Plush Comforting Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/655,793, which was filed on Jun. 4, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of plush comforting devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved comforting device for infants and children. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in plush comforting devices. Generally, infants and children are often comforted by the sound and vibration of a human heart. Without a caregiver next to an infant/child, so they hear and feel their heartbeat, a child may not be able to sleep or may be uncomfortable.

Artificial heartbeat generators are particularly useful to counteract the effects of separation anxiety when an infant is away from their mother or trying to sleep by themselves. As it isn't always practical for parents and caregivers to sleep next to their babies. The infant instinctively desires to be near their mother's heartbeat. Further, the sound of a heartbeat calms an infant and provides security for the infant and is deeply comforting when a child is trying to settle down.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved plush comforting device that provides a plush which mimics the sound and vibration of a human heart. More particularly, there is a demand for a plush comforting device that allows for removable of the sound mechanism for ease of changing batteries and washing the device.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a plush comforting device that provides users with a comforting device for infants and children that mimics the sound and vibration of a human heart. There is also a long felt need in the art for a plush comforting device that includes a sound mechanism that is easily removed for washing the plush component. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a plush comforting device that provides for a sound mechanism that shuts off after an allotted amount of time. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that is powered by replaceable batteries. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a plush comforting device that includes built-in speakers and vibration motors in the sound mechanism. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a plush comforting device that can be used with a variety of plush components in different shapes and sizes.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a plush comforting device. The device is a stuffed toy designed to help babies and children sleep better by creating the feel of a heartbeat using sound and vibration. The plush comforting device comprises a plush component that is configured in the shape of a teddy bear or other animal or other suitable shape. The plush component comprises a removable sound mechanism control box which comprises replaceable batteries, built-in speakers, and a vibration motor. The control box has an internal activation switch, separate controls for the heartbeat sound and vibration, and automatically shuts off after an allotted amount of time. The control box can be removed so the plush component can be washed.

In this manner, the plush comforting device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a device that mimics the sound and vibration of a human heart. The device soothes infants and children. The device can be used with a variety of plush components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a plush comforting device for helping babies and children to sleep better. The plush comforting device comprises a plush component that is configured in the shape of a teddy bear or other animal or other suitable shape. The plush component comprises a removable sound mechanism control box which comprises replaceable batteries, built-in speakers, and a vibration motor. The control box has an internal activation switch and automatically shuts off after an allotted amount of time. The control box can be removed so the plush component can be washed.

In one embodiment, the plush comforting device is a stuffed toy designed to help babies and children sleep better by creating the feel of a heartbeat using sound and vibration. It isn't always practical for parents and caregivers to sleep next to their babies, but the feel of a heartbeat can be deeply comforting when a child is trying to settle down. The plush comforting device is a soft and snuggly plush that can recreate the sensation of a mother's heartbeat with the press of a button. When a child places their head on the toy, the device lets them feel and hear a soft, subtle heartbeat, creating a sense of safety and comfort.

In one embodiment, the plush comforting device utilizes a control box as an artificial heart that physically pulses, vibrates, or “beats” to calm and soothe children, and help with separation anxiety for the children. The control box is placed inside a plush toy or other comfort product and given to a child. In use, the child instinctively desires to be near the device and snuggles or cuddles it.

In one embodiment, the control box can be removed from the plush component, such that the plush component can be washed, as needed. Thus, typically, the plush component is a washable covering for the control box.

In one embodiment, the plush comforting device comprises a plush component, preferably in the form of a stuffed or plush toy, such as a teddy bear, cat, duck, chicken, dog, baby, pillow, heart, etc., or any other suitable plush toy as is known in the art. The plush comforting device may also be configured for use with other product users such as with young animals, such as puppies and kittens, etc.

In one embodiment, the plush component has an exterior surface that is typically soft and forms an interior that is filled with a plush material, such as a soft microfiber or like filler material. The filler material is selected to be soft, compliant, and adapted to form an inviting structure for the child or other product user to rest against. Illustrative fillers would include the polymeric foam filler materials, such as used in sleeping pillows. Preferably, the filler material is formed with an accessible pouch or chamber or cavity in which a sound mechanism control box may be inserted. Preferably, the exterior surface is provided with an opening that provides access into the central cavity, wherein the opening is secured via a flap secured by Velcro or other fasteners that are releasable to permit insertion of the control box into the accessible cavity. This allows for insertion of the control box into and out of the cavity such as during battery replacement or washing. While Velcro can serve as one type of fastener, other fasteners include straps, snaps and zippers, etc.

In one embodiment, the control box serves as a vibratory or periodic pulse generator that is removably placed in the cavity. The control box is adapted to generate rhythmic soothing acoustic sounds that simulate the heartbeat of a human being. Thus, the control box emulates and replicates the soft, subtle heartbeat of a human being, such as that of the child's mother.

In one embodiment, the control box has a main body, which may be in a rectangular shape, but is not limited to this specific shape. The appearance of the control box can be changed according to the user's preference or needs and can be circular or rectangular or geometric or any other shape. The main body includes a battery compartment enclosed by a battery cover that is removably held in place by a fastener, such as a screw, snap lock, etc. The battery compartment includes one or more removable batteries for powering the control box. The batteries are removable and replaceable, as needed.

In one embodiment, the control box comprises a power or control button for selectively activating and deactivating the control box, as needed. The control box also includes an internal activation switch. Specifically, the control box incudes a wire/cable which is secured to a heart or other object, which is then secured to an interior of the plush component and identified on the exterior surface of the plush component with a matching shape. Then, users press the exterior heart shape of the plush component to activate the control box. Further, the control box also comprises separate controls for the vibration and the heartbeat sounds. Specifically, the control box comprises two switches to allow parents to turn the heartbeat sounds and vibrations on and off separately.

In one embodiment, the battery compartment includes battery contacts that electrically connect to a control module mounted internally within the control box. The control module is thereby powered by and through the battery contacts and associated power conductors and activated by the control button, which also is operatively connected to the control module.

In one embodiment, the control box further includes a pulse generator comprising an intermittent motor and unbalanced weight to create the motion necessary to cause the heartbeat sounds to beat in a defined beat interval mimicking a heartbeat. A one second beat interval is a preferred frequency that comforts the emotions of the child, but the invention is not limited thereto. In use, the beat interval can be adjusted according to the user's needs, habits or preferences via the control module. The control box also includes a vibration motor to produce vibrations, instead of a heartbeat sound. The sound of vibrations can act as a white noise machine to lull a child to sleep, or at least prevent the child from being bothered by noises outside of the nursery or other sleeping area. Further, the control box includes a speaker to amplify the heartbeat sounds and/or vibrations, such that a child or other user is able to hear them through the plush component. In one embodiment, the control box also includes volume controls, allowing a user to set the vibrations and/or heartbeat sounds to a desired decibel level.

In one embodiment, the control box is also configured to increase battery longevity by allowing the control box to selectively shut off after a predetermined period of time. For example, after approximately twenty-two minutes, the control box automatically tuns off. However, the control box can be set to different predetermined time periods for automatic turn off, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the control module continues the vibrations and/or heartbeat sounds for a predefined time period as measured by a timer or other suitable counter, then automatically shuts off, which as noted, preserves battery life.

In yet another embodiment, the plush comforting device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of soothing a child via mimicking the sound and vibration of a human heart is disclosed. The method includes the steps of choosing a specific plush component for use. The method also comprises adjusting the sound and vibration controls of a control box. Further, the method comprises placing the control box within the plush component. The method also comprises activating the sounds via the internal activation switch. The method comprises soothing a child via the sounds and vibrations. Finally, the method comprises automatically shutting off the sounds and vibrations after a specific amount of time.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the plush comforting device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the plush comforting device of the present invention showing the plush component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the plush comforting device of the present invention showing the control box in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the plush comforting device of the present invention showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the plush comforting device of the present invention showing the plush component and control box with internal activation switch in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the plush comforting device of the present invention showing the plush component and control box in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of soothing a child via mimicking the sound and vibration of a human heart in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a plush comforting device that provides users with a comforting device for infants and children that mimics the sound and vibration of a human heart. There is also a long felt need in the art for a plush comforting device that includes a sound mechanism that is easily removed for washing the plush component. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a plush comforting device that provides for a sound mechanism that shuts off after an allotted amount of time. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that is powered by replaceable batteries. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a plush comforting device that includes built-in speakers and vibration motors in the sound mechanism. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a plush comforting device that can be used with a variety of plush components in different shapes and sizes.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel plush comforting device. The plush comforting device comprises a plush component that is configured in the shape of a teddy bear or other animal or other suitable shape. The plush component comprises a removable sound mechanism control box which comprises replaceable batteries, built-in speakers, and a vibration motor. The control box has an internal activation switch, separate controls for the heartbeat sound and vibration, and automatically shuts off after an allotted amount of time. The control box can be removed so the plush component can be washed. The present invention also includes a novel method of soothing a child via mimicking the sound and vibration of a human heart. The method includes the steps of choosing a specific plush component for use. The method also comprises adjusting the sound and vibration controls of a control box. Further, the method comprises placing the control box within the plush component. The method also comprises activating the sounds via the internal activation switch. The method comprises soothing a child via the sounds and vibrations. Finally, the method comprises automatically shutting off the sounds and vibrations after a specific amount of time.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the plush comforting device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the plush comforting device 100 is an improved plush comforting device 100 that provides a user with a stuffed toy designed to help babies and children sleep better by creating the feel of a heartbeat using sound and vibration. Specifically, the plush comforting device 100 comprises a plush component 102 in the shape of a teddy bear 106 or other animal and a control box 104 for controlling the sounds and vibrations. The control box 104 comprises replaceable batteries 108, built-in speakers 110, and a vibration motor 112. The control box 104 has an internal activation switch 114 and automatically shuts off after an allotted amount of time. The control box 104 can be removed so the plush component 102 can be washed.

Generally, the plush comforting device 100 is a stuffed toy designed to help babies and children sleep better by creating the feel of a heartbeat using sound and vibration. It isn't always practical for parents and caregivers to sleep next to their babies, but the feel of a heartbeat can be deeply comforting when a child is trying to settle down. The plush comforting device 100 is a soft and snuggly plush that can recreate the sensation of a mother's heartbeat with the press of a button. When a child places their head on the toy, the device 100 lets them feel and hear a soft, subtle heartbeat, creating a sense of safety and comfort.

As shown in FIG. 2, the plush comforting device 100 comprises a plush component 102, preferably in the form of a stuffed or plush toy, such as a teddy bear 106, cat, duck, chicken, dog, baby, pillow, heart, etc., or any other suitable plush toy as is known in the art. The plush comforting device 100 may also be configured for use with other product users such as with young animals being weaned from their mothers, such as puppies and kittens, etc.

Further, the plush component 102 has an exterior surface 116 that is typically soft and forms an interior 118 that is filled with a plush material, such as a soft microfiber or like filler material. The filler material is selected to be soft, compliant, and adapted to form an inviting structure for the child or other product user to rest against. Illustrative fillers would include the polymeric foam filler materials, such as used in sleeping pillows. Preferably, the filler material is formed with an accessible pouch or chamber or cavity 120 in which a sound mechanism control box 104 may be inserted. Preferably, the exterior surface 116 is provided with an opening 122 that provides access into the central cavity 120, wherein the opening 122 is secured via a flap 124 secured by Velcro 126 or other fasteners that are releasable to permit insertion of the control box 104 into the accessible cavity 120. This allows for insertion of the control box 104 into and out of the cavity 120 such as during battery replacement or washing. While Velcro 126 can serve as one type of fastener, other fasteners include straps, snaps and zippers, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the plush comforting device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 128. The plush component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the plush component 102, or any other indicia 128 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 128 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be child, soothing, or brand related.

As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the control box 104 serves as a vibratory or periodic pulse generator 152 that is removably placed in the cavity 120. The control box 104 is adapted to generate rhythmic soothing acoustic sounds that simulate the heartbeat of a human being. Thus, the control box 104 emulates and replicates the soft, subtle heartbeat of a human being, such as that of the child's mother.

Further, the control box 104 has a main body 130, which may be in a rectangular shape, but is not limited to this specific shape. The appearance of the control box 104 can be changed according to the user's preference or needs and can be circular or rectangular or geometric or any other shape. The main body 130 includes a battery compartment 132 enclosed by a battery cover 134 that is removably held in place by a fastener 136, such as a screw, snap lock, etc. The battery compartment 132 includes one or more removable batteries 108 for powering the control box 108. The batteries 108 are removable and replaceable, as needed.

Additionally, the control box 104 comprises a power or control button 138 for selectively activating and deactivating the control box 104, as needed. The control box 104 also includes an internal activation switch 114. Specifically, the control box 104 incudes a wire/cable 140 which is secured to a heart 142 or other object, which is then secured to an interior 118 of the plush component 102 and identified on the exterior surface 116 of the plush component 102 with a matching shape 142. Then, users press the exterior heart shape 142 of the plush component 102 to activate the control box 104. Further, the control box 104 also comprises separate controls for the vibration and the heartbeat sounds. Specifically, the control box 104 comprises two switches 144 and 146 to allow parents to turn the heartbeat sounds and vibrations on and off separately.

Furthermore, the battery compartment 132 includes battery contacts 148 that electrically connect to a control module 150 mounted internally within the control box 104. The control module 150 is thereby powered by and through the battery contacts 148 and associated power conductors and activated by the control button 138, which also is operatively connected to the control module 150.

Additionally, the control box 104 further includes a pulse generator 152 comprising an intermittent motor 154 and unbalanced weight 156 to create the motion necessary to cause the heartbeat sounds to beat in a defined beat interval mimicking a heartbeat. A one second beat interval is a preferred frequency that comforts the emotions of the child, but the invention is not limited thereto. In use, the beat interval can be adjusted according to the user's needs, habits or preferences via the control module 150. The control box 104 also includes a vibration motor 112 to produce vibrations, instead of a heartbeat sound. The sound of vibrations can act as a white noise machine to lull a child to sleep, or at least prevent the child from being bothered by noises outside of the nursery or other sleeping area. Further, the control box 104 includes a speaker 110 to amplify the heartbeat sounds and/or vibrations, such that a child or other user is able to hear them through the plush component 102. In one embodiment, the control box 104 also includes volume controls 158, allowing a user to set the vibrations and/or heartbeat sounds to a desired decibel level.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control box 104 can be removed from the plush component 102, such that the plush component 102 can be washed, as needed. Thus, typically, the plush component 102 is a washable covering for the control box 104.

Further, the control box 104 is also configured to increase battery longevity by allowing the control box 104 to selectively shut off after a predetermined period of time. For example, after approximately twenty-two minutes, the control box 104 automatically tuns off. However, the control box 104 can be set to different predetermined time periods for automatic turn off, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the control module 150 continues the vibrations and/or heartbeat sounds for a predefined time period as measured by a timer or other suitable counter, then automatically shuts off, which as noted, preserves battery life.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7, in use, the plush comforting device 100 utilizes a control box 104 as an artificial heart that physically pulses, vibrates, or “beats” to calm and soothe children, and help with separation anxiety for the children. The control box 104 is placed inside a plush toy or other comfort product (i.e., plush component 102) and secured via a flap 124 and Velcro 126. Then the device 100 is turned on to produce heartbeat sounds and/or vibrations. The device 100 is then given to a child to calm and settle the child. In use, the child instinctively desires to be near the device 100 and snuggles or cuddles it.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of the method of soothing a child via mimicking the sound and vibration of a human heart. The method includes the steps of at 800, choosing a specific plush component for use. The method also comprises at 802, adjusting the sound and vibration controls of a control box. Further, the method comprises at 804, placing the control box within the plush component. The method also comprises at 806, activating the sounds via the internal activation switch. The method comprises at 808, soothing a child via the sounds and vibrations. Finally, the method comprises at 810, automatically shutting off the sounds and vibrations after a specific amount of time.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “plush comforting device”, “plush device”, “comforting device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the plush comforting device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the plush comforting device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the plush comforting device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-8 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the plush comforting device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the plush comforting device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the plush comforting device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.