Bubble ring generating toy (vertically upward)

Abstract

This toy generates bubble rings vertically upwards in water, allowing children to safely and enjoyably play while taking a bath. [Solution] Toy A, which generates a bubble ring vertically upward in water, has a structure consisting of a soft container 1 that stores air and has an external shape, and a nozzle 2 that has an external shape at the front end of the container. When submerged in water with the tip of the nozzle pointed towards the water surface, the soft container 1 that stores air is pushed in, and the bubbles released from the nozzle form a bubble ring vertically upward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toy that generates bubble rings (ring-shaped bubbles) in a vertically upward direction in water.

Background Art

[0002] In the performance of white dolphins at an aquarium, the white dolphins create bubble rings (ring-shaped bubbles) and are very popular.

[0003] Also, a diver diving into the sea lies on his back at the bottom of the water, exhales air vertically upward from his mouth, creates a bubble ring, and has fun. However, in order to generate a bubble ring, one has to dive deep into the sea and adjust the amount and force of the exhaled air, so it is not something that anyone can easily create.

[0004] On the other hand, as proposals for artificially generating bubble rings in a vertically upward direction, a "ring bubble generator" (see Patent Document 1), a "foam decoration water tank" (see Patent Document 2), and a "device for generating a gas vortex ring in a liquid" (see Patent Document 3) have been proposed, and an ornamental water tank and a bubble generator are installed to generate bubble rings. However, because a water tank and a bubble generator are used, it is not something that anyone can easily introduce and enjoy observing bubble rings.

[0005] Regarding proposals for toys that generate bubble rings, a "bubble ring generating toy" (see Patent Document 4) and a "water play toy" (see Patent Document 5) have been proposed, which sink the main body parallel to the water surface and generate bubble rings in the horizontal direction by pushing a container. However, this toy has a structural problem that it cannot generate bubble rings in a vertically upward direction.

[0006] In proposals for toys that generate bubble rings in a vertically upward direction, "Bubble Ring Generating Toy (360-degree omnidirectional compatible)" (see Patent Document 6) and "Bubble Whistle" (see Patent Document 7) have been proposed. These toys generate bubble rings by holding the device in the mouth, submerging in water, and blowing air while pointing the device vertically upward. However, since it requires submerging in water and blowing air while pointing the device vertically upward, it is difficult to create bubble rings in a shallow bathtub. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 06-141733 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-39896 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-103456 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 7284889 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 7274696 [Patent Document 6] Patent No. 7792109 [Patent Document 7] JITZEN No. 59-174896 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] While many proposals have been made to generate bubble rings vertically upwards in water, there are currently no toys that can easily generate bubble rings vertically upwards in the bathtub, due to factors such as the need for a tank or bubble generating device, or the fact that the toys are not designed to generate bubble rings vertically upwards. Therefore, the aim is to provide a toy that does not require any equipment or power, does not require submersion in water, and can easily generate bubble rings vertically upwards while in the bathtub. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, toy A, which generates bubble rings vertically upward in water, has a structure consisting of a soft container 1 that stores air and has an external shape, and a nozzle 2 with an external shape and a diameter ranging from φ3.0 mm to φ7.0 mm at the front end of the container. When the main body is submerged in water, the tip of the nozzle 2 is pointed towards the water surface, and the soft container 1 that stores air is momentarily pushed in, generating bubble rings vertically upward by the bubbles released from the nozzle 2.

[0010] Furthermore, the bubble ring generating toy E is characterized by having an expanding opening 7 at the front end of the nozzle 2, which has a larger diameter than the nozzle 2. By providing the expanding opening 7, it is possible to create bubble rings of different sizes, from small to large diameters, allowing users to enjoy the variations.

[0011] Furthermore, the bubble ring generating toy K features a first nozzle 8 located where the beluga whale's nose would be, and a second nozzle 9 located where the beluga whale's mouth would be, both of which can be switched using a rotating lever 10. This allows users to enjoy generating bubble rings vertically upwards from either the beluga whale's mouth or nose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The toy of this invention, which generates bubble rings vertically upwards in water, allows children to safely generate bubble rings themselves while taking a bath, providing a fun and engaging play experience. Furthermore, observing the bubble rings allows children to learn about the principles of bubble ring formation in a fun and engaging way through play. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a toy that generates bubble rings according to claim 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an assembly diagram illustrating a toy that generates bubble rings according to claim 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3]A longitudinal sectional view showing components modeled for a toy that generates a bubble ring according to claim 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] A longitudinal sectional view showing a toy that generates a bubble ring according to claim 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] A longitudinal sectional view showing components modeled for a toy that generates a bubble ring according to claim 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] A view showing a toy that generates a bubble ring according to claim 3 of the present invention, where (a) is a longitudinal sectional view with the part hitting the mouth facing the water surface direction, and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view with the part hitting the nose facing the water surface direction. [Figure 7] A view of the toy that generates a bubble ring according to claim 3 of the present invention when the lever is switched, where (a) is a longitudinal sectional view and a schematic sectional view at the L-L position when the lever is tilted to the right, and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view and a schematic sectional view at the M-M position when the lever is tilted to the left.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a toy that generates a bubble ring vertically upward in water according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. The examples shown below are merely illustrative, and the shape, material, etc. of the toy that generates a bubble ring vertically upward in water according to the present invention can be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. The example shown in FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view in which a toy A that generates a bubble ring vertically upward in water is applied to the appearance of a white-sided dolphin. The toy A is composed of a soft container 1 having the appearance shape of the lower body of a white-sided dolphin and a spout 2 having the appearance shape of the upper body of a white-sided dolphin, and is composed of two components.

[0015] Figure 2 is an assembly explanatory diagram of toy A. The soft container 1 with the external appearance shape of the lower body of a white whale has a shape retention property that the shape does not deform even when submerged in water, and has a resilience that returns to its original shape when the force is released after applying force and pushing it in, and can be pushed even by a child's force. For example, it is injection molded using a flexible polypropylene resin. The nozzle 2 with the external appearance shape of the upper body of a white whale is injection molded using general-purpose plastic for each of the parts such as the split part 3, split part 4, fin 5, and fin 6, respectively. The female screw at the rear end of the nozzle assembled with the split part 3, split part 4, fin 5, and fin 6 is screwed and integrated with the male screw at the front end of the container 1. Thereby, the air inside the container is released only through the nozzle.

[0016] The toy A thus formed is submerged in water during bathing in the bathtub, and the container 1 is instantaneously pushed in with a finger in a state where the tip of the nozzle 2 is directed towards the water surface, and air is released from the tip of the nozzle 2. The released air loses its momentum upon receiving the resistance of the water, and at the same time, the stationary water near the nozzle rises towards the water surface in a form following the released air. The rising water penetrates the air layer directly above the nozzle, flows along the air layer, and generates a vertical upward bubble ring flowing from the inside to the outside. When the force pushing the container 1 is released, the shape of the container 1 is restored. At that time, a negative pressure is generated inside the container 1, and the water outside the container flows into the container 1. When the container 1 is filled with water, the main body is taken out above the water surface, and the container 1 is pushed in with a finger in a state where the tip of the nozzle 2 is directed towards the water surface to discharge the water. After all the water in the container 1 is discharged, the main body is submerged in water again, and the bubble ring is repeatedly generated.

[0017] Experiments were conducted to clarify the main elements that form a bubble ring in the vertically upward direction according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view modeling the elements of toy A for the experiment. Based on model D, the experiment investigated two elements: the diameter B and length C of the nozzle. First, the bubble ring formation state was investigated when the nozzle diameter B was changed. The nozzle length C was fixed at 1.0 mm, and the nozzle diameter B was changed from φ1.0 mm to φ10.0 mm in φ1.0 mm increments, and a total of 10 patterns were investigated. Furthermore, the amount of air when a good bubble ring was formed was assumed to be approximately equal to the amount of water flowing into model D, and that value is shown. The volume of model D was 94 cubic centimeters, and the experiment was conducted with it submerged approximately 350 mm below the water surface.

[0018] In the experiment, the shape of the bubble ring formed by the air released when the container was squeezed was visually confirmed. The symbols ○ and × in the table represent the visual evaluation based on visual confirmation. ○ indicates that a single, unbroken ring of air is formed at least once, while × indicates that broken bubbles float up and no single, unbroken ring of air is formed.

[0019] [Table 1]

[0020] Table 1 shows the results of bubble ring formation when the nozzle diameter B is varied. When the nozzle diameter B was φ2.0 mm or less, broken bubbles floated to the surface, and no bubble rings were formed. Also, when it was φ8.0 mm or more, air from inside the container leaked out intermittently and quickly from the moment it was submerged in water, so no bubble rings were formed. It was confirmed that good bubble rings were formed in the range of nozzle diameter B from φ3.0 mm to φ7.0 mm. As a trend, when the nozzle diameter B is small, the diameter of the bubble ring is small and the amount of air is small. As the nozzle diameter B increases, the diameter of the bubble ring increases and the amount of air increases.

[0021] Next, we investigated the bubble ring formation state when the nozzle length C was varied. The nozzle diameter B was fixed at φ5.0 mm, and the nozzle length C was varied to 10.0 mm, 20.0 mm, and 30.0 mm for three different patterns.

[0022] [Table 2]

[0023] Table 2 shows the results of bubble ring formation when the nozzle length C is varied. It was confirmed that good bubble rings are formed regardless of the nozzle length C. As a trend, when the nozzle length C is short, the amount of air in the bubble ring is small, and as the nozzle length C increases, the amount of air in the bubble ring increases.

[0024] From the two experiments described above, it was found that the diameter B of the nozzle greatly contributes to the formation of bubble rings, and the appropriate size is in the range of φ3.0 mm to φ7.0 mm. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the length C of the nozzle does not greatly contribute to the formation of bubble rings. In order to form bubble rings vertically upward in water, we conclude that the two elements that are particularly important are the diameter B of the nozzle and the force pushing on the container.

[0025] As a result, toy A, which generates bubble rings vertically upward in water, can create small-diameter bubble rings by reducing the diameter of the nozzle 2, and large-diameter bubble rings by increasing the diameter of the nozzle 2. Furthermore, since the length of the nozzle 2 does not significantly affect the formation of the bubble rings, toys with various appearances can be made, which can delight children. In addition, the air-holding container 1 must have a volume of at least 10.0 cubic centimeters, possessing shape retention and resilience.

[0026] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the toy that generates bubble rings vertically upward in water according to the present invention will be described. Parts that are the same as or can be considered the same as in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals, and further explanations of the configuration and function that have already been given will be omitted as appropriate (the same applies to the other embodiments below). The embodiment shown in Figure 4 is a toy E having a structure in which an enlarged opening 7 having a larger diameter than the diameter of the nozzle 2 is provided at the front end of the nozzle 2 shown in the first embodiment. By using this structure, bubble rings of different sizes, from small to large diameters, can be created.

[0027] An experiment was conducted to clarify how a structure with an expanding opening 7 at the front end of nozzle 2 affects the formation of bubble rings. Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view modeling the elements of toy E for the experiment. Based on model J, the experiment investigated two elements: the diameter H and length I of the expanding opening. The dimensional conditions of the nozzle and expanding opening are exemplified below. The nozzle diameter F was fixed at φ5.0 mm and the nozzle length G at 1.0 mm. Three types of expanding opening diameter H (φ10.0 mm, φ15.0 mm, φ20.0 mm) and three types of expanding opening length I (5.0 mm, 10.0 mm, 20.0 mm) were used to investigate a total of nine patterns.

[0028] [Table 3]

[0029] Table 3 shows the results of bubble ring formation when the nozzle diameter F is fixed at φ5.0 mm and the nozzle length G is fixed at 1.0 mm, and the diameter H and length I of the expanding port are varied. For comparison, the results for the case without the expanding port are also included. Comparing the case with and without the expanding port (I=5.0 mm), bubble rings of different sizes, from small to large diameters, were formed when the expanding port was present. Also, when the length I of the expanding port was 10.0 mm, bubble rings of different sizes were formed, similar to the case with I=5.0 mm. However, when I=20.0 mm or more, broken bubbles were formed, and no bubble rings were formed.

[0030] Next, the diameter H of the expansion port was fixed at φ15.0 mm, the length I of the expansion port at 5.0 mm, and the diameter F of the nozzle at φ5.0 mm. The nozzle length G was then varied to 10.0 mm, 20.0 mm, and 30.0 mm for investigation.

[0031] [Table 4]

[0032] Table 4 shows the formation results when the diameter H of the expansion port is fixed at φ15.0 mm, the length I of the expansion port is fixed at 5.0 mm, and the diameter F of the nozzle is fixed at φ5.0 mm, while the length G of the nozzle is varied. It was confirmed that good bubble rings were formed regardless of the length G of the nozzle.

[0033] From the two experiments described above, it was confirmed that the diameter H and length I of the expansion port contribute to the size of the bubble ring diameter. Furthermore, a shorter expansion port length I (I = 10.0 mm or less) is preferable.

[0034] As a result, toy E, which generates bubble rings vertically upward in water, can create bubble rings of different sizes, from small to large diameters, by changing the amount of pressure applied to container 1. When the amount of pressure is small, it is not affected by the expansion opening (it is the same as when there is no expansion opening) and creates small diameter bubble rings. When the amount of pressure is large, it is affected by the diameter H of the expansion opening and creates large diameter bubble rings.

[0035] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the toy that generates bubble rings vertically upward in water according to the present invention will be described. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the toy, which adopts the external shape of a beluga whale and shows the third embodiment. In the toy K that generates bubble rings vertically upward in water, the nozzle shown in the embodiment of the first embodiment is positioned as the first nozzle 8 at the nose of the beluga whale, and the nozzle and widening nozzle shown in the embodiment of the second embodiment are positioned as the second nozzle 9 at the mouth of the beluga whale. By switching a rotating lever 10 located below the mouth of the beluga whale left or right, bubble rings are generated vertically upward from the mouth or nose of the beluga whale.

[0036] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the nozzle paths when the lever is switched left or right. As shown in Figure 7(a), when the lever is tilted to the right, the second nozzle, which corresponds to the beluga whale's mouth, is connected to container 1, while the first nozzle, which corresponds to the beluga whale's nose, is disconnected from container 1. Similarly, as shown in Figure 7(b), when the lever is tilted to the left, the first nozzle, which corresponds to the beluga whale's nose, is connected to container 1, while the second nozzle, which corresponds to the beluga whale's mouth, is disconnected from container 1. By switching the lever left or right in this way, a bubble ring can be generated vertically upward from the beluga whale's mouth or nose.

[0037] As a result, toy K, which generates bubble rings vertically upwards in water, can generate bubble rings vertically upwards from either the first or second nozzle by switching a lever. By changing the diameters of the first and second nozzles, bubble rings of different sizes can be created, allowing for fun play. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 1 container 2 spouts 3, 4 Half-split parts 5, 6 fins 7. Enlarged opening 8 1st spout 9 Second spout 10 Lever WS water surface BR Bubble Ring

Claims

1. This toy consists of a soft container (1) that holds air and has an external shape, and a nozzle (2) with an external shape and a diameter ranging from φ3.0 mm to φ7.0 mm, located at the front end of the container. By submerging the container with the nozzle facing the water surface without blocking it, and pressing the container with a finger, a bubble ring is generated in the water in a vertical upward direction.

2. The toy for generating bubble rings in a vertically upward direction in water according to claim 1, comprising a structure in which an enlarged opening (7) having a larger diameter than the diameter of the nozzle (2) is provided at the front end of the nozzle (2).

3. A toy for generating bubble rings vertically upward in water according to Claim 1, comprising a structure that includes both a first nozzle (8) which is the nozzle (2) and a second nozzle (9) which has a structure in which an enlarged opening (7) having a larger diameter than the diameter of the nozzle (2) is provided at the front end of a nozzle (2) different from the first nozzle (8), and the nozzles are switched by a rotating lever (10).

4. The toy according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the soft container (1) has a volume of 10.0 cubic centimeters or more and possesses shape retention and resilience.

Images