[go: up one dir, main page]

EP2921213B1 - Vorrichtung und verfahren zur erzeugung von blasen - Google Patents

Vorrichtung und verfahren zur erzeugung von blasen Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2921213B1
EP2921213B1 EP15159550.1A EP15159550A EP2921213B1 EP 2921213 B1 EP2921213 B1 EP 2921213B1 EP 15159550 A EP15159550 A EP 15159550A EP 2921213 B1 EP2921213 B1 EP 2921213B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bubble generating
bubble
cam surface
generating device
reservoir
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP15159550.1A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2921213A1 (de
Inventor
Hing Ping Adam Chan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Honor Metro Ltd
Original Assignee
Honor Metro Ltd Virgin Islands
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CN201410105464.9A external-priority patent/CN104922917B/zh
Application filed by Honor Metro Ltd Virgin Islands filed Critical Honor Metro Ltd Virgin Islands
Publication of EP2921213A1 publication Critical patent/EP2921213A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2921213B1 publication Critical patent/EP2921213B1/de
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/28—Soap-bubble toys; Smoke toys

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatuses for generating bubbles and methods of generating bubbles.
  • Such a toy generates bubbles by forming a film of bubble solution using an applicator as the solution streams through bubble-forming openings.
  • This type of bubble generating toy requires bubble solution to be pumped from a reservoir at the base of the assembly and streamed over the bubble-forming openings. Furthermore, excess bubble solution must be collected so that it can be directed back into the reservoir. Toys of this type also blow air through small air tubes, which direct the air to the bubble-forming openings to help form the bubbles.
  • US 2003/116224 discloses a machine that makes bubbles that are dispensed vertically.
  • a membrane-forming system forms a bubble solution membrane over a bubble ring.
  • Air is passed through the bubble ring by a blowing fan, which is intermittently operated to allow contact between a membrane-forming ring and the bubble ring.
  • Bubble solution is continuously supplied to the bubble rings from a central reservoir.
  • Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus for generating bubbles and to a method of generating bubbles.
  • the apparatus may include a housing, a motor and an air generating device operably coupled to the motor.
  • the apparatus may further include a bubble generating assembly.
  • the bubble generating assembly may ride along a cam surface to transition between a lowered position in which bubble solution is loaded onto the bubble generating assembly and a raised position in which air generated by the air generating device flows through the loaded bubble generating assembly to produce bubbles.
  • the invention can be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a housing; a motor; a fan device operably coupled to the motor to generate an air stream; a bubble generating assembly comprising a body and a follower member having a bubble generating device, the motor operably coupled to the bubble generating assembly to rotate the bubble generating assembly about a first rotational axis, the follower member pivotably coupled to the body so as to be pivotable about a second rotational axis; an annular cam surface comprising a raised portion and a valley portion, the annular cam surface circumscribing the first rotational axis, the follower member in operable cooperation with the annular cam surface; wherein upon the bubble generating assembly being rotated about the first rotational axis by the motor, the follower member rides along the annular cam surface to repetitively transition between: (1) a lowered position in which the follower member is located along the valley portion of the annular cam surface and the bubble generating device becomes loaded with bubble solution; and (2) a raised position in which
  • the invention can be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a housing; at least one motor; an air flow generator operably coupled to the at least one motor; a trough for containing a bubble solution; a cam surface comprising a raised portion and a valley portion; a follower member comprising a bubble generating device, the follower member in operable cooperation with the cam surface; the at least one motor operably coupled to the follower member to drive the follower member along the cam surface in a repetitive cycle such that: (1) upon the follower member being located along the valley portion of the cam surface, the bubble generating device of the follower member is in the trough for loading with the bubble solution; and (2) upon the follower member being located along the raised portion of the cam surface, the bubble generating device of the follower member is aligned with an air flow generated by the air flow generator for producing bubbles from the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating device.
  • the invention can be a method of generating bubbles comprising: filling a trough with a bubble solution; generating an air stream with an air stream generator that is operably coupled to a motor; moving a follower member having a bubble generating device along a cam surface, the cam surface comprising a raised portion and a valley portion; loading the bubble solution onto the bubble generating device when the follower member is located along the valley portion of the cam surface; and flowing the air stream through the bubble generating device when the follower member is located along the raised portion of the cam surface to produce bubbles from the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating device.
  • the invention can be a bubble producing flameless torch apparatus comprising: a housing; a rod coupled to the housing; at least one motor; an air flow generator operably coupled to the at least one motor; a trough for containing a bubble solution; a cam surface comprising a raised portion and a valley portion; a follower member comprising a bubble generating device, the follower member in operable cooperation with the cam surface; the at least one motor operably coupled to the follower member to drive the follower member along the cam surface in a repetitive cycle such that: (1) upon the follower member being located along the valley portion of the cam surface, the bubble generating device of the follower member is in the trough for loading with the bubble solution; and (2) upon the follower member located along the raised portion of the cam surface, the bubble generating device of the follower member is aligned with an air flow generated by the air flow generator for producing bubbles from the bubble solution loaded on the bubble generating device.
  • the invention can be a bubble producing flameless torch apparatus comprising: a housing; a source of bubble solution; an elongated rod coupled to the housing; an illumination source coupled to the housing; at least one motor; an air flow generator operably coupled to the at least one motor to generate an air stream; and a bubble generating device configured to: (1) be loaded with the bubble solution from the source of bubble solution to form a loaded bubble generating device; and (2) produce bubbles from the bubble solution by flowing the air stream generated by the air flow generator through the loaded bubble generating device.
  • the invention can be a bubble producing apparatus comprising: a housing having a closed bottom end and an open top end; a source of bubble solution; an elongated rod coupled to the closed bottom end of the housing; and a bubble generating device configured to produce bubbles from the bubble solution, the bubbles flowing upwardly from the open top end of the housing.
  • the apparatus 100 comprises a housing 101 having a closed bottom end 102, an open top end 103 and an outer surface 104.
  • the bottom end 102 may be partially or entirely open.
  • the housing 101 has various openings 199 and protrusions 198 along its outer surface 104 for aesthetic purposes.
  • the openings 199 may also assist in air generation by permitting the inflow of air into the housing 101 that is used to generate an air stream by an air generating device, as discussed in more detail below.
  • the outer surface 104 can have any ornamental design desirable.
  • the housing 101 has an hourglass-like shape with a waist portion 105 that is narrowed relative to the remainder of the housing 101.
  • the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the outer surface 104 may have a constantly shaped profile, such as being square-shaped, rectangular shaped or the like in other embodiments.
  • the housing 101 can take on virtually any shape.
  • the housing 101 comprises a first shell 106 and a second shell 107 that are separable from one another to facilitate manufacture of the apparatus 100.
  • the housing 101 also includes a base plate 108 that forms the closed bottom end 102 and an upper ring 109 that surrounds the open top end 103.
  • the housing 101 is preferably formed of a rigid material, such as a hard plastic including for example without limitation thermoset or thermoplastic polymers such as polyolefins which include polyethylene, polyester, polyurethane and the like. Of course, other materials can be used to form the housing 101 as would be readily selectable by persons of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the housing 101 houses and/or contains all of the components of the apparatus 100.
  • the first and second shells 106, 107 are coupled together (with screws, fasteners, tight-fit, interference fit, adhesion, or the like) and the remaining components of the apparatus 100 are positioned within the housing 101.
  • the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments some of the components of the apparatus 100 may be positioned external to the housing 101 while still being in operable communication with the other components to enable the apparatus 100 to produce bubbles as will be described in more detail below.
  • the apparatus 100 generally comprises a motor 110, an air flow generator 111 for generating an air stream or air flow, a grate 112 to prevent a user from contacting the blades of the air flow generator 111 by preventing a user's fingers from being able to contact the air flow generator 111 if the user's fingers are inserted into the openings 199, a power sub-system 113 that includes a power button 114, battery contacts 115 and all other components necessary to power on the apparatus 100 for use thereof.
  • the power button 114 may be exposed through an opening 197 formed through the housing 101.
  • the apparatus 100 also includes a shroud 116 for protecting the motor 110 against water or liquid damage and a gear housing 117 for housing the various gears (including the gears 118 and 119) that facilitate transferring movement from the motor to the various components of the apparatus 100 at a desired speed.
  • the apparatus 100 also includes a basin member 120 and a bubble generating assembly 210.
  • the motor 110 is operably coupled to a power source (such as batteries) to enable the motor 110 to rotate about a rotational axis.
  • a power source such as batteries
  • the air flow generator 111 is a fan device having blades thereon so that during rotation of the air flow generator 111, the blades generate an air stream which flows upwardly through the housing 101 in the direction of the arrows Z towards the open top end 103 of the housing 101.
  • the air flow generator 111 need not be a fan device in all embodiments and the air flow generator 111 can be any other device capable of generating an air stream for bubble production as discussed herein.
  • the air flow generator 111 is operably coupled to the motor 110 so that during rotation of the motor, the air flow generator 111 also rotates.
  • the air flow generator 111 is directly coupled to the motor 110 so that the air flow generator 111 rotates at the same rotational speed as the motor 110.
  • the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the air flow generator 1110 may be coupled to the motor 110 indirectly via a gear train so that the air flow generator 111 may rotate faster (via step up gears) or slower (via step down gears) than the motor 110.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 is also operably coupled to the motor 110 so that the bubble generating assembly 210 is made to rotate during operation. More specifically, the bubble generating assembly 210 rotates about a first rotational axis A-A during operation of the apparatus 100.
  • the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the bubble generating assembly 210 may translate in a linear direction rather than moving in a rotational direction. Thus, movement directions other than that illustrated in the exemplified embodiment are possible and are within the scope of the present invention.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 is indirectly coupled to the motor 110 via various ones of the gears 118, 119.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 comprises bubble generating devices that can be loaded with bubble solution so that as the air stream generated by the air stream generator 111 flows through the bubble generating devices that are pre-loaded with a bubble solution, bubbles are formed. This will be described in more detail below.
  • the apparatus 100 includes a basin member 120, which is depicted in FIG. 11 in isolation.
  • the outer boundaries of the basin member 120 are formed by a perimetric wall 139.
  • all of the various parts of the basin member 120 are illustrated as being formed into a single unitary structure, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the various parts of the basin member 120 may be individual components that are positioned within the apparatus 100 in such a manner to enable them to cooperate as needed to achieve the desired bubble generation.
  • the basin member 120 includes a gravity-feed reservoir 121, a trough 122 comprising a first reservoir 123 and a second reservoir 124, a first air flow opening 125, a second air flow opening 126, a connection section 127 for coupling the bubble generating assembly 210 to the basin member 120 and a cam surface 128.
  • the gravity-feed reservoir 121 includes a floor 129, a protrusion 130 extending upwardly from the floor 129 at a center point of the floor 129 and a cylindrical wall 131 forming a periphery of the gravity-feed reservoir 121.
  • a bottle containing a bubble solution may be placed upside-down within the gravity-feed reservoir 121 so that the open end of the bottle is adjacent the floor 129 of the gravity-feed reservoir 121. In this position, the protrusion 130 will enter into an opening in the top of the bottle and the cylindrical wall 131 will surround a portion of an outer surface of the bottle.
  • the opening of the bottle may be closed by a film of plastic or by a piece of rubber material.
  • the protrusion 130 will extend into the opening in the bottle, and may serve to pierce such a film of plastic or piece of rubber material that is covering the opening in the bottle to enable the bubble solution to flow out from the bottle and into the gravity-feed reservoir 121. After filling the gravity-feed reservoir 121, the bubble solution will flow into the trough 122. The flow of the bubble solution from the bottle to the gravity-feed reservoir 121 and from the gravity-feed reservoir 121 to the trough 122 will be described in more detail below with particular reference to Figure 12 .
  • connection section 127 comprises a platform 136 having an aperture 132 therein for receiving a connection mechanism such as a bolt, a screw, a fastener or the like to couple the bubble generating assembly 210 to the basin member 120.
  • the platform 136 also includes protuberances 133 that facilitate the coupling of the bubble generating assembly 210 to the basin member 120.
  • connection section 127 comprises two concentric upstanding walls 134, 135 to further facilitate the coupling of the bubble generating assembly 210 to the basin member 120.
  • the cam surface 128 is a top surface of a cam wall 138 that extends upwardly from the basin member 120.
  • the cam wall 138, and thereby also the cam surface 128, is an annular structure.
  • the cam wall 138 concentrically surrounds each of the two concentric upstanding walls 134, 135 and the platform 136.
  • the cam wall 138 and the cam surface 128 circumscribe the first rotational axis A-A.
  • the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments such that the cam wall 138 and the cam surface 128 need not be annular in shape in all embodiments.
  • cam wall 138 and the cam surface 128 can take on other shapes such as being linear or having any closed polygonal shape.
  • the cam surface 128 is stationary or non-movable.
  • a follower member of the bubble generating assembly 210 moves relative to and along the cam surface 128 while the cam surface 128 remains stationary to achieve the functionality of the apparatus 100.
  • the cam surface 128 comprises a first raised portion 140, a second raised portion 141, a first valley portion 142 and a second valley portion 143.
  • the cam surface 128 may only include one raised portion and one valley portion, or the cam surface 128 may include three or more raised portions and three or more valley portions.
  • the invention is not to be particularly limited by the number of raised and valley portions that form the cam surface 128 in all embodiments.
  • each of the first and second raised portions 140, 141 is a flat portion of the top surface of the cam wall 138 that extends to a height greater than the height of each of the valley portions 142, 143.
  • the valley portions 142, 143 of the cam surface 128 are lowered or recessed relative to the raised portions 140, 141 of the cam surface 128.
  • Each of the valley portions 142, 143 of the cam surface 128 comprise a floor 144, a first wall 145 extending upwardly from the floor 144 to one of the raised portions 140, 141 and a second wall 146 extending upwardly from the floor 144 to the other one of the raised portions 140, 141.
  • the valley portion 143 has the first wall 145 which extends from the floor 144 to the first raised portion 140 and the second wall 146 which extends from the floor 144 to the second raised portion 141.
  • the valley portion 142 has a first wall 145 which extends from the floor 144 to the second raised portion 141 and a second wall 146 that extends from the floor 144 to the first raised portion 140.
  • the floor 144 of the valley portions 142, 143 is a substantially planar flat surface.
  • the first wall 145 extends upwardly from the floor 144 at an approximately 90° angle such that the first wall 145 is substantially perpendicular to the floor 144.
  • Substantially perpendicular can include the first wall 145 forming an angle with the floor 144 of between 88-92° in one embodiment, between 85-95° in another embodiment, between 80-100° in a further embodiment or between 70-110° in a still further embodiment.
  • the second wall 146 extends upwardly from the floor 144 so as to form an obtuse angle between the floor 144 and the second wall 146.
  • the obtuse angle may be between 100-170° in one embodiment, more specifically between 110-210° in another embodiment, more specifically between 120-150° in yet another embodiment, and still more specifically between 130°-140° in a further embodiment.
  • the second wall 146 forms a ramp on the cam surface 128, the purpose of which will be discussed in more detail below.
  • the trough 122 in the exemplified embodiment, comprises a first reservoir 123 and a second reservoir 124.
  • the invention is not to be limited by the number of reservoirs included in the trough 122 in all embodiments. In certain other embodiments the trough 122 may only include one reservoir, or the trough 122 may include three, four or more reservoirs in other embodiments.
  • the trough 122 is intended to receive and contain a bubble solution therein for application onto the bubble generating assembly 210, which will be described in more detail below.
  • Each of the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 of the trough 122 comprises a floor 147 and a sidewall 148 extending upwardly from the floor 147 at an approximately 90° angle.
  • the sidewall 148 can extend upwardly from the floor at angles that are greater than or less than 90°, such as an angle between 88-92°, between 85-95°, between 80-100° or the like.
  • each of the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 of the trough 122 extends downwardly from an outer surface 149 of the annular cam wall 138 thereby forming an obtuse angle ⁇ between the floor 147 of the trough 122 (or the floor 147 of each of the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 of the trough 122) and the annular cam wall 138.
  • the obtuse angle ⁇ may be any angle that is greater than 90° and less than 180°, but more preferably is between approximately 110° and 160°, or even more preferably between approximately 120° and 150°, and still more preferably between approximately 130° and 140°.
  • the bubble solution fills up each of the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 of the trough 122 as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 12 .
  • the first reservoir 123 is spaced apart from the second reservoir 124 about the first rotational axis A-A. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment, a center of the first reservoir 123 is circumferentially spaced approximately 180° from a center of the second reservoir 124.
  • the first reservoir 123 comprises a first side 150 and an opposing second side 151 and the second reservoir 124 comprises a first side 152 and an opposing second side 153.
  • adjacent sides of the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 are spaced apart less than 180° about the first rotational axis A-A because each one of the reservoirs 123, 124 spans a distance about the first rotational axis A-A.
  • the invention is not to be so limited and the center-to-center spacing between the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 can be less than 180° in other embodiments, such as the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 being spaced apart by approximately 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150° or the like.
  • the basin member 120 also includes the first air flow opening 125 and the second air flow opening 126.
  • each of the first and second air flow openings 125, 126 are arcuate in shape, although other shapes are certainly possible in other embodiments.
  • the first and/or second air flow openings 125, 126 may be circular, ovular, rectangular or the like.
  • two air flow openings are depicted in the drawings, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the apparatus 100 may include more than two air flow openings or just a single air flow opening.
  • each of the first and second air flow openings 125, 126 spans between 90° and 150° about the cam wall 138, more specifically between 100° and 140° about the cam wall 138, and still more specifically between 110° and 130° about the cam wall 138.
  • the two air flow openings 125, 126 collectively span approximately 220° to 260° about the cam wall 138
  • the two reservoirs 123, 124 collectively span approximately 100° to 160° about the cam wall 138.
  • each of the first and second air flow openings 125, 126 has a greater area (i.e., takes up more space) than each of the first and second reservoirs 123, 124.
  • the first and second air flow openings 125, 126 are formed by holes or apertures that extend through the basin member 120. Due to the holes or apertures, the air stream or air flow that is generated by the air flow generator 111 flows upwardly towards the basin member 120 in the direction of the arrows Z ( FIG. 6 ), and then flows through the first and second air flow openings 125, 126.
  • the first air flow opening 125 is defined by or surrounded by a first upstanding wall 154 and the second air flow opening 126 is defined by or surrounded by a second upstanding wall 155.
  • the first upstanding wall 154 forms an uninterrupted closed perimeter that surrounds the first air flow opening 125 and the second upstanding wall 155 forms an uninterrupted closed perimeter that surrounds the second air flow opening 126.
  • each of the first and second upstanding walls 154, 155 may be formed by wall segments that are spaced apart from one another.
  • the first and second upstanding walls 154, 155 may partially, but not entirely, surround the first and second air flow openings 125, 126.
  • first and second upstanding walls 154, 155 may be altogether omitted. As will be discussed in more detail below, the first and second upstanding walls 154, 155 assist in the formation of channels between the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 to enable the bubble solution to flow between the first and second reservoirs 123, 124.
  • the first air flow opening 125 is located between the first side 150 of the first reservoir 123 and the first side 152 of the second reservoir 124. Furthermore, the second air flow opening 126 is located between the second side 151 of the first reservoir 123 and the second side 153 of the second reservoir 124.
  • the reservoirs 123, 124 and the air flow openings 125, 126 alternate in position when moving in a rotational direction about the cam wall 138.
  • first raised portion 140 of the cam surface 128 is aligned with the first air flow opening 125
  • second raised portion 141 of the cam surface 128 is aligned with the second air flow opening 126
  • first valley portion 142 of the cam surface 128 is aligned with the first reservoir 123
  • second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128 is aligned with the second reservoir 124.
  • aligned simply indicates whether a reservoir or an air flow opening is adjacent to the raised portions and valley portions of the cam surface 128.
  • the basin member 120 which in the exemplified embodiment is round or circular in shape, can be divided into four pie shaped segments such that a first pie shaped segment encompasses the first valley portion 142 of the cam surface 128 and the first reservoir 123, a second pie shaped segment encompasses the first raised portion 140 of the cam surface 128 and the first air flow opening, a third pie shaped segment encompasses the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128 and the second reservoir 124, and a fourth pie shaped segment encompasses the second raised portion 141 of the cam surface 128 and the second air flow opening 126.
  • This relative positioning of the raised and valley portions 140, 141, 142, 143 of the cam surface 128 relative to the air flow openings 125, 126 and to the reservoirs 123, 124 enables bubble solution to be loaded onto a bubble generating device when the bubble generating device is positioned within the trough 122 (or within one of the reservoirs 123, 124 of the trough 122) and then enables the air stream generated by the air flow generator 111 to flow through the loaded bubble generating device to produce bubbles when the bubble generating device is positioned over and aligned with one of the air flow openings 125, 126, as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 13A-D and 14 .
  • the first upstanding wall 154 has an inner portion 156 and an outer portion 157.
  • the second upstanding wall 155 has an inner portion 158 and an outer portion 159.
  • a first channel 160 is formed between the cam wall 138 and the inner portions 156, 158 of each of the first and second upstanding walls 154, 155.
  • a second channel 161 is formed between the outer portions 157, 159 of each of the first and second upstanding walls 154, 155 and the perimetric wall 139 of the basin member 120.
  • each of the first and second channels 160, 161 is an annular channel.
  • the first channel 160 has a first diameter and the second channel 161 has a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter.
  • Each of the first and second channels 160, 161 extends between the first reservoir 123 and the second reservoir 124. Thus each of the first and second channels 160, 161 fluidly couples the first reservoir 123 to the second reservoir 124.
  • a bottle of bubble solution can be positioned upside-down within the gravity-feed reservoir 121 to enable the bubble solution to flow out of the bottle and into the basin member 120.
  • the bubble solution flows from the gravity-feed reservoir 121 and into the first reservoir 123.
  • the bubble solution begins to flow within and along each of the first and second channels 160, 161 in the direction of the second reservoir 124. This flow of the bubble solution within the channels 160, 161 is illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 12 .
  • the bubble solution continues to flow until either the bottle is empty of bubble solution, or until both of the reservoirs 123, 124 are filled with the bubble solution. Excess bubble solution may remain in the first and second channels 160, 161 in addition to the bubble solution located within the first and second reservoirs 123, 124.
  • the bubble solution located within the reservoirs 123, 124 of the trough 122 can be loaded onto bubble generating devices during operation of the apparatus 100, as will be discussed in more detail below with specific references to FIGS. 13A-D and 14 .
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 generally comprises a body 211, a follower member 212 (only a few of the follower members 212 are labeled in the figures order to avoid clutter), a spring 228 and a cover 229.
  • the body 211 of the bubble generating device 210 comprises an upper shell 218 and a lower shell 219 that are operably coupled together.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 comprises a plurality of the follower members 212, and more specifically eight of the follower members 212, although any number of follower members 212 can be used in other embodiments.
  • Each of the follower members 212 comprises a follower arm 213 and at least one bubble generating device 214.
  • each of the follower members 212 comprises exactly one bubble generating device 214.
  • the invention is not to be so limited and in certain other embodiments each of the follower members 212 may include more than one bubble generating device 214 if desired.
  • the bubble generating devices 214 are annular-shaped structures having an inner surface 216 that surrounds a central aperture 215. Furthermore, the bubble generating devices 214 comprise a plurality of ribs or ridges 217 protruding from the inner surface 216 in a spaced-apart manner. The ridges 217 assist in loading bubble solution onto the bubble generating devices 214. Specifically, when the bubble generating devices 214 are positioned within a reservoir that contains a bubble solution, the bubble solution will adhere to the bubble generating devices 214 along the ridges 217 on the inner surfaces 216 thereof. When bubble solution adheres to the bubble generating devices 214, those bubble generating devices 214 are considered to be loaded with the bubble solution.
  • the follower arms 213 of the bubble generating assembly 210 have a first end 220 that is coupled to the body 211 and a second end 221 that is coupled to one or more of the bubble generating devices 214. Furthermore, each of the follower arms 213 has a notch 227 formed into its underside or bottom surface, the purpose of which will be better understood from the description of FIGS. 13A-13D below.
  • the second end 221 of the follower arms 213 may be integrally formed with one or more of the bubble generating devices 214.
  • the first end 220 of each of the follower arms 213 has an aperture 222 formed therethrough to facilitate attachment of the follower arms 213 to a ring structure 223.
  • each of the follower arms 213 may be rotatably or pivotably coupled to the body 211 in other manners, such as the upper and/or lower shells 218, 219 having protrusions which extend into the apertures 222 in the follower arms 213.
  • the invention is not limited to the user of the ring structure 223 for coupling the follower arms 213 to the body 211 in all embodiments.
  • the body 211 of the bubble generating device 210 comprises the upper shell 218 and the lower shell 219 that are operably coupled together.
  • the upper shell 218 comprises a plurality of notches 224 positioned in a spaced apart manner along its perimetric outer surface and the lower shell 219 comprises a plurality of notches 225 formed in a spaced apart manner along its perimetric outer surface.
  • each of the follower arms 213 is located within one of the slots 226 of the body 211 so that the follower arms 213 can pivot/rotate within the slot 226. More specifically, each one of the follower arms 213 is capable of rotating about a second rotational axis B-B within the slot 226 that it is positioned.
  • the follower arms 213 are not capable of 360° rotation because the upper and lower shells 218, 219 of the body 211 prevent such a full degree of movement. However, the follower arms 213 are capable of sufficient pivotable or rotational movement so as to be movable within the slot 226 between a raised position and a lowered position, which will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 13A-13D .
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 is operably coupled to the motor 110 so as to be rotatable about the first rotational axis A-A.
  • the entirety of the bubble generating assembly 210 including the body 211 and the follower members 212 rotates together as a unit.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 rotates about the first rotational axis A-A in a counter-clockwise direction.
  • the invention is not to be so limited and the bubble generating assembly 210 may rotate about the first rotational axis A-A in a clockwise direction if desired.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 may move in a manner that is not rotational, such as linear movement or the like, in certain non-exemplified embodiments of the invention.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 is operably coupled to the connection section 127 of the basin member 120 so that the bubble generating assembly 210 rotates about the first rotational axis A-A relative to the stationary basin member 120.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 is positioned within the apparatus 100 so that the follower member 212, and more specifically the follower arm 213, rides along the cam surface 128 as the bubble generating assembly 120 rotates about the first rotational axis A-A. Because the follower arm 213 is rotatably/pivotably coupled to the body 211 within the slot 226, as the follower arm 213 rides along the cam surface 128 the follower member 212 rotates/pivots between a raised position and a lowered position.
  • the follower member 212 when the follower arm 213 is located along one of the raised portions 140, 141 of the cam surface 128, the follower member 212 is in a raised position. When the follower arm 213 is located along one of the valley portions 142, 143 of the cam surface 128, the follower member 212 is in the lowered position. The follower member 212 repetitively transitions between the raised and lowered positions as it continues to ride along the cam surface 128 during operation of the apparatus 100.
  • the raised portions 140, 141 of the cam surface 128 are aligned with the first and second air flow openings 125, 126 and the valley portions 142, 143 are aligned within the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 of the trough 122. Therefore, when the follower arm 213 is located along one of the raised portions 140, 141 of the cam surface 128, the bubble generating device 214 of that follower arm 213 is aligned with and positioned over one of the air flow openings 125, 126.
  • the apparatus 100 When the follower arm 213 is located along one of the valley portions 142, 143 of the cam surface 128, the bubble generating device 214 of that follower arm 213 is positioned within one of the reservoirs 123, 124 of the trough 122. Thus, when the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 are filled with a bubble solution, the apparatus 100 generates bubbles as described below.
  • FIGS. 13A-13D and 14 operation of the apparatus will be described. It is noted that in FIGS. 13A-13D the bubble generating assembly 210 is illustrated having only one follower member 212 with a follower arm 213 and a bubble generating device 214. This is for simplicity of explanation. It should be understood that multiple of the follower members 212, such as eight as depicted in the embodiment of FIGS 1 and 8 , can be used.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic diagram of operation of the apparatus 100 regarding the action being applied to the bubble generating device 214. Specifically, in FIG.
  • FIG. 14 is intended to be viewed in conjunction with FIGS. 13A-13D and the description below.
  • the trough 122 and more specifically the first and second reservoirs 123, 124 of the trough 122, are filled with the bubble solution in the manner described herein above with reference to FIG. 12 or in any other desired manner.
  • the bubble solution can simply be poured into the trough 122 in any desired manner.
  • the apparatus 100 is ready to generate bubbles.
  • a user presses 112 the power button 112 on the apparatus 100.
  • the motor 110 Upon pressing the power button 112 on the apparatus 100, the motor 110 begins to rotate. Due to its operable coupling with the motor 110, as the motor 110 rotates the bubble generating assembly 210 rotates about the rotational axis A-A. As the bubble generating assembly 210 rotates about the rotational axis A-A, the follower arm 213 rides along the cam surface 128 in the direction of the arrow C. In the exemplified embodiment, the notch 227 of the follower arm 213 is positioned in direct surface contact with the cam surface 128 as the follower arm 213 rides along the cam surface 128.
  • the notch 227 may only be in surface contact with the cam surface 128 when the follower arm 213 is riding along the valley portions 142, 143 of the cam surface 128. This will enable the follower member 212 to be even lower when on the valley portions 142, 143 of the cam surface 128 and even more raised or higher when on the raised portions 140, 141 of the cam surface 128.
  • the air generating device 111 rotates along with the motor 110 due to its operable coupling with the motor 110. As the air generating device 111 rotates, the air generating device 111 generates an air stream that flows upwardly towards the open top end of the apparatus 100.
  • the follower member 212 is illustrated in Position 1. Specifically, the follower member 212, and more specifically the follower arm 213, is located on the first raised portion 140 of the cam surface 128. When the follower member 212 is positioned on the first raised portion 140 of the cam surface 128, the follower member 212 is in the raised position. Furthermore, when the follower member 212 is positioned on the first raised portion 140 of the cam surface 128, the bubble generating device 214 is aligned with the first air opening 125. As discussed above, the air stream generated by the air generating device 111 flows upwardly through the first air opening 125.
  • the air stream 150 flows through the bubble generating device 114. If the bubble generating device 114 has been pre-loaded with bubble solution, the air stream 150 flowing through the bubble generating device 114 will produce bubbles from the bubble solution that will flow upwardly away from the apparatus 100.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 As the bubble generating assembly 210 continues to move or, in the exemplified embodiment rotate about the rotational axis A-A in the direction of the arrow C, the bubble generating assembly 210 reaches Position 2, illustrated in FIGS. 13B and 14 .
  • Position 2 the follower member 212 of the bubble generating assembly 210 is located on the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128 (it should be understood that the use of the terms "first" and "second” is not to be limiting of the present invention, but is merely intended to distinguish between two or more similar structures).
  • the follower member 212 rides along the first raised portion 140 of the cam surface 128 in the direction of the arrow C until it reaches the first wall 145 of the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128. Upon reaching the first wall 145 of the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128, the follower member 212 pivots about the second rotational axis B-B and falls downwardly along the first wall 145 and into contact with the floor 144 of the second valley portion 143.
  • the follower member 212 pivots or rotates downwardly within the slot 226 of the body 211 of the bubble generating assembly 210 about the second rotational axis B-B.
  • the follower member 212 pivots or rotates downwardly about the second rotational axis B-B, the follower member 212 is in the lowered position and the bubble generating device 214 is positioned within the trough 122, and more specifically within the second reservoir 124 of the trough 122.
  • the bubble solution 151 FIG. 14
  • the follower member 212 of the bubble generating assembly 210 rides along the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128 and the bubble generating device 214 remains positioned within the second reservoir 124.
  • the follower arm 212 of the bubble generating assembly 210 is eventually located in Position 3. In Position 3, which is illustrated in FIG. 13C , the follower arm 212 is located on the second wall 146 of the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128.
  • the follower arm 212 rides along the second wall 146 of the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128 and rotates upwardly about the second rotational axis B-B.
  • the second wall 146 due to its being oriented at an acute angle relative to the floor 144 of the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128, forms a ramp which enables the follower arm 212 to ride its way upwardly along the cam surface 128 and out of the second reservoir 124.
  • the follower arm 212 transitions from the lowered position to the raised position.
  • Whether or not the bubble generating device 214 is loaded with the bubble solution while the follower member 212 is located on or rides along the second wall 146 of the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128 is dependent upon the liquid level of the bubble solution within the second reservoir 124 of the trough 122. Specifically, if the liquid level is low, the bubble generating device 214 may not be positioned within the bubble solution while the follower member 212 rides along the second wall 146 of the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128. However, if the liquid level is high, the bubble generating device 214 may remain positioned within the bubble solution while the follower member 212 rides along the second wall 146 of the second valley portion 143 of the cam surface 128.
  • the follower arm 212 eventually reaches Position 4, which is illustrated in FIG. 13D .
  • Position 4 the follower arm 212 is located on the second raised portion 141 of the cam surface 128.
  • the bubble generating device 214 is positioned over and aligned with the second air flow opening 126.
  • the air stream 150 generated by the air flow generator 111 flows through the central aperture 215 of the bubble generating device 214 that is loaded with the bubble solution.
  • bubbles are produced from the bubble solution and flow upwardly away from the apparatus 100 in the direction of the flow of the air stream 150.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 continues to rotate about the first rotational axis A-A so that the follower member 212 rides along and is located on the first valley 142 of the cam surface 128.
  • the bubble solution 151 is loaded on the bubble generating device 214, which is located within the first reservoir 123.
  • the follower member 212 then continues to ride along the cam surface 128, up the second wall 146 of the first valley portion 142, and back onto the first raised portion 140 of the cam surface 128 in which the bubble generating device 214 is again positioned over and aligned with the first air flow opening 125 where the air stream 150 flows through the bubble generating device 214 to produce bubbles.
  • the follower member 212 repetitively transitions between the lowered and raised positions as the follower member 212 continues to ride along the cam surface 228.
  • the follower member 212 transitions between the raised position and the lowered position and between the lowered position and the raised position by rotation about the second rotational axis B-B.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 comprises a plurality of the follower members 212 that are riding along the cam surface 128 simultaneously.
  • each of the follower members 212 is positioned so as to be spaced apart from an adjacent one of the follower members 212.
  • at least one of the follower members 212 is located along one of the valley portions 142, 143 of the cam surface 128 while at least one other of the follower members 212 is located along one of the raised portions 140, 141 of the cam surface 128.
  • one of the bubble generating devices 214 is being loaded within bubble solution while another one of the bubble generating devices 214, which has been pre-loaded with the bubble solution, is positioned so that the air stream flows therethrough for the production of bubbles.
  • the cam surface 128 is annular and the bubble generating assembly 210 rotates about the first rotational axis A-A
  • the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments.
  • the cam surface 128 may be linear, while still including the raised and lowered portions.
  • the bubble generating assembly 210 will translate in a linear direction so that the follower member 212 rides along the linear cam surface 128.
  • the bubble generating device 214 can be made to alternate between being located in a reservoir filled with bubble solution and being positioned over an air flow opening as discussed above even with the cam surface 128 being linear and the movement being linear.
  • the invention is not to be specifically limited by the arrangements depicted in the drawings in all embodiments.
  • the torch apparatus 300 generally comprises a bubble generating device 310 and an elongated rod 350 that supports the bubble generating device 310 above a horizontal surface. Specifically, the elongated rod 350 supports the bubble generating device 310 so that the bubble generating device 310 is elevated off of the ground.
  • a plurality of the torch apparatuses 300 could be positioned around a yard to achieve a similar effect to that of a Tiki® torch.
  • the bubble generating device 310 may be the apparatus 100 described in detail herein above or any other apparatus that is capable of generating bubbles.
  • the torch apparatus 300 may include affixing an elongated rod to any bubble generating devices now known or later developed. More specifically, in certain embodiments the bubble generating device 310 comprises a housing 311 having a closed bottom end 312 and an open top end 313.
  • the bubble generating device 310 is configured to generate bubbles that flow upwardly through the open top end 313 of the housing 311.
  • the invention is not to be so limited in all embodments and in certain other embodiments the bubble generating device 310 may be configured to generate bubbles that flow out through an opening in a side surface or in a bottom surface of the housing 311.
  • the bubble generating device 310 will include a motor 321, an air flow generator 322, a bubble producing assembly 323 that may include bubble producing wands and a source of bubble solution.
  • the source of bubble solution is loaded onto the bubble producing assembly 323 during operation, and then an air stream generated by the air flow generator 322 is blown through the bubble producing wand of the bubble producing assembly 323 to produce bubbles from the bubble solution.
  • the bubble generating device 310 is any device that is configured to be loaded with bubble solution from a source of bubble solution to form a loaded bubble generating device and is also configured to produce bubbles from the bubble solution by flowing an air stream through the loaded bubble generating device.
  • the bubble generating device 310 includes the bubble producing assembly 323 that is operably coupled to the motor 321 so that the bubble producing assembly moves 323 between a first position and a second position. In such an embodiment, in the first position bubble producing wands of the bubble producing assembly 323 are loaded with bubble solution and in the second position an air stream flows through the loaded bubble producing wands to produce bubbles that flow upwardly from the open top end 313 of the housing 311.
  • the elongated rod 350 is coupled to the closed bottom end 312 of the housing 311.
  • the elongated rod 350 can be formed out of any desired material, including any of the various hard plastics described herein above, metals, metal alloys, wood or the like.
  • the elongated rod 350 extends along a longitudinal axis E-E from a first end 351 to a second end 352.
  • the elongated rod 350 has a length L measured along the longitudinal axis E-E of between 6 inches and 60 inches.
  • the length L may be between 6 inches and 12 inches, between 6 inches and 24 inches, between 12 inches and 24 inches, between 12 inches and 36 inches, between 24 inches and 36 inches, between 24 inches and 48 inches, between 36 inches and 48 inches or between 36 inches and 60 inches. In still other embodiments, the length L may be less than 6 inches or greater than 60 inches.
  • the length L of the elongated rod 350 is not to be limiting of the present invention in all embodiments and can be made adjustable in certain other embodiments by using telescoping rod elements, separately connectable rod elements, or the like.
  • the first end 351 of the elongated rod 350 is coupled to the closed bottom end 312 of the housing 311.
  • the second end 352 of the elongated rod 350 is coupled to or formed integrally with a base structure 353.
  • the base structure 353, in the exemplified embodiment, is dome-shaped and has a flat bottom surface 355. During use, the flat bottom surface 355 of the base structure 353 is positioned atop of a horizontal surface 354, such as the ground.
  • the base structure 353 supports the torch apparatus 300 in an upright orientation such that the elongated rod 350 extends upwardly from the horizontal surface 354 and the bubble generating device 310 is supported in an upright manner so that a plane D that extends along the open top end 313 of the bubble generating device 310 is substantially parallel or exactly parallel to the horizontal surface 354 (substantially parallel can include plus or minus 5° from exactly parallel).
  • a plane D that extends along the open top end 313 of the bubble generating device 310 is substantially parallel or exactly parallel to the horizontal surface 354 (substantially parallel can include plus or minus 5° from exactly parallel).
  • the elongated rod 350 may terminate in a pointed end to form a stake that can be inserted into the horizontal surface 354 when the horizontal surface 354 is the ground. In such embodiments, the elongated rod 350 can be inserted into the horizontal surface 354 to support the bubble generating device 310 in an elevated manner relative to the horizontal surface 354.
  • the elongated rod 350 may not include a base structure 353 or a base. In such an embodiment, the elongated rod 350 may merely be a rod intended to be used as a handle for holding the torch apparatus 300. A user can walk around with the torch apparatus 300 by holding the elongated rod 350 while the bubble generating device 310 generates bubbles from the open top end 313 of the housing 311.
  • the bubble generating device 310 also includes an illumination source 315 operably coupled to the housing 311.
  • the illumination source 315 is generically illustrated as a box.
  • the exact structure, arrangement, size and positioning of the illumination source 315 is not to be particularly limiting of the present invention. Rather, the illumination source 315 can be any device capable of generating light and that light may be generated within the housing 311, that light may be emitted from the housing 311 either through the open top end 313 of the housing 311 or otherwise, or any other desired manner of emitting light may occur.
  • the illumination source 315 may be altogether omitted.
  • the illumination source 315 may be located within the interior of the housing 311, on the exterior of the housing 311, or elsewhere as desired. In the exemplified embodiment, the illumination source 315 is located within the interior of the housing 311.
  • the illumination source 315 may be any type of device that can generate light, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), one or more light bulbs including incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, or any other device capable of generating light.
  • the illumination source 315 is operably coupled to a power source and to an illumination button (not shown) so that the illumination source 315 is generating light when the illumination button is pressed.
  • the illumination source 315 may generate light having different colors in the visible spectrum, may flash or strobe at various speeds, or may be a constant generation of light.
  • the housing 311 may be transparent or translucent.
  • the illumination source 315 will light up the housing 311 and cause the housing 311 to glow.
  • the illumination source 315 may emit light from the open top end 313 of the housing 311. This can create more of a torch-like feel from the torch apparatus 300.
  • the bubbles are generated and flow from the open top end 313 of the housing 311.
  • the illumination source 315 may light up the bubbles as they flow away from the open top end 313 of the housing 311 to create a light show effect.

Claims (15)

  1. Gerät (100) zur Erzeugung von Blasen umfassend:
    ein Gehäuse (101);
    einen Motor (110);
    eine Lüftervorrichtung (111), die steuerbar mit dem Motor (110) zur Erzeugung eines Luftstroms verbunden ist;
    eine Blasenerzeugungseinheit (210), die einen Körper (211) und ein Folgeglied (212) umfasst, welches eine Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung (214) aufweist, wobei der Motor (110) steuerbar mit der Blasenerzeugungseinheit (210) verbunden ist, um die Blasenerzeugungseinheit (210) um eine erste Drehachse A-A zu drehen, wobei das Folgeglied (212) schwenkbar mit dem Körper (211) verbunden ist, so dass es drehbar um eine zweite Drehachse B-B gelagert ist; gekennzeichnet durch
    eine ringförmige Nockenfläche (128) mit einem erhabenen Abschnitt (140, 141) und einem gesenkten Abschnitt (142, 143), wobei die ringförmige Nockenfläche (128) die erste Drehachse A-A umschreibt, das Folgeglied (212) steuerbar mit der ringförmigen Nockenfläche (128) kooperiert;
    wobei, wenn die Blasenerzeugungseinheit (210) mittels des Motors (110) um die erste Drehachse A-A gedreht wird, das Folgeglied (212) entlang der ringförmigen Nockenfläche (128) gleitet, um wiederholt zu wechseln zwischen [1] einer abgesenkten Position, in der sich das Folgeglied (212) im gesenkten Abschnitt (142, 143) der ringförmigen Nockenfläche (128) befindet und die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung (214) mit blasenbildender Lösung beladen wird; und [2] einer erhöhten Position, in der sich das Folgeglied (212) im erhabenen Abschnitt (140, 141) der ringförmigen Nockenfläche (128) befindet und die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung (214) auf den von der Lüftervorrichtung (111) erzeugten Luftstrom ausgerichtet ist; und
    das Folgeglied (212) zwischen der erhöhten und der abgesenkten Position wechselt, indem es um die zweite Drehachse B-B gedreht wird.
  2. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es ferner einen Trog (122) zur Aufnahme der blasenbildenden Lösung umfasst, und dass, wenn sich das Folgeglied (212) in der abgesenkten Position befindet, die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung (214) innerhalb des Trogs (122) angeordnet wird, um die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung (214) mit der blasenbildenden Lösung zu beladen.
  3. Gerät nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es ferner eine Luftdurchströmöffnung (125, 126) umfasst, bei dem, wenn sich das Folgeglied (212) in der erhöhten Position befindet, die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung (214) über die Luftdurchströmöffnung (125, 126) positioniert wird, so dass der von der Lüftervorrichtung (111) erzeugte Luftstrom durch die Luftdurchströmöffnung (125, 126) und durch die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung (214) strömt, um Blasen aus der blasenbildenden Lösung zu erzeugen, mit der die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung (214) beladenen ist.
  4. Gerät nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die ringförmige Nockenfläche (128) eine Oberkante einer ringförmigen Nockenwand (138) bildet, und dass der Trog (122) einen Boden (147) umfasst, welcher sich von der ringförmigen Nockenwand (138) nach unten erstreckt, wodurch ein stumpfer Winkel zwischen dem Boden (147) des Trogs (122) und der ringförmigen Nockenwand (138) gebildet wird.
  5. Gerät nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Trog (122) einen ersten Behälter (123) und einen zweiten Behälter (124) umfasst, die voneinander beabstandet auf der ersten Drehachse A-A angeordnet sind, wobei sich mindestens ein Kanal zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Behälter erstreckt.
  6. Gerät nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der mindestens eine Kanal einen ersten ringförmigen Kanal (160) mit einem ersten Durchmesser und einen zweiten ringförmigen Kanal (161) mit einem zweiten Durchmesser aufweist, wobei der zweite Durchmesser größer ist als der erste Durchmesser, wobei jeder der ersten und zweiten ringförmigen Kanäle (160, 161) den ersten Behälter (123) für einen Fluiddurchgang mit dem zweiten Behälter (124) verbindet.
  7. Gerät nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es ferner eine erste Luftdurchströmöffnung (125) umfasst, die durch eine erste aufrechte Wand (154) definiert wird, und eine zweite Luftdurchströmöffnung (126), die durch eine zweite aufrechte Wand (155) definiert wird, dass jede der ersten und zweiten aufrechten Wände (154, 155) einen geschlossenen Umfang bildet, der jeweils die ersten und zweiten Luftdurchströmöffnungen (125, 126) umschließt, dass der von der Lüftervorrichtung (111) erzeugte Luftstrom durch jede der ersten und zweiten Luftdurchströmöffnungen (125, 126) strömt und dass, wenn sich das Folgeglied (212) in der erhöhten Position befindet, die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung (214) über eine der ersten und zweiten Luftdurchströmöffnungen (125, 126) positioniert wird.
  8. Gerät nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich die erste Luftdurchströmöffnung (125) zwischen einer ersten Seite des ersten Behälters (123) und einer ersten Seite des zweiten Behälters (124) befindet und, dass sich die zweite Luftdurchströmöffnung (126) zwischen einer zweiten Seite des ersten Behälters (123) und einer zweiten Seite des zweiten Behälters (124) befindet.
  9. Gerät nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die ringförmige Nockenfläche (128), die ersten und zweiten Behälter (123, 124) und die ersten und zweiten Luftdurchströmöffnungen (125, 126) zu einem Bassinglied (120) geformt sind, dass die ringförmige Nockenfläche (128) eine Oberkante einer ringförmigen Nockenwand (138) bildet, dass der erste ringförmige Kanal (160) zwischen der ringförmigen Nockenwand (138) und einem inneren Abschnitt (156, 158) der ersten und zweiten aufrechten Wände (154, 155) gebildet wird, und dass der zweite ringförmige Kanal (161) zwischen einem äußeren Abschnitt (157, 159) der ersten und zweiten aufrechten Wände (154, 155) und einer umlaufenden Wand (139) des Bassinglieds (120) gebildet wird.
  10. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend:
    einen Trog (122) mit einem ersten Behälter (123) und einem zweiten Behälter (124);
    eine erste Luftdurchströmöffnung (125), die sich zwischen einer ersten Seite (150) des ersten Behälters (123) und einer ersten Seite (152) des zweiten Behälters (124) befindet;
    eine zweite Luftdurchströmöffnung (126), die sich zwischen einer zweiten Seite (151) des ersten Behälters (123) und einer zweiten Seite (153) des zweiten Behälters (124) befindet;
    wobei die ringförmige Nockenfläche (128) erste (140) und zweite (141) erhabene Abschnitte und erste (142) und zweite (143) gesenkte Abschnitte umfasst, der erste erhabene Abschnitt (140) auf die erste Luftdurchströmöffnung (125) ausgerichtet ist, der zweite erhabene Abschnitt (141) auf die zweite Luftdurchströmöffnung (126) ausgerichtet ist, der erste gesenkte Abschnitt (142) auf den ersten Behälter (123) ausgerichtet ist, und der zweite gesenkte Abschnitt (143) auf den zweiten Behälter (124) ausgerichtet ist.
  11. Gerät nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass, wenn sich das Folgeglied in der abgesenkten Position befindet, die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung in einen der ersten und zweiten Behälter (123, 124) des Trogs (122) positioniert wird, um die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung mit der blasenbildenden Lösung zu beladen, und dass, wenn sich das Folgeglied in der erhöhten Position befindet, die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung über eine der ersten (125) und zweiten (126) Luftdurchströmöffnungen positioniert wird, so dass der von der Lüftervorrichtung (111) erzeugte Luftstrom durch die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung strömt.
  12. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Blasenerzeugungseinheit (210) einen Körper und eine Vielzahl von Folgegliedern umfasst, wobei jedes der Folgeglieder (212) mindestens eine Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung aufweist, und jedes der Folgeglieder (212) separat schwenkbar mit dem Körper verbunden ist.
  13. Gerät nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass, wenn die Blasenerzeugungseinheit (210) von dem Motor (110) um die erste Drehachse gedreht wird, mindestens eines der Folgeglieder (212) sich im gesenkten Abschnitt der ringförmigen Nockenfläche (128) befindet und mindestens eines der Folgeglieder (212) sich im erhabenen Abschnitt der ringförmigen Nockenfläche (128) befindet.
  14. Verfahren zur Erzeugung von Blasen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
    Füllen eines Trogs (122) mit einer blasenbildenden Lösung;
    Erzeugung eines Luftstroms mit einem Luftstromerzeuger (111), der steuerbar mit einem Motor (110) verbunden ist;
    Bewegung eines Folgeglieds (212), das eine Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung aufweist, entlang einer Nockenfläche (128), wobei die Nockenfläche (128) einen erhabenen Abschnitt und einen gesenkten Abschnitt umfasst;
    Beladen der Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung mit der blasenbildenden Lösung, wenn sich das Folgeglied (212) im gesenkten Abschnitt der Nockenfläche (128) befindet; und
    Leiten des Luftstroms durch die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung, wenn sich das Folgeglied (212) in dem erhabenen Abschnitt der Nockenfläche (128) befindet, um Blasen aus der blasenbildenden Lösung zu erzeugen, mit der die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung beladenen ist.
  15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass, wenn sich das Folgeglied (212) in dem erhabenen Abschnitt der Nockenfläche (128) befindet, die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung über eine Luftdurchströmöffnung positioniert wird und dass, wenn sich das Folgeglied (212) in dem gesenkten Abschnitt der Nockenfläche (128) befindet, die Blasenerzeugungsvorrichtung sich in dem Trog (122) befindet.
EP15159550.1A 2014-03-20 2015-03-18 Vorrichtung und verfahren zur erzeugung von blasen Not-in-force EP2921213B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201410105464.9A CN104922917B (zh) 2014-03-20 2014-03-20 用于产生气泡的装置和方法
US14/245,767 US9339737B2 (en) 2014-03-20 2014-04-04 Apparatus and method for generating bubbles

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2921213A1 EP2921213A1 (de) 2015-09-23
EP2921213B1 true EP2921213B1 (de) 2018-08-15

Family

ID=52706018

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15159550.1A Not-in-force EP2921213B1 (de) 2014-03-20 2015-03-18 Vorrichtung und verfahren zur erzeugung von blasen

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2921213B1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12172097B1 (en) 2021-10-13 2024-12-24 Sunny Days Entertainment, LLC Bubble blowing toy

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11684868B2 (en) 2013-11-08 2023-06-27 Honor Metro Limited Apparatus for generating bubbles
US12172098B2 (en) 2013-11-08 2024-12-24 Honor Metro Limited Apparatus for generating bubbles
USD869562S1 (en) * 2018-08-22 2019-12-10 Shenzhen Congli Electronics Co., Ltd. Bubble machine
US10814243B2 (en) 2018-11-16 2020-10-27 Honor Metro Limited Apparatus and method for generating bubbles
US11446584B2 (en) 2020-02-20 2022-09-20 Honor Metro Limited Apparatus and method for generating bubbles
USD896894S1 (en) 2018-11-16 2020-09-22 Honor Metro Limited Bubble machine
CN111068347B (zh) * 2020-01-20 2025-03-25 汕头市骅隆玩具有限公司 连续喷出式泡泡机
USD975190S1 (en) * 2020-02-20 2023-01-10 Honor Metro Limited Bubble machine
US12102935B1 (en) 2021-06-04 2024-10-01 Sunny Days Entertainment, LLC Bubble blower

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6200184B1 (en) * 1998-10-30 2001-03-13 Oddzon, Inc. Bubble maker toy
US6820662B2 (en) * 2001-12-20 2004-11-23 Original Ideas Vertical bubble dispensing device
US8272915B2 (en) * 2008-02-15 2012-09-25 Arko Development Ltd. Bubble generating assembly that produces vertical bubbles
CN2930817Y (zh) * 2006-06-29 2007-08-08 方瑞丝玩具有限公司 电动泡泡机
US20120220184A1 (en) * 2011-02-24 2012-08-30 Crayola Llc Multi-Reservoir Bubble Blowing Apparatus

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12172097B1 (en) 2021-10-13 2024-12-24 Sunny Days Entertainment, LLC Bubble blowing toy

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2921213A1 (de) 2015-09-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10807015B2 (en) Apparatus and method for generating bubbles
EP2921213B1 (de) Vorrichtung und verfahren zur erzeugung von blasen
US11684868B2 (en) Apparatus for generating bubbles
US12172098B2 (en) Apparatus for generating bubbles
US10702788B2 (en) Bubble machine for producing vertical bubbles
US10363492B1 (en) Bubble machine for producing vertical bubbles
US9884262B2 (en) Bubble generating apparatus
US20220161152A1 (en) Apparatus for generating bubbles
US10349785B2 (en) Foam discharge device
US11446584B2 (en) Apparatus and method for generating bubbles
US11079083B1 (en) Rotating lighting decoration
US12102935B1 (en) Bubble blower
US20070128969A1 (en) Water toy
US10525371B1 (en) Bladeless bubble fan
US7578720B2 (en) Activity device
US7546686B1 (en) Drawing apparatus
US9925475B2 (en) Wind chimes with bubble producing means
US20100159797A1 (en) Electronic cake
US10780365B2 (en) Bubble generating apparatus
US20080299866A1 (en) Bubble generating tool and bubble generating toy having the bubble generating tool
WO2017117323A1 (en) Bubble forming cap
JPS584552Y2 (ja) シヤボン玉連続発生玩具
KR20180131766A (ko) 회전식 관상용 토이

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20160218

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20180206

GRAJ Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTC Intention to grant announced (deleted)
GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20180629

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1029090

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602015014652

Country of ref document: DE

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: HONOR METRO LIMITED

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20180815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2695725

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20190110

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1029090

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180815

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181115

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181215

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181115

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181116

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602015014652

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20190516

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190318

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20190331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190331

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190318

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190318

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181215

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20150318

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20220321

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20220322

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20220328

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180815

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20220527

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602015014652

Country of ref document: DE

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20230318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230318

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230331

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20231003

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20240507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230319

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230319