A sound-generating toy comprising a plush toy component having a flexible body and a container for housing the plush toy component. The container is defined by a top portion, a base portion, and a side wall connecting the top portion and the base portion. The top portion includes an opening and the base portion includes a sound-emitting mechanism. Removing the plush toy component from the container through the opening on the top portion causes air to enter the container through the sound-emitting mechanism which thereby generates a sound effect. Additionally, inserting the plush toy component into the container through the opening on the top portion causes air to exit the container through the sound-emitting mechanism which thereby generates a second sound effect.

A method may include establishing a connection with a wearable device and at least one sensory module device disposed within an environment. The method may also include receiving, from the at least one sensory module device, a recording of an auditory input from a subject and physical movement of the subject in the environment. The method may further include receiving, from the wearable device, at least one physiological signal of the subject. In addition, the method may include detecting, via machine learning, presence of a challenging behavior of the subject based on the received record of the auditory input, the physical movement, and the at least one physiological signal of the subject. Further, the method may include transmitting a notification of the detected challenging behavior to an external device.

The animation puppet includes a body core, a head configured for friction-fit engagement with the body core and forming a head joint therebetween, a pair of upper limbs configured for friction-fit engagement with the body core and forming a respective pair of upper limb joints therebetween, and a pair of legs configured for friction-fit engagement with the body core and forming a respective pair of leg joints therebetween. Each of the joints include a pair of articulable surfaces in said friction-fit engagement by way of a surface interface pre-tension having a coefficient of friction relatively greater than the weight of the animation puppet such that each joint independently supports the weight of the animation puppet while simultaneously permitting relative independent position posing of one or more of the head, the pair of arms, and/or the pair of limbs relative to the body core for stop-motion animation.

A plush children's lounge is provided. The lounge includes a sidewall connected to a base. The lounge is convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a fastener is provided. When the fastener is connected, the lounge defines a closed configuration having a reduced length and suitable for portability. Backpack straps are provided so that the lounge can be carried on the back. The sidewall is resilient such that the lounge springs into the open configuration when the fastener is released. When in the open configuration, a child can recline inside the lounge. Scallops in the sidewall serve as a headrest for the lounger and a plush toy head with eyes is connected to the lounge such that the child can see the plush toy while lying in the lounge. The lounge further includes arms and legs that resemble an animal or other creature.

Some implementations of the present invention relate to systems and methods for diffusing scents to a given location by placing a scent reservoir within a vessel including an inner chamber, a vent, and a selectively closable opening. In some cases, the scent reservoir is secured within the vessel while allowing the desired aroma to diffuse into the surrounding area through the vent. In some cases, the inner chamber comprises a wall or layer that is less permeable to the scent than is the vent. Accordingly, in some cases, the inner chamber is configured to direct the scent from the scent reservoir to the vent, which is disposed at an outer surface of the vessel. While the vessel can be any suitable object, in some cases, it is a stuffed animal. Other implementations are also described.

A heartbeat or pulse generator device is provided separately for use in or in combination with a comfort product such as a plush toy. The heartbeat generator device includes an automatic control system that provides for controlled operation of the heartbeat generator while compensating for natural movements during use. The heartbeat generator device contains a pulse generator to create the motion necessary to cause the heart to “beat” twice early in a beat interval. The heartbeat generator device to increase battery longevity by allowing the generator device to selectively shut off when it senses that the animal or other user is no longer interacting with the product. As the animal interacts, the emulated heartbeat continues. When the animal stops interacting for a period of time, the heartbeat will stop, and battery life is preserved. The heart will restart when motion is detected once again. Further, the improved device contains a sensor and control system that can sense physical movement of the heartbeat generator device while at the same time compensating for the physical movement it is itself creating with the motor to emulate a heartbeat.

A heartbeat or pulse generator device is provided separately for use in or in combination with a comfort product such as a plush toy. The heartbeat generator device includes an automatic control system that provides for controlled operation of the heartbeat generator while compensating for natural movements during use. The heartbeat generator device contains a pulse generator to create the motion necessary to cause the heart to “beat” twice early in a beat interval. The heartbeat generator device to increase battery longevity by allowing the generator device to selectively shut off when it senses that the animal or other user is no longer interacting with the product. As the animal interacts, the emulated heartbeat continues. When the animal stops interacting for a period of time, the heartbeat will stop, and battery life is preserved. The heart will restart when motion is detected once again. Further, the improved device contains a sensor and control system that can sense physical movement of the heartbeat generator device while at the same time compensating for the physical movement it is itself creating with the motor to emulate a heartbeat.

An educational device includes a housing and a computer system disposed within the housing, The computer system comprises at least one processor-readable storage medium, at least one processor in communication with the at least one processor-readable storage medium, and a plurality of sets of processor-executable application instructions. The educational device also includes a display screen that is in operational communication with the at least one processor. A reader is in signal communication with the at least one processor and disposed within the housing, a location of the reader within the housing being indicated on an exterior of the housing by an indicator marker. A plurality of alphabet tags separate from the housing, not connected to a power source, are also provided. When a first alphabet tag of the plurality of alphabet tags is brought proximate to the indicator marker and the location of the reader within the housing, the first alphabet tag transmits first data to the reader. The at least one processor performs operations of receiving the first data from the reader, associating the first data from the first alphabet tag with a first set of processor-executable application instructions of the plurality of sets of processor-executable application instructions on the at least one processor-readable storage medium, and executing the first set of processor-executable application instructions based on receipt of the first data.

A thin portable communication terminal that includes a casing having a rectangular parallelepiped shape; one pair of arm portions each having one end that is axially supported to be turnable with respect to corresponding one of both side faces on longer sides of the casing; hand portions each disposed at another end of corresponding one of the one pair of arm portions; and a leg portion disposed on one side face that is on a shorter side of the casing and is capable of independent movement.

A speech development assembly includes a stuffed animal that has appendages which can be resiliently articulated into a variety of positions. A control circuit is positioned within the stuffed animal and the control circuit includes an electronic memory. The electronic memory stores a database comprising words and phrases. A microphone is coupled to the stuffed animal to record babbling of an infant or speech delayed toddler. A vocal analyzer is positioned within the stuffed animal and the vocal analyzer is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The vocal analyzer analyzes the babbling of the infant or speech delayed toddler that is stored in the electronic memory. The vocal analyzer assigns selected words and phrases in the database stored in the electronic memory to a response sequence. A speaker is coupled to the stuffed animal to emit the words and phrases corresponding to the response sequence for the purposes of education.