Bubbler

Bubbler is a trademarked name that refers to what some may call a drinking fountain.
History of device
A Bubbler is the original reference for this type of device, which was generalized to drinking fountain. Most of the United States uses the term water fountain. The Bubbler was developed in 1889 by the then-small Kohler Water Works (now Kohler Company) in Kohler, Wisconsin, which was already well known for its faucet production. While Harlan Huckleby is credited with the actual design, it was Kohler who patented it and trademarked the name. The original Bubbler shot water one inch straight into the air, creating a bubbling texture, and the excess water ran back down over the sides of the nozzle. It was several years later before the Bubbler adopted the arc projection, which may have allowed the drinker to partake more easily, or was perceived to be more sanitary.
The bubbler concept took off and there were many copies. Since the name was trademarked, other companies named their fountains "The Gurgler" and "The Gusher".
Original working examples of the Bubbler can be found today around the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin.
Current usage of term
"Bubbler" is still used as a generic term in several regional dialects of the United States, originating in eastern Wisconsin and remaining well known throughout the state. The term is still widely used in Australia. Oregon is also known to be quite familiar with the term, specifically in the Portland region where in the late 1800s Simon Benson installed 20 fountains, which are now known in the Portland area as "Benson Bubblers". It is also commonly used in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The terms "water fountain" and "drinking fountain" are much more commonly used in the remainder of North America.

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