Breathing Doll

Abstract

A breathing doll is disclosed herein. The breathing doll includes a doll, an actuator, a sound output unit and, in some embodiments, a vibration output unit.

The breathing doll uses visual cues, sound, vibration and touch to inform, teach and model conscious diaphragmatic breathing to children. As such, the breathing doll is used for teaching healthy breathing to children that continues into adulthood, leading to increased health, independence, confidence, relaxation, self-regulation, self-soothing and decreasing stress and anxiety.

Claims

1. A breathing doll comprising: a doll including a head having a mouth and a nose, and a body including an abdomen; an actuator disposed in the doll and configured to move the abdomen between an exhale position and an inhale position; and a sound output unit disposed in the doll and configured to output breathing sounds corresponding to the exhale position and the inhale position.

2. The breathing doll of claim 1, wherein the doll further include a pair of eyes, a pair of legs, a pair of feet, a pair of arms and a pair of hands.

3. The breathing doll of claim 1, wherein the actuator is disposed in the abdomen of the doll.

4. The breathing doll of claim 1, wherein in the inhale position, the sound output unit outputs an inhale breath sound, and wherein in the exhale position, the sound output unit outputs an exhale breath sound.

5. The breathing doll of claim 4, wherein the inhale breath sound is output through the nose of the doll.

6. The breathing doll of claim 4, wherein the exhale breath sound is output through at least one of the nose and the mouth of the doll.

7. The breathing doll of claim 1, further comprising a vibration output unit disposed in the doll and configured to output vibrations corresponding to the exhale position and the inhale position.

8. The breathing doll of claim 1, wherein the sound output unit is further configured to output pre-recorded messages.

9. The breathing doll of claim 8, wherein the pre-recorded messages include at least one of information, prompts and feedback.

10. The breathing doll of claim 1, further comprising a controller disposed in the doll and in communication with the actuator, the sound output unit and the vibration output unit, the controller including at least one processor and a memory, the memory storing audio files of the inhale breath sound and the exhale breath sound and the pre-recorded messages.

11. A breathing doll comprising: a doll including a head having a mouth, a nose and a pair of eyes, and a body including an abdomen, a pair of legs, a pair of feet, a pair of arms and a pair of hands; an actuator disposed in the abdomen of the doll and configured to move the abdomen between an exhale position and an inhale position; a sound output unit disposed in the doll and configured to output an inhale breath sound through the nose of the doll during the inhale position of the abdomen, and further configured to output an exhale breath sound through at least one of the nose and the mouth of the doll during the exhale position of the abdomen; and a vibration output unit disposed in the doll and configured to output an inhale vibration during the inhale position of the abdomen, and further configured to output an exhale vibration during the exhale position of the abdomen.

12. The breathing doll of claim 11, wherein the sound output unit is further configured to output pre-recorded messages.

13. The breathing doll of claim 12, wherein the pre-recorded messages include at least one of information, prompts and feedback.

14. The breathing doll of claim 11, further comprising a controller disposed in the doll and in communication with the actuator, the sound output unit and the vibration output unit, the controller including at least one processor and a memory, the memory storing audio files of the inhale breath sound and the exhale breath sound and the pre-recorded messages.

15. A method of teaching deep breathing, the method comprising the steps of: providing a breathing doll, the breathing doll including a doll having a head and an abdomen, an actuator disposed in the doll and a sound output unit disposed in the doll; simultaneously moving, by the actuator, the abdomen of the doll into an inhale position and outputting, by the sound output unit, an inhale breathing sound corresponding to the inhale position; and simultaneously moving, by the actuator, the abdomen of the doll into an exhale position and outputting, by the sound output unit, an exhale breathing sound corresponding to the exhale position.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the inhale breath sound is output through a nose of the doll.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the exhale breath sound is output through at least one of the nose and a mouth of the doll.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the breathing doll further comprises a vibration output unit, and wherein the moving steps include: simultaneously moving, by the actuator, the abdomen of the doll into the inhale position, and outputting, by the sound output unit and the vibration output unit, an inhale breathing sound and an inhale vibration, respectively, corresponding to the inhale position; and simultaneously moving, by the actuator, the abdomen of the doll into the exhale position, and outputting, by the sound output unit and the vibration output unit, an exhale breathing sound and an exhale vibration, respectively, corresponding to the exhale position.

19. The method claim 15, further comprising the step of outputting, by the sound output unit, at least one pre-recorded message.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one pre-recorded message includes at least one of information, prompts and feedback.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0010] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a breathing doll, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a breathing doll being used to teach deep breathing to a child, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the breathing doll including a head, and a body including an abdomen, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the breathing doll including a pair of eyes, a pair of legs, a pair of feet, a pair of arms and a pair of hands, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4A is a side view of the breathing doll in an inhale position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4B is a side view of the breathing doll in an exhale position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the breathing doll including an actuator and a sound output unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the actuator, the sound output unit, a vibration output unit, a controller, and a power supply, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of teaching deep breathing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is another flow diagram illustrating the method of teaching deep breathing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a breathing doll. Generally, the breathing doll teaches and models deep breathing techniques for children. In particular, the breathing doll uses visual cues, sound, vibration and touch to inform, teach and model deep breathing. The breathing doll teaches a child to breathe in through the nose, deep into the stomach and exhale out through the nose/mouth by visually and audibly representing the action of deep breathing. This teaches conscious breathing to children that continues into adulthood, leading to increased health, independence, confidence, relaxation, self-regulation, self-soothing and decreasing stress and anxiety. The breathing doll provides a fun and creative way to teach deep breathing, which can be used in both a home setting and a professional setting.

[0022] Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-6, various views of a breathing doll 100. As above, the breathing doll 100 is used to teach a user deep breathing techniques and diaphragmatic breathing. In particular, the breathing doll 100 is used for teaching a child deep breathing techniques and diaphragmatic breathing. However, whilst children are the primary contemplated users of the breathing doll 100, it should be appreciated that use of the breathing doll 100 is not limited solely to children.

[0023] Referring first to FIGS. 1-4B, there are shown various views of the breathing doll 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1 demonstrates a child 5 holding the breathing doll 100, as the breathing doll 100 teaches the child 5 deep breathing techniques. As shown particularly in FIGS. 2-3, the breathing doll 100 may include a doll 110 having a head 111 including a mouth 112, a nose 113 and a pair of eyes 114; and a body 115 including an abdomen 116, a pair of legs 117, a pair of feet 109, a pair of arms 118 and a pair of hands 119. It should however be appreciated that the body 115 is not limited to this configuration.

[0024] Further, it should be appreciated that the doll 110 shown in these figures is provided as an example to illustrate and aid in understanding of the invention and is not meant to limit the invention in any way. It is contemplated that the breathing doll 100 can include any size, configuration, characteristics, materials, etc.

[0025] As demonstrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, the doll 110 may be configured to visually and audibly teach the child deep breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. In particular, the abdomen 116 of the doll 110 may be configured to move between an exhale position and an inhale position, simulating breathing. In the inhale position, as shown in FIG. 4A, the abdomen 116 of the doll 110 may move outwardly, simulating movement of the diaphragm and filling of the lungs. This enables the child 5 watching the breathing doll 100 to emulate this movement.

[0026] Conversely, in the exhale position, as shown in FIG. 4B, the abdomen 116 of the doll 110 may move inwardly, again simulating movement of the diaphragm and emptying of the lungs. This again enables the child 5 (FIG. 1) watching the breathing doll 100 to emulate this movement. As such, the child 5 viewing the breathing doll 100 is able to visualize diaphragmatic breathing and emulate movements of the breathing doll 100 as they breathe. The child 5 (FIG. 1) may also be able to touch the breathing doll 100 during the movement between the inhale position and the exhale position, to learn the movements through touch.

[0027] Further, the breathing doll 100 may be configured to output breathing sounds, about the mouth 112 and/or nose 113 of the breathing doll 100, corresponding to the exhale position and the inhale position. In particular, the breathing doll 100 may output an inhale breath sound through the nose 113 of the doll 110, as the abdomen 116 moves into the inhale position, to demonstrate to the child 5 that they should breathe in through their nose 113. The breathing doll 100 may then output an exhale breath sound through the nose 113 and/or mouth 112 of the breathing doll 110, as the abdomen 116 moves into the exhale position. As such, this demonstrates to the child 5 that they should breathe out through their mouth 112 and/or nose 113.

[0028] Referring now also to FIGS. 5-6, showing schematic diagrams of the breathing doll 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 demonstrates a basic schematic diagram illustrating the breathing doll 100 including an actuator 120 and a sound output unit 130. The actuator 120 may be disposed in the doll 110 and configured to move the abdomen 116 between the exhale position and the inhale position. For example, the actuator 120 may include, but is not limited to, a motor, which may be disposed in the abdomen 116 of the doll 110, as shown here.

[0029] In some embodiments, the actuator 120 may move the abdomen 116 into the inhale position for a predetermined amount of time, may hold the inhale position for a predetermined amount of time, and may then move the abdomen 116 into the exhale position for a predetermined amount of time. For example, the actuator 120 may move the abdomen 116 into the inhale position for 4 seconds, teaching the child 5 (FIG. 1) to inhale for 4 seconds; hold the abdomen 116 in the inhale position for 7 seconds, teaching the child 5 to hold the breath for 7 seconds; and move the abdomen 116 into the exhale position for 8 seconds, teaching the child 5 to exhale for 8 seconds. It should be appreciated that these timings are given as an example only and are not meant to limit the invention in any way.

[0030] The sound output unit 130 may be disposed in the doll 110 and, as discussed above, configured to output breathing sounds corresponding to the exhale position and the inhale position. In particular, as above, the sound output unit 130 may be configured to output the inhale breath sound through the nose 113 of the doll 110, as the abdomen 116 moves into the inhale position; and output the exhale breath sound through the nose 113 and/or mouth 112 of the doll 110, as the abdomen 116 moves into the exhale position.

[0031] For example, the sound output unit 130 may include a speaker disposed about the mouth 112 and/or nose 113 of the doll 110, as shown in FIG. 5, able to output the breathing sounds. The breathing sounds may be audio files stored on a memory 151, as shown in FIG. 6, disposed in the doll 110. For example, the breathing doll 100 may further comprise a controller 150, such as a microcontroller 150, including one or more processors 152 and a memory 151 for storing the audio files. The controller 150 may be in communication with the sound output unit 130 and the actuator 120 to enable the breathing sounds to be played simultaneously as the abdomen 116 is moved between the exhale position and the inhale position. In some embodiments, the breathing doll 100 may include a means of starting the breathing (movement and sound) of the breathing doll 100. For example, the breathing doll 100 may include (but is not limited to) a power button, toggle, or the like (not illustrated).

[0032] In some embodiments, the sound output unit 130 may further be configured to play pre-recorded messages. In particular, the pre-recorded messages may include information, prompts and/or feedback. These pre-recorded messages again may be stored in the memory 151 of the breathing doll 100. The pre-recorded messages may be provided in a variety of languages. Further, the breathing doll 100 may enable the user to download and update the pre-recorded messages, breathing sounds and breathing sequences (e.g., the amount of time during inhale, exhale and any breath holds) with the latest recordings/methods.

[0033] In some examples, the information may include information regarding deep breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, feeling/emotion awareness, or the like. Further, in some examples, the prompts may include prompts to let the child 5 (FIG. 1) know when to begin inhaling and when to begin exhaling. For example, as above, the actuator 120 may move the abdomen 116 into the inhale position for a predetermined amount of time, may hold the inhale position for a predetermined amount of time, and may then move the abdomen 116 into the exhale position for a predetermined amount of time. As such, the breathing doll 100 may audibly prompt the child 5 to let them know when to begin inhaling, holding and exhaling.

[0034] Further, in some examples, the feedback may include encouraging messages. For example, after the breathing doll 100 has moved into the exhale position, the sound output unit 130 may tell the child 5 they did a good job to encourage them. The pre-recorded messages may be played at predetermined times. Again, for example, the encouraging messages may be played after the exhale position, the prompts may be played prior to the inhale position, etc.

[0035] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the breathing doll 100 may comprise a vibration output unit 140 disposed in the doll 110 and configured to output vibrations corresponding to the exhale position and the inhale position. For example, the vibration output unit 140 may be configured to output an inhale vibration during the inhale position and an exhale vibration during the exhale position.

[0036] In particular, the actuator 120 may move the abdomen 116 into the inhale position whilst the sound output unit 130 simultaneously outputs the inhale breath sound and the vibration output unit 140 simultaneously outputs the inhale vibration; and the actuator 120 may move the abdomen 116 into the exhale position whilst the sound output unit 130 simultaneously outputs the exhale breath sound and the vibration output unit 140 simultaneously outputs the exhale vibration. This may aid in teaching the child 5 (FIG. 1), as they are able to feel the vibrations of the inhale and exhale positions, see the inhale and exhale positions, and hear the inhale and exhale positions.

[0037] In some embodiments, the vibration output unit 140 may include, but is not limited to, a vibration motor which may be in communication with the controller 150, enabling the controller 150 to coordinate the simultaneous vibration, movement and sound output.

[0038] In some embodiments, a power source 153 may be integral to the breathing doll 100 and configured to supply power to the actuator 120, the sound output unit 130, the vibration output unit 140 and the controller 150. For example, the power source 153 may include (but is not limited to) a rechargeable battery. In other examples, the power source 153 may include removable batteries, such as dry cell batteries.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 7-8 showing flow diagrams illustrating a method of teaching deep breathing 200, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the method 200 may include one or more components or features of the breathing doll 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method 200 may include the steps of: step one 201, providing the breathing doll as above; step two 202, simultaneously moving, by the actuator, the abdomen of the doll into an inhale position and outputting, by the sound output unit, an inhale breathing sound corresponding to the inhale position; step three 203, simultaneously moving, by the actuator, the abdomen of the doll into an exhale position and outputting, by the sound output unit, an exhale breathing sound corresponding to the exhale position.

[0040] In some embodiments, as discussed above, the vibration output unit may further be configured to output vibrations corresponding to the inhale and exhale positions. As such, in some embodiments, the moving steps (202, 203) may include: step 202 a, simultaneously moving by the actuator, the abdomen of the doll into the inhale position, and outputting, by the sound output unit and the vibration output unit, an inhale breathing sound and an inhale vibration, respectively, corresponding to the inhale position; and step 203 a simultaneously moving, by the actuator, the abdomen of the doll into the exhale position, and outputting, by the sound output unit and the vibration output unit, an exhale breathing sound and an exhale vibration, respectively, corresponding to the exhale position.

[0041] Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the method 200 may further comprise the step of: step four 204, outputting, by the sound output unit, at least one pre-recorded message.

[0042] It should be noted that certain steps are optional and may not be implemented in all cases. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of step of should not be interpreted as step for, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for are taught herein.

[0043] It should be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed invention is described here in a few exemplary embodiments of many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

[0044] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the relevant patent offices and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.