Toy

Abstract

A bubble stick comprises a cap 200 comprising a cavity 202 and an engagement portion 204; a wand (100, figure 4) comprising a bubble hoop (102) and an engagement portion (106), the engagement portion

Description

05 03 25 Background of the Invention 5 Bubble wand toys have long been popular among children and adults for their ability to create bubbles of different sizes and shapes by dipping the wand into a bubble solution and blowing through it. Bubble wand toys conventionally have a wand with a simple loop or hoop structure, through which the user blows or waves to create bubbles. A cap is provided around the top of the wand to make holding of the wand by a user comfortable. 10 Often the cap is also arranged to close a container for bubble solution. Conventionally, the cap is formed in pieces, around the wand. The pieces may be arranged around the bubble wand, and glued or welded into place so as to provide the wand integrally with the cap. This process for forming the wand-cap unit, or bubble stick, has 15 several intermediary stages and slows down production of the bubble stick as a whole. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect, there is provided a cap for mounting a wand of a bubble stick 20 according to claim 1. Such a cap can be fully formed independent of, and prior to receiving, the wand, thereby expediting the manufacture and construction process of the bubble stick as a whole. The cap according to the invention can be fully formed even when, say, the bubble wand is not 25 available. When forming part of a bubble stick, the cavity of the cap houses a portion of the bubble wand, and the cap can act as a handle for the bubble wand. The cap may be for engaging a sword, in use. The sword is a container for holding bubble solution, and into which a bubble wand can be dipped and removed by a user, ready for a 30 bubble to be blown or waved. The lid portion of the cap may be arranged with an engagement means suitable for engaging with a complimentary engagement means arranged on the sword, so as to securely enclose and seal the sword when the wand is located within the sword. In this way the cap can be configured to secure to the sword whilst the bubble wand is emersed in a bubble solution in the sword, so to close the sword 35 and trap the bubble solution within the sword. The engagement means may be entirely or partially provided at the cap. In instances where the engagement means is partially 05 03 25 provided at the cap, a complimentary part of the engagement means may be provided at the sword. In this way, the manufacture of the cap and thereby the bubble stick as a whole can be made more efficient whilst retaining ability of the cap, in use, to act as a handle for a bubble wand, and also to act as a lid and seal to the sword. 5 The cap may comprise an engagement means for engaging a sword in use, optionally wherein the engagement means comprises a thread for engaging a complimentary thread of the sword, in use. In this way the cap can be screwed onto the sword, without interfering with the engagement between the cap and the wand. Such a thread may be provided along 10 an internal wall or an external wall of the cap, such that that cap can be screwed into or over a sword. In some embodiments the engagement means may comprise a push fit mechanism, for engagement with a corresponding mechanism at the sword, in use. The engagement means may be provided generally towards one end of the cap. The cavity may comprise an opening generally towards one end of the cap. Optionally the 15 engagement means may be provided generally towards the same end of the cap as the opening of the cavity. The opening of the cavity may itself be provided with the engagement means for securing the bubble stick to the sword, in use. Such arrangements could save substantial time in manufacturing and construction of the bubble wand-sword arrangement as a whole. 20 The cavity may be provided generally at an opening of the cap. The cavity may be arranged for receiving the wand in one direction only. The cavity may be shaped to receive and compliment an engagement portion of the wand. When a wand is provided in the cavity, the engagement portion of the cap may be configurable to securely engage with the 25 complimentary engagement portion on the wand in one direction only. In an example, the engagement portion of the cap may only be able to securely engage with the engagement portion of the wand when the cap and the wand are brought into more intimate contact with one another as they are forced closer together or into one another. The engagement portion of the cap and / or the engagement portion of the wand may deform to allow the 30 engagement portion of the wand to pass over the engagement portion of the cap, or vice versa, in one direction only and to engage such that they cannot pass back over each other. The cap may comprise a generally tapered profile, the thinnest portion of the taper being provided generally towards a second end of the cap. The second end may be opposite to 35 a first end of the cap towards which the cavity is provided. The second end of the cap may comprise a handle. The thinnest portion of the taper may be provided generally towards 05 03 25 the second end of the cap. Such a profile is easy to hold by a user fitting the cap onto the wand and also by a user fitting the cap onto or removing the cap from a sword, in use. The cap may be configurable for receiving a force, the application of which force having 5 the effect of drawing the cap into more intimate contact with the wand. When the engagement portion of the cap and the engagement portion of the wand are brought close to each other, prior to secure engagement, application of sufficient force can force the engagement portions to move past each other and engage, either one or both of the engagement portions may temporarily deform to allow the engagement portion to move 10 past each other in one direction only. This has the effect of irreversibly engaging the cap with the wand. Subsequent movement of the cap and the wand may be restricted, such that the wand cannot be removed from the cap - if an attempt is made to, say, pull apart the cap and the bubble wand, the engagement portions cannot easily be forced back over each other and the cap remains engaged with the wand. This is because the engagement 15 portion of the wand is arranged to only pass over and engage with the engagement portion of the cap when where is relative movement between the cap and the wand in one direction only. The engagement portion of the cap may be shaped in a generally complimentary manner 20 to the shape of the complimentary engagement portion of the wand. The engagement portion may be shaped such that when the engagement portion of the cap is forced over the engagement portion of the wand, or vice versa, the cap is configured to irreversibly engage the wand. The cap may be configurable to engage with the wand in a push-fit manner. The engagement portion of the cap may be forceable over the engagement 25 portion of the wand, or vice versa, in one direction only. Complex mechanisms and vast technical modifications are not required to accommodate and secure the bubble wand within the cavity of the cap. The engagement portion of the cap may be configurable to pass over the engagement 30 portion of the wand, or vice versa, when force is applied to at least one of the cap and the wand. The engagement portion of the cap may be shaped so as to be forced past the engagement portion of the wand, or vice versa, in one direction, only. In an example a face of the engagement portion of the cap may be sloped so as to guide the engagement portion of the wand past the engagement portion of the cap in the direction of the slope. The 35 engagement portion of the cap may have a generally tapered profile. The direction may be that in which the cap and the wand are drawn closer into more intimate contact. Only one 05 03 25 straightforward motion and / or direction of force is required to secure the cap to the wand. The time saved securing one cap to one wand in this way may be considered small in isolation. However, the overall time saved when many such caps are applied to wands is significant and could lead to significant savings in manufacturing time and costs. 5 The engagement portion of the cap may comprise a recess in the wall of the cap in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the cap is configurable to receive the wand. In this way the engagement portion of the cap can disrupt movement of, and engage the engagement portion of the wand, when it is provided into the cap. It may be 10 useful for understanding the invention to consider the example wherein the cavity is generally cylindrical - the engagement portion of the cap may be provided at a point on the circumference of the generally circular cross section of the cylindrical cavity. In the alternative the ridge may comprise a protrusion extending from the wall in a plane 15 that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the cap is configurable to receive the wand. In this way the ridge can disrupt movement of, and engage the catch of, the wand as it is provided within the cap. It may be useful for understanding the invention to consider the example wherein the cavity is generally cylindrical - the engagement portion of the cap may be provided at a point on the circumference of the generally circular cross 20 section of the cylindrical cavity. The engagement portion of the cap may be elongate along an internal wall defining the cavity. Optionally, the engagement portion of the cap extends continuously along a whole perimeter of the cavity, so as to be shape of a ‘ring’ recessed in the cavity wall. 25 In the alternative the engagement portion of the cap may be elongate along an internal wall defining the cavity. Optionally, the ridge extends continuously along a whole perimeter of the cavity, so as to be shape of a ‘ring’ protruding from the cavity wall. 30 In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of engagement portions may be provided along a perimeter of the cavity. The dimensions of the engagement portion(s) of the cap will complement the dimensions of the corresponding engagement portion(s) of the wand. The corresponding engagement portion of the wand may be continuously elongate around a corresponding portion of the bubble wand. Preferably at least one of the cap and the wand 35 will comprise an elongate respective engagement portion, so as to ensure secure engagement between the cap and the wand. 05 03 25 According to a second aspect there is provided a wand for engaging a cap of a bubble stick according to claim 5. 5 Bubbles can be blown through the bubble forming hoop or waved to generate bubbles. The hoop may be provided substantially towards a first end of the wand which is configurable to be emersed in a sword for containing bubble solution. Preferably the hoop is provided at the first end of the bubble wand, such that when the bubble wand is placed in a sword, in use, the hoop can reach bubble solution at the base of the sword. In 10 instances where the catch is provided substantially towards the second end of an elongate bubble wand, the hoop may be provided at substantially the first end of the bubble wand at the opposite end to the catch. The wand may comprise a plurality hoops, of same, similar or different sizes. The plurality 15 hoops may be arranged generally linearly along the length of the bubble wand. The wand may comprise an engagement member shaped to compliment the shape of the cavity of the cap. In this way the wand is suitably shaped to be inserted, at least partially, into the cavity of the cap to form the bubble stick. The engagement member may comprise 20 the engagement portion. The engagement portion may be provided substantially at one end of the elongate member. The bubble-forming hoop(s) may be provided at substantially the second end of the elongate member. The engagement portion and the bubble-forming hoop(s) may be provided at substantially opposite ends of the elongate member. This maximises the distance between the hoop(s) and the engagement portion of the wand, 25 thereby increasing the height of a sword in which the wand can be used. In this way, increasing the distance between the hoop(s) and the catch facilitates use with a higher capacity sword which is able to hold more bubble solution. When the cap and the bubble wand are, say, drawn into more intimate contact, application 30 of sufficient force can force the engagement portion of the wand past the engagement portion of the cap, or vice versa, thereby irreversibly engaging the cap with the bubble wand. Subsequently, if an attempt is made to, say, pull apart the cap and the bubble wand, the engagement portions cannot be forced past each other in the same way in the opposite direction. 05 03 25 The engagement portion of the wand may be shaped in a generally complimentary manner to the engagement portion of the cap. The engagement portion of the wand be forceable over the engagement portion of the cap, or vice versa, in one direction only. The engagement portion of the wand may be shaped such that when the engagement portion 5 of the wand is forced over the engagement portion of the cap, the cap is caused to irreversibly engage with the wand. The wand may engage with the cap in a push-fit manner. Complex mechanisms and vast technical modifications are not required to accommodate and secure the bubble wand within the cavity of the cap. 10 The engagement portion of the wand may be configurable to slide over / past the engagement portion of the cap when force is applied to at least one of the wand and the cap. The engagement portion of the wand may be shaped to as to be moved past the engagement portion of the cap, or vice versa, in one direction, only. In an example a face of the engagement portion of the wand may be sloped so as to guide the engagement 15 portion of the wand past the engagement portion of cap in the direction of the slope. The direction may be that in which the cap and the wand are drawn closer into more intimate contact. Only one straightforward motion and / or direction of force is required to secure the cap to the wand. The time saved securing one cap to one wand in this way may be considered small in isolation. However, the overall time saved when many such caps are 20 applied to wands is significant and could lead to significant savings in manufacturing time and costs. The engagement portion of the wand may have a generally tapered profile. 25 The engagement portion of the wand may protrude from the engaging member and / or elongate member in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the wand is configurable to receive a cap. In this way the engagement portion of the wand can disrupt movement of, and engage with the engagement portion of the cap, as it is provided onto the wand. 30 The engagement portion may be recessed into the engaging member and / or elongate member in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the wand is configurable to receive a cap. In this way the engagement portion can disrupt movement of, and engage the engagement portion of the cap, as it is provided onto the wand. 35 The engagement portion of the wand may be elongate around the engagement member of the wand. Optionally, the engagement portion of the wand extends continuously along 05 03 25 a whole perimeter of the engagement member and / or elongate member, so as to be shape of a ‘ring’. In an alternative embodiment a plurality of engagement portions may be provided around the perimeter of the engagement member and / or elongate member. The dimensions of the engagement portion(s) of the wand will complement the dimensions of 5 the corresponding engagement portion(s) of the cap. Preferably at least one of the cap and the wand will comprise an elongate respective engagement portion, so as to ensure secure engagement between the cap and the wand. The engagement portion of the wand may protrude from the wand in a plane that is 10 perpendicular to the direction in which bubble wand is configurable to enter the cavity of the cap. In this way the engagement portion of the wand can disrupt movement of and engage the engagement portion of the cap as the cap and wand are brought into intimate contact with one another. 15 According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a bubble stick according to claim 10. In any of the above embodiments the engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand may be resiliently deformable. The engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand may 20 be arranged to resiliently deform against the engagement portions of the other of the cap and / or the wand as the cap and the wand are brought into more intimate contact with one another to form the bubble stick. The engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand may be deformable between a rest state and a deformed state. In the rest state the engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand may restrict movement of the wand into 25 the cavity if insufficient force is applied to at least one of the cap and the wand. When sufficient force is applied to at least one of the cap and the wand when the engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand are abutting one another, the engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand may deform against one another, in such a way as to allow the bubble wand to move further into the cap. Once the engagement portions of the cap and 30 the wand have passed each other, the engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand may return to rest state, thereby restricting movement of the engagement portions of the cap and the wand back past each other. In this way the cap and the bubble wand are irreversibly secured to one another. The engagement portion of the cap may be configurable to abut against and push past the engagement portion of the wand, or vice 35 versa, when a minimum force is applied to the engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand. Herein the engagement portions of the cap and the wand may only push past each 05 03 25 other in one direction. The engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand may be configurable to abut and be deformed against the other when a minimum force is applied to the engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand. In this way the engagement portions of the cap and the wand may push past one another so as to irreversibly engage 5 the cap and the wand. The extent of the deformity may depend on a material from which the engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand are manufactured. 10 The engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand may comprise a slope for sliding over the other. The slope may be provided on a face of the engagement portions of the cap and / or the wand that is configurable to come into contact with the other when the cap and the wand are brought into contact with one another for engagement. Such slope allows the engagement portions of the cap and the wand to pass more smoothly over one another 15 when forced into engagement, and reduces the amount of force needed to be applied the cap and / or the wand for engagement. In one alternative the engagement portion of the cap comprises a recess and the engagement portion of the wand comprises a protrusion. The face of the protrusion may 20 be sloped. The protrusion may have a generally tapered profile, the thinnest portion of the taper being provided generally away from the second end of the wand towards the first end of the wand. In another alternative the engagement portion of the wand comprises a recess and the 25 engagement portion of the cap comprises a protrusion. The face of the protrusion may be sloped. The protrusion may have a generally tapered profile, the thinnest portion of the taper being provided generally towards the opening of the cap. In a further alternative both the engagement portion of the cap and the engagement portion 30 of the wand comprise a protrusion. The face of each protrusion may be sloped. Each of the protrusions may have a generally tapered profile, in the case of the protrusion of the wand the thinnest portion of the taper being provided generally away from the second end of the wand towards the first end of the wand and in the case of the protrusion of the cap the thinnest portion of the taper being provided generally towards the opening of the cap. 05 03 25 The elongate nature of the engagement portion of the cap and the wand will depend on the desired resistance between the engagement portions when they are forced into intimate contact with one another. In some arrangements a thicker and continuous engagement portion may be provided - a relatively high force may need to be applied to 5 engage the engagement portions to secure such a cap to a wand. In other arrangements a thinner and discontinuous engagement portion may be provided - a comparatively lower force may be required to engage the engagement portions to secure such a cap to a wand. The wand and / or the cap may wholly or in part be made from a plastics material, preferably 10 polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) or Polypropylene (PP). The cap may comprise an engagement means for engaging a sword in use, optionally wherein the engagement means comprises a thread for engaging a complimentary thread of the sword, in use. In this way the cap can be screwed onto the sword, without interfering 15 with the engagement between the cap and the wand. Such a thread may be provided along an internal wall or an external wall of the cap, such that that cap can be screwed into or over a sword. In some embodiments the engagement means may comprise a push fit mechanism, for engagement with a corresponding mechanism at the sword, in use. The engagement means may be provided generally towards one end of the cap. The cavity 20 may comprise an opening generally towards one end of the cap. Optionally the engagement means may be provided generally towards the same end of the cap as the opening of the cavity. The opening of the cavity may itself be provided with the engagement means for securing the bubble stick to the sword, in use. Such arrangements could save substantial time in manufacturing and construction of the bubble wand-sword arrangement 25 as a whole. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of configuring a bubble stick according to claim 17. The method may comprise engaging a sword to a sword engagement means of the cap. 30 The features of embodiments may be suitably combined in any combination to form other embodiments that fall within the scope of the claimed invention. Brief Description of the Drawings 05 03 25 Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 5 Figure 1 illustrates schematically a side cross-sectional view of a cap for a bubble stick; Figure 2 illustrates schematically a front view of a cap for a bubble stick; Figure 3 illustrates schematically a side view of a cap for a bubble stick; Figure 4 illustrates schematically a front view of a wand for a bubble stick; Figure 5 illustrates schematically a side view of a wand for a bubble stick; 10 Figure 6 illustrates schematically a side cross-sectional view of an assembled bubble stick; Figure 7 illustrates schematically a front view of an assembled bubble stick; Figure 8 illustrates schematically a side view of an assembled bubble stick; Figure 10 illustrates schematically a front view of a sword for a bubble stick; Figure 11 illustrates schematically a cross-sectional view of a sword for a bubble stick; 15 Figure 13 shows schematically a front view of an assembled bubble stick and sword; and Figure 14 shows schematically a side view of an assembled bubble stick and sword. Detailed Description 20 Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a cap 200 for a bubble stick. Figure 1 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of a cap 200 for a bubble stick. The cap 200 comprises a cavity 202 defined by an internal wall 201 of the cap 200, for receiving a wand, and an engagement portion 204 for engaging the engagement portion 25 of a wand. In this embodiment the engagement portion 204 is elongate around the internal wall 201. The cap 200 comprises an engaging means 206, for engaging a complimentary sword, in use. In this embodiment illustrated the engaging means 206 is configurable to house a 30 complimentary portion of a sword, and the cap comprises a thread portion 210 for screwing onto and around a complimentary thread portion of a sword. The cap 200 comprises a handle 208 which is ergonomically shaped for easy removal of the cap 200 from a sword, in use, by a user. Here the handle 208 is integrated with the 35 cap 200, and has two substantially flat faces 211 a, 211 b against which a user’s finger 05 03 25 and thumb can be pressed so as to apply a twisting force to unscrew the cap 200 from a sword. The engagement portion 204 of the cap in the embodiment illustrated is shaped in a 5 generally complimentary manner to the shape of the complimentary engagement portion of the wand 100. The engagement portion 204 is shaped such that when the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100 is passed over the engagement portion 204 of the cap 200, the cap 200 is configured to irreversibly engage the wand 100. In an alternative the engagement portion 204 is shaped such that when the engagement portion 204 of the cap 10 200, is passed over the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100, the cap 200 is configured to irreversibly engage the wand 100. In the embodiment illustrated the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100 is configured to pass over the engagement portion 204 of the cap, when force is applied to at least one 15 of the cap 200 and the wand 100. In an alternative the engagement portion 204 of the cap 200, is configured to pass over the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100, when force is applied to at least one of the cap 200 and the wand 100. The engagement portion of the cap may be shaped so as to be moveable past the 20 engagement portion of the wand, or vice versa, in one direction, only. In an example a face of the engagement portion of the cap may be sloped so as to guide the engagement portion of the wand past the engagement portion of the cap in the direction of the slope. The engagement portion of the cap may have a generally tapered profile. The direction may be that in which the cap and the wand are drawn closer into more intimate contact. Only one 25 straightforward motion and / or direction of movement is required to secure the cap to the wand. The time saved securing one cap to one wand in this way may be considered small in isolation. However, the overall time saved when many such caps are applied to wands is significant and could lead to significant savings in manufacturing time and costs. 30 In the embodiment illustrated the engagement portion of the wand is shaped so as to be movable past the engagement portion of the cap, in one direction, only. In an alternative the engagement portion of the cap is shaped so as to be moveable past the engagement portion of the wand, in one direction, only. 35 In the embodiment illustrated a face of the engagement portion of the cap is sloped so as to guide the engagement portion of the wand past the engagement portion of the cap in 05 03 25 the direction of the slope. In an alternative a face of the engagement portion of the wand is sloped so as to guide the engagement portion of the cap past the engagement portion of the wand in the direction of the slope. In further alternative a face of the engagement portion of the cap and the engagement portion of the wand are both sloped, but in opposite 5 orientations. The engagement portion of the cap may have a generally tapered profile. The direction may be that in which the cap and the wand are drawn closer into more intimate contact. Only one straightforward motion and / or direction of force is required to secure the cap to 10 the wand. The time saved securing one cap to one wand in this way may be considered small in isolation. However, the overall time saved when many such caps are applied to wands is significant and could lead to significant savings in manufacturing time and costs. In the embodiment illustrated the engagement portion 204 of the cap 200 comprises a 15 recess in the wall of the cap 200 in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the cap 200 is configurable to receive the wand 100. In this way the engagement portion 204 of the cap 200 can disrupt movement of, and engage the engagement portion 108 of the wand 100, when it is provided into the cap 200. It may be useful for understanding the invention to consider the example wherein the cavity is generally 20 cylindrical - the engagement portion 204 of the cap 200 may be provided at a point on the circumference of the generally circular cross section of the cylindrical cavity. In the alternative the engagement portion may comprise a protrusion extending from the wall in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the cap is configured 25 to receive the wand. In this way the protrusion can disrupt movement of, and engage the engagement portion of the wand. It may be useful for understanding the invention to consider the example wherein the cavity is generally cylindrical - the engagement portion of the cap may be provided at a point on the circumference of the generally circular cross section of the cylindrical cavity. 30 The engagement portion of the cap may be elongate along an internal wall defining the cavity. Optionally, the engagement portion of the cap extends continuously along a whole perimeter of the cavity, so as to be shape of a ‘ring’ recessed in the cavity wall. 05 03 25 In the alternative the engagement portion of the cap may be elongate along an internal wall defining the cavity. Optionally, the ridge extends continuously along a whole perimeter of the cavity, so as to be shape of a ‘ring’ protruding from the cavity wall. 5 In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of engagement portions may be provided along a perimeter of the cavity. The dimensions of the engagement portion(s) of the cap will complement the dimensions of the corresponding engagement portion(s) of the wand. The corresponding engagement portion of the wand may be continuously elongate around a corresponding portion of the bubble wand. Preferably at least one of the cap and the wand 10 will comprise an elongate respective engagement portion, so as to ensure secure engagement between the cap and the wand. Figure 2 shows schematically an external front view of the cap 200 of Figure 1. The cavity, engagement portion and engagement means are hidden from this view by 15 external wall(s) of the cap 200. The handle 208 comprises an aperture 212 which could be used for securing the cap 200 (and thereby the bubble stick-sword arrangement as a whole) to a keyring or the like. Figure 3 shows schematically an external side view of the cap 200 of Figure 1. The 20 cavity, engagement portion and engagement means are hidden from this view by external wall(s) of the cap 200. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a wand 100 for a bubble stick. 25 Figures 4 shows schematically a front view of a wand 100 for a bubble stick. The wand 100 comprises bubble forming hoops 102 and an elongate member 104. In this embodiment the bubble forming hoops 102 occupy a significant, i.e. more than half, length of the wand 100 as a whole, although in an alternative less and smaller hoops could be provided. In this embodiment the elongate member 104 is shorter than the length of the 30 bubble forming hoops 102. In alternative arrangements the bubble forming hoops 102 may make up half, or less, of the length of the elongate member 104. The bubble forming hoops 102 are provided towards one end of the elongate member 104. Towards the opposite end of the elongate member 104 is provided an engagement member 108. The engagement member 108 is provided with an engagement portion 106, for engaging a cap. 05 03 25 In this embodiment the engagement member 108 is of a greater diameter than the elongate member 104, so as to be suitably shaped to compliment the shape and size of a cap. In this way the engagement portion 106 can be caused to abut the engagement portion of a complimentarily shaped cap for forming the bubble stick. 5 The engagement portion 106 of the wand 100 in the embodiment illustrated is shaped in a generally complimentary manner to the shape of the complimentary engagement portion of the cap 200. The engagement portion 106 is shaped such that when the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100 is passed over the engagement portion 204 of the cap 200, 10 the cap 200 is configured to irreversibly engage the wand 100. In an alternative the engagement portion 106 is shaped such that when the engagement portion 204 of the cap 200, is passed over the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100, the cap 200 is configured to irreversibly engage the wand 100. 15 In the embodiment illustrated the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100 is configured to pass over the engagement portion 204 of the cap, when force is applied to at least one of the cap 200 and the wand 100. In an alternative the engagement portion 204 of the cap 200, is configured to pass over the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100, when force is applied to at least one of the cap 200 and the wand 100. 20 The engagement portion of the wand may be shaped so as to be moveable past the engagement portion of the cap, or vice versa, in one direction, only. In an example a face of the engagement portion of the wand may be sloped so as to guide the engagement portion of the cap past the engagement portion of the wand in the direction of the slope. The engagement portion of the wand may have a generally tapered profile. The direction 25 may be that in which the wand and the cap are drawn closer into more intimate contact. Only one straightforward motion and / or direction of movement is required to secure the cap to the wand. The time saved securing one cap to one wand in this way may be considered small in isolation. However, the overall time saved when many such caps are applied to wands is significant and could lead to significant savings in manufacturing time 30 and costs. In the embodiment illustrated the engagement portion of the wand is shaped so as to be movable past the engagement portion of the cap, in one direction, only. In an alternative the engagement portion of the cap is shaped so as to be moveable past the engagement 35 portion of the wand, in one direction, only. 05 03 25 In the embodiment illustrated a face of the engagement portion of the wand is sloped so as to guide the engagement portion of the cap past the engagement portion of the wand in the direction of the slope. In an alternative a face of the engagement portion of the cap is sloped so as to guide the engagement portion of the wand past the engagement portion 5 of the cap in the direction of the slope. In further alternative a face of the engagement portion of the cap and the engagement portion of the wand are both sloped, but in opposite orientations. The engagement portion of the wand may have a generally tapered profile. The direction 10 may be that in which the wand and the cap are drawn closer into more intimate contact. Only one straightforward motion and / or direction of force is required to secure the cap to the wand. The time saved securing one cap to one wand in this way may be considered small in isolation. However, the overall time saved when many such caps are applied to wands is significant and could lead to significant savings in manufacturing time and costs. 15 In the embodiment illustrated the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100 comprises a protrusion extending from the engagement member 108 of the wand 100 in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the wand is configurable to be received in the cap 200. In this way the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100 can disrupt 20 movement of, and engage the engagement portion 204 of the cap 200, when it is provided into the cap 200. It may be useful for understanding the invention to consider the example wherein the cavity is generally cylindrical - the engagement portion 106 of the wand 100 may be provided at a point on the circumference of the generally circular cross section of the engagement member 108. 25 In the alternative the engagement portion may comprise a recess extending into the engagement member in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the wand is configured to received in the cap. In this way the recess can disrupt movement of, and engage the engagement portion of the cap. It may be useful for understanding the 30 invention to consider the example wherein the engagement member is generally cylindrical - the engagement portion of the wand may be provided at a point on the circumference of the generally circular cross section of the engagement member. The engagement portion of the wand may be elongate along the engagement member. 35 Optionally, the engagement portion of the wand extends continuously along a whole perimeter of the engagement member, so as to be shape of a ‘ring’ recessed in the 05 03 25 engagement member. Optionally, the engagement portion of the wand extends continuously along a whole perimeter of the cavity, so as to be shape of a ‘ring’ protruding from the engagement member. 5 In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of engagement portions may be provided along a perimeter of the engagement member. The dimensions of the engagement portion(s) of the wand will complement the dimensions of the corresponding engagement portion(s) of the cap. The corresponding engagement portion of the cap may be continuously elongate around a corresponding portion of the cap. Preferably at least one of the wand and the 10 cap will comprise an elongate respective engagement portion, so as to ensure secure engagement between the wand and the cap. Figure 5 shows schematically a side view of the wand of Figure 4. In this embodiment the engagement portion 106 is continuous and elongate around the engagement member 108. 15 Figure 6 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an assembled bubble stick 300 comprising cap 200 irreversibly engaged with wand 100, via engagement portion 106 located on the wand 100 and engagement portion 204 located on the cap 200. The engagement member 108 of the wand 100 is provided within the cavity 202 of the cap 20 200. The wand 100 may be engaged within the cap 200 by applying an urging force, wherein said urging force causes the engagement portion 204 and engagement portion 106 to abut and subsequently resiliently deform so as to pass one another. Once engagement portion 204 and engagement portion 106 have passed one another, they return to their natural resting state, so as to not to be able to slide back past one another. 25 In this way the cap 200 and the wand 100 are irreversibly engaged and the bubble stick 300 is formed. The bubble stick 300 is ready to be received by a sword containing bubble solution, wherein the sword can be engaged to the thread portion 210 of the cap 200. Figure 7 shows schematically a front view of an assembled bubble stick 300. The cavity, 30 engagement portions and engagement means are hidden from this view by external wall(s) of the cap 200. Figure 8 shows schematically a side view of an assembled bubble stick 300. The cavity, engagement portions and engagement means are hidden from this view by external 35 wall(s) of the cap 200. 05 03 25 Figure 9 shows schematically a front view of a sword 400. The sword 400 is a container for holding bubble solution, and into which a wand of a bubble stick 300 can be dipped and removed by a user, ready for a bubble to be blown. The sword 400 comprises an engaging means 402, for engaging a complimentary engaging means of a cap, in use, so as to 5 securely enclose the sword 400 when a wand of a bubble stick is located within the sword 400. In this way the cap can be configured to secure to the sword whilst the bubble wand is emersed in a bubble solution in the sword, so to close the sword 400 and trap the bubble solution within the sword 400. 10 In the embodiment illustrated the engaging means 402 is configured to be housed within complimentary portion of a cap, and the sword comprises a thread portion 204 for screwing into and a complimentary thread portion of a cap. In an alternative the engagement means may be entirely or partially provided at a cap. 15 Figure 10 shows schematically a front cross-sectional view of an assembled wand 100 and cap 200 of bubble stick 300 and sword 400. Figure 11 shows schematically a side cross sectional view of an assembled wand 100 and cap 200 of bubble stick 300 and sword 400. 20 Figure 12 shows schematically a front cross-sectional view of an assembled wand 100 and cap 200 of bubble stick 300 and sword 400. Figure 13 shows schematically a side cross sectional view of an assembled wand 100 and cap 200 of bubble stick 300 and sword 400. 25 It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above-described embodiments, and that the invention can be realized in other specific forms without departing from the essential features of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not limiting with 30 respect to the scope of the invention. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the features in the claims. 05 03 25

Claims

1. A cap for mounting a wand of a bubble stick, and for engaging a sword, in use, the cap comprising:5 a cavity for receiving the wand, the cavity being defined by at least one internal wallof the cap; andan engagement portion for engaging a complimentary engagement portion on the wand, wherein the internal wall comprises the engagement portion;wherein the engagement portion is configured to protrude from or be recessed into10 the inner wall in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the plane in which the cap is configurable to receive the wand;wherein the engagement portion of the cap is configurable to irreversibly engage the complimentary engagement portion when the cap is moved relative to the wand in one direction; and15 wherein the cavity and the engagement portion are provided generally towards anopening of the cap, wherein said opening is provided generally at a first end of the cap.

2. A cap according to claim 1 wherein the engagement portion of the cap is configurable to be resiliently deformable when engaging the engagement portion of the 20 wand, optionally the engagement portion is made of a plastics material.

3. A cap according to any preceding claim comprising an engagement means for engaging a sword in use, optionally wherein the engagement means comprises a thread for engaging a complimentary thread of the sword.

254. A cap according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement portion of the cap is configurable to abut and force past the engagement portion of the wand when a minimum force is applied to the engagement portion.30 5. A wand for engaging a cap of a bubble stick, the wand comprising:an elongate member having a bubble-forming hoop, andan engagement portion configurable to engage with a complimentary engagement portion provided in a cavity of the cap;wherein the engagement portion protrudes from or is recessed into the35 wand in a plane that is perpendicular to the direction in which the bubble wand isconfigurable to enter the cavity of the cap; and05 03 25wherein the engagement portion of the wand is configurable to irreversibly engage the complimentary engagement portion when the wand is moved relative to the cap in one direction.

56. A wand according to claim 5 wherein the wand comprises an engagement member for complimenting the shape of the cavity, wherein the engagement portion is provided at the engagement member.

107. A wand according to claim 6 wherein the engagement member is provided generally towards a first end of the elongate member, and wherein the bubble-forming hoop is provided generally towards a second end of the elongate member, the second end being at an opposite end of the elongate member to the first end.

158. A wand according to any of claims 5 to 7 wherein the engagement portion of the wand is configurable to be resiliently deformable when configured to engage the engagement portion of the cap, optionally wherein the engagement portion is made of a plastics material.

209. A wand according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement portion of the wand is configurable to abut and force past the engagement portion of the cap, in use, when a minimum force is applied to the engagement portion of the wand.25 10. A bubble stick comprising:a cap according to any of claims 1 to 4;a wand according to any of claims 5 to 9;wherein the cap is secured to the wand via irreversible engagement between the engagement portion of the cap and the engagement portion of the wand in one direction.3011. A bubble stick according to claim 11 wherein the cap is secured to the wand via push-fit engagement of the engagement portion of the cap and the engagement portion of the wand.05 03 2512. A bubble stick according to either claim 10 or claim 11 wherein at least one of the engagement portion of the cap and the engagement portion of the wand are partially deformable.5 13. A bubble stick according to any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the engagementportion of the cap and the engagement portion of the wand protrude in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the cap and the wand are configurable to move for engagement with one another.10 13. A bubble stick according to any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the engagementportion of the cap protrudes in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the cap and the wand are configurable to move for engagement with one another and the engagement portion of the wand is recessed in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the cap and the wand are configurable to move for engagement with one another1514. A bubble stick according to any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the engagement portion of the cap is recessed in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the cap and the wand are configurable to move for engagement with one another and the engagement portion of the wand protrudes in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the cap and 20 the wand are configurable to move for engagement with one another15. A bubble stick according to any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein at least one of: the engagement portion of the cap is elongate around a perimeter of the cavity;and25 and the engagement portion of the wand is elongate around an engagementmember of the wand16. A bubble stick according to any one of claims 10 to 15 further comprising a sword for containing bubble solution.30 17. A method of configuring a bubble stick as claimed in any of claims 10 to 16, whereinthe bubble stick comprises a cap as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, and a wand as claimed in any of claims 5 to 9, the method comprising:providing an end of the wand with the engagement portion is provided into the cavity of the cap, such that the engagement portion of the cap and the engagement portion35 of the wand are brought into abutment; andapplying an urging force to at least one of the cap and the wand; andforcing the engagement portion of the cap past the engagement portion of the wand so as to bring the cap and the wand into secure intimate contact.

18. A method according to claim 17wherein applying the urging force comprises 5 causing at least one of the engagement portion of the cap and the engagement portion of the wand to resiliently deform.

19. A method of configuring a bubble stick according to any of claims 17 to 18 further comprising engaging a sword to an engagement means of the cap.1003 25

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