SLEEP-INDUCING TOY

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vibration module for a sleep-inducing toy, the module comprising a vibration apparatus configured to produce a mechanical vibration generating at least two different frequencies for transferring via a medium to a user; to the sleep-inducing toy, and to a method and for inducing and/or maintain sleep for comforting a person.

Claims

1. A vibration module for a sleep-inducing toy, the module comprising a vibration apparatus configured to produce a mechanical vibration generating at least two mechanical waves of different frequencies for transferring via a medium to a user.

2. The vibration module for a sleep-inducing toy according to claim 1, wherein the frequencies produce both a sound and a vibration.

3. The vibration module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical vibration generates at least one undertone in the range of from 100 up to 160 Hz, and at least one overtone with a frequency in the audible range, preferably in the range of from 200 up to 300 Hz.

4. The vibration module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical vibration generates at least one frequency in the range of from 40 up to 45 Hz, and at least one frequency in the audible range, preferably in the range of from 60 up to 65 Hz.

5. The vibration module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical vibration generates at least three frequencies in the range of from 40 to 45 Hz, of from 60 and up to 65 Hz, and of from 90 and up to and including 100 Hz, respectively.

6. The vibration module according to claim 1, further comprising a controller, wherein the vibration module is operatively connected to the controller.

7. The vibration module according to claim 1, further comprising an electric power source, preferably a rechargeable electric battery, optionally comprising an induction charger.

8. The vibration module according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a bar-type vibration motor.

9. The vibration module according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises an electric motor comprising a drive axle, and a rotor operably connected to the drive axle.

10. The vibration module according to claim 1, further comprising a housing affixed to the vibration apparatus for transferring at least part of the vibrations to a sleeping pillow or a mattress in contact with the housing.

11. The vibration module according to claim 10, wherein the housing comprises a bell-shaped upper body and a flat basis, to enhance the transfer of the vibrations to the medium.

12. A sleep-inducing toy, comprising a vibration module according to claim 1, and an optionally removable outer sleeve enveloping the housing.

13. The sleep-inducing toy according to claim 12, wherein the sleeve comprises a soft, preferably washable fabric.

14. The sleep-inducing toy according to claim 11, comprising a switch, preferably in the shape of a button, for switching the controller on and off.

15. The sleep-inducing toy according to claim 11, having a length of from 15 centimetres to 40 centimetres, and a width of from 5 up to 20 centimetres.

16. A method for inducing sleepiness in a user, the method comprising: i) providing the sleep-inducing toy according to claim 11 in contact with the medium, and ii) activating the vibration module for a period suitable to induce and/or maintain the sleep of the user.

17. A method of comforting a user, the method comprising providing the user a sleep-inducing toy according to claim 11 and activating the sleep-inducing toy.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the user is a child which is comforted to fall asleep.

Description

[0037] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like letters and numerals refer to like parts, wherein the figures are approximately to scale, and wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a toy, showing the top view, bottom view and side view;

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the front view of a vibration module;

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the back view of a vibration module;

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the top view of a vibrating module;

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the shape of the vibrating module;

[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a block diagram of the inside of the vibrating module.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a toy, showing the top view (A), the bottom view (B) and side view (C). The length of the toy is defined as (9) from the front to the back of the toy, and is preferably from 15 centimetres up to 40 centimetres. Preferably the baby version of the toy is smaller than the toddler version of the toy, the baby version being between 15 and 25 centimetres long and the toddler version between 25 and 40 centimetres long. The width of the toy is defined is (ω), and is preferably of from 5 centimetres up to 20 centimetres, more preferably of from 7 centimetres up to 12 centimetres. The smaller sizes enhance ease of transport of the toy in a smaller sized bag.

[0045] As can be seen in the sideview C, the bottom side of the toy is preferably flat to have a better transfer of the vibrations from the apparatus via a mattress of pillow or another medium to the user. Advantageously, the toy is designed as such that it is clear from the shape what the bottom of the toy is and that the apparatus is placed in the optimal configuration.

[0046] Advantageously, the outside or the sleeve of the toy, enveloping the housing, is made of a thin, durable and strong fabric that can be removed and washed. The fabric comprises preferably cotton. Advantageously, the toy comprises a soft and tactile upper side for more comfort of the user. Advantageously, the top side of the toy comprises a soft and deformable material between the vibration module and the outside of the toy, e.g. fibrefill, flake filling, polyether materials, polystyrene materials, cotton materials, foam rubber, and/or polystyrene spheres. Advantageously, there is no further material present between the bottom side of the vibration module and the outside of the toy, for increased transfer of vibrations to a medium, for example a mattress.

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates the front view of a vibration module, with w the width and h the height of the vibrating module.

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the back view of a vibration module, with a charging access point clearly visible;

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the top view of a vibrating module, with w the width and l the length of the vibrating module;

[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the shape of the vibrating module, wherein the shape of the edges is clearly visible to be rounded. It shows the housing comprising a bell-shaped upper body and a flat basis, to enhance the transfer of the vibrations to the medium

[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates a block scheme of the vibrating module.

[0052] The vibrating module is typically smaller than the toy. It advantageously comprises a switch (1) for turning it on and off, in this example it is a flat switch. The bottom (2) of the apparatus is preferably flat, which is advantageous for transfer of the vibrations. Advantageously, the vibration is experienced both mechanically and in an auditive way, as sound, preferably coming from one source. The mechanical vibration leads to a tactile experience via the medium to the body of the user, while the sound being produced by the mechanical vibration travels both through the medium to the body of the user and through the air to the ears of the user.

[0053] The edges (see figures) of the apparatus are preferably rounded, or preferably a bell-shaped upper body and a flat basis, to enhance the transfer of the vibrations to the medium. This makes it easier to place the vibrating module into the sleeve as it advantageously follows the distinct shape of the sleeve. Furthermore, the filling of the sleeve can be as minimal as possible without losing its distinct shape, reducing the comfort and/or maintaining vibration transfer or comfort for the user when touching as a toy.

[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the inside of the vibrating module, in a block scheme, wherein block A represents a motor with the mechanical oscillator, block B comprises a controller and a mosfet coupling and part C comprises a battery, an on/off switch and the charging access point. The total length of the 3 blocks together is in the range of from 120 up to 150 mm, preferably of from 130 up to 140 mm. The controller is preferably a microprocessor or microcontroller, more preferably the microprocessor is an 8-bits microprocessor, or a more advanced Arduino.

[0055] The vibration module preferably further comprising an electric power source, preferably a rechargeable electric battery, optionally comprising an induction charger. It furthermore comprises preferably a bar-type vibration motor. The vibration module preferably comprises further an electric motor comprising a drive axle, and a rotor operably connected to the drive axle.

[0056] The invention is furthermore directed to a method for inducing sleepiness in a user, the method comprising: i) providing the sleep-inducing toy according to the invention in contact with the medium, and ii) activating the vibration module for a period suitable to induce and/or maintain the sleep of the user.

[0057] The invention is also directed to the use of a sleep-inducing toy according to the invention for comforting a user. The user is preferably a child which is comforted to fall asleep.

[0058] A principal object of the present invention is to provide a sleep-inducing toy that is attractive for little children as their favourite toy, handsome to carry around and that gives the comfort via both vibration and sound to let the user fall asleep easily.

[0059] From the foregoing, further variations, adaptations and modifications with respect to the sleep-inducing toy according to the present invention can be evolved by those skilled in the art to which the invention is addressed, within the scope of the following claims.