resolved into frequency and/or amplitude and/or a
combination thereof.
23. The bubble producing device of claim 22 wherein said frequency
and/or amplitude and/or a combination thereof controls and/or
affects the said at least one lighting sequence and/or at least one
pattern and or intensity of said at least one lighting
sequence.
24. The bubble producing device of claim 1 further comprising at
least one connector and/or jack for connecting to an audio source
and/or power source.
25. The bubble producing device of claim 1 further comprising at
least one communication device that transmits and/or receives data
and/or signals in a master-slave fashion via RF and/or IR and/or
other at least one other method.
26. The invention of claim 1 having at least one of at least three
types of improved engines as follows: Engine type 1 as described in
claim 1; And/or Engine type 2 Using a second engine embodiment
which has a decreased profile width wherein the at least one bubble
chimney is rotated to fit more housing outer shapes and said
Chimney on said second type Engine was designed in rotated position
to slim the profile, and also uses transparent plastic and housing
was changed to clear plastic in order to reduce the shadows that
the first engine type white plastic engine produces when the LEDs
are turned on and is additionally comprising at least one added
bevel gear in its gear train, Because the bubble chimney was
rotated, the wiper driveshaft had to be rotated with it, So a bevel
gear was added to the end so it could still connect with the gear
train The 5.sup.th gear was added to change the orientation of the
wiper shaft, this engine type 2 provides two main benefits wherein
Changing the direction of the Chimney makes the engine more compact
and therefore Engine type 2 can fit into tighter spaces in a final
product design, and so there is more freedom in the shapes and
sizes that can be designed, and additionally the slimmer profile
further reduces the shadows that it casts in the LED or other
lighting resulting in an improved light show from LED or other
lighting; And/or Engine type 3 using a third engine type embodiment
more flexible then engine 1 or 2 for fitting into other housing
shapes also having an Improved bubble solution pump and an Improved
wiper axel placement resulting from the rotated chimney and while
the the hose in engine type 2 can be pushed out, the hose in Engine
type 3 cannot.
27. The invention of claim 26 wherein the said engine type 3 if
present is used with at least one attached or removably attached
Chimney Extender;
28. The invention of claim 27 wherein the chimney extender is at
least one piece of plastic that protrudes outward allowing for
attaching and removing of additional parts, including but not
limited to heads, body parts, robot parts, to the outer housing of
a product or toy.
29. the invention of claim 28 wherein at least one hose fits over
this side of said connector, the said Plastic tube connector
prevents the rubber hose from being pushed out of the peristaltic
pump and a Second hose fits over the side of the connector.
30. The invention of claim 26 wherein the said Improved bubble
solution pump has a pump cap
31. The invention of claim 26 wherein the Axel is completely
contained in the engine housing.
32. The invention of claim 1 wherein the device additionally
comprises at least one sensor device or mechanism so that when the
said at least one sensor device is operating and/or on, and/or
activated then the at least one activation switch is triggered
and/or operated and/or controlled by said sensor device thus making
the bubble producing device automatic in that the activation,
deactivation, and/or operation of the device is not manually
operated.
33. The invention of claim 32 wherein said at least one sensor
device is at least one motion sensor device.
34. The invention of claim 1 wherein the device additionally
includes the following: The device is an improved battery powered
device device that produces bubbles from a liquid solution and
lights and sounds; And/or the bubble emitting orifice is located at
the upper most position of a hand-held wand which also incorporates
lighting features that emit light upwards and outwards through the
orifice in which bubbles exit, thus illuminating the bubbles as
they leave the toy; and/or incorporating a battery powered
electromechanical mechanism which produces a steady stream of
bubbles as well as music and additional lighting for a synchronized
light show which is all controlled by at least one, at least
three-way switch, and at least one embodiment has at least one
sensor for automatic and/or continuous performance and activation;
and/or device is removably attached to a cart which has at least
one of a power source, at least one sensor for activation and/or
automatic and/or continuous light show, sound, and/or bubble
production; and/or the device is or is part of at least one of a
toy, wand, cane, robot, toy sword, bubble toy, doll, action figure,
toy gun, character, vehicle, aircraft, boat, spaceship, rocket,
train, planet, game, or other product or consumer product.
35. The invention of claim 1 wherein said orifices are at least two
or more orifices.
36. The invention of claim 1 wherein said light show is at least
one of: a 360 degree light show; up to a 360 degree light show
covering all directions; a light show displayed over the surface of
a globe or globe like surface; said surface is one of opaque,
white, transparent, colored, multi-colored, black, clear, metallic,
imprinted, printed, three-dimensional, decorated,
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention is in the field of bubble producing devices,
and more specifically to a battery powered device that produces
lights, sounds, and bubbles from a liquid solution.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] There have been many bubble toys over the years that operate
in various ways, However, most bubble toys are hand-held rings that
are either blown through or hand-waived by the user to produce a
small amount of bubbles. It is desired to provide a device that
produces a steady stream of bubbles as a safe form of entertainment
for a child.
[0003] The present invention in its current preferred embodiment is
an improved battery powered toy device that produces bubbles from a
liquid solution and lights and sounds. In the present invention, in
at least one embodiment the bubble emitting orifice is located at
the upper most position of a hand-held wand which also incorporates
lighting features that emit light upwards and outwards through the
orifice in which. bubbles exit, thus illuminating the bubbles as
they leave the toy. In addition, the present invention improves the
quality of play by incorporating a battery powered
electromechanical mechanism which produces a steady stream of
bubbles as well as music and
[0004] Additional lighting for a synchronized light show which is
all controlled by at least one, at least three-way switch, and at
least one embodiment has at least one sensor for automatic. and/or
continuous performance and. activation. In at least one embodiment
the device is removably attached to a cart which has at least one
of a power source, at least one sensor for activation and/or
automatic and/or continuous light show, sound, and/or bubble
production. In at least one embodiment the device is or is part of
at least one of a toy, wand, cane, robot, character, vehicle, game,
or other product or consumer product.
[0005] The invention in at least one embodiment light show is at
least one of: a 360 degree light show; up to a 360 degree light
show covering all directions; a light show displayed over the
surface of a globe or globe like surface; the surface is one of
opaque, white, transparent, colored, multi-colored, black, clear,
metallic, imprinted, printed, three-dimensional and/or, decorated.
Furthermore, the present invention can be manufactured in a quick
and cost-effective manner.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] A device for producing bubbles comprising: At least one
housing; [0007] at least one light or LED light; at least one of:
at least one power source; at least one electrical connection
system; at least one battery compartment; at least one battery
compartment door; at least one of the following; at least one
activation and/or mode switch that operates at least one mechanism
and makes at least one electrical closure; at least one fan driven
by an electric or mechanical motor or engine which produces an air
stream from the said bubble device to an ambient environment; a
dispensing device, such as, a dispensing ring with a dispensing
aperture, venturi, chimney, or other dispensing device provided or
provided therein; at least one electric or mechanical pump that
receives bubble solution from at least one delivery tube and
outputs bubble solution to at least one feed line that feeds said
bubble solution to said dispensing device, venture, chimney, or
said dispensing ring; a propelling bubble solution film applicator
device, such as, a film applicator radially oriented and moving in
a circular motion via the action of a motorized or mechanical
central shaft, that engages bubble solution onto and/or throughout
the said dispensing ring or other said dispensing device; and
electromechanical power sequence activated by the initiation of the
trigger mechanism, and said at least one electrical closure, which
delivers electrical power from said at least one power source to
said electric motor that operates said fan, said pump, said bubble
solution film applicator, said at least one light, and/or a sound
and/or music and/or amplification system; an orifice, that houses
said bubble solution film applicator, located at the most vertical
and upward facing surface of said bubble producing device, to emit
bubbles through the most vertical and upward facing surface of said
bubble producing device, or such other location as desired for any
embodiment. Further may be comprised of at least one of a at least
three-way activation and/or mode switch to operate at least one of
said at least one light or LED light, sound, and/or said motor, or
any combination thereof, in any order or sequence thereof. May
further be comprised of a sound amplification system and/or a sound
producing device or system. The bubble producing device may further
be comprising of at least of e light that emits upwardly and/or
outwardly and/or through and/or near the at least one orifice of
said bubble producing device, and thus illuminating bubbles as they
pass through this at least one orifice and exit said bubble
producing device. The bubble producing device may further be
comprising of at least one independent and independently programed
light and/or lighting system creating a light show, light show
device, and/or light show toy. The bubble producing device may
further be comprised of at least one independent and independently
programed light and/or lighting system creating a light show, light
show device, and/or light show toy, additionally comprising sound,
and/or at least one sound device, and/or at least one sound system
which is either independent, or synchronized, programed together
with, sequenced with, or combined with said light show, light show
device, and/or light show toy. The bubble producing device may be
further comprised so that the bubbles produced are either
independent, or synchronized, programed together with, sequenced or
combined with lights and or sound. The bubble producing device may
further be comprising a sealed container with external contacts
that can hold at least one removably-insertable battery, wherein
the at least one removably-insertable battery is contained within a
sealed container with external contacts. The invention may further
be comprised with that the battery pack is more isolated from the
rest of the product or toy which better protects the batteries from
dirt and liquids from external sources Better protects batteries
from possible contamination from internal bubble solution Limits
access to the inside of the product or toy via the battery door.
The bubble producing device may have that the sealed container has
a door on the side that is attached and separated or opened by use
of an attaching and removing device and/or fastener and/or screw to
be tightened to close and loosened or removed to open. The bubble
producing device may have wherein said sealed container allows
insertion and removal of batteries from the side of the bubble
producing device. The bubble producing device may be wherein said
at least one light is multicolored and the light therefrom
generated is transmitted throughout the entirety or a portion
thereof of the bubble producing device and said at least one light
emitted vertically beyond the device, past, and/or through the
uppermost vertical or other outermost portion of said bubble
producing device, thus illuminating the bubbles as they exit said
dispensing device and/or dispensing ring. The bubble producing
device can have wherein said at least one light partially and/or
completely change colors in rhythmic time with the sound and/or
music produced by said sound amplification system and/or a sound
producing device or system to achieve a synchronized light and
sound show. The bubble producing device can include wherein said
sound and/or music amplification system and/or a sound producing
device or system has its own activation mechanism which allows said
sound and/or music amplification system and/or sound producing
device or system to be engaged or disengaged under operator control
when the bubble producing device is active and emitting light and
bubbles. The bubble producing device can include bubble solution
contained inside a removably-attachable, refillable bubble solution
reservoir which removably-attaches to said housing. The bubble
producing device can timber comprise electronics that controls the
lighting of at least one light in at least one sequence. The bubble
producing device can have at least one activation and/or mode
switch initiating at least one lighting sequence. The bubble device
can have at least one lighting sequence is repetitive. The bubble
producing device can have at least one lighting sequence that is
random. The bubble producing device can have wherein the at least
one lighting sequence is determined by time and/or is a function of
time. The bubble producing device can have wherein said at least
one lighting sequence incorporates constant timing and./or wherein
said at least one lighting sequence incorporates variable timing
and/or whereby said timing is determined by the time interval
between bubbles and/or the speed and/or rate of bubble production
and/or wherein said at least one lighting sequence incorporates a
dimming function as part of said at least one lighting sequence
and/or wherein it further comprising at least one acoustic sensor
that senses acoustic energy and/or audio from the environment and
converts said acoustic energy and/or audio into at least one signal
used to initiate and/or affect said at least one lighting sequence
and/or wherein said at least one signal is resolved into frequency
and/or amplitude and/or a combination thereof and/or wherein said
frequency and/or amplitude and/or a combination thereof controls
and/or affects the said at least one lighting source and/or at
least one pattern and or intensity of said at least one lighting
sequence and/or it further comprising at least one connector and/or
jack for connecting to an audio source and/or power source and/or
the device further comprising at least one communication device
that transmits and/or receives data and/or signals in a master*
slave fashion via RE and/or IR and/or other at least one other
method and/or The invention may have at least one of at least three
types of improved engines as follows: [0008] Engine type 1 as
described in claim 1; [0009] And/or [0010] Engine type 2 Using a
second engine embodiment which has a decreased profile width
wherein the at least one bubble chimney is rotated to fit more
housing outer shapes and said Chimney on said second type Engine
was designed in rotated position to slim the profile, and also uses
transparent plastic and housing was changed to clear plastic in
order to reduce the shadows that the first engine type white
plastic engine produces when the LEDs are turned on and is
additionally comprising at least one added bevel gear in its gear
train, Because the bubble chimney was rotated, the wiper driveshaft
had to be rotated with it, A bevel gear was added to the end so it
could still connect with the gear train The 5th gear was added to
change the orientation of the wiper shaft, this engine type 2
provides two main benefits wherein Changing the direction of the
Chimney makes the engine more compact and therefore Engine type 2
can fit into tighter spaces in a final product design, and so there
is more freedom in the shapes and sizes that can be designed, and
additionally the slimmer profile further reduces the shadows that
it casts in the LED or other lighting resulting in an improved
light show from LED or other lighting; [0011] And/or [0012] Engine
type 3 using a third engine type embodiment more flexible then
engine 1 or 2 for fitting into other housing shapes also having an
Improved bubble solution pump and an Improved wiper axel placement
resulting from the rotated chimney and while the hose in engine
type 2 can he pushed out, the hose in Engine type 3 cannot. [0013]
The invention may have that wherein the engine type 3 if present is
used with at least one attached or removably attached Chimney
Extender; [0014] The invention of claim may have wherein the
chimney extender is at least one piece of plastic that protrudes
outward allowing for attaching and removing of additional parts,
including but not limited to heads, body parts, robot parts, to the
outer housing of a product or toy. The invention may be wherein at
least one hose fits over this side of said connector; the said
plastic tube connector prevents the rubber hose from being pushed
out of the peristaltic pump and a second hose fits over the side of
the connector. The invention may include that the said Improved
bubble solution pump has a pump cap. The invention may include
wherein the Axel is completely contained in the engine housing. The
invention may include that wherein the device additionally
comprises at least one sensor device or mechanism so that when the
said at least one sensor device is operating and/or on, and/or
activated then the at least one activation switch is triggered
and/or operated and/or controlled by said sensor device thus making
the bubble producing device automatic in that the activation,
deactivation, and/or operation of the device is not manually
operated. The invention may include wherein said at least one
sensor device is at least one motion sensor device. [0015] The
present invention may be a bubble producing device for producing
bubbles from bubble solution. In one preferred embodiment, the
present invention may be shaped like a wand and can include: a
housing, at least one light, at least one power source that can be
at least one battery contained within a battery compartment, an
electrical connection system, a triggering or activating and/or
mode switch that can operate at least one mechanism and makes at
least one electrical closure, a fan driven by an electric motor
which produces an air stream from the bubble toy device to an
ambient environment, a dispensing ring with a dispensing aperture
provided therein, an electric pump that receives bubble solution
from a delivery tube and outputs bubble solution to a feed line
that feeds bubble solution to the dispensing ring; a propelling
bubble solution film applicator, radially oriented and moving in a
circular motion via the action of a motorized central shaft that
engages bubble solution onto and/or throughout the dispensing ring;
and electromechanical power sequence activated by the initiation of
the trigger mechanism, and at least one electrical closure, which
delivers electrical power from at least one power source to the
electric motor that operates the fan, the pump, the film-applying
mechanism, at least one light, and/or a sound and/or music
amplification system. In this embodiment, an exit orifice from
which bubbles emit houses the bubble dispensing ring, which may be
located at the topmost vertical and upward facing surface of the
toy device, to emit bubbles through the most vertical and upward
facing surface of the toy. It is a primary objective of the present
invention that the bubble producing device may incorporate a series
of lights and a sound amplification system which may be
individually, or jointly, activated by triggering a switch and/or a
mode switch. This can be a multi-position switch. This series of
lights and lighting configuration may be integrated into the design
to achieve the illumination of varying colors of light throughout
the entirety or a portion thereof of the invention. In addition,
the invention may include lighting which is directed upwardly and
outwardly through and/or near the source of the bubble exiting
orifice, to achieve illumination of the bubbles as they leave the
toy. [0016] It is another objective of the present invention to
provide an easily accessible battery compartment. In one preferred
embodiment, the present invention may include a sealed container
with external contacts that can hold at least one
removably-insertable battery, wherein the at least one
removably-insertable battery may be contained within a sealed
container with external contacts. In addition, the present
invention may integrate a sealed container that provides a door on
the side of the invention that may be attached and separated or
opened by use of an attaching and removing device, or fastener, or
screw to be tightened to close and loosened or removed to open. It
is yet another objective of the present invention to provide lights
which may be multicolored and transmitted through the entirety or a
portion thereof of the device and/or at least one light emitted
vertically beyond the device, past, and/or through, the upper most
vertical portion of the toy device, thus illuminating the bubbles
as they exit the dispensing ring. In this embodiment, the present
invention may utilize a series of lights, partially, or as a
complete series, which can change colors in rhythmic time with the
sound and/or music produced by the toy device to achieve a
synchronized show between the lights and sounds. The invention may
integrate lighting that is triggered by acoustical amplitude and/or
frequency, or movement sensors which may trigger and/or modify at
least one pattern of lighting. In addition, the lighting may also
be non-rhythmic, timed, consistent or inconsistent and
intermittently variable in timing and variable brightness and/or
dimness. This can involve a controlled dimming function.
[0017] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
include an alternative playing method for one embodiment of the
invention, in which the user can set a mode switch to enable or
disable the sound and/or music. In this preferred embodiment, the
present invention may include a sound amplification system and/or a
sound producing device or system, which has its own activation
mechanism, which may allow the sound amplification system and/or
sound producing device or system to be engaged or disengaged under
user control when the bubble producing device is active and
emitting light and bubble. It is yet another objective of the
present invention that the present invention may include a
refillable reservoir for bubble solution. [0018] 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.
[0019] All the material in this patent document is 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, as it appears in official governmental records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
SOME KEY COMPONENTS
[0020] 1 the device 2 handle/housing (two pieces) 3
removeably-attachable reservoir 4 globe (two pieces) 5 battery
compartment door 6 switch (three position up: lights, sounds,
bubbles 1 mid: off 1 down: light and sound, no bubbles) 7 top outer
ring on globe 9 globe securing screw holes 10 exit orifice from
which bubbles emit 11 inner bubble dispensing ring 12 rotating film
applicator 13 audio grill 14 return line drain 15 seal cap (with
threading) 17 reservoir to pump input 18 pump output feed line to
dispensing ring sub-assembly 20 external LED (at least one) 21
motor (not shown and internally located) 22 fan (not shown and
internally located) 23 fan impeller 24 fan air input 25 fan duct 26
rotating film applicator drive shaft 27 motor/pump/fan housing 28
speakers 29 negative battery terminal 30 circular ring PCB 31 globe
illuminating LEDs 32 battery compartment 33 gear reduction sub
system (not shown and internally located) 34 (positive
displacement) pump (not shown and internally located) 35 screw
receiving boss 36 motor/pump/fan housing securing screw
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a bubble
producing toy consistent with description herein.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the bubble producing toy
of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a partial rear view of the bubble producing toy of
FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a partial front view of the bubble producing toy
of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 5 is bottom perspective view of the bubble producing
toy of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 6 is partial cross-sectional view illustrating an
interior cavity of the bubble producing toy of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 7 is second partial cross-sectional view illustrating
the interior cavity of the bubble producing toy of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 8 is third partial cross-sectional view illustrating
the interior cavity of the bubble producing toy of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 9A-C illustrate a battery pack of a bubble producing
toy consistent with the description herein. FIG. 9A illustrates the
battery pack without batteries inserted. FIG. 9B illustrates the
battery pack with batteries inserted. FIG. 9C illustrates an
enlarged view of the battery pack with batteries inserted.
[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a battery pack of
a bubble producing toy.
[0031] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of engine 1 and engine 2
consistent with the description herein.
[0032] FIG. 12A-B illustrate an embodiment of engine 2. FIG. 12A
illustrates an embodiment of engine 2; FIG. 12B illustrates a
bubble producing wand with LEDs.
[0033] FIG. 13A-B illustrate an embodiment of a bubble chimney of
engine 1 and engine 2. FIG. 13A illustrates the bubble chimney of
engine 1; FIG. 13B illustrates the bubble chimney of engine 2.
[0034] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a bubble chimney.
[0035] FIG. 15A-B illustrate an embodiment of gears in engine 1 and
engine 2. FIG. 15A illustrates the gears of engine 1; FIG. 15B
illustrates the gears of engine 2.
[0036] FIG. 16A-B are schematics of an embodiment of a gear layout
for engine 1 and engine 2. FIG. 16A is a schematic of the gear
layout for engine 1; FIG. 2B is a schematic of the gear layout for
engine 2.
[0037] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of engine 2 and of engine
3.
[0038] FIG. 18A-B illustrate embodiments of engine 2 and engine 3
in a toy. FIG. 18A illustrates engine 2 in a toy; FIG. 18B
illustrates engine 3 in a toy.
[0039] FIG. 19A-B illustrate an embodiment of a bubble solution
pump of engine 3. FIG. 19A illustrates the bubble solution pump of
engine 3; FIG. 19B illustrates an enlarged portion of the bubble
solution pump of FIG. 19A.
[0040] FIG. 20A-B illustrates an embodiment of a hose path in a
bubble solution pump of engine 2 and engine 3. FIG. 20A illustrates
a hose path in engine 2; FIG. 20B illustrates a hose path in engine
3.
[0041] FIG. 21A-B illustrates the placement of an axel wiper in
engine 2 and engine 3. FIG. 21A illustrates the axel wiper
placement in engine 2; FIG. 21B illustrates the axel wiper
placement in engine 3.
[0042] FIG. 22A-B illustrate an embodiment of a bubble chimney
extender in a toy. FIG. 22A illustrates a toy with a bubble chimney
extender; FIG. 22B illustrates an enlarged view of the bubble
chimney extender.
[0043] FIG. 23A-B illustrate views of an embodiment of engine 3.
FIG. 23A illustrates a first view of engine 3; FIG. 23B illustrates
a second view of engine 3.
[0044] FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of engine 3.
[0045] FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment of engine 3.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of the present invention, which
is a bubble producing toy or wand that integrates lighting effects
and sound and the production of bubbles. Shown in FIG. 1 is the
vertical mermaid bubble wand 1, which consists of the globe 4
(which is illuminated from within and from where the bubbles
emanate), the handle/housing 2, and a removeably attachable
reservoir 3.
[0047] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the present invention, showing
the top of the globe 4 and the exit orifice from which bubbles emit
10. Within the center within the exit orifice from which bubbles
emit 10 is the inner bubble dispensing ring 11 and the rotating
film applicator 12.
[0048] The rotating film applicator 12 moves in a circular motion
and spreads a bubble film around the inner bubble dispensing ring
11. A motor-driven fan 22 (not shown) within causes air to blow
through the center of the inner bubble dispensing ring 11, thus
forming bubbles which emanate outward from the globe 4. External
LED 20 illuminates these bubbles as they leave the vertical mermaid
bubble wand 1. The top outer ring on globe 7 is more a cosmetic and
ornamental feature on the surface of the globe 4, which in this
embodiment is a two-piece assembly held together with screws within
the globe securing screw holes 9. The present invention
incorporates specially designed synchronization of lights and sound
with bubble production, and a new and improved rotating film
applicator 12 engineered to reduce excess bubble solution on the
inner bubble dispensing ring 11.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a close-up back view of the exterior of the
vertical mermaid bubble wand 1, showing the audio grill 13 located
on the handle/housing 2.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a close-up front view of the exterior of the
vertical mermaid bubble wand 1, showing the switch 6 located on the
handle/housing 2.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a close-up view considering the interior cavity at
the bottom of the invention, with the remove ably-attachable
reservoir 3 removed. Shown is the handle/housing 2, reservoir to
pump input 17, and the return line drain 14. Also shown is the seal
cap 15, which prevents leakage when the removeably-attachable
reservoir 3 is attached and screwed within the handle/housing 2,
thus allowing the reservoir to pump input 17 tube and the return
line drain 14 tube to enter the interior of the
removeably-attachable reservoir 3.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a close-up view considering the interior cavity of
the invention showing the handle/housing 2, the switch 6, the
speaker 28, battery compartment 32 with negative battery terminal
29, and the globe 4.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a close-up view considering the interior cavity of
the invention showing the motor/pump/fan housing 27 secured within
the globe 4 via motor/pump/fan housing securing screw 36. Globe 4
attaches to handle/housing 2. Contained within the motor/pump/fan
housing 27 is the motor 21 (not pictured and internally located)
which powers the fan 22 (not shown and internally located) and the
gear reduction sub system 33 (not shown and internally located)
which drives the positive displacement pump 34 (not shown and
internally located) and the rotating film applicator drive shaft
26. FIG. 8 shows the fan air input 24 and the fan impeller 23.
Returning to FIG. 7, the fan duct 25 carries air from the fan
impeller 23 to the exit at least one orifice from. which bubbles
emit 10 after air passes through the inner bubble dispensing ring
11. The pump output feed line to dispensing ring sub-assembly 18
can be seen, and this carries bubble solution from the output of
the pump 34 (not shown) to the inner bubble dispensing ring 11.
Also shown is return line drain 14 which carries excess bubble
solution back to the removeably-attachable reservoir 3. Also shown
is the circular ring PCB 30 on which are attached the globe
illuminating LEDs 31, of which in this embodiment there are six
pointing downward, and external LED 20 which points upward to
illuminate bubbles emanating vertically from the exit orifice from
which bubbles emit 10. Emanating vertically from the motor/pump/fan
housing 2 is the rotating film applicator drive shaft 26 which
passes through the wall of the fan duct 25, and is directly coupled
to the rotating film applicator 12, thus causing the rotating film
applicator 12 to rotate and spread bubble solution across the
surface of the inner bubble dispensing ring 11. Also, can be seen
is a screw receiving boss 35 which holds both halves of the globe 4
together when receiving a screw.
[0054] The globe illuminating LEDs 31 can be a multitude of LEDs of
varying colors. In one embodiment, the invention integrates six
LEDs inside the globe 4, and these are programmed to synchronize
with the music or sound emitting from speaker 28 and the audio
grill 13 External LED 20 can be more than one LED in other
embodiments and can also be a multitude of colors including but not
limited to one or more multi-colored LEDs.
[0055] The three-position activation switch 6 in this embodiment
has three functions and positions: [0056] 1) UP: lights and sound
on, with bubbles, [0057] 2) MIDDLE: off [0058] 3) DOWN: lights and
sound on, and no bubbles.
[0059] In other embodiments of the invention there can be other
combinations of features. The battery compartment 32 on the
invention is a separate internal container with external contacts,
wherein removably-insertable batteries (not shown), which are
accessible through the battery compartment door 5 on the side of
the invention's handle/housing 2 can be removably-attached by use
of an attaching device, fastener, or screw.
[0060] FIGS. 9A-C depicts the Bubble Wand battery pack with an
anti-reverse polarity feature 110. If one or more batteries are
inserted backwards (called reverse polarity), the batteries can
heat up, leak, cause fire or even explode. The anti-reverse
polarity feature makes it so that it is impossible for the
batteries to be put in backwards and still close the electrical
circuit. The anti-reverse polarity feature consists of two white
small plastic sliders 110. The bump 115 on the positive terminal of
the battery can reach past the plastic slider and complete the
circuit. However, the plate on the negative terminal 120, cannot
reach past the plastic slider, so if one or more of the three
batteries is/are flipped in the wand, the circuit cannot be
closed.
[0061] FIG. 10 depicts the Bubble Wand with a more isolated battery
pack whereby the battery pack is more isolated from the rest of the
toy. The battery compartment is inside the main body of the wand
125 but has its own housing that isolates it from the main body of
the wand 135. This better protects the batteries from dirt and
liquids from external sources. It also protects the batteries from
possible contamination from internal bubble solution. This battery
pack limits access to the inside of the toy via a battery door. The
battery door accesses the main body compartment of the wand 130 and
the battery door accesses the battery compartment only, not the
main body compartment 140 & 145.
[0062] Next are comparisons of bubble engines 1, 2 and 3, whereby
in FIG. 11, engine 1 (170) was the inventions first bubble engine,
engine 2 is an improvement of engine 1 by decreasing the profile
width and using clear transparent plastic 175 instead of white 170.
The chimney on engine 2 was rotated 115 to slim the profile. Engine
2 has one more bevel gear 165 in its gear train. Engine 3 is a
modified version of engine 2 and made to fit inside toys that
engine 2 could not and is able to attach a chimney extender for
tall/slender toy parts.
[0063] FIG. 12A shows that engine 2's housing was changed to clear
plastic 180 in order to reduce the shadows 185 that the white
plastic engine produces when the LEDs are turned on shown in the
wand 190 (illustrated in FIG. 12B).
[0064] FIG. 13A shows engine 1 and how the bubble chimney was
rotated. As mentioned above, the bubble chimney was rotated to slim
the profile of engine 2, illustrated in FIG. 13B. This provides two
benefits: 1. Engine 2 can fit into tighter spaces in the final
product (i.e., bubble wands, etc.) and so there is more freedom in
shapes and sizes that can be designed. 2. The slimmer profile
further reduces the shadows that it casts in the LED light.
[0065] FIG. 14 shows that because the bubble chimney was rotated,
the wiper drive shaft had to be rotated with it. So a bevel gear
215 was added to the end so it could still connect with the gear
train.
[0066] FIGS. 15A-B & 16A-B shows the old Engine 1 (230) with 4
gears and the newer engine 2 (225) with 5 gears and the gear train
for each engine. The fifth gear was added to change the orientation
of the wiper shaft. FIGS. 16A-B shows the difference between the
old engine's gear layout and the new engine's gear layout.
[0067] FIG. 17 depicts benefits of bubble engine 3. Of which engine
3 is/was 1. Made to fit inside toys that engine 2 could not, 2. an
improved bubble solution pump, 3. an improved wiper axel placement,
and 4. able to attach a bubble chimney extender. In FIG. 17, where
engine 2 is 270 and engine 3 is 275, the changing of the direction
of the chimney makes the engine more compact 265.
[0068] FIGS. 18A-B shows examples of engines 2 (FIG. 18A) and 3
(FIG. 18B) in toys. The picture on the left has engine 2 in it and
the picture on the right has engine 3 in it.
[0069] FIGS. 19A-B shows the improved bubble solution pump of
engine 3 with a pump cap 290, a plastic tube connector 300 that
prevents the rubber hose from being pushed out of the peristaltic
pump, one hose 295 fitting over one side of the connector and a
second hose that fits over the other side of the connector.
[0070] FIGS. 20A-B shows yet another improvement to the bubble
solution pump and how the hose in engine 2 (315 of FIG. 20A) can be
pushed out and cannot be pushed out in engine 3 (320 of FIG. 20B)
because of the change in the hose paths as shown for engine 2 (315)
path 310 versus the hose path for engine 3 (320) as shown in paths
1 (330) and 2 (325).
[0071] FIGS. 21A-B shows the improved wiper axel placement. In
engine 2 (355 of FIG. 21A), because of the path of the wiper axel
(335), the axel goes out and back into the engine housing, leaving
opportunity for dirt or solution to enter the engine 340, where in
engine 3 (360 of FIG. 21B), the path of the wiper axel (345) shows
the axel is completely contained in the engine housing (350).
[0072] FIGS. 22A-B shows engine 3's (370) ability to attach a
bubble chimney extender. Engine 3 and chimney extender are shown
here in a Buzz Lightyear toy (365). The chimney extender (375)
connects to engine 3 (370) and directs air and the wiper axel to
the top (380).
[0073] FIGS. 23A-B through 25 show different views of engine 3 (390
& 395)
[0074] While the drawings, and photographs depicted as the
preferred embodiments of this invention include images, likenesses,
logos, marks, themes, and music of Disney's Little Mermaid, this
invention in no way claims any superior intellectual property
rights over any of these characters and attributes which are the
rightful property of Disney.
Definitions
[0075] Bubble solution is bubble solution and/or other liquid,
solid, gas, or combination thereof.
[0076] Engine includes at least of a motor, gears, gear-train,
pump, fan, chimney, air ducts, orifices, dispensing device.
[0077] Chimney refers to a duct, tube, or other conduit or
extension thereof,
* * * * *