Patent Application
20240367196
The field relates to therapeutic plush devices. More specifically, the field relates to sensory plush devices including vibrotactile components.
Vibrotactile components include transducers which can be provided within plush devices to deliver a vibratory effect on the user. Within media devices, the vibratory effect is intended to allow the user to feel the sound of the music. Within plush devices, the vibratory effect may be used for sensory stimulation. Weighted blankets and weighted toys can provide the user with a feeling of safety or security and can result in deep pressure stimulation. Heating pads and soft fabrics in plush devices can additionally provide somatosensory stimulation. However, a plush device, usable by children and adults, with multi-feature therapeutic elements like a substantive vibrotactile component, weights, a heating pad, and soft fabrics for providing a comprehensive soothing sensory device that further conveys possible healing features is not currently available. Accordingly, there remains a continuing need for a comprehensive soothing plush device.
In one aspect, a soothing device includes: a vibrotactile contact surface at a first side of the soothing device, the vibrotactile contact surface configured to be placed in contact with a body of a user; an outer shell comprising a padding cover surface separate from the vibrotactile contact surface; a vibrotactile material disposed at the vibrotactile contact surface; at least one transducer configured to couple vibrations into the vibrotactile material, wherein the vibrotactile material is configured to transmit the vibrations of the at least one transducer into the body of the user when the vibrotactile contact surface is in contact with the body of the user; a controller coupled to the at least one transducer, wherein the controller is configured to receive an input signal from a communication protocol and to transmit a first output signal to the at least one transducer, the controller further comprising a memory unit; at least one sensor for receiving external information to generate a response for adjusting an operation of the soothing device; a power source configured to provide power to the controller and the at least one transducer; and a padding material at least partially encapsulating the at least one transducer and the controller, wherein the padding material is configured to dampen the vibrations, wherein the padding material is positioned between the padding cover surface and the at least one transducer.
In some embodiments, the padding material comprises an acoustical foam. In some embodiments, the vibrations have a frequency of at least 20 Hz. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to transmit a second output signal to an audio device, wherein the second output signal is a wired or wireless signal. In some embodiments, the audio device comprises headphones, earbuds, or bone conduction headphones. In some embodiments, the second output signal comprises a sleep sound, a sleep message, a meditation sound, a meditation message, a story, a therapeutic sound, or a therapeutic message. In some embodiments the vibrotactile material comprises at least one of a microcellular elastomer, a polyurethane, a rubber, or a microcellular polyurethane. In some embodiments, the soothing device further comprises a heating pad disposed at least at the first side of the soothing device, proximate to the vibrotactile contact surface. In some embodiments the soothing device further comprises weights, configured to simulate a weight of a cat, a weighted cuddle toy, or a weighted blanket. In some embodiments, the power source comprises a rechargeable battery configured to be charged through conductive or inductive charging. In some embodiments, the soothing device further comprises a cover configured to have a shape of a cushion, a pad, a cat, a cuddle toy, or a vehicle. In some embodiments, the input signal is configured to adjust at least one of a power state, a volume, a run duration, a vibration intensity, or a vibration frequency. In some embodiments, the input signal comprises a user input communicated via a communication protocol to customize a vibration pattern generated by the at least one transducer. In some embodiments, the customization of the vibration pattern generated by the at least one transducer comprises decreasing a vibration frequency to deepen a perceived sound. In some embodiments, the memory unit is configured to store a library of sounds. In some embodiments, the soothing device further comprises a sound barrier material at least partially encapsulating the at least one transducer, wherein the sound barrier material is configured to dampen the vibrations, and wherein the sound barrier material is positioned between the padding material and the at least one transducer.
In another aspect, a vibrotactile plush device can include: a padding material at least partially surrounding a first region and a second region, wherein the first region is at a first side of the vibrotactile plush device and the second region is at a second side of the vibrotactile plush device, and wherein a cover at least partially encloses the padding material; at least one vibrotactile element comprising a transducer and a vibrotactile material, wherein the at least one vibrotactile element is disposed at the first region, and wherein the vibrotactile material is configured to transmit a plurality of vibrations of the transducer at one or more restorative frequencies to a body of a user, the vibrotactile material disposed between the transducer and the body of the user; a control unit coupled to the at least one vibrotactile element and disposed at the second region, wherein the control unit is configured to receive a plurality of input signals and to transmit a plurality of output signals; and a power source configured to provide power to the control unit and the transducer.
In some embodiments the padding material comprises an acoustical foam. In some embodiments, the padding material is not included between the transducer and a portion of an outer shell of the vibrotactile plush device, the portion of the outer shell configured to be placed into contact with the body of the user and to transmit the plurality of vibrations to the body of the user. In some embodiments, the plurality of vibrations has a restorative frequency value of at least 20 Hz. In some embodiments, the plurality of vibrations has a restorative frequency value between 20 Hz and 150 Hz. In some embodiments, the plurality of output signals further comprises a first output signal, and wherein the controller is configured to transmit the first output signal to an audio device, the first output signal comprising a wired or wireless signal. In some embodiments, the audio device comprises headphones, earbuds, or bone conduction headphones. In some embodiments, the first output signal comprises a sleep sound, a sleep message, a meditation sound, a meditation message, a story, a therapeutic sound, or a therapeutic message. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile material comprises at least one of a microcellular elastomer, a polyurethane, a rubber, or a microcellular polyurethane. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile plush device further comprises a heating pad disposed at least at the first side of the vibrotactile plush device proximate to the body of the user. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile plush device further comprises weights configured to simulate a weight of a cat, a weighted cuddle toy, or a weighted blanket. In some embodiments, the power source comprises a rechargeable battery configured to be charged through conductive or inductive charging. In some embodiments, the cover is configured to have a shape of a cushion, a pad, a cat, a cuddle toy, or a vehicle. In some embodiments, the plurality of input signals is configured to adjust at least one of a power state, a volume, a run duration, a vibration intensity, or a vibration frequency. In some embodiments, the plurality of input signals comprises a user input communicated via a communication protocol to customize a vibration pattern generated by the transducer. In some embodiments, customization of the vibration pattern generated by the at least one transducer comprises decreasing a vibration frequency to deepen a perceived sound. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile plush device further comprises a memory unit, wherein the memory unit is configured to store a library of sounds. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile plush device further comprises a sound barrier material at least partially encapsulating the at least one vibrotactile element, wherein the sound barrier material is configured to dampen the plurality of vibrations, and wherein the sound barrier material is positioned between the padding material and the at least one vibrotactile element. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile plush device further comprises at least one sensor for receiving external information to generate a response for adjusting an operation of the vibrotactile plush device.
In another aspect, a vibrotactile device comprises a housing, the housing further comprising at least one transducer configured to generate a plurality of vibrations, at least one control unit configured to receive an input signal from a communication protocol and to transmit a first output signal to the at least one transducer, and a power source; a vibrotactile material disposed at least partially on a surface of the housing, wherein the vibrotactile material is configured to transmit the plurality of vibrations at one or more restorative frequencies to a body of a user; and a padding material at least partially encapsulating the housing, wherein the padding material is configured to dampen the plurality of vibrations.
In some embodiments, the padding material is not included between the housing and a portion of an outer shell of the vibrotactile device, the portion of the outer shell configured to be placed into contact with the body of the user and to transmit the plurality of vibrations to the body of the user. In some embodiments, the plurality of vibrations has a restorative frequency value of at least 20 Hz. In some embodiments, the at least one control unit is configured to transmit a second output signal to an audio device, wherein the second output signal is a wired or wireless signal. In some embodiments, the audio device comprises bone conduction headphones. In some embodiments, the second output signal comprises at least one of a sleep sound, a sleep message, a meditation sound, a meditation message, a story, a therapeutic sound, or a therapeutic message. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile material comprises at least one of a microcellular elastomer, a polyurethane, a rubber, or a microcellular polyurethane. In some embodiments, the power source comprises a rechargeable battery configured to be charged through conductive or inductive charging. In some embodiments, the input signal is configured to adjust at least one of a power state, a volume, a run duration, a vibration intensity, or a vibration frequency. In some embodiments, the input signal comprises a user input communicated via a communication protocol to customize a vibration pattern generated by the at least one transducer. In some embodiments, the customization of the vibration pattern generated by the at least one transducer comprises decreasing a vibration frequency to deepen a perceived sound. In some embodiments, the at least one control unit further comprises a memory unit, wherein the memory unit is configured to store a library of sounds. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile device further comprises a sound barrier material at least partially encapsulating the housing, wherein the sound barrier material is configured to dampen the plurality of vibrations, wherein the sound barrier material is positioned between the padding material and the housing, and wherein the sound barrier material is not included between the surface of the housing and the vibrotactile material. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile device further comprises at least one sensor for receiving external information to generate a response for adjusting an operation of the vibrotactile device.
In another aspect, a method of operating a vibrotactile plush device can include: providing power to at least one controller and at least one vibrating transducer within the vibrotactile plush device; sending a first signal from a communication protocol to the at least one controller, wherein the first signal comprises instructions for operating the at least one vibrating transducer; and transmitting a plurality of vibrations from the at least one vibrating transducer through at least a vibrotactile material disposed between the at least one transducer and a body of a user according to the first signal.
In some embodiments, sending the first signal can further comprise controlling an intensity and a frequency of the plurality of vibrations. In some embodiments, sending the first signal can further comprise controlling a run duration of the plurality of vibrations. In some embodiments, sending the first signal further comprises sending a user input communicated via a communication protocol to customize a vibration pattern generated by the vibrating transducer.
In another aspect, a method of forming a vibrotactile plush device can include: providing an outer shell, wherein the outer shell comprises a padding cover surface and a vibrotactile contact surface; placing the vibrotactile contact surface at a first side of the vibrotactile plush device, wherein the vibrotactile contact surface is configured to be placed in contact with a body of a user; providing a vibrotactile material at the vibrotactile contact surface; providing at least one transducer configured to couple vibrations into the vibrotactile material, wherein the vibrotactile material is configured to transmit the vibrations of the at least one transducer into the body of the user when the vibrotactile contact surface is in contact with the body of the user; coupling a controller to the at least one transducer, wherein the controller is configured to receive an input signal from a communication protocol and to transmit a first output signal to the at least one transducer; coupling a memory unit to the controller; providing a power source configured to provide power to the controller and the at least one transducer; and providing a padding material at least partially encapsulating the at least one transducer and the controller, wherein the padding material is configured to dampen the vibrations, and wherein providing the padding material comprises positioning the padding material between the padding cover surface and the at least one transducer.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing at least one sensor for receiving external information for adjusting an operation of the vibrotactile plush device. In some embodiments, the input signal comprises a user input communicated via a communication protocol to customize a vibration pattern generated by the at least one transducer, and wherein the input signal is configured to adjust at least one of a power state, a volume, a run duration, a vibration intensity, or a vibration frequency.
Like reference numbers are used to refer to like features throughout the description and drawings.
Scientific research indicates that low-frequency vibrations may have therapeutic or healing effects. In one study on bone repair after injury, beneficial frequencies were determined to be from about 25 Hz to about 50 Hz. These and other frequencies (also referred to as restorative frequencies or restorative frequency values herein) falling in a range of about 25 Hz to about 150 Hz are used in pain relief and treatment of dyspnea, wounds, and more. This range of frequencies also corresponds to the frequencies of cat purrs. In addition to the possible physical therapies associated with cat purrs, cat purrs are also associated with calming effects in humans and can aid in stress relief. Sound resonation, generally, has been shown to viscerally stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, decreasing stress and anxiety in recipients of this sound resonation.
In other scientific research, weighted cuddle toys and weighted blankets can provide sensory stimulation (e.g., deep pressure stimulation), facilitating the release of oxytocin, a neurotransmitter associated with positive well-being and anti-stress. Additionally, evidence shows that meditation can reduce psychological stress, with one study finding moderate evidence of improved anxiety, depression, and pain in response to meditation programs. Heat therapy is also known to provide human benefits, both physical and psychological.
Therefore, a plush device or cuddle toy comprising at least a vibrotactile component capable of transmitting vibrations at restorative frequencies, a comforting plush interior to hold onto while receiving the vibrations, and a calming or attractive exterior cover would greatly benefit both human children and adults. Such a cuddle toy further including weights and a heating pad would elevate the utility and functionality of the device, providing a unique and powerful fusion of human benefits.
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to vibrotactile plush devices, which may sometimes be referred to as “soothing devices” or “vibrotactile devices.”
In the configuration shown in
In the configuration shown in
The vibrotactile material 6 is a thin layer of material that transmits the vibrations of the transducer 7. For example, the vibrotactile material 6 can have a thickness of approximately ⅛ of an inch. In other examples, the vibrotactile material 6 can have a thickness from ⅛ of an inch to ¼ of an inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of the vibrotactile material 6 can be less than ⅛ of an inch or greater than ¼ of an inch. The vibrotactile material 6 can be a microcellular elastomer, a polyurethane, a rubber, a microcellular polyurethane, or other such material suitable for transmitting the vibrations to a user's body. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile material 6 comprises one of the materials described above. In other embodiments, the vibrotactile material 6 can be a combination of two or more of the materials described above.
The padding material 11 can be a foam, such as an acoustical foam. In another embodiment, the padding material 11 can be a memory foam, providing comfort to the user and warming the user, owing to the denseness of the material, which traps body heat. In other embodiments, the padding material 11 can include at least one of a foam, a padding, or a fabric of substantial thickness similar to what would be present in a cuddle toy. The padding material 11 dampens the vibrations or sound emitted from the transducer 7 such that the effects of the transducer 7 are focused on the user and are non-disruptive or minimally disruptive to others who are nearby the user. Because of the dampening effects of the padding material 11, others who are nearby the user cannot hear the vibrations or sound from the vibrotactile device 1 or may hear the vibrations or sound at a very low volume.
The sound barrier material 22 is disposed between the vibrotactile element 16 and the padding material 11, and the sound barrier material 22 is not included between the vibrotactile element 16 and the vibrotactile contact surface 2. The sound barrier material 22 dampens the vibrations or sound emitted from the transducer 7. In some embodiments the sound barrier material 22 comprises mass loaded vinyl (MLV). In some embodiments the sound barrier material 22 has a thickness of approximately ¼ of an inch. In other embodiments, the sound barrier material 22 can have a thickness greater than ¼ of an inch or less than ¼ of an inch. The sound barrier material 22 is configured to act as an additional dampening layer, minimizing the vibrations or sound from the vibrotactile plush device 1 from reaching non-users in the vicinity of the user.
In some embodiments, the cover can take the shape of a cat. An advantage of such a cover on the vibrotactile plush device 1 is that users who are allergic to cats or live in households with family members or other residents presenting with cat allergies can enjoy the health benefits and companionship of a device that can resemble a cat and output a therapeutic, cat-like purr. In some embodiments, the cover can take the shape of a cushion, a pad, a cat, a cuddle toy, or a vehicle (e.g., a car, plane, train, boat, etc.). In one embodiment, the cover is the outer shell 5 of the device 1. In another embodiment, the cover is separate from and disposed over the outer shell 5 of the device 1, which enables the user to remove the cover for cleaning or sanitization.
A control unit 8 is disposed at the second region 13, and it comprises a controller 14, a power source 10, and a memory unit 9. In one embodiment the power source 10 provides power to the vibrotactile plush device 1. The vibrotactile plush device 1 can include a power source comprising a rechargeable battery, which can be charged through conductive or inductive charging. In one example, the device 1 can be charged or recharged inductively by setting the device 1 onto a battery charging plate, allowing for automatic charging. In another embodiment, the device 1 can be charged through conductive charging, which can include charging the device through a USB connection or power jack. The memory unit 9 is configured to store information pertinent to operating the device 1. For example, the memory unit 9 can store a library of sounds to be played on the device 1. In another example, the memory unit 9 can retain information regarding the sound and run duration from one use to another use, unless the user changes the settings. Thus, the user does not have to reset the vibrotactile plush device 1 to their desired settings each time the device 1 is to be used. In some embodiments, the control unit comprises a tone or bass controller that facilitates an increase or decrease in the amount of bass in the sound. In such embodiments, the tone or base controller allows for adjusting the vibrations.
In the configuration in
In one embodiment, the controller 14 transmits a second output signal that can be a wired or wireless signal to an audio device, such as headphones, earbuds, or bone conduction headphones. The second output signal can comprise a variety of sounds or messages. For example, the second output signal can be a sound that helps soothe one to sleep (e.g., a sleep sound). In another example, the second output signal can be a meditation sound, suitable for meditating. In another example, the second output signal can be a therapeutic sound, imparting calming or soothing sounds to the user of the vibrotactile device 1. In another example, the second output signal can comprise messages, such as sleep messages, meditation messages, or therapeutic messages, wherein each is intended to produce a soothing or calming effect on the user. In another example, the second output signal can be a story. For instance, the story may be a pre-recorded story in a parent's voice that can be played to a child through the device.
In some embodiments, the vibrotactile device 1 can further comprise one or more sensors 20, 21 for receiving external information to generate a response for adjusting an operation of the vibrotactile device 1. The external information can include an orientation or a position of the vibrotactile device 1, a breathing pattern or a breathing rate of the user, and more. Adjusting an operation of the vibrotactile device 1 can include adjusting at least one of a power state (e.g., turning the device on or off), a volume, a run duration, a vibration intensity, a vibration frequency, etc. The one or more sensors 20, 21 can be configured to receive the external information and to send a signal to the control unit 8 to turn the vibrotactile device 1 on or off in response to the external information. For example, a first sensor 21 can be configured to detect if the vibrotactile device 1 has fallen off a sleeping child or adult (i.e., receive external information) and transmit a signal to the control unit 8 to turn the vibrotactile device 1 off. In some embodiments, the first sensor 21 is a gyroscope sensor disposed in the control unit 8 and senses device position. In another example, a second sensor (not shown) can be configured to detect if the user is crying and to transmit a signal to the control unit 8 to turn the vibrotactile device 1 on. In another example, and as shown in
In the illustrated embodiment of
In some embodiments, a website comprising a library of sounds can be used in combination with the vibrotactile device 1. A community of users utilizing this website can communicate and compare their experiences with the vibrotactile device, which can help improve the experiences for other users of the device. The website can additionally facilitate uploading sounds, messages, and stories such that other users of the website and device can partake in these shared sounds, messages, and stories. In some embodiments, the sounds, messages, and stories are user-created. The library of sounds can be downloaded to the vibrotactile device 1. In one embodiment, the library of sounds comprises sound alternatives. For example, a user can take a sound or message (e.g., a pre-existing or newly recorded custom personal message, mantra, or story) and lower its frequency, to deepen a perceived sound or message (e.g., decreasing the vibration frequency of the vibrational pattern), which may increase soothing qualities when transmitted or played back through the vibrotactile device 1.
In some embodiments, the communication protocol is a part of a mobile application that facilitates comprehensive remote or wireless control of the sounds. The mobile application can include a variety of user controls to be operated with the device. For example, from the mobile application in one embodiment, the user could control the power state (e.g., turn on/off) of the vibrotactile plush device 1, the volume, the time played, the sequence of sounds played, loading sounds (including a library of sounds) onto the vibrotactile device 1, the vibration or percussion intensity, the vibration frequency, streaming sounds with Bluetooth® and/or Wi-Fi, and setting parental controls (e.g., a volume limit and vibration intensity limit for babies and children).
Although
In some embodiments, the vibrotactile plush device 1 comprises a heating pad disposed at least at the first side 4 of the soothing device 1. The heating pad facilitates warming the foam base of the vibrotactile plush device 1. In one embodiment, the warmth of the heating pad simulates the warmth of a cat.
In some embodiments, the vibrotactile plush device 1 comprises weights. In one embodiment, the weights can be disposed at least at the first side 4 of the vibrotactile plush device 1. The weights can comprise beads (e.g., micro glass beads or steel beads), grains, plastic poly pellets, sand, pebbles, etc. In one embodiment, the weights comprise a weight simulating that of a cat, a weighted cuddle toy, or a weighted blanket. In some embodiments, the weights can vary between 1 pound and 5 pounds. In other embodiments, the weights can weigh between 1 pound and 10 pounds. In some embodiments the weights can be customized and weigh up to 10% of the user's weight. A weighted vibrotactile plush device 1 can replicate the secure feeling a user could receive with a weighted blanket but have the smaller and more portable feature of a cuddle toy.
In some embodiments, the method of forming a vibrotactile plush device 1 can include providing at least one sensor 20, 21. These sensors 20, 21 can be configured to receive external information for adjusting an operation of the vibrotactile plush device 1. For example, the method can include providing a sensor 20, 21 configured to detect a relative orientation or position of the vibrotactile plush device 1 and can instruct the vibrotactile plush device 1 to shut off or cease outputting vibrations from the at least one transducer 7 if the vibrotactile contact surface 2 is no longer in contact with the body of the user. Such a sensor can act as a power-saving feature of the vibrotactile plush device 1 when the vibrotactile features of the vibrotactile plush device 1 are not actively being used.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise.” “comprising.” “include,” “including” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense (i.e., “including, but not limited to”), as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. The word “coupled.” as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Likewise, the word “connected,” as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
Moreover, conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might.” “may,” “e.g.,” “for example.” “such as” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
Although certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel apparatus, methods, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/499,694, filed May 2, 2023, titled “SOOTHING VIBROTACTILE CUDDLE TOY,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63499694 | May 2023 | US |
