Interactive Charger for Simulating Electronic Device Charging

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/725,558 which was filed on Nov. 27, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to children's toys that simulate electronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a toy telephone charger apparatus configured to provide children with a safe, interactive, and educational accessory for use with toy telephones. The invention comprises a housing formed of lightweight plastic material with rounded edges for safety, the housing includes a top surface having a plurality of visual indicia such as letters, numbers, and geometric shapes arranged to provide aesthetic appeal and learning opportunities. An elongated flexible cord extends from the housing and terminates with a magnetic coupling element configured to attach to a toy telephone, thereby simulating a charging connection. A switching element on the housing activates internal components including an illumination element, a timing module, and an audio output element. 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, children enjoy playing with a variety of toys, especially those that mimic the appearance and functions of real-world electronic devices such as mobile phones, remote controls, cash registers, and other household gadgets. The interactive toys enable children to engage in imaginative play by imitating the actions of adults in their daily lives. Among such toys, toy telephones are popular and are given to children for both entertainment and developmental purposes.

While toy telephones are common, toy chargers designed to accompany the toy telephones are not available for the children. As a result, children may seek to extend their pretend play by using their parents' actual phone chargers. Use of actual phone chargers can be potentially hazardous, as real chargers are connected to electrical outlets and are not designed for safe handling by children. Accordingly, individuals desire a toy charger apparatus that enables children to safely simulate the process of charging a toy telephone.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toy charger apparatus that enables children to safely simulate the process of charging a toy telephone. There is a need for a toy accessory that prevents children from using their parents' real chargers, which can pose significant safety risks when connected to live electrical outlets. Further, there is a need in the art for a pretend-play charger that combines lights, sounds, and interactive elements to enhance a child's imaginative play experience. Additionally, there exists a need for an educational toy charger that incorporates letters, numbers, shapes, and colors as visual indicia. Finally, there is a need for a charger apparatus that is safe, durable, and child-friendly to enable reliable play without risk of injury.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment, comprises a toy telephone charger apparatus featuring a plastic housing with rounded corners for child safety, a flexible cord terminating in a magnetic coupling element, and a switching element operable between “on” and “off” positions. The apparatus includes an illumination element disposed within the housing and a timing module configured to measure a predetermined interval. When the switch is activated, the illumination element emits steady light. Upon expiration of the predetermined interval, the illumination element flashes and an audio output element generates a melody or tune, thereby simulating completion of a charging process. The magnetic element at the end of the cord removably attaches to a toy phone, creating the realistic appearance of a charger-to-phone connection.

In one embodiment, the top surface of the charger housing includes soft, touch-activated indicia in the form of letters, numbers, and geometric shapes. Each indicium is operatively connected to an internal control circuit, such that pressing the indicium produces a corresponding illumination event and an audio output, such as a spoken sound or melody.

In this manner, the toy telephone charger apparatus of the present invention addresses longstanding shortcomings in children pretend-play accessories by introducing a charger that is safe, interactive, and educational. The invention provides users with a toy telephone charger for children to play with, thereby simulating real-world charging activity in a safe environment. The charger features several colors and designs with letters, numbers, and shapes on the exterior, which add unique aesthetics to the device while simultaneously supporting early learning. The apparatus enables children to connect the charger to a toy telephone and pretend to charge the phone via lights and noises, enhancing imaginative roleplay. After approximately ten seconds of simulated connection, the charger plays a song or tune, thereby notifying the child that their toy phone has finished charging.

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 toy telephone charger apparatus for simulating the charging of a toy telephone. The apparatus includes a housing formed of durable, lightweight plastic material. A plurality of visual indicia are disposed on the top surface of the housing, the indicia include at least one of letters, numbers, geometric shapes, and colors. An elongated flexible cord is coupled to the housing and terminates at a free end with a magnetic coupling element, the magnetic coupling element is configured to magnetically attach to a complementary portion of a toy device. A switching element is disposed on an edge of the housing and is operable between an on position and an off position. An illumination element is disposed within the housing and is operable to emit light when the switching element is in the on position. A timing module is operatively connected to the illumination element, the timing module is configured to measure a predetermined time interval following activation of the switching element. An audio output element is operatively connected to the timing module, and upon expiration of the predetermined interval, the illumination element flashes and the audio output element generates an audio output to simulate completion of a charging process.

In another embodiment, a toy telephone charger apparatus is disclosed and includes a housing. A plurality of indicia are disposed on the top surface of the housing, and each indicium is configured as a soft, touch-activated button. An illumination element is operatively associated with each indicium and is configured to illuminate when the indicium is touched. An audio output element is also operatively associated with each indicium and is configured to generate an audio corresponding to the indicium when the indicium is touched. The audio output comprises one of a spoken letter, a spoken number, or a melody associated with the indicium.

In one embodiment, a toy telephone charger apparatus is disclosed and includes a housing with a plurality of indicia disposed on a top surface of the housing. The apparatus further includes an audio module configured to output spoken prompts instructing a child to press a specific indicium. An illumination element is configured to illuminate when the correct indicium is pressed. An audio output element is further configured to generate a positive audio response when the correct indicium is pressed and to generate a corrective audio signal when an incorrect indicium is pressed.

In another embodiment, the magnetic coupling element comprises a ferrite magnet. The ferrite magnet is corrosion-resistant and provides weak magnetic force, thereby making it safe and suitable for children's use.

In yet another embodiment, the illumination element comprises a multi-color light-emitting diode. The multi-color light-emitting diode is configured to generate dynamic lighting effects including flashing, fading, and color changes.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of 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 toy telephone charger apparatus of the preset invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the toy telephone charger in operation, showing the magnetic cord connection to a corresponding toy phone in accordance with the disclosed structure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram representing the operational sequence of the toy telephone charger of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the toy telephone charger apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure.

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 exists a long-felt need in the art for a toy charger apparatus that enables children to safely simulate the process of charging a toy telephone. There is a need for a toy accessory that prevents children from using their parents' real chargers, which can pose significant safety risks when connected to live electrical outlets. Further, there is a need in the art for a pretend-play charger that combines lights, sounds, and interactive elements to enhance a child's imaginative play experience. Additionally, there exists a need for an educational toy charger that incorporates letters, numbers, shapes, and colors as visual indicia. Finally, there is a need for a charger apparatus that is safe, durable, and child-friendly to enable reliable play without risk of injury.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a toy telephone charger apparatus and includes a housing with a plurality of indicia disposed on a top surface of the housing. The apparatus further includes an audio module configured to output spoken prompts instructing a child to press a specific indicium. An illumination element is configured to illuminate when the correct indicium is pressed. An audio output element is further configured to generate a positive audio response when the correct indicium is pressed and to generate a corrective audio signal when an incorrect indicium is pressed.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of toy telephone charger apparatus of the preset invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The toy telephone charger apparatus 100 of the present invention is configured as toy charger for simulating the charging of a toy telephone. The telephone charger apparatus 100 combines sound, light, and playful design to make pretend charging fun and interactive for kids. More specifically, the toy telephone charger apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 formed of durable, lightweight plastic material. The housing 102 is preferably cuboidal and has rounded edges 104, 106, 108, 110 for child safety. The top surface 112 of the housing 102 has a plurality of distinct visual indicia 114, 116, 118 including at least one of letters, numbers, geometric shapes, and colors arranged to provide aesthetic appeal and educational value.

An elongated flexible cord 120 is coupled to a first lateral edge 122 of the housing 102 and includes a magnetic coupling element 124 at the free end 126 of the elongated flexible cord 120. The magnetic coupling element 124 is configured to magnetically attach the elongated flexible cord 120 to a complementary portion of a toy device such as a toy phone for simulating an electrical connection between the toy telephone charger apparatus 100 and the toy device. The magnetic coupling element 124 is preferably a ferrite magnet which is inexpensive, corrosion-resistant, and has weak magnetic force. In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling element 124 can be a rubberized magnet made from a mixture of ferrite powder and rubber.

A switching element 128 is disposed along an edge 130 of the housing 102 and is configured to be pressed/pushed to be operable between an “on” position and an “off” position. When the switching element 128 is in the “on” position, the switching element 128 activates internal electronic components (illumination element and timing module as described later) and when the switching element 128 is in the “off” position, the switching element 128 deactivates the internal electronic components of the apparatus 100.

An illumination element 132 is positioned within the housing 102 and is operable to emit light when the switching element 128 is in the “on” position. The illumination element 132 is preferably a multi-color LED which does not generate heat, consumes low electrical power, and flashes in a plurality of colors. The illumination element 132 can create dynamic lighting effects such as flashing, fading, or other lighting effects.

A timing module 134 such as in the form of a drum and comb combination is included in the housing 102. The timing module 134 is configured to autonomously measure a predetermined interval, for example ten seconds, following activation of the switching element 128. An audio output element 136 is configured to generate an audio such as melody, song, or notification, after expiration of the predetermined interval. The illumination element 132 simultaneously illuminates upon expiration of the predetermined interval.

The apparatus 100 includes a rechargeable battery 138 for providing electrical power to the electronic components. The rechargeable battery 138 is preferably Li-Ion battery which can be removed and recharged as required by a user.

It should be noted that the apparatus 100 is adapted to simulate the process of charging a toy telephone by providing both visual (i.e., via illumination element 132) and auditory feedback (i.e., via audio output element 136) to a child user, thereby enhancing imaginative play while maintaining safe operation through the use of non-toxic materials.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the toy telephone charger in operation, showing the magnetic cord connection to a corresponding toy phone in accordance with the disclosed structure. The elongated flexible cord 120 extends outwardly from the housing 102 and terminates in the cylindrical magnetic element 124. As illustrated, the magnetic element 124 is in removable direct contact with the lower portion 204 of the toy phone (i.e., another device) 202, simulating a charging connection between the toy charger apparatus 100 and the toy phone (i.e., another device) 202. The toy phone (i.e., another device) 202 has a screen area 206 which may display a charging indicator 208 to mimic the appearance of charging of a conventional mobile device.

In operation, when the switching element 128 is activated, the battery 138 provides electrical power and illuminates the housing 102 via the illuminating element 132, and after a predetermined time interval (i.e., such as ten seconds), the charger apparatus 100 produces both flashing light effects and an audible tune (i.e., using audio output element 136) as described in FIG. 1, thereby indicating to the child user that the toy phone (i.e., another device) 202 is charged.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram representing the operational sequence of the toy telephone charger of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. Initially, a user initiates operation by toggling the switching element to the “on” position, thereby activating the battery and LEDs of the charger apparatus (Step 302). Then, the illumination element 132 is activated to provide steady light and the timing module 134 begins counting a predetermined time interval (Step 304). Thereafter, the timing module 134 measures and reaches the predetermined interval, for example, ten seconds from the activation of the switching element (Step 306). Then, upon completion of the timing interval, the illumination element 132 flashes and concurrently the audio playback element is activated 136, producing a melody, tune, or alert sound to simulate completion of the charging process (Step 308). Finally, the user deactivates the charger apparatus 100 by toggling the switching element to the “off” position, which stops illumination, audio output, and resets the timing module for subsequent operation (Step 310).

In one embodiment, the toy telephone charger apparatus 100 may be configured such that when the timing interval is completed and the toy telephone charger apparatus 100 flashes and plays audio, the output corresponds to the indicia disposed on the housing of the toy telephone charger apparatus 100. For example, the audio may announce “A, B, C” or “1, 2, 3,” or play a short tune associated with the shapes. The embodiment enables the children to learn letters, numbers, and shapes interactively while pretending to charge their toy telephone.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the toy telephone charger apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the present embodiment, the indicia 406 disposed on the top surface 404 of the housing 402 are implemented as soft, touch-activated buttons rather than static printed symbols. Each indicium may represent a letter, number, or geometric shape, and is configured to be activated upon a child's touch or press.

When an indicium is touched, the indicium is operatively connected to an internal control circuit 408 which responds by causing a corresponding illumination event. For example, the indicium may light up in a predefined color (i.e., the letter “A” illuminating in red, the number “1” in yellow, or a circle in green). Concurrently, the apparatus 400 may generate an audio output corresponding to the indicium, such as a spoken sound (“A,” “B,” “C,” “1,” “2,” “3”), a melody associated with the shape, or a phonetic reinforcement. It should be noted that all other components shown in FIG. 1 may be included in the apparatus 400 of the present embodiment.

In one implementation, the illumination may remain active for a preset time period, such as for two to three seconds, thereby enabling repeated pressing by the child for reinforcement learning. In other embodiments, pressing one indicium may deactivate a previously lit indicium, thereby enabling the child to cycle between different shapes, letters, and numbers in sequence.

In another embodiment of the toy telephone charger apparatus, the indicia disposed on the top surface of the housing are configured to function in an interactive quiz mode. During operation, when the apparatus is powered on, the apparatus may initiate a quiz sequence, wherein the audio module issues a spoken prompt, such as “Press number 2” or “Press the square.” The child may then respond by pressing or touching one of the indicia buttons disposed on the top surface of the charger housing. If the child presses the correct indicium, the selected button may illuminate brightly, and a positive audio response such as a melody, encouraging phrase, or celebratory tune may be generated. If the child presses an incorrect indicium, a gentle corrective signal may be generated, such as a short buzzer tone or dim light, followed by a repeat of the original question to enable the child another attempt.

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 persons 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 “interactive toy charger”, “toy telephone charger apparatus”, “charger apparatus”, and “apparatus” are interchangeable and refer to the interactive toy telephone charger apparatus 100, 400 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the interactive toy telephone charger apparatus 100, 400 of the present invention can be of any suitable 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 interactive toy telephone charger apparatus 100, 400 shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other configurations of the interactive toy telephone charger apparatus 100, 400 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the interactive toy telephone charger apparatus 100, 400 are important design parameters for user convenience, the interactive toy telephone charger apparatus 100, 400 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.