Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/105,394, filed 20 January 2015, which is entitled "Bubble Tub," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to water play devices, and more specifically, to a portable bubble injection system.

Background [0003] Water play devices, such as tubs or pools, are commonly used by children for water play time. Many varieties of water play devices exist on the market, including lightweight portable tubs or pools made of plastic, above ground pools or tubs, inflatable pools or tubs, inflatable waterslides with water catchment tubs, and the like. A typical water play device is low cost and portable, because the child typically only plays on the device for a limited time period, and extended use would damage turf or other surfaces on which the water play device may be placed.

[0004] An inflatable pool or tub may include one or more inflatable rings with a bottom water catchment surface fused to the interior of the inflatable ring. The pool or tub may then be filled with water, which is retained within the ring(s) and fused bottom for the child to play in. When the child is finished playing, the rings may be deflated, allowing the water to drain from the pool. Unfortunately, typical inflatable pools may be difficult to completely drain, because water may be partially retained by the bottom and deflated rings. In such cases, it may be necessary to lift the bottom of the pool or tub to pour the water out. Because water is relatively dense and heavy, the process of draining the pool may cause rips or strains in the rings, bottom, or fused regions between the rings and bottom, which may damage or destroy the pool.

[0005] Many children enjoy playing with bubbles, or at least bubbles can enhance a child's water play experience. Common jetted tubs may provide bubbles for the child to enjoy, but most jetted tubs are relatively expensive when compared with portable water play devices. Moreover, most jetted tubs are designed to be operated at relatively high water temperatures, which is typically unsuitable for children's use. Accordingly, common jetted tubs, while attractive to young children, may be dangerous to young children, or at least unsuitable for prolonged play time.

Summary

[0006] Embodiments of portable bubble injection systems are described. In an embodiment, an apparatus for injecting air bubbles into a portable tub may include an air inlet configured to receive air from an external air source. The apparatus may also include a one-way valve coupled to the air inlet, the one-way valve configured to allow air to flow into the air inlet and to prevent backflow through the inlet. The apparatus may further include an airflow channel coupled to the inlet, the airflow configured to extend into the portable tub, the airflow channel comprising a plurality of openings configured to release air into the portable tub.

[0007] In an embodiment, the air inlet comprises a coupler configured to receive a connector coupled to the external air source. The airflow channel further may also include a first portion configured to extend from the air inlet through a side wall of the portable tub. In an embodiment, the airflow channel further comprises a bubble jet channel, the bubble jet channel comprising the plurality of holes. The bubble jet channel is configured to be disposed on a bottom portion of the portable tub.

[0008] In an embodiment, the bubble jet channel is configured to be disposed along an interior surface of the sidewall of the portable tub. The plurality of openings may each comprise a hole having a predetermined diameter, the diameter sized to produce bubbles of a predetermined size. The plurality of openings each comprise a slot having a predetermined width and length, the width and length sized to produce bubbles of a predetermined size. [0009] A system for injecting air bubbles into a portable tub is disclosed, which may include a portable tub configured to contain water. The portable tub may further include an air pump configured to create a flow of air. Also, the portable tub may include an air bubble injection device coupled to the portable tub, the air bubble injection device comprising an air inlet configured to receive air from the air pump, a one-way valve coupled to the air inlet, the one-way valve configured to allow air to flow into the air inlet and to prevent backflow through the inlet, and an airflow channel coupled to the inlet, the airflow channel configured to extend into the portable tub, the airflow channel comprising a plurality of holes configured to release air into the portable tub.

[0010] In an embodiment, the air inlet comprises a coupler configured to receive a connector coupled to the external air source. The airflow channel may further comprise a first portion configured to extend from the air inlet through a side wall of the portable tub. The airflow channel further comprises a bubble jet channel, the bubble jet channel comprising the plurality of holes.

Also, the bubble jet channel is configured to be disposed on a bottom portion of the portable tub.

In an embodiment, the bubble jet channel is configured to be disposed along an interior surface of the sidewall of the portable tub.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plurality of openings each comprise a hole having a predetermined diameter, the diameter sized to produce bubbles of a predetermined size. The plurality of openings each comprise a slot having a predetermined width and length, the width and length sized to produce bubbles of a predetermined size. In an embodiment, the portable tub further comprises inflatable an inflatable sidewall. In such an embodiment, the inflatable sidewall further comprises a plurality of inflatable rings.

[0012] In an embodiment, the system may include an air conduit coupling the air pump to the portable tub. The portable tub further may further include a drain configured to drain water from the portable tub. Detailed Description

[0013] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein. [0014] FIG. 1 is perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bubble injection system.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bubble tub. [0016] FIG. 3 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bubble tub.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bubble tub.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bubble tub.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating airflow through the portable bubble injection system. [0020] FIG. 7 is an exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an air bubble injection system.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an inflation valve.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an inflation valve.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bubble injection system.

Detailed Description

[0024] Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components, and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. [0025] The present embodiments include a portable bubble injection system. The system may include a bubble tub, an air pump, and a hose for connecting the air pump to the bubble tub. In one embodiment the bubble tub may be portable. For example, the bubble tub may be inflatable, including a plurality of inflatable rings coupled to a pool bottom. In one embodiment, the pool bottom may include a drain apparatus, configured to allow drainage of water from the bubble tub. Each inflatable ring may include an air inlet for receiving air to inflate the ring. In an embodiment, one or more of the rings may include an air injection port for receiving air from the pump. In some embodiments, the air injection port may extend from the outer edge of the ring through to the inner portion of the ring. The air injection port may include a one-way valve that allows air to be injected into the pool, but does not allow reverse flow of water from the pool. The air injection port may connect to a bubble jet channel disposed within the pool. The bubble jet channel may include one or more bubble jet holes for emitting air in the form of bubbles in the water retained within the pool.

[0026] Beneficially, the present embodiments may provide bubble enhancement to a portable water play device. The air pump and bubble tub may be portable, for easy deployment and pack up. The bubble tub may be filled with a bubble enhancement fluid, such as soap or bubble bath. A further benefit of the system is the ability to inject air bubbles without backflow from the pool into the pump.

[0027] FIG. 1 is perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bubble injection system 100. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a bubble tub 102, an air pump 104, and an air conduit 106 for connecting the pump 104 to the bubble tub 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the bubble tub 102 may be an inflatable pool. The inflatable pool may include a first inflatable ring 108 and a second inflatable ring 110. The bubble tub 102 may further include a first inflation port 112 and a second inflation port, each configured to receive air for inflating the first inflatable ring 108 and the second inflatable ring 110, respectively. The bubble tub 102 may further include an air injection port 116 configured to receive air from the pump 104 through the air conduit 106 for injecting bubbles into water contained within the bubble tub 102. In a further embodiment, the bubble tub 102 may include a pool bottom 120 coupled to the second inflatable ring 110. Additionally, the pool bottom 120 may include a drain 118 configured to drain water from the bubble tub 102. [0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bubble tub 102. The view of FIG. 2 is partially transparent to illustrate seams or junctions between panels of the inflatable rings 108, 110 and the bottom 120. The illustration of FIG. 2 further illustrates the air injection port 116. As illustrated, the air injection port 116 may include an air channel 202, through the inflatable ring 110, into the interior of the bubble tub 102. Additionally, the air injection port 116 may include a one-way valve 204 that is configured to allow air to pass into the bubble tub 102, but to stop backflow of water through the air injection port 116.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the portable bubble tub 102. In an embodiment, the bubble tub 102 may include a bubble jet channel 302, having a plurality of bubble jets 304 in the bubble jet channel 302. Additionally, the bubble but 102 may include a feed channel 306. The feed channel 306 may couple the air channel 202 to the bubble jet channel 302. In an embodiment, the air injection port 116 may receive air from the pump 104. The air may pass through the one-way valve 204 and through the air channel 202 to the interior of the bubble tub 102. The air may pass from the air channel 202 through the feed channel 306 into the bubble jet channel 302. [0030] FIG. 4 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bubble tub 102. The embodiment illustrates that the first inflatable ring 108 and the second inflatable ring 110 may be fabricated from separate sheets or panels of materials. For example, the materials may include plastic, rubber, vinyl, or the like. One of ordinary skill will recognize a variety of suitable materials. The first inflation port 112 and the second inflation port 114 may be configured for inflation by contact with the airway of a user. Alternatively, the inflation ports 112, 114 may be configured to be inflated by a mechanical inflation device, such as a pump.

[0031] In alternative embodiments, a single inflation port may be used, and both inflatable rings 108, 110 may be inflated using a single inflation port. Although the present disclosure refers to the sidewalls of the tub as "rings," one of ordinary skill will recognize that alternative geometric shapes may be used, including squares, rectangles, triangles, ovals, ellipses, etc. The described embodiments illustrate two stacked inflatable rings 108, 110, but a single ring may be used. In still other embodiments, more than two rings may be used.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bubble tub 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the air channel 202 extends through the side wall of the bubble tub 102 to the feed channel 306. In alternative embodiments, the air channel 202 may extend over the top of the sidewall and down the interior surface of the sidewall into the bottom of the pool. Various alternative embodiments may exist. The bubble jet channel 302 may be a ring, a rectangle, a square, an oval, an ellipse, etc. Alternatively, the bubble jet channel 302 may be a flexible strip, or the like. One of ordinary skill will recognize a variety of alternative embodiments of the bubble jet channel 302.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating airflow through the portable bubble injection system 100. In an embodiment, a first airflow path 602, defines airflow into the pump 104 from the ambient environment. Path 604 illustrates airflow out of the pump 104 and into the conduit 106. Path 606 illustrates airflow through the air channel 202. Path 608 illustrates airflow through the bubble jet channel 302. Path 610 illustrates airflow through the bubble jets 304 and into the water contained in the pool. Once in the water, the air forms bubbles. In still further embodiments, the air bubbles may agitate a bubble agent, such as soap to further form bubbles in the pool. One of ordinary skill will recognize that the air flow path illustrated in FIG. 6 is only one embodiment that may be suitable. Alternative embodiments may be more suitable for alternative pool geometries, and flow path configurations.

[0034] FIG. 7 is an exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an air bubble injection system. In an embodiment, the system includes the air pump 104 coupled to the air conduit 106. A coupler 702 may be coupled between the air conduit 106 and the air channel 202. In an embodiment, the air channel 202 may include a fitting 714 and a receiving coupler coupled to the tub 102. In an embodiment, the coupler 716 may be disposed on the first ring 108. The coupler 716 may be coupled to a tube 720 by a first angled coupler 718. The first angled coupler 718 may be coupled to an air channel conduit 720 which is configured to pass from the first ring 108 to the second ring 110. The air channel conduit 720 may also be coupled to a second angled coupler 722 and a second fitting 724. Such an embodiment may be beneficial, because a backflow valve is not required due to gravitational effects of the height difference between the inlet on the first ring 108 and the outlet on the second ring 110.

[0035] In an embodiment, the coupler 702 may include a ribbed receiver configured to fit within an interior of the conduit 106. The coupler 702 may further include a threaded attachment point 706, which is configured to mate with the coupler 716. In a further embodiment, a size reducer having a first end 708 with female threads and a second end 710 with male threads may be attached to the coupler 702 by a retention strap 712.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a port 800. In an embodiment, the port 800 may be an inflation port 112, 114 integrated with either the first ring 110 or the second ring 112. In one embodiment, the port 800 may be a Boston valve-type port. For example in embodiments where the port 800 is an inflation port 112, 114, the port 800 may include a valve structure for allowing single direction passage of air through the port for inflating the auxiliary structure, but without losing the air.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a port 800 with a one- way valve. In an embodiment the port 800 includes a cap 904 configured to seal the port 800 to prevent air escaping through the port 800. Additionally, the port 800 may include a cylindrical body 902 configured to receive a coupler tube to a pump. For example, the air conduit 106 may be used to inflate the tub 102 first, and then transferred to the inlet 116 for injecting bubbles. The port 800 may also include a valve assembly having a surface with one or more air passage holes 906 and a seal 908 for allowing passage through the air passage holes 3306 in one direction, but sealing off the air passage holes 906 in the event of air passage in the opposite direction. FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram of a valve assembly 910, which includes a channel 902 and a cap 904 for sealing off the channel 902. The valve assembly 910 may include screw threads, which allows attachment of the cap 904. The valve assembly may also include a graspable member configured to facilitate insertion of the valve assembly 910 into the port 800.

[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a system 1000. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first inflation valve 112 and the second inflation valve 114 may be replaced by quick inflation port 800 as illustrated in FIGs. 8-9. In such an embodiment, openings between the first ring 108 and the second ring 110 may allow for inflation of both the first ring 108 and the second ring 110 simultaneously by the quick inflation port 800. For example, the pump 104 may be used to inflate the tub 1002 first, and then the air conduit 106 may be connected to the inlet 116. In the described embodiment, the air inlet 116 may be located on the top ring 108. The difference in height between the inlet 116 on the first ring 108 and the feed 306 on the second ring 110 may prevent backflow of water from the tub 1002. An embodiment of the internal air channel structure is illustrated in FIG. 7. Of course one of ordinary skill will recognize that it is not strictly necessary to have a first ring 108 and a second ring 110, but any inflatable structure may work provided that the air inlet 116 is able to be positioned above the feed 306 with reference to the tub bottom 120. In such an embodiment, the backflow one-way valve described with relation to FIG. 1 may be eliminated. One of ordinary skill will recognize that the structure of FIG. 7 and the one-way valve described with relation to FIG. 1 are both embodiments of backflow prevention mechanisms, which may be used according to various embodiments of the inflatable tub structure, depending upon the structural features of the inflatable tub.

[0039] Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. [0040] Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The terms "coupled" or "operably coupled" are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise. The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.