Amusement devices: toys – Having means for forming transitory bubble
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-30
2001-03-13
Ackun, Jacob K. (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices: toys
Having means for forming transitory bubble
C446S016000, CD21S401000, CD21S402000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06200184
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to bubble maker toys. More particularly, the present invention relates to bubble maker toys for simultaneously producing a plurality of bubble streams.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The art of making bubbles from a soap solution is a well-known form of entertainment. Typically, a bubble wand having a generally circular bubble ring at one end of the wand is immersed in a soap solution or the like of suitable viscosity and surface tension to create an adherent layer of soap solution. The soap solution forms a film which typically spans the entire inner area of the bubble ring. The bubble ring is then blown against to create bubbles. One disadvantage of this technique is that when a user blows against the bubble ring, a user must place his mouth on or about the bubble ring. This is a problem, particularly when there are many users operating the device, because it promotes the spread of germs among users.
Bubble maker toys have been made that provide a fan for producing an airflow against the bubble wand. However, these fans are typically made of a hard plastic material that presents additional safety concerns. For example, a child using the toy could stick his finger in the fan blades while they are rotating causing injury to the child's fingers.
Prior art bubble maker toys have been made which have multiple bubble rings on a single bubble wand for producing multiple bubbles simultaneously. Additionally, bubble maker toys have been produced which create a stream of bubbles. However, problems are encountered when attempting to produce multiple bubble streams. Such problems include having the multiple bubbles stick together or combine to form one cluster of bubbles.
Thus, there is a need for a bubble maker toy having an improved, safe air flow means. There is also a need for a bubble maker toy that can produce multiple streams of bubbles simultaneously and which retains their separate integrities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The bubble maker toy of the present invention satisfies these needs and other needs. A bubble maker toy according to the present invention is configured for simultaneously producing a plurality of bubble streams from a liquid bubble solution. The bubble maker toy comprises a bubble wand having a center and an outer circumference, the bubble wand including a plurality of bubble rings arranged around the outer circumference, and air flow means for producing an air flow across the bubble wand and through the bubble rings.
The bubble solution is of suitable viscosity and surface tension to cling to the bubble wand forming films across the bubble rings. The air flow across the bubble wand and through the bubble rings produces bubble streams from the bubble solution. The air flow means is configured for producing an air flow which forces the bubbles streams outward from the center of the bubble wand and away from each other preventing them from sticking together or combing to form one cluster of bubbles.
The airflow means is configured for producing an air flow which is concentrated adjacent to the center of the bubble wand. The bubble wand further comprises connection arms which connect the bubble rings together. The connection arms are arcuate in shape and are connected to each other at approximately the center of the bubble wand. The air flow produced by the air flow means flows across the connection arms causing the air flow to swirl in a rotating manner further forcing the bubble streams outward from the center of the bubble wand and away from each other. Preferably, the bubble rings and connection arms include ridges which form reservoirs for holding the bubble solution.
The airflow means comprises an electric fan having a plurality of fan blades configured to rotate about a central axis. The fan blades include upper, outer edges which curve inward toward the central axis for producing the airflow concentrated adjacent to the center of the bubble wand. The bubble wand is positioned adjacent to the fan blades with the bubble rings positioned adjacent to the upper, outer edges of the fan blades. Preferably, the fan blades are comprised of a soft foam material for preventing injuries to the toy user's fingers.
The bubble maker toy further comprises a housing having a handle. The electric fan and bubble wand are connected to said housing. Two activation switches are included for activating the electric fan. The activation switches are positioned on opposite ends of the handle so that the bubble maker toy can be easily operated by both right- and left-handed users.
A bubble solution dipping dish is included for holding the bubble solution. In operation, the bubble wand is dipped into bubble solution held in the dipping dish prior to activating the electric fan. The dipping dish includes a sidewall having a pouring spout for returning unused bubble solution to a storage container.
Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.
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Cajka Bill James
Marini Donald A.
Rich Ronald
Ackun Jacob K.
Laff, Whitesel & Saret, Ltd.
Miller Bena B.
OddzOn, Inc.
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