SENSORY TOY DEVICE CASE

Abstract

A case for day-to-day devices like phones and tablets, among others, with a flexible cover that fits over the device, a rigid shell that fits over the cover, and varying sensory toys that fit snuggly into the shell.

Description

BACKGROUND

Sensory toys are used to help soothe and decrease stress for those with sensory processing issues, like those associated with anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and autism, among others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is believed the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a rear plan view of a sensory toy phone case according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the sensory toy phone case shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A depicts a front plan view of an embodiment of the switch shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B depicts an exploded view of the switch shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of an infinity fidget pad sensory toy;

FIG. 5 depicts a rear plan view of a sensory toy case for larger technology;

FIG. 6A depicts an exploded view of a sensory toy phone case having a plurality of detachable sensory toys;

FIG. 6B depicts an exploded view of the sensory toy phone case of FIG. 6A shown having an insert;

FIG. 7A depicts a front view of a sensory toy phone case with one or more male female locking mechanisms to secure detachable sensory toys;

FIG. 7B depicts a top view of the sensory toy phone case of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C depicts a front plan view of a detachable sensory toy having extended elements, the extended elements being the male piece of a male female locking mechanism, such that the extended elements fit securely into the female piece of the one or more male female locking mechanisms of the sensory toy phone case of FIG. 7A; and

FIG. 8 depicts a sensory toy case adapter wherein an adhesive housing unit holds one or more detachable sensory toys.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments may be conducted in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated herein form a part of the specification illustrating several aspects of the present disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles; it being understood, however, that this disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Sensory toys include spinning objects, switches, putties, chewable objects, stress balls, and sliders. These objects, whether alone or working in tandem, may be used to reduce the stress that occurs throughout the day-to-day life of anyone with a sensory processing disorder or anyone who has increased stress levels. Given the increased prevalence of sensory processing disorders in recent years, a person with such a disorder may sometimes find themselves in a stressful situation without an easily accessible outlet.

In recent decades, the prevalence of cell phones, tablets, and other handheld devices has also increased rapidly. Now, any given person likely has at least one of these devices with them at all times. These devices are easily accessible when needed and easily stored when not in use.

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the systems and methods as disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment, or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Throughout this disclosure, references to components or modules generally refer to items that logically can be grouped together to perform a function or group of related functions. Like reference numerals are generally intended to refer to the same or similar components.

The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the systems and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of these systems and methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For case of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific figure. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel.

Numerous embodiments of technology cases are described herein that may have benefits including, but not limited to, decreasing stress, and calming those with sensory processing disorders. FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of a sensory toy case 10 of the present disclosure. The sensory toy case 10 of FIG. 1 includes a shell 11 designed to fit a desired phone or other object and one or more sensory toys 12. In one or more embodiments, the shell 11 can define at least one hollow portion 13 that securely holds one or more sensory toys 12 by way of a male and female locking mechanism, or other locking mechanism (not shown). The elements of the sensory toy case 10 may be made from a plurality of materials such as plastic, silicon, wood, metal, bamboo, and other materials.

The one or more sensory toys 12 shown in FIG. 1 can include a rotating disk 12a, a switch 12b, and a slider maze 12c. The rotating disk 12a can include a cylinder 14 having any suitable thickness, such as, from about 0.05 mm. In other embodiments, the thickness of the cylinder 14 of the rotating disk 12a can be about 1 millimeter or any suitable range such as from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2 millimeters, from about 1 millimeter to about 3 millimeters, from about 0.2 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters, or from about 2 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. In one or more embodiments, the rotating disk 12a may be attached by a bearing (not shown) that is secured to both the shell 11 and the cylinder 14 such that the rotating disk 12a is secured to the shell 11 and can still spin freely. In yet other versions, rotating disk 12a includes adhesive to secure said rotating disk 12a and related components to shell 11.

The switch 12b can include a bar 15 and a rectangular plate 16. The rectangular plate 16 is attached to the shell 11 by the bar 15. In one or more versions, bar 15 has a snap-fit relationship with shell 11 and in yet other versions bar 15 includes adhesive to secure bar 15 to shell 11. The rectangular plate 16 rotates on the bar 15 as pressure is applied to either side of the rectangular plate 16. The slider maze 12c can include one or more circular sliders 18, with one or more rails 20 for each circular slider 18, and a base unit 22. The circular sliders 18 are each attached to at least one of the one or more rails 20. The base unit 22 is attached to the shell 11 such that the one or more rails 20 are suspended between edges of the base unit 22. This setup allows the circular sliders 18 to move freely and smoothly along the one or more rails 20. In one or more versions, base unit 22 includes adhesive to secure slider maze 12c to shell 11. Although slider maze 12c is shown as including more than one circular slider 18 traveling up and down along rails 20, it is also contemplated that slide maze 12c can include one circular slider that travels around a rail that is set up in a different pattern, such as, but not limited to and infinity sign. The one or more sensory toys 12 present on any given embodiment may vary in both type and amount. The one or more sensory toys 12 are not limited to sensory toys described herein. The one or more sensory toys 12 may be made from a plurality of materials such as plastic, silicon, wood, metal, bamboo, and other materials. The one or more sensory toys 12 are not limited to placement on the back of the sensory toy case 10. The one or more sensory toys 12 may be placed on the back, front, side, or any other location of the sensory toy case 10.

The one or more sensory toys 12 could include sensory toys with electronic capabilities. For example, these could include toys with haptic feedback, lights, motorized movement, or other electronic features. These sensory toys with electronic capabilities may get power via a connection between the case and the electronic device. In another embodiment, the sensory toys with electronic capabilities may get power from a rechargeable internal battery. This would allow the sensory toys with electronic capabilities to be removed from the case and recharged from an external source.

In one or more embodiments, the sensory toy case 10, including cover 11 with the one or more sensory toys 12 has a thickness between about 3 millimeters and about 9 millimeters. In other embodiments, the thickness of sensory toy case 10, including cover 11 with the one or more sensory toys 12 can be less than about 5 millimeters or any suitable range such as from about 1 millimeter to about 3 millimeters, from about 3 millimeters to about 6 millimeters, from about 1.5 millimeters to about 4.5 millimeters, or from about 2 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. This thickness allows a user to fidget with the one or more sensory toys 12 while the sensory toy case 10 is in the user's pocket or other discrete location. The user's ability to utilize the one or more sensory toys 12 while the sensory toy case 10 is hidden allows the user to manage stress in a discrete manner, which may be desired, so the user does not have to disclose private health information.

In one or more embodiments, the sensory toy case 10, including cover 11 with the one or more sensory toys 12 has a width of between about 55 millimeters and about 75 millimeters, in other embodiments between about 60 millimeters and about 70 millimeters, and in yet other embodiments between about 62 millimeters and about 68 millimeters. In one or more embodiments, the sensory toy case 10, including cover 11 with the one or more sensory toys 12 has a height of between about 90 millimeters and about 110 millimeters, in other embodiments between about 95 millimeters and about 105 millimeters, and in yet other embodiments between about 97 millimeters and about 103 millimeters.

FIG. 2 shows the assembly of an embodiment of the sensory toy case 10 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, this embodiment of the sensory toy case 10 includes the shell 11 having multiple layers. In particular, the shell 11 includes a soft inner cover 24, a hard middle layer 26, and a soft outer cover 28. The dimensions discussed above contemplate all layers of shell 11 as discussed herein. In one or more embodiments, the soft inner cover 24 may be made from a simple flexible material, like silicon, and includes cutouts necessary for the soft inner cover 24 to securely attach to a technological device. In one or more embodiments, the hard middle layer 26 may include hollow portions 13 defined by the shell 11 to help hold any or all of the one or more sensory toys 12 that may later be attached. In one or more embodiments, the soft outer cover 28 may be molded to overlay the hard middle layer 26, including any hollow portions 13 defined by the shell 11. These three layers fit on a technological device such that the sensory toy case 10, as a whole, is secure on the device and any of the one or more sensory toys 12 that are placed in the sensory toy case 10 are also secure. In one or more versions, soft inner cover 24 may include an adhesive to allow for soft inner cover 24, and inherently shell 11, to be secured to a technological device. In one or more versions, soft inner cover 24 may include a built-in magnetic component or a magnetic component in addition to the soft inner cover 24 to allow for soft inner cover, and inherently shell 11, to be secured to a technological device.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an embodiment of the switch 12b from FIG. 1. This embodiment includes a switch plate 34, a rod 36, and four magnets 40a, 40b, 42a, and 42b. The switch plate 34 connects to the sensory toy case 10 by the rod 36. The rod slides through the hole 38 in the switch plate 34 and holds the middle of the switch plate 34 to the sensory toy case 10. The switch plate 34 has two circular indentions 41 on the back to hold two circular magnets 40a and 42a. The two other circular magnets 40b and 42b adhere to the sensory toy case 10. This allows the switch plate 34 to click into place when one side is pressed. The switch plate 34 may also have a locking mechanism that allows the user to lock the switch plate 34 in place such that the switch plate 34 can be used as a kickstand for the device.

FIG. 4 shows an infinity fidget pad 44, which could be one of the one or more sensory toys 12 from FIG. 1. The infinity fidget pad 44 being an indented portion of the shell 11 with a raised portion in the shape of an infinity symbol such that a user could run his or her finger over the raised elements in a soothing pattern.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a sensory toy case 10 of the present disclosure. This embodiment includes a shell 11 designed to fit a larger technological device, like a tablet, and contains one or more sensory toys 12, similar to FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an embodiment of a sensory toy case 10 with detachable sensory toys 31. This embodiment includes a shell 11, detachable sensory toys 31, and an insert 30. The detachable sensory toys 31 may attach to the shell 11 by a locking mechanism 32, like a click slider, a latch, a male female locking mechanism, or other mechanism, such that the detachable sensory toys 31 are securely held in place by the shell 11. In another embodiment, the detachable sensory toys 31 may attach to the shell magnetically.

FIG. 6B shows another embodiment of the sensory toy case 10 from FIG. 6A with the insert 30. The insert 30 may attach to the shell 11 by the locking mechanism 32 such that the insert 30 is securely held in place by the shell 11. In another embodiment, the insert 31 may attach to the shell magnetically.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show an embodiment of a locking mechanism for a sensory toy case 10 with detachable sensory toys 31. The locking mechanism as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C includes an extended portion 33 of one of the detachable sensory toys 31, that acts as the male portion of a male female locking mechanism, as shown in FIG. 7C, such that the male portion fits into the female locking portion (not shown) in the shell 11. This allows a user to easily slide the detachable sensory toys 31 into the shell 11 and lock the detachable sensory toys 31 into place. FIG. 7B shows an embodiment of a release mechanism 35 that can release the detachable sensory toys 31 from the male female locking mechanism.

FIG. 8 shows a sensory toy case adapter 10 including an adhesive housing unit 46 holding the detachable sensory toys 50. The adhesive housing unit 46 may adhere to any item, device, or device case by an adhesive backing 48 on the back of the adhesive housing unit 46. In another embodiment, the adhesive housing unit 46 may adhere to the item, device, or device case by magnetism instead of by the adhesive backing 48.

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. The following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

Example 1

A case for a technological device, the case comprising: a flexible cover shaped to be positionably secured on the technological device; a rigid shell shaped to be positionably secured on the flexible cover when the flexible cover is positioned on the technological device, the rigid shell having raised edges defining one or more hollow portions; and one or more sensory toys, wherein the one or more sensory toys are securely fittable within the one or more hollow portions defined by the rigid shell.

Example 2

The case of Example 1, wherein a comprehensive thickness of the flexible cover, rigid shell, and toys when all secured together is between about 3 millimeters and about 7 millimeters.

Example 3

The case of Example 1, wherein each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys are securely fittable within the one or more hollow portions by a locking mechanism such that each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys may be attached and detached from within the one or more hollow portions as desired.

Example 4

The case of Example 1, further comprising a flexible insert shaped to fit securely within the one or more hollow portions defined by the rigid shell when the one or more sensory toys are not secured within the one or more hollow portions.

Example 5

The case of Example 1, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises a switch being securable to the rigid shell by a rigid rod.

Example 6

The case of Example 1, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises an infinity shaped touch pad comprising a raised portion of material in the shape of an infinity symbol.

Example 7

The case of Example 1, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises a rotating disk.

Example 8

The case of Example 1, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises a slider maze.

Example 9

The case of Example 1, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys include electronic capabilities.

Example 10

A case for a technological device, the case comprising: a flexible cover shaped to be positionably secured on the technological device; a rigid shell shaped to be positionably secured on the flexible cover when the flexible cover is positioned on the technological device, the rigid shell including raised edges defining one or more hollow portions; a flexible outer cover molded to be positionably secured over the raised edges of the rigid shell; and one or more sensory toys, wherein the one or more sensory toys are securely fittable into the one or more hollow portions of the rigid shell.

Example 11

The case of Example 10, wherein a comprehensive thickness of the flexible cover, rigid shell, flexible outer cover, and one or more sensory toys when all secured together is between about 3 millimeters and about 7 millimeters.

Example 12

The case of Example 10, wherein each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys is securely fittable into the one or more hollow portions by a locking mechanism such that each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys may be attached and detached from the one or more hollow portions as desired.

Example 13

The case of Example 10, further comprising an insert shaped to fit securely into the one or more hollow portions defined by the rigid shell when the one or more sensory toys are not secured within the one or more hollow portions.

Example 14

The case of Example 10, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprise a switch being securable to the rigid shell by a rigid rod.

Example 15

The case of Example 10, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises an infinity shaped touch pad comprising a raised portion of material in the shape of an infinity symbol.

Example 16

The case of Example 10, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises a rotating disk.

Example 17

The case of Example 10, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises a slider maze.

Example 18

The case of Example 10, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys includes electronic capabilities.

Example 19

A sensory toy case adapter comprising: a housing unit having an adhesive backing; and one or more sensory toys, wherein the one or more sensory toys are securely fittable into the housing unit.

Example 20

The sensory toy case adapter of Example 19, wherein each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys is securely fittable into the housing unit by a locking mechanism such that each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys may be attached and detached from the housing unit as desired.

It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, or examples described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, or examples, that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, or examples should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present disclosure, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Several such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A case for a technological device, the case comprising: a. a flexible cover shaped to be positionably secured on the technological device;b. a rigid shell shaped to be positionably secured on the flexible cover when the flexible cover is positioned on the technological device, the rigid shell having raised edges defining one or more hollow portions; andc. one or more sensory toys, wherein the one or more sensory toys are securely fittable within the one or more hollow portions defined by the rigid shell.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein a comprehensive thickness of the flexible cover, rigid shell, and toys when all secured together is between about 3 millimeters and about 9 millimeters.

3. The case of claim 1, wherein each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys are securely fittable within the one or more hollow portions by a locking mechanism such that each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys may be attached and detached from within the one or more hollow portions as desired.

4. The case of claim 1, further comprising a flexible insert shaped to fit securely within the one or more hollow portions defined by the rigid shell when the one or more sensory toys are not secured within the one or more hollow portions.

5. The case of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises a switch being securable to the rigid shell by a rigid rod.

6. The case of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises an infinity shaped touch pad comprising a raised portion of material in the shape of an infinity symbol.

7. The case of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises a rotating disk.

8. The case of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises a slider maze.

9. The case of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys includes electronic capabilities.

10. A case for a technological device, the case comprising: a. a flexible cover shaped to be positionably secured on the technological device;b. a rigid shell shaped to be positionably secured on the flexible cover when the flexible cover is positioned on the technological device, the rigid shell including raised edges defining one or more hollow portions;c. a flexible outer cover molded to be positionably secured over the raised edges of the rigid shell; andd. one or more sensory toys, wherein the one or more sensory toys are securely fittable into the one or more hollow portions of the rigid shell.

11. The case of claim 10 wherein a comprehensive thickness of the flexible cover, rigid shell, flexible outer cover, and one or more sensory toys when all secured together is between about 3 millimeters and about 9 millimeters.

12. The case of claim 10 wherein each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys is securely fittable into the one or more hollow portions by a locking mechanism such that each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys may be attached and detached from the one or more hollow portions as desired.

13. The case of claim 10 further comprising an insert shaped to fit securely into the one or more hollow portions defined by the rigid shell when the one or more sensory toys are not secured within the one or more hollow portions.

14. The case of claim 10, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprise a switch being securable to the rigid shell by a rigid rod.

15. The case of claim 10, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises an infinity shaped touch pad comprising a raised portion of material in the shape of an infinity symbol.

16. The case of claim 10, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises a rotating disk.

17. The case of claim 10, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys comprises a slider maze.

18. The case of claim 10, wherein one of the one or more sensory toys includes electronic capabilities.

19. A sensory toy case adapter comprising: a. a housing unit having an adhesive backing; andb. one or more sensory toys, wherein the one or more sensory toys are securely fittable into the housing unit.

20. The sensory toy case adapter of claim 19, wherein each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys is securely fittable into the housing unit by a locking mechanism such that each sensory toy of the one or more sensory toys may be attached and detached from the housing unit as desired.