U.S. patent application number 10/984737 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for therapeutic stuffed animal.
Invention is credited to Jackson, Pauline.
Application Number | 20050101220 10/984737 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34556433 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050101220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jackson, Pauline |
May 12, 2005 |
Therapeutic stuffed animal
Abstract
The therapeutic stuffed animal of the present invention includes
a stuffed animal at least partially stuffed with herbs, at least
one pocket defined within the stuffed animal, and at least one
reusable gel pack disposed within each pocket. The herb-stuffed
animal also includes illuminated eyes, which are energized by a
battery recharged by a solar cell positioned on an exterior surface
of the stuffed animal. The stuffed animal may be positioned around
a user's head, neck, shoulders or upon any other desired area of a
user's body to provide relief to the user. The herbs in the stuffed
animal emit vapors that provide various therapeutic benefits to a
user. The gel pack may be cooled or warmed before insertion in the
pocket to cool or warm a desired area of a user's body.
Inventors: |
Jackson, Pauline; (Antioch,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
34556433 |
Appl. No.: |
10/984737 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60518336 |
Nov 10, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/369 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2007/0089 20130101;
A61F 2007/108 20130101; A63H 3/003 20130101; A63H 3/02 20130101;
A61F 2007/0207 20130101; A61F 7/02 20130101; A61F 2007/0001
20130101; A61F 2007/0201 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/369 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/02 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A therapeutic stuffed animal comprising: a stuffed animal; a
quantity of herbs disposed inside said stuffed animal; at least one
pocket defined within said stuffed animal; and at least one
reusable gel pack disposed within said pocket.
2. The therapeutic stuffed animal of claim 1, wherein said stuffed
animal further comprises a trunk, a head, and legs extending from
the trunk.
3. The therapeutic stuffed animal of claim 1, wherein said stuffed
animal includes a pair of eyes having a light source powered by a
rechargeable battery and a solar cell disposed on said stuffed
animal for recharging the batteries.
4. The therapeutic stuffed animal of claim 1, wherein said quantity
of herbs includes one or more herbs selected from the group
consisting of cinnamon, chamomile, lemongrass, peppermint,
rosemary, spearmint, white willow, yarrow, yellow dock root
allspice, mustard seed, juniper berries, black pepper, ginger, and
cloves.
5. The therapeutic stuffed animal of claim 1, wherein said stuffed
animal has a trunk, said at least one pocket being disposed in said
trunk.
6. The therapeutic stuffed animal of claim 1, wherein said stuffed
animal has legs, said at least one pocket being disposed in said
legs.
7. The therapeutic stuffed animal of claim 1, wherein said stuffed
animal has a tail, said at least one pocket being disposed in said
tail.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/518,336, filed Nov. 10, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to therapeutic
devices. More specifically, the invention is a therapeutic stuffed
animal filled with herbs and an ice or heat pack gel insert used
for physical therapy.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The related art of interest describes various stuffed toys
and aromatherapy pillows, but none discloses the present invention.
There is a need for an herb stuffed heating and cooling stuffed
animal that can be placed around the head, neck or shoulder of a
patient for relieving physical pain. The relevant art will be
discussed in the order of perceived relevance to the present
invention.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,223 issued on Dec. 3, 1991, to David A.
Colosante describes microwave oven reheatable toys such as a doll,
a wearable toy or a puppet having a therapeutic hot or cold pack
placed inside the article. The reheatable composition can be water
and/or glycerin mixed with compounds such as aluminum nitrate,
calcium acetate, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, and the like.
The toys are distinguishable for requiring aqueous or glycerin
based composition for the cold or hot pack.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,829 issued on Sep. 22, 1987, to Ruth E.
Frye describes a therapeutic stuffed toy such as a human or animal
figure., e.g., teddy bear, covered with a machine washable acrylic
plush fabric stuffed with polyester or a polyurethane foam and
including a hermetically sealed envelope or container containing a
liquid such as propylene glycol or solid particulate material such
as table salt or metallic spheres to form a heat sink. The device
is distinguishable for requiring a polyester or polyurethane foam
filling and envelopes containing aqueous solutions.
[0008] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,300,105 issued on Apr. 5, 1994, and
5,989,286 issued on Nov. 23, 1999, to Byron C. Owens describes a
microwaveable or cooled therapeutic polyethylene covered pad in a
teddy bear's vest or within the bear containing an aqueous solution
or a proprietary formula and a sponge which is evacuated before
sealing. The pad is distinguishable for requiring an aqueous
solution and a sponge.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,695 B1 issued on Dec. 4, 2001, to George
A. Weiner describes a heated stuffed animal utilized for therapy
includes a stuffed dog containing an electric heater. The device is
distinguishable for being limited to an electric heated stuffed
animal.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 1,558,278 issued on Oct. 20, 1925, to Elma
Phillips describes a combined toy and heating device such as a dog,
cat, teddy bear and the like comprising a body formed with an
embedded aluminum hot water bottle heated by a battery with a
switch. The toy is distinguishable for being limited to heating by
an embedded hot water bottle.
[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2002/0022431 A1
published on Feb. 21, 2002, for Joanne Schneider describes a
children's stuffed bear containing valuables in a container placed
in a cavity of the bear. The toy is distinguishable for being
limited to a valuables storage container kept inside the toy.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,273 issued on Jun. 21, 1988, to Fred B.
Woods describes a toy with lightable eyes comprising a doll or
animal toy having a pair of eyes and including two flashlight bulbs
mounted within the eyes and connected to batteries inside the body
and having an external belly switch. The toy is distinguishable for
being limited to illuminated eyes.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,542,032 issued on Nov. 24, 1970, to Charles
C. Spencer, Jr. describes a rectangular flexible plastic therapy
package having a dry heating or cooling chemical in one compartment
and a liquid or a gel in a separate compartment. When the
components of the two compartments are allowed to mix, the
components react to cause a thermal or refrigerating chemical
reaction. Dry ammonium nitrate with either urea, iron filings or
calcium chloride are present in one dry compartment and a flowable
gel such as water or a gel are in the other compartment. The
therapy package is distinguishable for lacking herbs and requiring
chemical reactions between dry and wet composition s.
[0014] U.S. Design Pat. No. 400,664 (dog) issued on Nov. 3, 1998;
401,800 (cat) issued on Dec. 1, 1998; 408,198 (cow) issued on Apr.
20, 1999; 417,356 (lizard) issued on Dec. 17, 1999; 420,237 (cat)
issued on Feb. 8, 2000; 430,767 (monkey) issued on Sep. 12, 2000;
and 434,261 (dog) issued on Nov. 28, 2000, to Lauren Rosenstadt et
al. describe various aromatherapy pillows in animal form. The
animal toys are distinguishable for being limited only to aromatic
stuffed toys without identification of the aroma causing
ingredients.
[0015] U.S. Design Pat. No. 426,414 (dogs) issued on Jun. 13, 2000;
427,473 (donkeys) issued on Jul. 4, 2000; 429,591 (lions) issued on
Aug. 22, 2000, and 430,442 (birds) issued on Sep. 5, 2000, to
Harald Reithmeier describe identical heads connected by a stuffed
and zippered body for use as a neck rest. The neck rests are
distinguishable for failing to indicate any aromatic quality.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,220 B1 issued on Feb. 5, 2002, to
Rebecca Rose et al. describes compositions containing chondroitin
sulfate and glucosamine, inter alia, to animals to suppress the
degradation of connective tissue. Ginger is described as helpful.
The compositions are distinguishable for requiring chondroitin
sulfate and glucosamine.
[0017] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0187718 A1
published on Dec. 12, 2002, describes a kapok or polyester stuffed
and fur covered toy banana or duck having catnip inside for cats. A
sound-producing device energized by battery inside is contemplated.
The toys are distinguishable for requiring kapok or polyester
covers and catnip inside.
[0018] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0198580
published on Dec. 26, 2002, describes a flannel covered therapeutic
wrap for the neck or shoulders that can either be heated or cooled
containing narrow channels of Basmati rice and herbs such as
chamomile and lavender. The wrap is distinguishable for requiring
Basmati rice.
[0019] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0068955 A1
published on Apr. 10, 2003, describes a scent emitting soft child's
toy such as a stuffed bear having a scent material in its abdomen
in a case and covered by a cap with openings. No example of a
suitable scent material is described. The toy is distinguishable
for lacking a specific scent material.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 1,346,176 issued on Jul. 13, 1920, to
Alden.
[0021] R. Chambers describes a rubber hot water bottle in the form
of a human figure with the head removable as a cap. The bottle is
distinguishable for requiring hot water and lacking any suggestion
for scenting.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 1,896,663 issued on Feb. 7, 1933, to William
O. Collins describes an electrically heated toy doll by house
current. The doll is distinguishable for being limited to
electrical heating.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 2,647,195 issued on Jul. 28, 1953, to Neva I.
Broyles describes a sleeper toy doll comprising a stuffed animal
toy made of either fabric or plastic and filled with cotton or
sponge rubber. The eyes are energized by either a battery or a
cable having a thermostat for connection to house current. The doll
is distinguishable for requiring electrical power for illuminating
the eyes.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 2,961,668 issued on Nov. 29, 1960, to Frances
Hayes describes a slumber pillow in the shape of a girl with only a
head and arms and filled with an unknown material. The pillow is
distinguishable for lacking herbs.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 3,808,418 issued on Apr. 30, 1974, to Albert
C. Conard et al. describes a stuffed teddy bear with light flashing
eyes comprising fluorescent, phosphorescent or neon (preferred).
The illumination is provided by a piezoelectric crystal under a
pressure block for activation. The toy is distinguishable for
requiring a piezoelectric crystal to illuminate the eyes and
lacking any herbal scent.
[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,311 issued on Jul. 12, 1988, to Sam E.
Francis, Jr. describes a microwavable or cold pack gel thermal
compress package comprising an envelope fabricated from a laminate
of synthetic resins and containing an aqueous gel. The laminate
comprises an inner polyethylene film and an outer film of either
nylon or nylon sclair. Other envelope compositions can have an
inner layer of polyethylene or polyurethane and an outer layer of
paper or a nylon fabric. The envelope contains a liquid, paste or
gel comprising Carbopol.TM., propylene glycol, a color dye,
formaldehyde, sodium hydroxide, and water. The gel pack composition
is distinguishable for requiring water, propylene glycol,
formaldehyde, and sodium hydroxide, and lacking any herbs.
[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,110 issued on May 20, 1980, to Helen E.
Smit et al. describes a decorative personal electric heating
appliance in the form of a stuffed animal, doll and the like. An
internal bladder has an electric immersion heater for heating the
internal liquid. A temperature indicator is provided externally. A
cold medium can be substituted. The stuffed animal is
distinguishable for lacking herbs and requiring a heating
appliance.
[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,820 issued on Sep. 20, 1983, to John W.
Romaine describes a cold compress comprising a rectangular flexible
envelope containing a coagulated gel that maintains its properties
down to below freezing temperatures. A thin insulator pad is
attached to one surface of the gel pad. The pad is distinguishable
for being limited to cold use and lacking any herbs.
[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,445 issued on Dec. 22, 1987, to Charles
B. Templeton describes a warmed animal toy such as a teddy bear
having a removable internal bladder made of many sealed
compartments for adding a fluid such as water or glycerol. The toy
is distinguishable for requiring a removable internal bladder
containing water or glycerol and the lack of any herbs.
[0030] U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,049 issued on Oct. 11, 1988, to Therese
H. Perron describes a head support for a seated person comprising a
pair of elongated, stuffed fabric cushions in the form of a pair of
stuffed animal heads, e.g., cat, at each end of a neck strap. The
support can have a wind-up or pressure actuated music device. The
head support is distinguishable for lacking herbs.
[0031] U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,676 issued on Sep. 4, 1990, to Martin D.
Rankin describes an electrically heated and stuffed teddy bear toy
having a concentrated heat dissipation material such as a mass of
tangled copper wires inside heated by a battery. The toy is
distinguishable for lacking any herbs and requiring a heat
source.
[0032] U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,923 issued on Dec. 25, 1990, to Toshio
Tanaka describes a stuffed toy, e.g., panda bear, having a heater
and phase changing heat storage substance inside and controlled by
an internal thermostat. Anhydrous sodium acetate or polyethylene
glycol is heated by an external electrical source. The toy is
distinguishable for lacking herbs and requiring the heating of
specific substances and an internal thermostat.
[0033] U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,598 issued on Sep. 24, 1991, to Dalton
R. Tucker describes a capped figure conforming water bladder
permanently mounted inside a teddy bear having a neck, arms and
legs. The bladder is distinguishable because the present invention
does not require a bladder.
[0034] U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,150 issued on Oct. 6, 1998, to Byron C.
Owens describes a therapeutic pad for heating and cooling and
containing a liquid. The pad has a liquid absorbent to prevent
liquid leakage. The pad is distinguishable for lacking any
herbs.
[0035] U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,080 issued on Nov. 24, 1998, to Mary Der
Ovanesian describes a flexible hot or cold applicator
[0036] device having an envelope formed from two double walled
sheets. Each sheet contains a freezing gel and the space between
the sheets contains a second high thermal capacity gel. The device
is distinguishable for requiring a specific gel separating
structure.
[0037] U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,145 issued on Dec. 1, 1998, to N. Keith
Brink describes a reusable hot/cold three-component temperature
pack comprising an outer bag of a polyethylene and ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymer; a gel of water, propylene glycol and a
cross-linked homopolymer of acrylic acid; and one or more
temperature cells. The pack is distinguishable for lacking any
herbs.
[0038] U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,152 issued on Dec. 7, 1999, to Rachel J.
Wilson describes a sleep promoting and comforting device for
infants comprising a structure shaped like a teddy bear having arms
and legs with clips for attachment. Polystyrene pellets are
included. The device is distinguishable for requiring polystyrene
pellets and lacking herbs.
[0039] U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,659 issued on Feb. 1, 2000, to Michael
B. Walters describes a heated stuffed teddy bear having an internal
heating element arranged in a serpentine arrangement. The heating
system comprises a heating element, a thermostat, a rechargeable
battery, and a switch. The stuffed toy is distinguishable for
requiring an internal heating system.
[0040] U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,394 issued on Oct. 31, 2000, to John G.
Maxim describes a stuffed animal figure with sound and an
illuminated face, but lacks any scenting. The device is
distinguishable for lacking herbs.
[0041] U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,764 B1 issued on Aug. 13, 2002, to
Nancylon E. Peters describes a herbal-scented pillow or a polyester
fiber stuffed animal toy containing one or more small bags having
buckwheat hulls or scented with oils. The stuffed toys can be
hearts, dogs, cats, seals, sea lions, penguins or whales. The toys
are distinguishable for failing to describe suitable oil
scents.
[0042] U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,111 issued on Apr. 13, 1982, to William
A. Edwards describes a freezing gel structure comprising a
plurality of adjacent tubes secured in an edgewise arrangement and
separately filled with a freezing gel for cooling bottles. The
device is distinguishable for being limited to cooling
articles.
[0043] U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,005 issued on May 24, 1994, to Reuven
Dobry describes particulate heating/cooling agents comprising solid
carriers such as alumina containing microwave responsive substances
such as a mixture of glycerol and water which are liquid at a
predetermined higher temperature and serve as sources of dry heat
or moist heat. They also serve as sources of cold, when pre-chilled
in a freezer. The device is distinguishable for requiring a
particulate alumina carrier.
[0044] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed. Thus, herb stuffed animals including an ice/heat pack
solving the aforementioned problems are desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0045] The therapeutic stuffed animal of the present invention
includes a stuffed animal at least partially stuffed with herbs, at
least one pocket defined within the stuffed animal, and at least
one reusable gel pack disposed within each pocket. The herb-stuffed
animal also includes illuminated eyes, which are energized by
batteries recharged by a solar cell positioned on an exterior
surface of the stuffed animal. The stuffed animal may be positioned
around a user's head, neck, shoulders or upon any other desired
area of a user's body to provide relief to the user. The herbs in
the stuffed animal emit vapors that provide various therapeutic
benefits to a user. The gel pack may be cooled or warmed before
insertion in the pocket to cool or warm a desired area of a user's
body.
[0046] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a stuffed animal containing therapeutic herbs for heating
or cooling therapy according to the present invention.
[0047] It is another object of the invention to provide an herb
stuffed animal for heating or cooling therapy around the user's
head, neck or shoulders.
[0048] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which
is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.
[0049] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] FIG. 1A is an environmental, perspective, front view of a
therapeutic stuffed animal configured in the shape of a cat
according to the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 1B is an environmental, perspective, rear view of a
therapeutic stuffed animal configured in the shape of a cat.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a therapeutic stuffed animal
according to the present invention, with one pocket flap folded
open and the body partially broken away to show details
thereof.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stuffed striped lizard
according to the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a left side perspective view of a stuffed dragon
according to the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a stuffed monkey according
to the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a stuffed dog according to
the present invention.
[0057] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0058] The present invention is related to a therapeutic stuffed
animal, generally designated as 10 in the drawings. As can be seen
in FIG. 1A, the therapeutic stuffed animal 10 may be positioned
over a user's head, neck, shoulders or upon any other desired area
of a user's body to provide relief to the user.
[0059] As is shown more clearly in FIG. 1B, the therapeutic stuffed
animal 10 includes a stuffed animal 12 having a head 14, a trunk
16, and legs 18 extending from the trunk 16. The stuffed animal 12
may further include a tail 20, and/or other appendages associated
with an animal. The stuffed animal 12 may also include illuminated
eyes 19 which are energized by batteries recharged by a solar cell
that is positioned on an exterior surface of the stuffed animal 12.
It will be understood, however, that the stuffed animal 12 can be
configured to resemble any kind of animal.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the stuffed animal
12 is at least partially stuffed with herbs 26. The stuffed animal
12 further includes at least one pocket 22 defined within the
stuffed animal 12 and at least one reusable gel pack 24 disposed
within each pocket 22.
[0061] The herbs 26 in the stuffed animal 12 emit vapors which
provide various therapeutic benefits, including treating muscle
spasms, stimulating circulation, breaking down toxins, and simply
soothing sore or fatigued body muscles, especially around the neck.
The herbs 26 included in the stuffed animal 12 may include
cinnamon, chamomile or chamobile, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary,
spearmint, white willow, yarrow, yellow dock root allspice, mustard
seed, juniper berries, black pepper, ginger, and cloves. The herbs
26 may be either in an aggregate or powdered form. For a relaxant
and pain reliever, allspice is preferred. Mustard seed is useful
for stimulating blood circulation and breaking down toxins. Juniper
berries in the dried form are useful for relaxing muscle spasms.
Black pepper is useful for stimulating blood circulation to
affected areas. Ginger is effective for easing joint pain. Cloves
are effective for relieving pain and acting as an external
sedative. Mixtures of the above mentioned healing herbs are also
within the purview of the instant invention.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, the stuffed animal 12 may have a
plurality of pockets 22, three being shown in the drawing. One
pocket 22 may be disposed in the belly of the animal 12, shown in
FIG. 2 with one flap folded open to show a gel pack 24 disposed
therein and mating hook and loop fastener strips 25 to fasten the
pocket 22 in a closed position. A second pocket 22 may be disposed
in the legs with an opening in the belly between the legs secured
by a hook and loop closure and that receives a Y-shaped gel pack 24
with the branches being received in the legs and joined to a short
stub section that may extend into the belly. A third pocket 22 may
be disposed at the base of the tail where the tail joins the trunk
of the body, the pocket having a hook and loop closure and
receiving a third gel pack 24. Of course, if the species of stuffed
animal 12 lacks an elongated tail, the third pocket 22 and gel pack
24 are omitted.
[0063] The gel packs 24 may be cooled or warmed before insertion in
the pockets 22 to cool or warm a desired area of a user's body and
provide therapy. A cooled gel pack 24 may be desirable to provide
relief to a person with a fever. A heated gel pack 24 may be
desirable to relieve tense or sore muscles. The gel pack can be
square-shaped, Y-shaped, or any other suitable shape. Also shown in
FIG. 2 are eyes 28 illuminated by batteries (not shown) recharged
by solar cells 25. The eyes 28 may be illuminated by light emitting
diodes, miniature incandescent bulbs, or any other suitable light
source.
[0064] The stuffed animal 12 can be made from cotton, polyester,
plastic, or any other suitable material.
[0065] FIGS. 3-6 depict various exemplary therapeutic stuffed
animals 10, the pockets 22 and gel packs 24 being either hidden or
omitted for clarity. FIG. 3 depicts the stuffed animal 10 according
to the present invention configured as a striped lizard.
[0066] FIG. 4 depicts the stuffed animal 10 according to the
present invention configured as a dragon.
[0067] FIG. 5 depicts the stuffed animal 10 according to the
present invention configured as a monkey.
[0068] FIG. 6 depicts the stuffed animal 10 according to the
present invention configured as puppy.
[0069] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *