Infant Development Toy

Abstract

A development toy that is made of soft, light BPA-free silicone and/or clear plastic that is one solid piece with no moving parts or attachments. The toy is intended to sooth an infant and/or toddler when frustrated from teething pains in their gum and oral area. The toy will be made in various different animal, bird, fish and machine shapes with appendages in the shape of a human female “mother's” nipple to provide the familiar sensation of sucking on mother's breast. The toy will be made in non-toxic soft materials, clear plastic and/or silicone resembling candy in bright soft pastels in a cartoon formed body with easily gripping areas. All parts of the toy provide a safe form of soothing and controlled breathing areas.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to infant development toys and, more particularly, to development toys that incorporate pacifiers and/or other features that tend to engage and pacify and encourage development of an infant handling the toy.

2. Description of Related Art

In the baby products industry, a variety of devices are used to pacify infants and toddlers. Many are some form of simulated mother's nipple either as a standalone device or as part of a toy. One such device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,919 “Pacifier Toy” discloses a pacifier toy combination that has a pacifier detachably separable from an animal like toy. The pacifier can either be used on its own separated from the toy or as part of the toy itself. The infant is pacified as it sucks on the pacifier, but pacifier sucking does not address the discomfort of infants experiencing teething pains nor the breathing development of infants. There exists a need for a single device capable of pacifying, soothing, and developing breathing of an infant or toddler.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for pacifying, soothing, and/or developing breathing of an infant or toddler. The apparatus comprises a soft, light-weight BPA free silicone and/or plastic toy formed like an animal, bird, fish, flower, plant, insect, or machine. The toy comprises a body and appendages having similar feel and anatomical composition of a human female mother's nipple. The ergonomically constructed appendages are designed to fit securely in the infant's mouth in order to provide optimal soothing sucking motions to promote proper breathing, compression, and exhalation. Additionally, portions of the body and appendages comprise sealed pockets of air and/or liquid capable of providing for sound and temperature therapy and relief for the infant.

Many other objects, features, advantages, benefits, improvements, and non-obvious unique aspects of the present invention, as well as the prior problems, obstacles, limitations, and challenges that are addressed, will be evident to the reader who is skilled in the art, particularly when this application is considered in light of the prior art. It is intended that such objects, features, advantages, benefits, improvements, and non-obvious unique aspects are within the scope of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims of this and any related patent applications and any amendments thereto.

To the accomplishment of all the above, it should be recognized that this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specifics illustrated or described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are both angled frontal perspective views of different animal shapes where the animals' appendages are made in the shape of a human female mother's nipple.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a development toy 100 in the shape of hippopotamus caricature, where the nose and the four legs/feet of the hippopotamus shape are preferably formed as protuberances from the main body of the hippopotamus shape.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the development toy 100 shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an angled frontal perspective view of the development toy 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 is an angled frontal perspective view of a toy in the shape of an elephant where the feet and trunk are made in the shape of a human female mother's nipple.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments, the toy comprises a soft, light-weight, BPA free, silicone and/or plastic unibody, shaped like various caricatures. For this application, a “caricature” is an embodiment of the toy depicting a familiar animal, bird, fish, flower, plant, insect, or machine. Often, a particular caricature will have exaggerated physical features. The toy comprises an ergonomic body and appendages of varying sizes for easy gripping and handling by an infant between the ages of 0 and 24 months old.

In some embodiments, the toy will be sized to match the age of the infant; for example, ages between 3 to 6 months; 7 to 12 months; 13 to 18 months; and 19 to 24 months. Portions of the toy body, which may include one or more of the toy appendages, comprise a simulated human female mother's nipple and sealed pockets of air and/or liquid. The simulated human female mother's nipple will pacify and soothe the infant by mimicking the familiar sensation of sucking on a mother's nipple.

In addition to the protrusions serving primarily to simulate a mother's nipple, the toy consists of other features and components to improve dexterity, hand eye coordination, breathing technique, auditory response, and cognitive ability. These portions of the toy that comprise sealed pockets of air and/or liquid, as discussed above, stimulate and soothe sore gums. This particular use may arise from teething pains. When an infant gnaws or chews on the sealed pockets of air and/or liquid, the infant is also soothed and given a sense of security and improved auditory response: the gnawing and chewing create similar vibrations and sounds as those heard and felt inside the mother's womb. Additionally, the toy may be chilled or heated. When chilled or heated, the liquid of the pockets will cool or warm, respectively, in order to apply cold or heat therapy to an infant's sore gums and teething pains. The toy also varies in texture and density across its body, thereby improving the baby's cognitive ability when the toy is moved and adjusted by the baby.

Caricatures

This infant development toy, in different caricaturized embodiments mimics a multitude of animals, birds, fish, insects, flowers, plants and machine objects in their environment or natural habitat. The choice of particular caricatures are made with corresponding benefits and uses in mind. Considerations include the ease of creating; child friendliness and familiarity. Examples provided below include an elephant 200, rabbit 300, cow 400, and pig 500 as shown in FIGS. 1, 6; a lamb 600, lion 700, and giraffe 800 as shown in FIG. 2; and a hippopotamus 100 as shown in FIGS. 3-5.

Each embodiment comprises of a body {105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705, 805}, head {120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820}, and various appendages that have the same feel and anatomical composition of a human female “mother's” nipple. Ergonomically constructed appendages will fit securely in the baby's mouth for optimal soothing-sucking motions and also promote proper breathing, compression and exhalation.

Each toy comprises friendly facial features printed on to the head of the particular toy to enhance the child's experience. Printed facial features vary amongst embodiments, sometimes including eyes {121, 122, 221, 222, 321, 322, 421, 422, 521, 522, 621, 622, 721, 722, 821, 822}, non-protruding noses {223, 523,723}, nostrils {128, 428, 429, 828, 829}, smiles {130, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730}, rosy cheeks {126, 127, 526, 527}, and whiskers{332}. The technique used for printing such printed features can be any suitable printing technique that produces non-toxic durable print.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the caricatures made available in various embodiments may differ from the conceptual representations shown in FIGS. 1-6. For instance, in some embodiments the particular caricature may have more or less than four legs—in some instances no legs. The nature of the protrusions may vary depending on the mimicked object in its natural form. Although various examples below include smiling animals, some embodiments may not use faces at all, depending on the particular caricaturized object. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other caricaturized features may be used, instead of those illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.

In addition to the mammalian animal objects depicted in the illustrations, other embodiments include different types of objects. For instance, some embodiments may include bumblebees or tulips.

General Shape

The overall shape of the toy encourages optimal soothing-sucking motions and promotes proper breathing, compression and exhalation. Through the toy's various features and components, the toy improves dexterity, as well as cognitive and auditory abilities. The shape of the toy further promotes proper breathing, compression and exhalation, therefore reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Multiple Protrusions

Each embodiment of the toy comprises two or more protrusions-permitting nipples of varying sizes, as discussed below. FIG. 3 shows one of the alternative embodiments for such a toy 100 of the present invention, namely a toy 100 in the shape of a hippopotamus caricature. Although only one side of the toy 100 is viewable in FIG. 1, it should be understood that the features of toy 100 are substantially symmetrical in the same way that natural hippopotamus (or other animals) typically have symmetrical features. Like a typical hippopotamus, toy 100 has a main body 105 with a head 120 and four legs 121-124 extending there from. Thus, toy 100 has five principal protrusions from the main body of toy 100. Similarly, toys 200-800 each have four legs extending from the body {141, 142, 143, 144, 241, 242, 243, 244, 341, 342, 343, 344, 441, 442, 443, 444, 541, 542, 543, 544, 641, 642, 643, 644, 741, 742, 743, 744, 841, 842, 843, 844} and either a head or snout protrusion as discussed above (e.g., 120). Additionally, some of the embodiments have additional protrusions—some of which simulate a mother's nipple as discussed below; and other protrusions that are purely aesthetic, such as animal manes {736, 836}, giraffe horns {834, 835}, smaller ears {124, 125, 224, 225, 424, 425, 624, 625, 724, 725}. Moreover, the multiple protrusions are integrally connected to the toy so as to avoid the use of moving parts.

Nipples of Varying Sizes

As discussed above, embodiments comprising multiple protrusions (often in the form of appendages) allow for simulated nipples of varying sizes, varying contours, varying densities and varying shape profiles. Profiles may arise in the form of a simple toroidal shape, or a more advanced profile such as available under patent EP1490012B1. Accordingly, a standard toy is provided with multiple nipples to suit varied infant needs such as age-dependent variations as well as varied experiences for the same infant. Some of the embodiments comprise such protrusions in addition to legs and heads or snouts, such as larger ears {324, 325, 524, 525, 824, 825}, cow horns {434, 435}, and an elephant's nose {223}. The various protrusions are specifically shaped body parts used to stimulate and sooth sore gums and teething pains when chewed on by a baby. These protrusions are specifically shaped to accommodate the baby's mouth and fit the natural shape of the baby's palate. The protrusions of varying sizes are intended to match the age of the baby as the baby grows (e.g., 3 mos-6 mos, 7 mos-12 mos, 13 mos-18 mos, 19 mos-24 mos). Because the nipples vary in shape and texture, the toy encourages the infant to learn by trial and error. As may be appreciated by a observing the various drawings, the protrusions 120 and 141-144 in FIG. 3 are each slightly distinct from the others in size, and are not as smooth as those of the other caricatures in FIGS. 1 and 2, such that an infant using toy 100 will have different teething experiences each time. Technique for varying the smoothness or buccal or tactile experience are known in the prior art.

Improved Breathing

The toy assists the baby develop proper breathing rhythms while asleep and while awake. Not only do the various sized protrusions afford comfort as the baby grows, the protrusions are preferably shaped to improve breathing technique. The improved breathing technique is achieved through ergonomically shaped appendages and body parts designed to match the anatomical shape of the mouth, lips and nasal area of an average baby between the ages 0-2 years. The toy assists with developing and strengthening the compression and expansion of the diaphragm, pleura sac, and bronchi of the lungs, as each organ develops. By promoting proper breathing, compression and exhalation, the toy reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The risk of SIDS is minimized as the baby uses the toy over time. The different densities and shapes of the toy, which are discussed in greater detail below, create different intensities of suction and exhalation.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the caricatures made available in various embodiments may comprise more or less protrusions and simulated nipples than the conceptual representations shown in FIGS. 1-6. For instance, in some embodiments the particular caricature may have only one or two nipples or upwards of ten such nipples. The number of protrusions may vary depending on the mimicked object. Also, alternative embodiments may be of lesser or greater density, and accordingly apply more or less resistance for breathing. Varying density will require different compressions and expansions of the lungs.

Holding the Toy

The toy's design and material components, allow for easy gripping and holding for extended use. In addition to the easy grip, the design of the toy encourages manipulation of the toy and improved dexterity and hand-eye coordination over time.

Dimples

Dimple-like concavities (e.g., 161-163 as illustrated in dashed lines on the toy 100) are formed in the manufacturing process (such as by properly shaped molds). Such dimples are preferably arranged in a geometric pattern (such as a horizontal line, as shown) along the side of the toy. In this example, three more dimples exist on the opposite side of the toy 100 (the other three dimples are not shown). Dimples 161-163 provide easy gripping surfaces, which assist an infant hold the toy 100. Although only three dimples 161-163 are shown in FIG. 3 (with another three dimples left unseen on the other side), it should be understood that more or less dimples may be provided as an alternative, possibly around the entire midsection of the toy 100. Additionally, other ergonomic features may be formed into the shape of the toy to minimize physical effort and discomfort, and hence maximize efficiency. Specifically, the toy is ergonomically shaped to fit in the hands of most baby, infant and toddlers' hands, without adding stress to the child over extended periods of time.

Improved Dexterity

In addition to the toy's dimples, the toy is shaped to fit in the average baby's hands with ease, so as to prevent the toy from falling or dropping easily. The toy is designed for secure gripping and holding. Moreover, the toy's head, neck and appendages are balanced and constructed to improve the baby's manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Dexterity and hand-eye coordination are increased because the toy is also designed such that the child may easily move the toy in the child's hands. The material of the toy has grooves to assist the child with simple gripping motions and movement of the child's hands.

Varying Thickness

In addition to gripping features, the material used in the toy varies in density and thickness over different parts of the toy's anatomy and body to assist the child in visual depth perception and hand-eye coordination. Such variations can be achieved in the manufacturing process using techniques well known in the art. The multi-depth, thickness and layers of the apparatus will also assist the child with gripping, reaching and holding objects in child's hands. This feature will build strength in the carpal and arm areas of the child by inducing the child to turn and grip different multi-layered areas and densities of the appendages of the toy.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the gripping and holding features in various embodiments may differ from the representations shown in FIG. 3. For instance, in some embodiments the particular caricature may have more or less than six dimples. Specifically, some embodiments may comprise of dimples that circumscribe the body of the toy. Additionally, some embodiments of the toy may comprise dimples that form a line longitudinally, rather than latitudinally as illustrated. In addition to variations in dimples, other embodiments may improve dexterity through alternative means, including: multiple lines of dimples; non-linear lines; elliptical lines at various angles; lines that do not run through the axis of the toy; dimples of varying sizes; dimples that mimic other shapes and objects; and small protrusions, rather than dimples.

Moreover, other embodiments may comprise material that is of consistent density and or thickness across the length and width of the toy. Alternatively, embodiments of varying density and or thickness may fluctuate continuously or discontinuously across the body of the toy. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other dimple formations or variances in density and or thickness may be used instead of those illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.

Overall Appearance

As discussed previously, embodiments of the toy caricatures mimic a multitude of animals, birds, fish, flowers, plants, insects and machine objects in their environment or natural habitat. Such caricatures are aesthetically pleasing with bright and warm colors, and printed with smiling faces. By design, the caricatures are inviting to children between the ages of 0-2 years.

Coloring

As depicted in FIGS. 3-5, and in this version of toy 100, the embodiment is two basic colors—one color for the main body 105, and a second color for each of the protrusions 120 and 141-144. Although only two colors are shown in FIG. 3, it should be understood that more colors may compose an alternative embodiment. Embodiments of the toy are available in colors resembling candy, fruit and bright, soft pastels. For instance, FIG. 7 depicts a hippo comprising the same characteristics as those of the hippo in FIG. 3, except a variation in color. In FIG. 7, the hippo's protrusions {121′, 122′, 123′, 124′} are each distinct colors from one another, as well as the body 105′. Leg 121′ is red; leg 122′ is blue; leg 123′ is yellow; leg 124′ is green; and body 105′ is purple.

Color Changing Capabilities

The toy has color changing characteristics that reflect the child's wear patterns and chewing, soothing and sucking habits as the child gets older. Parts of the toy's anatomy or appendages will darken or lighten in color depending on the amount of attention the child gives that area of the toy (i.e., the toy will darken with extended use). These color changing characteristics reflect when the toy should be discarded, as certain colors will stop changing.

The toy also changes color tones depending on the temperature of the material (e.g., the material will darken as it becomes warmer; and the material will reach lighter color tones as the material becomes cooler).

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that colors and related characteristics made available in various embodiments may differ from the conceptual representations shown in FIGS. 1-6. For instance, in some embodiments the particular caricature may have more or less than two colors. As an example, some embodiments may comprise a rainbow pattern of colors across the body of the toy. Alternatively, some embodiments may comprise earth tones or more neutral colors than those illustrated in FIGS. 3-6. A particular embodiment's color might relate directly to the natural colors of the caricaturized object or the color might not relate at all. In addition, although various examples below include smiling animals, some embodiments may not use faces at all, depending on the particular caricaturized object. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other caricaturized features may be used, instead of those illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.

Material

The materials used in constructing the toy are safe for children, and comfortable to manipulate—both in a child's hands and in a child's mouth. In addition to comfortability and safety, the material is inviting and familiar to a child using the toy.

Toy Material

The toy is ergonomically shaped to fit in the hands of most baby, infant and toddlers' hands, without adding stress to the child. The ergonomic shape is achieved by using soft, non-toxic, light, BPA-Phtalates-PVC-free, medical-grade silicone and/or clear plastic that is one solid piece with no moving parts or attachments for the body and head of each toy. Accordingly, the material and ergonomic shape makes the toy easy and desirable for the child to lift and to hold for extended periods of time.

Also, the material used in the toy is similar in tactile sensation to that of being inside a mother's womb, and will increase the sense of the baby's natural ability to sooth. The material used in the toy is porous, such that the material will absorb fluid and moisture. By absorbing fluid and moisture, the toy will expand and/or contract, depending on the amount of friction that is applied to the toy. As friction is applied to the toy, the toy will contract.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the materials made available in various embodiments may differ from the materials discussed above. For instance, some embodiments may be constructed from materials other than plastic. By example, some embodiments might comprise material that is wood, or leather. In addition, although various examples below include porous material, some embodiments may not be porous and, accordingly, not expand or contract when exposed to liquids. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other materials may be used, instead of those previously discussed.

Although the embodiments discussed are similar in tactile sensation to that of being inside a mother's womb, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various embodiments may not comprise this particular feature.

Development

The overall shape of the toy encourages optimal soothing-sucking motions. Through the toy's various features and components, the toy improves cognitive and auditory abilities.

Improved Cognitive Abilities

Because the toy is constructed with different sized appendages, limbs and parts with varying densities across the material, playing with the toy will improve the child's cognitive abilities. The varying dimensions and density over the body of the toy will increase sight, touch and tactile sensations that promote stimulation of brain activity. In particular, synoptic and neural responses occur as the baby interacts with the toy—stretching and gripping—accordingly, the baby's brain activity and cognitive abilities will increase.

Water Pockets Simulate Sensations in a Mother's Womb

The toy has sealed sterile water pockets in different parts of the toy (e.g., limbs, appendages, parts, head, belly, back, tail and body). Because of the sealed sterile water pockets, the toy may be frozen or warmed in order for the baby to receive cold or heat therapy. By cooling or heating the toy before letting the baby play with the toy, cold and heat therapy can help a baby with sore gums and teething pains. The water pockets, varying density of material, and curved appendages and body parts, create a unique vibration and sound when rubbed together inside the baby's mouth. The unique vibration and sound are similar to the sounds heard inside the mother's womb—giving the baby a sense of security and familiarity.

Improved Auditory Development

With varying density across the body of the toy, the toy holds sealed air and sealed sterile water pockets. When the toy is held and jiggled by the baby, the pockets interact and create a sound frequency pleasant to the baby's ears. The induced sound frequency further increases the baby's brain wave activity and strengthens the baby's acoustic response and reaction to sounds in the baby's immediate environment.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the developmental traits targeted in various embodiments may differ from the developmental traits targeted in the discussion above. For instance, in some embodiments the targeted developmental goal may be to further improve auditory and musical appreciation. Likewise, and rather than cognitive and auditory improvement, some embodiments may target development of memorization skills.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

While the principles of the disclosure are described above in connection with specific embodiments of the toy, it is to be clearly understood that these descriptions are made only by way of example. These descriptions are by no means a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Whether now known or later discovered, there are countless other alternatives, variations, and modifications of the many features of the various described and illustrated embodiments, that will be evident to those of skill in the art after careful and discerning review of the foregoing descriptions, particularly if they are also able to review all of the various systems that have been tried in the public domain or otherwise described in the prior art. All such alternatives, variations, and modifications are contemplated to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Although the present invention is described in terms of the foregoing preferred and alternative embodiments, these descriptions and embodiments have been provided by way of explanation of examples only, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the descriptions and embodiments discussed above, are not to be construed as limiting the present invention; the scope of which is limited only by the claims of this application and any related patent applications and any amendments thereto.

Claims

1. An infant development toy for soothing and fostering development of an infant, comprising: a body portion for said infant development toy, said body portion having a shape resembling a caricature having at least a first plurality of protuberance;a plurality of pacifiers integrally connected to said body portion, each of said plurality of pacifiers being positioned in the place of a respective one of the plurality of protuberances of said caricature; andsurface features formed in said body portion for being handled by an infant's hands, to further assist in gripping motions and movement of said infant's hands.