U.S. patent application number 11/367283 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for toy to aid emotional transitions.
Invention is credited to Cathleen Ann Stanley.
Application Number | 20070207698 11/367283 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38472004 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070207698 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stanley; Cathleen Ann |
September 6, 2007 |
Toy to aid emotional transitions
Abstract
The invention is a personalized transitional item or toy, that
can be a stuffed animal, to aid in the emotional transitions of
children that are about to undergo a significant loss. It is a
stuffed toy that has the capacity to store memorabilia in its
interior. The toy itself will be plush and huggable and can be
called the Healing Hearts Bear and function as both a practical toy
and a holder for meaningful possessions. The cavity will be used to
contain items of emotional significance to the child and will be
selected and placed in the cavity by an adult or counselor and
returned to the child, and can be used to aid child in undergoing
the coming emotional transition such as death or loss of a loved
one, or personal injury and illness.
Inventors: |
Stanley; Cathleen Ann;
(Dayville, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHNNIE R. HYNSON
P.O. BOX 247
PORT TOWNSEND
WA
98368
US
|
Family ID: |
38472004 |
Appl. No.: |
11/367283 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/369 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/005 20130101;
A63H 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/369 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/02 20060101
A63H003/02 |
Claims
1. A toy to aid emotional transitions comprising a body shaped to
resemble a recognizable toy having a cavity for holding an item
with an emotional significance located within said cavity, said
cavity being closable by a sealing means for closing said
compartment, wherein when said item is placed within said
compartment and seal during a meeting an emotional significant item
is created to aid the user in making an emotional transition.
2. A stuffed toy animal to aid emotional transitions comprising a
body shaped to resemble a recognizable toy that is stuffed with a
cushioning fabric having a cavity for holding an item with an
emotional significance located within said cavity, said cavity
being closable by a sealing means for closing said compartment,
wherein when said item is placed within said compartment and seal
during a meeting an emotional signicant item is created to aid the
user in making an emotional transition.
3. The stuffed toy in claim 2 wherein the shape of said toy animal
is selected from the class of a bear, santa clause, Easter bunny,
valentine heart, pumpkin, tooth fairy, New Year's baby, dogs,
bunnies, kittens, cows, pigs, other animal or a cartoon
character.
4. The stuffed toy in claim 2 wherein the sealing means is is lined
from fabrics selected from the class of Velco.RTM., Laces, groumets
or Zippers.
5. The stuffed toy in claim 2 wherein said compartment is lined
with a lining selected from the class of what will the compartment
be made of: silk, satin, velvet, cotton, or nylon.
6. The stuffed toy in claim 2 wherein said compartment is located
within the body, arms, legs, or head of said stuffed toy.
7. A stuffed toy animal to aid emotional transition comprising a
toy shaped like a teddy bear that is stuffed with a cushioning
fabric having a cavity lined with a lining fabric for holding an
item with an emotional significance located within said cavity,
said cavity having an interior compartment and being closable by a
sealing means that is threaded through lacing holes, wherein when
said item is placed within said compartment and sealed during a
meeting an emotional significant item is created to aid the user in
making an emotional transition.
8. The stuffed toy in claim 7 wherein the shape of said toy animal
is selected from the class of a bear, santa clause, Easter bunny,
valentine heart, pumpkin, tooth fairy, New Year's baby, dogs,
bunnies, kittens, cows, pigs, other animal or a cartoon
character.
9. The stuffed toy in claim 2 wherein the sealing means is lined
from fabrics selected from the class of Velco.RTM., Laces, grommets
or Zippers.
10. The stuffed toy in claim 7 wherein said compartment is lined
with a lining selected from the class of what will the compartment
be made of: silk, satin, velvet, cotton, or nylon.
11. The stuffed toy in claim 7 wherein said compartment is located
within the body, arms, legs, or head of said stuffed toy.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to toys in general such as ornaments
or stuffed animals, and specifically to a toy stuffed animal having
a memorabilia storage cavity, that can be used as a healing tool,
in situations such grief, separation anxiety, injury and other
emotional difficulties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many children and young adults are forced to go through
difficult emotional transitions. For example, injury, operations,
the loss of a parent either to death or divorce. Recently thousand
of children were displaced by severe weather. This is a serious
upset to the lives of the children. A wide variety of toys exists
to help a child play and to provide some comfort. But the toy does
not aid the child in coping with the emotional trauma. Patents for
toys involving emotional states or play have been issued in the
past, for example:
[0003] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,555 Weiner, et al. Feb. 7, 2006, a
play cube is used to aid in recognizing and developing various
emotional states.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,938 issued to Reynolds, Feb. 25, 1992,
relates to a stuffed toy such as a teddy bear that can be converted
or altered into different configurations.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,547,171 issued to Horimoto, Oct. 15, 1985,
shows a stuffed toy that includes an illumination device for
illuminating portions of the toy.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,932 issued to Zimbarg, Oct. 17, 1995,
shows a Santa Claus-like decorative object that includes a
combination of a flexible bag member and has a Santa Claus
shape.
[0007] There are teddy bear shapes with a compartment and other
design patents that use the teddy bear shape. For example, in U.S.
Pat. No., RE38,946, Bitton, Jan. 24, 2006, a small toy or figurine
is located inside a transparent body of soap such as a teddy bear.
However, these are not structured to function to aid a child in
emotional transitions.
[0008] Some toys have even been used as a jewelry box. For example
see U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,946 to Schneider. However, the nature of
this design does not allow for use in demonstrating things to a
child, and would be cumberson if attempted to be used in an
emotional healing process. It would therefore be beneficial to have
a means for frequently opening and closing the compartment so a
child could easily access the comfort item within. The '946 patent
is for placing a container inside a toy. It would therefore be
beneficial to have internal storage means that cannot be separated
from the toy.
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,562 to Bauman jewelry a stuffed
animal with simulated fur is used to hide jewelry, and therefore
would not be useful to a child, or in an emotional connection.
[0010] Additionally, the head of a stuffed animal is often used to
store a sound device often for making the sounds of the animal that
the toy is meant to represent. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,118 to
Murray.
[0011] Although there are a variety of toys that provide the
comfort of play to children that are undergoing a current or
potential emotional transition, they are only toys. It is therefore
desirable to have a toy that can also have favorable associations
and act as an aid to the child in the undergoing the transition or
healing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A toy to aid emotional transitions is a toy that has the
capacity to store memorabilia in its interior. The toy itself
should be plush and huggable and can be called the Healing Hearts
Bear and function as both a practical toy and a holder for
meaningful possessions. It can also be called the Boo-Boo Bear to
address areas of specific injury to the child.
[0013] The cavity itself will be able to contain a multiplicity of
special comfort items that the user may play with and carry within
the toy (or teddy bear in a preferred embodiment) itself. Keeping
the items close and accessible as the child needs them such as
trinkets, photos, letters, lockets or tokens. The cavity should be
a vertical opening in the abdominal region for greatest ease of
use. The cavity can be assessed from either the front or the back.
The cavity should open from neck to tail in the back or chin to
pelvic area when used in the front.
[0014] Imagine the children displaced by hurricane Katrina uprooted
and moved to unfamiliar places being able to carry with them some
small piece of their former homes. An article from their bedroom,
or a stone from their yard, a hinge from their old homes. These
items can provide comfort, a sense of well being, and psychological
healing to children in crisis. And offer a valuable tool to the
adults supporting them in the form of a transitional item.
[0015] Child care specialists recognize that as children grow older
they desire an understanding they were likely too young to
comprehend at the time of separation. (specifically this stands
true for children separated by illness, divorce, and social service
intervention).
[0016] The instant invention can best be utilized when used in
conjunction with a ceremony in which the child and adult create the
finished product together. This adds to the significance of the
finished memorabilia and forms an additional positive association
with the adult that participates in the ceremony.
[0017] The subject matter of the present invention is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. However, both the organization and method of
operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof,
may best be understood by reference to the following description
taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like
reference characters refer to like elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the instant invention in the
teddy bear with body cavity emobiment utilizing the lace sealing
means.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view along lines A-A'
illsutrating the teddy bear embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of the instant invention illustrating
the use of a cavity placed in the side of the stuff animal
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 4 is front view of the stuff animal embodiment
illustrating the use of a clear pocket containing visual aids and
further illustrating the use of the cavity in the side of the
body.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the cavity utilizing the
zipper embodiment illustrating compartments withing for placing
multiple memorabilia.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Now referring to FIG. 1 the instant invention 1 is a stuffed
toy animal to aid emotional transitions and has the capacity to
store memorabilia in a cavity 3 in its interior. The cavity 3 is
closed after the special comfort item 9 (not shown in this figure)
is placed in the cavity 3 by a sealing means such as laces 7.
[0024] The toy itself 1 will be plush and huggable and can function
as both a practical toy and a holder for meaningful possessions 9.
The cavity 3 is within the toy 1 itself, and is typically a
vertical opening that is typically centered in the abdomen or body
of the toy 1 and would also typically be vertically situated as
illustrated
[0025] Now referring to FIG. 2 the memorabilia can be a specially
prepared items such as a heart shaped object 9 or it can be a
photograph or other personal items that is associated with the
person whose transition is the purpose of preparing the child
(user) for the loss. Lists, letters, or jewelry can be used as
well.
[0026] The toy 1 should be soft to create a pleasant association
with the instant invention 1 itself, which illustrated as a teddy
bear 1, with the child and should therefore be stuffed with a
cushioning fabric or soft material 11 such as cotton or other
commercially available stuffing material that is well know in the
art. As is readily apparent multiple items can be stored in the
cavity 3.
[0027] Referring again to FIG. 1 they preferred embodiment is that
of a teddy bear that is typically a toy configuration comprising a
body 13 having a plurality of arms 15,17 and legs 19,21 and head 22
all stuffed with a polyester fiberfill 11 or equivalent material 11
to provide a configuration of a bear appearance. The laces 7 would
be threaded through lacing holes 5 and is well know in the art.
[0028] It is not necessary for the instant invention/toy 1 to be in
the form of a teddy bear 1. Any recognizable shape that has a
pleasant or useful association with the user can be used and can
typically be a bear, Santa clause, Easter bunny, Valentine heart,
Pumpkin, New Year's baby, dogs, tooth fairy, bunnies, kittens,
cows, pigs, or other animal.
[0029] The instant invention can best be utilized when used in
conjunction with a ceremony in which the child and adult create the
finished product together. This adds to the significance of the
finished memorabilia and forms an additional positive association
with the adult that participates in the ceremony.
Coping with Injury and Trauma
[0030] Now referring again to FIG. 1 a simulated bandage 24 can be
utilized at the site of an expected operation or of an actual
injury location that has been attended to by medical personnel. It
can also be used to instruct the child for actions that medical
personnel may be required to take in the future.
Wishing Stone
[0031] Now referring again to FIG. 1, the wishing stone, which is
illustrated as a heart 9 which will be held in a special interior
pocket in the toy cavity 3 is meant to symbolize the power of love
and wishes. A growing child will find comfort in the idea that she
has a secret trinket to tell her fears and dreams. As mention above
any item that is significant in relationship between the user and
the person who loss is anticipated. The memorabilia should be of
sufficient size as to not present a choking hazard, and should not
be constructed of toxic materials. Plastic or polished stone is
recommended. A heart shaped bean 9 can be used if a hard object
present a danger to the user.
Labels
[0032] Now referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 when the frontal body
cavity embodiment is not used the front 41 of the stuffed animal
embodiment 1 can be used to place a readily visible reminder
compartment 43 that can also be used in the emotional healing
process.
[0033] Labels (not shown) will be in the form of "butt tags",
containers will be labeled and some models will have company logo
embroidered on the rear, foot, chest or arm. this should address
the questions you sent us. Please give us a call with any questions
you may have. It is also possible to use a clear plastic holder 43
the front of the toy 1 than can hold pictures or symbols for use in
the transition process.
Sizing
[0034] In the stuffed animal embodiment the instant invention 1
should be approximately 7'' to 12'' in height. But any size can be
used.
Cavity Construction
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 the cavity 3 itself can be
formed and lined with fabrics that are readily commercially such as
Silk, Satin, Velvet, Cotton, Nylon. The cavity 3 can be sealed with
any available sealing mechanism can be hook and clasp, Velco.RTM.,
laces 7, grommets or Zippers 45. Many toys now in commercial use
Velco.RTM. successful for clasping. As is apparent the cavity 3 can
also be located within the Body, Arms, Legs, or head of said
stuffed toy.
[0036] Now referring to FIG. 5 the cavity 3 can contain a
multiplicity of interior compartments 47 for using multiple
memorabilia. For example, the wishing stone 9 can be keep in the
main area 51 and a photograph or letter can be kept in interior
compartment 47 sewn into the side for that purpose.
OTHER EMBODIMENTS POSSIBLE
[0037] While several embodiments of the present invention have been
shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that many changes and modifications may be made without
departing from the invention in its broader aspects.
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