BUBBLE-BLOWING TOY WITH CHEWING MOTION

Abstract

A chewing bubble-producing toy comprising a handle (30) secured between a bubble solution reservoir (20) and a housing (50). The housing is in the shape of a character and comprises an upper jaw piece (210) and a movable lower jaw piece (212). A lever is secured to a connecting rod (234) within the housing, which connecting rod is secured to the lower jaw about a rotatable axis. When the lever is pulled, the connecting rod moves upward, pushing the lower jaw downward about the fixed rotational axis. A compression spring (226) is secured to the connecting rod and holds the jaw closed when the lever is at rest. Secured within the housing adjacent to the connecting rod is a lever switch (241).When the lever is pulled, the connecting rod moves and contacts the lever switch, triggering it, which automatically causes sound to be played from a speaker (244) inside the device and / or transmits a wireless signal. Figure 20.

Description

Title of the invention: BUBBLE-PRODUCING TOY WITH CHEWING MOTION Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of bubble-producing toys. More particularly, a chewing-motion bubble-producing toy, in which activation of the chewing mechanism triggers a sound. Background to the invention

[0002] Bubble-producing toys and electric bubble-producing toys are known. However, many known toys leak due to overproduction of bubbles. As a result, the toys become less useful or even non-functional due to excess solution leaking onto the electrical components of the toys. In addition, this leakage results in the bubble solution being deposited on the user's hands, leading to a toy that is not user-friendly. This leakage also leads to the wastage of large amounts of bubble solution and the need for frequent refilling leads to a shortened lifespan of the toy. In addition, these toys tend to overheat as there is no safety feature when the motor speed is too high.

[0003] Furthermore, many known toys do not have a structure that recovers the solution to excess bubbles and recirculates this solution into the bubble-producing toy. If such a structure exists, it breaks easily, causing the excess solution to leak internally.

[0004] Furthermore, many known bubble-making toys do not include chewing mechanism because the movement required to perform the chewing feature interferes with the toy's bubble production. Alternatively, while these known toys can perform a chewing mechanism and bubble production, the two functions cannot be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, these known toys do not emit bubbles in a manner that allows them to be chewed. Furthermore, the chewing feature does not trigger a sound. Furthermore, these known toys do not project light through the chewing mechanism, thereby illuminating the bubbles in a unique pattern. Summary of the invention

[0005] A chewable bubble-producing toy includes a handle secured between a bubble solution reservoir and a housing. The housing is shaped like a character and includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The lower jaw is movable via the pull of a lever, which is secured inside the handle. The The lever is attached to a connecting rod inside the housing, which connecting rod is attached to the lower jaw. When the lever is pulled, the connecting rod moves upward, pushing the lower jaw down about a fixed axis of rotation. A compression spring is attached to the connecting rod, which spring keeps the jaw closed when the lever is at rest. Attached inside the housing adjacent to the connecting rod is a lever switch. When the connecting rod is moved by the lever's pull, it contacts the lever switch, triggering it, which automatically emits a sound through a speaker inside the device and / or transmits a wireless signal.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the chewing bubble-producing toy comprises: a handle having a first and a second end; a bubble-producing solution reservoir attachable to the first end of the handle; a housing attached to the second end of the handle, the housing comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw piece; a lever fixed inside the handle; a connecting rod fixed inside the housing between the lever and the lower jaw piece; a bubble producing motor secured within the housing; and a bubble producing solution channel comprising a tubular structure, the channel extending from the solution reservoir to a bubble discharge nozzle secured to the bubble motor.

[0007] Optionally, the toy further comprises a transmitter and a receiver attached inside the housing.

[0008] Optionally, the toy further comprises a speaker attached to the inside of the housing.

[0009] Optionally, the connecting rod comprises a hook.

[0010] Optionally, the toy further comprises a compression spring attached to the hook.

[0011] Optionally, pulling the lever separates the lower jaw piece from the upper jaw.

[0012] Optionally, the toy further comprises a recirculation channel comprising a tubular structure, the recirculation channel extending from the bubble discharge nozzle to the bubble generating solution reservoir.

[0013] Optionally, the toy comprises light-emitting diodes attached to the inside of the housing

[0014] According to one embodiment, the chewing motion bubble producing toy comprises: a handle having a first and a second end; a bubble-producing solution reservoir attachable to the first end of the handle; a housing attached to the second end of the handle, the housing comprising an upper jaw and a movable lower jaw piece; a speaker fixed inside the case; a lever fixed inside the handle; a connecting rod secured inside the housing between the lever and the lower jaw piece, the connecting rod includes a hook; a lever switch attached adjacent to the hook; a bubble-producing motor fixed inside the housing; and a bubble-producing solution channel comprising a tubular structure, the channel extending from the solution reservoir to a bubble discharge nozzle attached to the bubble engine.

[0015] Optionally, the lever switch is attached adjacent to the hook at a distance where it contacts the hook when the lever is pulled.

[0016] Optionally, contact of the hook with the trigger switch automatically causes sound to be played through the speaker.

[0017] Optionally, the toy further comprises a compression spring attached to the hook.

[0018] Optionally, the toy further comprises light emitting diodes attached to the interior of the housing.

[0019] Optionally, the toy further comprises a recirculation channel comprising a tubular structure, wherein the recirculation channel extends from the bubble discharge nozzle to the bubble generating solution reservoir.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the chewing movement bubble producing toy comprising: a handle having a first and a second end; a bubble-producing solution reservoir attachable to the first end of the handle; a housing attached to the second end of the handle, the housing comprising an upper jaw and a movable lower jaw piece; a speaker fixed inside the case; a transmitter fixed inside the housing; a lever fixed inside the handle; a connecting rod secured inside the housing between the lever and the lower jaw piece, the connecting rod comprising a hook; a lever switch attached adjacent to the hook; a bubble-producing motor fixed inside the housing; and a bubble-producing solution channel comprising a tubular structure, the channel extending from the solution reservoir to a bubble discharge nozzle attached to the bubble engine.

[0021] Optionally, the lever switch is attached adjacent to the hook at a distance at which it contacts the hook when the lever is pulled.

[0022] Optionally, contact of the hook with the lever switch automatically causes sound to be played through the speaker.

[0023] Optionally, contact of the hook with the lever switch further automatically causes a signal to be transmitted from the transmitter.

[0024] Optionally, the toy further comprises light-emitting diodes fixed inside the housing.

[0025] Optionally, the toy further comprises a compression spring attached to the hook. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a rear view of a first embodiment of a bubble-producing toy comprising a bubble-producing solution reservoir connected to a housing by a handle.

[0027] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a rear perspective view of the housing of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig.l].

[0028] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an open view of the housing with a nozzle of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig.l].

[0029] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an open view of the housing of the bubble-making toy shown in [Fig.l] with the electrical components secured inside an enclosure.

[0030] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a rear view of the enclosure that contains the electrical components of the bubble-making toy housing shown in [Fig.l].

[0031] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is an open-face rear view of the enclosure of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig.l], with the nozzle, a nozzle cover, and a wiping mechanism.

[0032] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a sectional view of the nozzle, nozzle cover and an air duct attached to the inside of the housing of the bubble-making toy shown in [Fig.l].

[0033] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a top perspective view of the nozzle of the toy of bubble production shown in [Fig.l].

[0034] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a rear view of the enclosure, nozzle and solution channel of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig.l].

[0035] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a rear view of the solution channel and solution reservoir cover of the bubble making toy shown in [Fig.l].

[0036] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a side view of a converter which is used in combination with a solution channel of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig.l],

[0037] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a front view of the converter of [Fig.l 1] with a solution channel that has two parts with different diameters.

[0038] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a front view of the converter of [Fig.l 1] connected to a larger diameter part of the solution channel.

[0039] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a front view of a reservoir cover of the bubble-producing toy of [Fig.l], connected to the converter and the larger diameter piece of the solution channel shown in [Fig. 13].

[0040] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a front view of a second embodiment of a bubble-producing toy, which includes a bubble solution reservoir connected to a housing by the handle, wherein the handle includes a lever that activates a chewing mechanism of the toy.

[0041] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a rear view of the second embodiment of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig. 15].

[0042] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a side view of the second embodiment of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig. 15].

[0043] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] is another side view of the second embodiment of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig. 15].

[0044] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig. 15].

[0045] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a side sectional view of the second embodiment of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig. 15].

[0046] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is a side sectional view of an upper portion of the handle with the lever and the housing of the second embodiment of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig. 15].

[0047] [Fig.22] [Fig.22] is another side sectional view of the second mode of construction of the bubble-producing toy shown in [Fig. 15], in which the chewing mechanism is activated. Detailed description

[0048] Figures 1 to 10 show different perspectives of a first embodiment of a bubble-producing toy 10. Figures 15 to 22 show different perspectives of a second embodiment of a bubble-producing toy 200, in which the toy includes a chewing mechanism. The components for generating bubbles are the same in the first and second embodiments, and the elements are indicated, accordingly, in the figures. The features and structures that are modified in the second embodiment are mentioned herein and are indicated in Figures 15 to 22 using reference numerals in the 200 series. Any of the elements described for the first embodiment should be understood as applying to the second embodiment, even if not specifically shown in Figures 15 to 22.Figures 11-14 show a converter 100 that is used by both the first and second embodiments of the bubble-producing toy.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 and 15-20, the first and second embodiments of the bubble-producing toy (10, 200) include a bubble solution reservoir 20 that is connectable by a handle 30 to a housing 50. The reservoir 20 contains liquid, such as bubble solution, that creates bubbles. The bubble solution is preferably non-toxic and is advantageous because it is less slippery when dropped on the ground. The reservoir preferably has a flat bottom, so the toy can be placed on a surface and not tip over. The reservoir is connected to the handle by any conventional attachment system, such as by twisting or rotating the reservoir on the handle. The reservoir is refillable, which is advantageous since the toy can be used indefinitely.

[0050] As shown in Figures 10, 15-16 and 19-20, the reservoir 20 includes a cover 22, which connects to its upper portion, and prevents spillage of the solution from the reservoir into the handle 30. One way in which the cover connects to the reservoir is via sides 21 which project downwardly from the cover and attach to the inside of the reservoir or around the reservoir. The cover includes an opening 28 for the connection of a solution channel 26 through which the solution immersed in the reservoir is pumped or passes. The channel is connected to the opening by conventional methods and one end of the channel is positioned in the solution of the reservoir. The channel comprises a tubular structure which extends vertically from the reservoir, through the handle 30, through a pump 60 with a gearbox 62, which are fixed in the housing 50 and connects to a nozzle 72 fixed in an upper portion of the housing.

[0051] As shown in Figures 10, 15-16 and 19-20, the opening 28 may be connected to or include a converter 100. As shown in Figures 10-15, the converter includes a first end 102 and a second end 104, and each end includes a tip 106, 108. The solution channel 26 includes two tubular portions of different diameters that are connected via the converter. As shown in Figures 12-14, the larger diameter channel 112 connects to the tip of the first end of the converter. The larger diameter channel preferably has a larger internal diameter through which the solution passes. The end of the larger diameter channel that is not connected to the converter is connected into the solution reservoir 20. The converter may be positioned anywhere along the length of the solution channel, but is preferably connected to or secured in the opening in the reservoir lid. Furthermore, the recirculation channel 29 may include a converter therein. The converter is form-fitted into this opening or secured, for example, with glue.The second end 104 of the converter also includes a tip 108 which is connected to a smaller diameter solution channel 114 which is smaller in diameter than the larger diameter channel. The smaller channel is reduced in diameter relative to the larger channel by at least ten percent, preferably about ten to seventy percent, most preferably about ten to fifty percent. The end of the smaller diameter channel which is not connected to the converter extends vertically through the handle 30, through a pump 60 with a gearbox 62 secured in the housing 50. The solution within the reservoir is pumped through this channel and the channel ultimately merges with and connects to an outlet 78 located in a recess 76 of the nozzle 72.

[0052] As shown in Figures 10-15, the converter 100 includes a central body portion 110 that is positioned between the tips 106, 108 of the converter. The converter is integrally molded during production. The larger and smaller diameter solution channels 112, 114 are suction-fitted onto the respective tips of the converter and may be further secured by other methods. The central body portion assists in this securing. The diameter of the smaller diameter solution channels 114 is reduced in size to reduce the amount of solution that passes through the channel, which ultimately produces the desired drip rate of fluid onto the recess 76 of the nozzle 72. The converter 100 functions to reduce the amount of solution and the size of the opening through which the solution passes.The converter reduces the amount of solution passing by at least ten percent, preferably about ten to seventy percent, most preferably about ten to fifty percent.

[0053] As shown in Figures 10 and 14, the cover 22 of the tank 20 also includes a recirculation channel connection 25 which includes a tip 24, which is connected to the cover by a body portion 23. The converter 100 is used in conjunction with or instead of the recirculation channel connector toy. The tip connects to the solution recirculation channel 29 which includes a tubular structure that extends vertically downward through the handle 30 to allow excess solution produced during operation of the toy 10 to return to the reservoir for reuse. The solution recirculation channel is advantageous because it recycles the solution, so it is not wasted. In addition, the recirculation channel collects excess liquid that is trapped in the recess 76 of the nozzle 72 and safely returns it to the solution reservoir. This prevents leakage of excess solution into the internal electronics of the toy. The body portion of the recirculation channel connector includes a ball valve or ball bearing, so that if a user turns the toy upside down, liquid is prevented from leaking from the reservoir.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 and 15-20, the handle 30 is preferably connected to an upper portion of the reservoir 20 via a twisting or screwing mechanism. The handle is formed as a handle for the user to comfortably hold the toy (10, 200). The handle is preferably made of a lightweight but durable material, such as plastic, which can withstand drops without breaking. The handle is hollow and may be made with a monolithic piece or may consist of a front cover and a rear cover secured together, for example via screws. The handle includes a power source for operation of the toy, which power source is batteries 35. The batteries are secured in a battery compartment 36, which is formed in the rear side of the handle and encloses the batteries via a casing 38.As shown in Figures 4 and 22, the handle includes wiring 43 that electrically connects the power source to the electrical components of the toy, the majority of which is secured in housing 50. In the first and second embodiments of the toy, the batteries are electrically connected to a slide switch (40, 240), which a user depresses to activate the various features of the toy. The battery compartment includes a fuse that protects the power source from overheating by shutting off the power source if the temperature rises above safe requirements. This switch, in both the first and second embodiments, is multifunctional and preferably a three-way slide switch, and thus controls the multiple settings of the various electrical operations of the toy.For example, in the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-4, the toy includes light emitting diode(s) 48 secured within the toy, which light emitting diodes vary in color, brightness, and intensity. In one mode of operation, when a user slides the switch upward, the light emitting diodes illuminate in a . sequence that varies in color, brightness, etc. and bubbles are produced. When a user slides the switch down, the LEDs are illuminated continuously, and bubbles are produced.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4 and 19-22, the first and second embodiments of the toy (10, 200) include a circuit or control circuit (37, 237), such as a microcontroller unit, that controls the various electrical operations of the toy. The microcontroller unit further includes a proximity sensing device, such as an RFID or other types of electronic device, that sense location, proximity, or other wireless operations that provide instructions for lighting, sound production, and / or bubble production. Such devices include instructions and operational circuitry for sensing location relative to a transmitted beacon. The toy further includes a vibratory element.For example, the first and second embodiments of the toy include wireless activation, via an IR receiver 248 and also transmits signals via an IR transmitter 246 when the toy is within a certain distance of a display, feature, attraction, or other location, see Figures 19-21. For example, the toy automatically activates after approaching a display, feature, attraction, or other location in an amusement park that transmits a unique beacon that, when received by the toy, causes the toy to light up, emit a sound, and / or produce bubbles in a preprogrammed manner. Other possible automated instructions include emitting colors, playing a predefined audio sound stored in the toy's memory or received by the toy's receiver, emitting signals that are broadcast and received by the integrated receiver, and similar functionality.Additionally, when a user with the toy approaches a screen, feature, attraction, or other location that can receive a unique beacon that has been sent from the toy, the screen, feature, attraction, etc. illuminates and / or activates in a predetermined manner.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1-3 and 19, the housing 50 includes a front casing 51 and a rear casing 53 that are secured together, for example, by screws. The housing may be of any shape or size. As shown in Figures 1-4, the housing of the first provision of the toy 10 has a globe shape in the first embodiment of the toy 10. As shown in Figures 15-22, the housing of the second embodiment of the toy 200 is a unicorn with a face including eyes, ears, and a mouth. More particularly, in the second embodiment, the mouth includes an upper jaw 210 and a lower jaw 212, which lower jaw moves away from the upper jaw, thereby opening and closing the unicorn's mouth when a lever 220 is drawn. As shown in Figures 4, 5, 9 and 22, the bubble-producing components of the housing are secured in an enclosure 52, which enclosure is secured to an internal surface of the housing. This enclosure is water-resistant or waterproof and advantageously helps to protect the electrical components from damage by liquid. As shown in [Fig. 4], the enclosure is secured via screws to the various pegs 57, which prevents the enclosure from shifting within the housing. The enclosure is either integral or comprises a front cover 54 and a rear cover 56, which are secured together, for example via screws. The enclosure is configured in any predetermined shape so that when the front and rear covers are secured together, the various components therein are secured in place.The enclosure is configured to contain a motor 58 that is electrically connected to a pump 60 with a gearbox 62 and an air generating toy 64. The motor can be any type of motor that most efficiently produces the amount of power needed to create the precise number of rotations needed to generate the desired amount of bubbles. Advantageously, the rotational speed of the motor is reduced to a specific number of revolutions per minute so that there is less solution on the nozzle 72 of the top of the toy, which prevents the solution from overflowing into the toy. In addition, this motor also generates the air flow necessary to create the desired amount of bubbles. In addition, the toy advantageously uses less electrical current due to the slowed speed of the motor, thereby increasing the battery life of the toy.To further assist in producing the desired size and quantity of bubbles is the type of pump 60 used, which is preferably a peristaltic pump. This pump is connected to the gearbox 62, which includes a plurality of gears to control the speed of the pump to produce the correct number of bubbles per minute. The pump operates in combination with the gearbox, which draws the bubble solution from the reservoir 20 through the channel 26. The channel extends from the reservoir, through the handle 30, the pump, and the gearbox. A second end 27 of the channel attaches to an outlet 78 positioned in a recess 76 of a nozzle 72. The air combines with the solution near the discharge port 86 of a nozzle cover 90 and is beneficial in creating the desired quantity and size of bubbles. The motor is electrically connected to the air producing toy.The air producing toy can be any toy that produces a flow of air with the velocity necessary to project the solution through the discharge port 86 of the nozzle cover 90. The air duct is a hollow tube that is attached to, is part of, or is formed by the enclosure 52. The air duct is bent at an angle to help create the precise number of bubbles so as not to overheat the toy.

[0057] As shown in Figures 7 and 19-22, an upper portion of the air duct 68 is connected to or includes a console-shaped shelf 70. As shown in Figures 7 and 21, the console shape of the shelf is manufactured to securely mount a base portion 74 of the nozzle 72 and a base portion 92 of the nozzle cover 90. The nozzle base is secured below the cover base, which together fit snugly into the shelf. If additional reinforcement is required, screws may be used, or a nozzle sealing sheet 69 may be used to seal the bases into the shelf. Extending from the nozzle base is an upper portion 73, which includes a recess 76 that surrounds the outer circumference of the nozzle upper portion. This hollow includes an outlet 78 to which the bubble solution channel 26 connects, and an inlet 80 to which the recirculation channel 29 connects.As shown in [Fig. 9], each channel connects to a lower face of the inlet and outlet. As shown in [Fig. 8], positioned inward from the recess are two semicircular openings 82, 84. Air from the air duct is forced upward through these two semicircular portions. Although these two open semicircular portions can be of any shape, the semicircular shape is most beneficial for the 360-degree rotation of the wiper 85, which is centrally positioned within the nozzle, via a central portion 83. The wiper handle 88 is secured in the central portion and extends into the housing 50. Upon rotation, the wiper extends toward the recess and rotates over the two semicircular openings to create bubbles.For example, in use, a user turns on the bubble toy (10, 200) which activates the internal electronics of the toy, such as the motor 85, the air producing toy 64 and the pump 60. The solution is pumped from the solution reservoir 20 via the solution channel through the handle 30 and to the outlet located within the nozzle recess. The solution then collects in the recess and as the wiper device rotates 360 around the entire recess, the film is created on the two semi-circular portions. Then, air from the air producing toy is forced upward through the air channel and below the two semi-circular portions. The air pushes the film into a bubble, which bubble is pushed out of the discharge port 86 in the nozzle cover.Additionally, attached to an external portion of the nozzle cover is a gasket 94 or seal toy that presses against the housing to make the toy water resistant. This gasket advantageously prevents liquid from entering the toy.

[0058] As shown in Figures 15-20, the second embodiment of the bubble-making toy 200 includes a chewing feature, in which the lower jaw piece 212 of the unicorn-shaped housing 50 moves up and down to mimic a chewing mouth, when a user pulls a lever 220. The upper jaw piece 210 does not move. As shown in [Fig. 22], the lower piece includes a bracket 233 attached to it inside the housing, which bracket connects to the elements inside the housing, causing the lower jaw piece to move. As shown in Figures 19 to 22, the lever includes a handle 222 and an arm 224. The arm is attached inside the handle and the handle is the part that a user pulls to activate the chewing mechanism. The handle is attached inside a notch 211 inside the handle, so the lever has room to move when pulled by the user. When the lever is at rest, the upper and lower jaws are clamped together, as shown in Figures 15, 17 to 18 and 20 to 21. When a user pulls the lever into the notch, the lower jaw opens, as shown in [Fig.22].This chewing feature is achieved via components secured within the handle and housing. As shown in Figures 20-22, the lever arm includes a front end 228 and a rear end 230. The front end includes a fixed rotational axis 232, about which the lever rotates, via a wire 231 when the user pulls the handle. The rear end is connected to a connecting rod 234, via a screw. The connecting rod is also secured to the lower jaw bracket. More particularly, as shown in [Fig. 22], the lower jaw piece is secured to the bracket about a jaw axis 236, which allows the jaw to move up and down. The connecting rod includes a hook 238 to which a compression spring 226 is secured, for example by twisting an upper portion of the spring around the hook.The compression spring pushes upwards on the hook, ensuring that the connecting rod and the corresponding lower jaw are closed, when the lever is at rest. When a user pulls the lever handle, the front end of the arm rotates around the fixed rotation axis, which pushes the rear end of the arm upwards. When the rear end is pushed upwards, the connecting rod is also pushed upwards, and the compression spring extends. This forces the lower jaw piece to rotate around its axis, thus opening, i.e. moving downwards, when the connecting rod pushes the bracket upwards, see [Fig.22]. When the lever is released, the compression spring returns to its original shape and pulls the connecting rod downwards and the lever returns to its original rest position.

[0059] Further, as shown in Figures 20-22, the housing 50 advantageously includes a lever switch or trigger 241 that is secured within the housing in a specific location and at a distance adjacent to the hook 238 of the connecting rod 234. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, when the lever is at rest, the lever switch is not triggered. As shown in [Fig. 22], when the lever is pulled, the hook on the connecting rod is pushed up into the lever switch, thereby triggering it. The lever switch is electrically connected to the main microcontroller unit 237 which is secured inside the housing. As shown in Figs. 19 to 22, the microcontroller unit is secured inside the upper jaw piece 210. The microcontroller unit controls all functions of the bubble making toy 200, including sounds, light effects, IR signal transmission and reception, and the stored FC audio sound. Secured in the upper jaw piece is a speaker 244, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and the lever switch.When the lever switch is closed by pulling the lever, the pre-stored audio sound, which is stored in an FX audio player connected to the microcontroller unit, is played on the speaker, such as a chewing sound. Further secured in the housing and electrically connected to the microcontroller unit are a wireless transmitter 246 and a wireless receiver 248, such as an infrared transmitter and receiver. Therefore, one mode of operation of the second embodiment includes the step of playing a sound from the speaker and shooting bubbles from the bubble transmitter 86, when an IR signal is received. In addition, there are light-emitting diodes 250, 252, which are advantageously secured above the speaker and directed outward from the face inside the housing eyes to flash in a sequential order to make the unicorn appear to blink.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 16 and 19, in addition to the lever 220, the user activates the toy 200 via a push button 254 or a slide switch 240. The slide switch and the push button activate different modes of the bubble toy. For example, when a user presses the button, it triggers a song that is stored in the audio IC and automatically plays this sound through the speaker 244. When a user slides the switch upward, which can be independent or operate simultaneously with the features of the push button, the toy produces bubbles and the different LEDs light up and a song automatically sounds. In this way, a song is played when a user pulls the lever 220.If a user slides the switch down, the LEDs automatically turn on and rotate in a pre-programmed sequence and pulling the lever, emits a sound while also transmitting an IR signal to activate a feature in a nearby toy or accessory. In addition, when the toy receives an IR signal, bubbles are fired from the toy, the LEDs are activated, and the sound is played. These various modes should not be construed as limiting, as sound, light, bubble production, and the transmission and reception of IR signals. for activation can all be programmed and operated together, via programming the microcontroller unit.

[0061] Further, advantageously, in the second embodiment of the toy 200, the solution channel 26 and the recirculation channel 29 are positioned so that the chewing mechanism within the housing 50 does not interfere with the bubble-producing feature of the toy. As shown in [Fig. 22], the solution channel is attached to one side of the lever, and the recirculation channel is attached to the other side. Therefore, the toy is fully operational, producing the bubbles and performing chewing simultaneously. The unique location of the solution channels avoids any interference from moving parts in the handle and housing, which would interfere with the bubble production. Furthermore, due to the use of the recirculation channel 29 of the converter 100, the bubble solution does not leak from the solution channel into the electronics attached within the housing, resulting in a superior toy.

[0062] In another embodiment, the bubble-producing features of the toy within the housing rotate horizontally, such that the bubbles are emitted from the unicorn's mouth. Therefore, a user generates a chewing motion of the bubbles as they are emitted from the mouth.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative embodiments to those described herein, which are conceivable variations, are also covered by the present disclosure. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed as limiting the embodiments or as excluding such equivalent embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications, and arrangements.

Claims

Claims

1. A chewing motion bubble producing toy comprising: a handle (30) having a first end and a second end; a bubble producing solution reservoir (20) attachable to the first end of the handle; a housing (50) attached to the second end of the handle, the housing comprising an upper jaw (210) and a lower jaw piece (212); a lever (220) attached inside the handle; a connecting rod (234) attached inside the housing between the lever and the lower jaw piece; a bubble producing motor (58) attached inside the housing; and a bubble producing solution channel (26) comprising a tubular structure, the channel extending from the solution reservoir to a bubble discharge nozzle (72) attached to the bubble motor.

2. A chewing motion bubble producing toy according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitter (248) and a receiver (246) secured within the housing (50).

3. A chewing motion bubble producing toy according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a speaker (244) secured within the housing (50).

4. A chewing motion bubble producing toy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting rod (234) comprises a hook (238).

5. A chewing action bubble producing toy according to claim 4, further comprising a compression spring (226) attached to the hook.

6. A chewing motion bubble producing toy according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein pulling the lever (220) separates the lower jaw piece (212) from the upper jaw (210).

7. A chewing motion bubble producing toy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a recirculation channel (29) comprising a tubular structure, the recirculation channel extending from the bubble discharge nozzle (72) to the bubble generating solution reservoir (20).

8. A chewing motion bubble producing toy according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising light emitting diodes (250,252) secured within the housing (50).

9. A chewing motion bubble producing toy comprising: a handle (30) having a first end and a second end; a bubble producing solution reservoir (20) attachable to the first end of the handle; a housing (50) attached to the second end of the handle, the housing including an upper jaw (210) and a movable lower jaw piece (212); a speaker (244) attached inside the housing; a lever (220) attached inside the handle; a connecting rod (234) attached inside the housing between the lever and the lower jaw piece, the connecting rod including a hook (238); a lever switch (241) attached adjacent to the hook; a bubble producing motor (58) attached inside the housing;and a bubble-producing solution channel (26) comprising a tubular structure, the channel extending from the solution reservoir to a bubble discharge nozzle (72) attached to the bubble motor.;

10. A chewing motion bubble producing toy according to claim 9, wherein the lever switch (241) is attached adjacent to the hook (238) at a distance where it contacts the hook when the lever is pulled.

11. A chewing bubble-producing toy according to claim 10, wherein contact of the hook (238) with the lever switch (241) automatically causes sound to be played from the speaker (244).

12. A chewing action bubble producing toy according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a compression spring (226) attached to the hook (238).

13. A chewing action bubble producing toy according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising light emitting diodes (250,252) secured within the housing.

14. A chewing action bubble producing toy according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising a recirculation channel (29) comprising a tubular structure, wherein the recirculation channel extends from the bubble discharge nozzle (72) to the bubble producing solution reservoir (20).

15. A chewing motion bubble producing toy comprising: a handle (30) having a first end and a second end; a bubble producing solution reservoir (20) attachable to the first end of the handle; a housing (50) attached to the second end of the handle, the housing including an upper jaw (210) and a movable lower jaw piece (212); a speaker (244) attached inside the housing; a transmitter (248) attached inside the housing; a lever (220) attached inside the handle; a connecting rod (234) attached inside the housing between the lever and the lower jaw piece, the connecting rod including a hook (238); a lever switch (241) attached adjacent to the hook; a bubble producing motor (58) attached inside the housing;and a bubble-producing solution channel (26) comprising a tubular structure, the channel extending from the solution reservoir (20) to a bubble discharge nozzle (72) attached to the bubble engine.;

16. A chewing motion bubble producing toy according to claim 15, wherein the lever switch (241) is attached adjacent to the hook (238) at a distance at which it contacts the hook when the lever (220) is pulled.

17. A chewing motion bubble producing toy according to claim 16, wherein the contact of the hook (238) with the lever switch (241) automatically causes sound to be played through the speaker (244).

18. A chewing motion bubble producing toy according to claim 17, wherein contact of the hook (238) with the lever switch (241) further automatically causes transmission of a signal from the transmitter (248).

19. A chewing action bubble producing toy according to any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising light emitting diodes (250,252) secured within the housing.

20. A chewing bubble producing toy according to claim 15, further comprising a compression spring (226) attached to the hook (238).

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