Apparatus and method for forming bubbles for amusement

Abstract

A bubble forming apparatus includes a member which defines a bubble forming aperture, and a reservoir of liquid soap concentrate in fluid communication with the bubble forming member. A duct extends from the reservoir to one or more outlets disposed adjacent to the bubble forming aperture such that the liquid soap concentrate can flow from the reservoir to the bubble forming member. A channel may be formed within the bubble forming member adjacent to the bubble forming aperture to facilitate the flow of liquid soap concentrate to the bubble forming aperture. An open-cell wick which extends from the reservoir to the bubble forming member may also be used to deliver the liquid soap concentrate to the bubble forming member. A liquid permeable lining may be disposed between the outlets and the bubble forming aperture. The reservoir includes a fill port for refilling the reservoir with liquid soap concentrate when necessary. In one embodiment, a handle of the apparatus defines the reservoir. In another embodiment, the handle is telescopically collapsible and expandable.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of forming bubbles for amusement, comprising the steps of: 
 placing a refillable reservoir of liquid soap concentrate in fluid communication with a bubble forming member;    wetting the bubble forming member with an external water-based liquid to create a bubble film over the bubble forming member; and    introducing an airstream across the bubble film to produce bubbles.    
     
     
         2 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the placing step includes the step of removably attaching a pre-filled liquid soap concentrate reservoir to the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         3 . The method of    claim 1   , including the step of delivering the liquid soap concentrate to the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         4 . The method of    claim 3   , wherein the delivering step comprises the step of squeezing a flexible housing which defines the reservoir, to force the liquid soap concentrate to the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         5 . The method of    claim 3   , wherein the delivering step comprises the step of allowing the liquid soap concentrate to gravitationally flow from the reservoir to the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         6 . The method of    claim 3   , wherein the delivering step comprises the step of saturating an open-cell wick extending from the reservoir to the bubble forming member with the liquid soap concentrate.  
     
     
         7 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the introducing step includes the step of either waving the apparatus or blowing across the bubble forming member to produce bubbles.  
     
     
         8 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein the wetting step includes the step of dipping the bubble forming member into the water-based liquid.  
     
     
         9 . A method of forming bubbles for amusement, comprising the steps of: 
 placing a refillable reservoir of liquid soap concentrate in fluid communication with a bubble forming member;    delivering the liquid soap concentrate to the bubble forming member;    wetting the bubble forming member by dipping the bubble forming member into an external water-based liquid to create a bubble film over the bubble forming member; and    introducing an airstream across the bubble film by either waving the apparatus or blowing across the bubble forming member to produce bubbles.    
     
     
         10 . The method of    claim 9   , wherein the placing step includes the step of removably attaching a pre-filled liquid soap concentrate reservoir to the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         11 . The method of    claim 9   , wherein the delivering step comprises the step of squeezing a flexible housing which defines the reservoir to force the liquid soap concentrate to the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         12 . The method of    claim 9   , wherein the delivering step comprises the step of allowing the liquid soap concentrate to gravitationally flow from the reservoir to the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         13 . The method of    claim 9   , wherein the delivering step comprises the step of saturating an open-cell wick extending from the reservoir to the bubble forming member with the liquid soap concentrate.  
     
     
         14 . An apparatus for forming bubbles, comprising: 
 a bubble forming member which defines a bubble forming aperture;    a handle attached to the bubble forming member;    a refillable reservoir of liquid soap concentrate in fluid communication with the bubble forming member;    at least one outlet disposed adjacent to the bubble forming aperture; and    a duct extending from the reservoir to the at least one outlet such that the liquid soap concentrate can flow from the reservoir to the bubble forming member;    wherein bubbles are created by inserting the bubble forming member into a water-based liquid to create a bubble film over the aperture, and introducing an air stream across the bubble film.    
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of    claim 14   , including a channel formed within the bubble forming member adjacent to the bubble forming aperture.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of clam  15 , including an open-cell wick extending from the reservoir and through the duct and disposed within the channel of the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of    claim 14   , including an open-cell wick extending from the reservoir and through the duct to the at least one outlet.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of    claim 14   , wherein the at least one outlet comprises multiple outlets disposed adjacent to the bubble forming aperture.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of    claim 14   , wherein the reservoir includes a fill port.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of    claim 14   , including a liquid permeable lining disposed between the at least one outlet and the bubble forming aperture.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of    claim 14   , wherein the handle is telescopically collapsible and expandable.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of    claim 14   , wherein the handle defines the reservoir.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of    claim 22   , wherein the handles comprises a prefilled reservoir which is removably attachable to the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         24 . An apparatus for forming bubbles, comprising: 
 a bubble forming member which defines a bubble forming aperture, the bubble forming aperture having an outlet channel formed therein adjacent to the bubble forming aperture;    a handle attached to the bubble forming member and defining a refillable reservoir of liquid soap concentrate in fluid communication with the bubble forming member, the reservoir including a fill port; and    a duct extending from the reservoir to the outlet channel such that the liquid soap concentrate can flow from the reservoir to the bubble forming aperture;    wherein bubbles are created by inserting the bubble forming member into a water-based liquid to create a bubble film over the aperture, and introducing an air stream across the bubble film.    
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of clam  24 , including an open-cell wick extending from the reservoir and through the duct and disposed within the channel of the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of    claim 24   , wherein the handles comprises a prefilled reservoir which is removably attachable to the bubble forming member.  
     
     
         27 . An apparatus for forming bubbles, comprising: 
 a bubble forming member which defines a bubble forming aperture;    a telescopically collapsible and expandable handle attached to the bubble forming member;    a refillable reservoir of liquid soap concentrate in fluid communication with the bubble forming member, the reservoir including a fill port;    at least one outlet disposed adjacent to the bubble forming aperture; and    at least one duct extending from the reservoir to the at least one outlet such that the liquid soap concentrate can flow from the reservoir to the bubble forming member;    wherein bubbles are created by inserting the bubble forming member into a water-based liquid to create a bubble film over the aperture, and introducing an air stream across the bubble film.    
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of    claim 27   , including a liquid permeable lining disposed between the at least one outlet and the bubble forming aperture.