APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DISPLAY CONTAINER

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a display container. The display container is configured in the shape of a children's toy and contains a cavity and transparent covering disposed over the cavity. An object is disposed in the cavity and enclosed by the transparent covering. The transparent covering is configured to make the contents of the cavity visible to the user. The object can be any object pertaining to a development milestone to be attained by a child. The user places an object pertaining to the developmental milestone in the cavity where it can be viewed by the child but cannot be handled or used by the child.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/024,093 filed on Jan. 10, 2008, entitled BINKY IN THE BELLY—A STUFFED ANIMAL WITH A BINKY IN THE BELLY THAT YOU CAN SEE THROUGHT CLEAR PLASTIC SEWN INTO THE FRONT OF THE ANIMAL which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field

This invention relates to childhood development and more particularly to helping children achieve developmental milestones.

2. Description of the Related Art

Due to the complex nature of the developmental stages of childhood, parents and guardians often need assistance in helping children reach developmental milestones. A developmental milestone for a child can include weaning a child off of his or her dependency on a typical pacifier, helping a child learn to use a bathroom, helping a child cope with the death of a loved one, or any other significant step in a young child's life. In particular, parents often need to help a child remove themselves from a particular object or practice. The event of separation from an object or practice on which the child has come to rely can be a traumatic event in the child's life. Many attempts have been made to create programs to assist parents in lessening the effect on the child of the separation from past habits and in lessening the effect on the child of reaching other developmental milestones. Many of these programs still require that the child be physically separated from the object, area, or person that represents or consists of the past habit. When a child is suddenly removed from an object, area or person to which they have become attached, they can experience serious trauma. As children cannot eloquently express this trauma, people may assume that the trauma associated with reaching a developmental milestone is not a serious as adult trauma experienced through similar acts such as moving to a new home, starting a new job, relinquishing a past habit or addiction. The trauma experienced by a child through change is just as real and as damaging as other traumas experienced during life.

For many of the other traumas faced in life, there are programs, methods or even books on how to cope and adjust to sudden changes. A method is needed that helps the child achieve developmental milestones while lessening the damaging effects of complete separation from past habits.

For example, parents often use pacifiers or artificial nipples to sooth children when they are upset or teething. Many parents use pacifiers for a child when they are unhappy about being separated from their mother or a bottle. Children become very attached to these pacifiers. To the child, a pacifier comes to represent a feeling of comfort and stability. Parents come to rely on a pacifier to sooth a child when it is upset or when the child needs to sleep.

While a pacifier is a helpful tool for children while they are young and are moving through the teething process, use of a pacifier into childhood can be very harmful to the child's health. Pediatricians have linked delayed speech development and serious dental problems to prolonged pacifier usage. At some point in the child's early development, the child's dependence on a pacifier must be stopped in order to avoid these serious problems. Parents have struggled with this milestone in a child's development. Removing an object that the child has used as a source of comfort can be very difficult for the child. There is a possibility that the long term psychological effects of this separation can be hazardous to the child's growth. Some parents and doctors have labeled these effects with names such as pacifier separation anxiety and pacifier partum trauma. While the event of separating from a pacifier may seem insignificant to a grown person, this is a major traumatic event in the life of a child that occurs during the years when the child is most impressionable. In addition to the serious trauma that can occur from this separation, many children are simply unhappy without the habit they have formed to constantly have a pacifier. Many parents have searched for solutions to keep their children happy during this necessary transition phase and developmental milestone.

There have been many attempts to create programs that will lessen the impact of reaching the developmental milestone of removing the pacifier. These include U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,950 in which a child is given pacifiers with an increasing numbers of aberrations. The final pacifier has such a large number of aburations that the child is no longer able to use the pacifier. Another program was presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,567 in which a child is given pacifiers of decreasing size until the pacifiers become unusable by the child. These apparatuses and methods, like many others, leave the child without the comfort associated with the pacifier. These methods assist in relieving the child of the use of the pacifier and the associated health problems, but do not address the psychological trauma experienced by the child due to the physical separation from the pacifier.

An invention is needed that will assist parents in helping children reach developmental milestones without the normally associated trauma to the child. An invention is needed that separates the child physically from the object or practice while still allowing the child to see and be geographically close to the object or practice. In this manner, the child is able to feel the comfort associated with being near the object but is not permitted to use the object. A gradual change can occur while the child becomes accustomed to discontinued use of the object while the child is still able to be close to the object. This will help the child cope with the change in a manner that is much less damaging than a sudden and complete change.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that assists a child in achieving developmental milestones without experiencing the trauma associated with sudden and compete change. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would assist the child in changing behavior and achieving a developmental milestone while still allowing the child to see the object or practice and allowing the child to be geographically close to the object or practice.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available inventions.

The apparatus to assist a child achieve developmental milestones is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of helping a child achieve a developmental milestone without the trauma associated with sudden and completely change.

The apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to be a container configured in the shape of a toy for children. The container comprises a main body section with an outer surface, a cavity disposed in the main body section, a transparent covering disposed over the cavity and may comprise appendages attached to the main body section. The container can be configured in the shape of a stuffed animal any other type of children's toy. The main body section can be filled with a filling material that is pliable and resilient or may be a solid material such as a piece constructed by injection molding. In the case of a pliable, resilient filling material, a heavier material may be added to the bottom section of the main body section to insure that the toy shape remains upright when placed on a level surface. Attachments such as buttons or strings may be added to the surface of the main body section and the appendages to increase the aesthetic quality of the container.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus is configured in the shape of a children's stuffed animal. The main body portion is made of a texturized material, similar to that of a stuffed animal. The main body portion may be in the shape of an animal, a sports hero, a ball or some other object. Appendages may be added in the shape of arms, legs and a head, depending on the shape of the stuffed animal.

The apparatus is further configured, in one embodiment, to contain a cavity within the body section of the container. The cavity has at least one opening through the outer surface of the container and is substantially free of liquid. The cavity can be formed in a plurality of shapes including a circle, rectangle, oval, letter of the alphabet, square, heart or any other shape that can be put into the main body section of the display container. The cross sectional shape of the cavity may be rectangular, semicircular, cylindrical or any other shape that extends into the main body section of the display container. The cavity is large enough to contain an object and may tightly hold the object in place or may be sized to allow the object to move freely in the cavity. In one embodiment, there are at least two cavities disposed within the body section of the container which may connect from the front of the body section to the back of the body section. Under another embodiment, cavities are disposed in the appendages that are attached to the main body section.

The apparatus is further configured, in one embodiment, to contain a transparent covering disposed over the cavity. The coving is substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the container and seals the cavity. The transparent covering is configured to insure that the contents of the cavity are visible to the user. The transparent covering can be constructed of a hard, transparent material or a soft, compliant, transparent material. The transparent material can be colored in order to color the contents of the cavity.

The apparatus is further configured, in one embodiment, to contain an object disposed within the cavity and contained completely within the cavity. The object is viewable through the transparent covering. Under one embodiment, the object is a typical child's pacifier. The object may be any object that can be placed in the cavity, especially an object that represents a developmental milestone or change that the child needs to make. The object is placed in the cavity and shielded by the transparent covering so that it is visible to the child and can be geographically close to the child but cannot be handled or used by the child. In this way, the object does not have to be completely removed from the child in order to wean the child from its use or dependence.

In a further embodiment, the cavity is completely inaccessible to the user. The object is placed in the cavity during the manufacturing process and is sealed in the cavity by the transparent covering. In this way neither the parent or guardian nor the child has access to the object.

In a further embodiment, the cavity is accessible to the parent or guardian but not accessible to the child that will use the display container. In this way, the parent may place the object in the cavity and then seal the object in the cavity. The child is then unable to access the object but can see the object through the transparent covering. The object may be changed or replaced by the parent or guardian.

In a further embodiment, the cavity is accessible to the user and to the child that will use the display container. The child or the parent or guardian may access the object by removing the transparent covering. In this way the user or the child can place or remove an object from the cavity by removing, replacing and then re-sealing the transparent covering to the cavity.

A method of the present invention is also presented for assisting a parent or guardian in helping a child achieve a developmental milestone. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described apparatus and system. In one embodiment, the method includes the user producing a calendar which highlights a significant event for the child that will occur on the last day of the calendar. The user then produces a book which the user reads to the child. The story of the book describes that a fairy will come on the last day of the calendar to help the child achieve the developmental milestone. The user then re-reads the book to the child each day until the last day of the calendar. The morning after the last day of the calendar, the user shows the child that the calendar has been completed and allows the child to place a star on the last day of the calendar. The user then replaces the calendar with a certificate to commemorate the achievement of the child.

Another method of the present invention is also presented for assisting a parent or guardian in helping a child achieve a developmental milestone. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described apparatus and system. In one embodiment, the method includes helping a child achieve the developmental milestone of weaning off of a pacifier. The method may include having the user open the package of the display container. This is done outside of the presence of the child. The package also contains a calendar, a certificate of achievement, and a book. The child is not allowed to see the display container until the morning after the final day of the calendar. The user then removes all pacifiers from the child's environment and limits the amount of time the child may use a pacifier. Each day of the calendar the user helps the child identify which day the child is on and encourages the child to be excited for the prize to be received on the last day of the calendar. Each night the user reads the story of the binky fairy to the child. In the story, the binky fairy comes to put the child's binky in a special, safe place. On the night of the last day of the calendar, the user removes the last pacifier from the child and places the display container with the child. When the child awakes, the user allows the child to place a star on the final day of the calendar and presents the certificate of achievement to the child.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cutaway view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cutaway view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cutaway view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cutaway view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a display container in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of helping a child achieve a developmental milestone in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of helping a child achieve a developmental milestone in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

Under the embodiment of FIG. 1, a display container 100 comprises a main body section 102, an outer surface 104 disposed over the main body section 102, a cavity 106 disposed in the main body section 102, a transparent coving 108 disposed on the cavity and being substantially coplanar with the outer surface 104, and an object 110 disposed in the cavity 106.

The display container 100 can be configured in a plurality of shapes. Under different embodiments, the display container 100 may be configured in the shape of an animal, a sports player, a popular sports hero, an action figure, a cartoon character, a car, a truck, a ball of any style, a doll shaped figurine, a pillow or any other shape that could contain a cavity 106 in a main body section 102. Possible animal shapes include a teddy bear shape, a bunny shape, a duck shape, a cat shape, a cow shape, and any other animal shape that could contain a cavity 106 in a main body section 102. FIG. 1 shows a display container 100 in the shape of a rabbit. FIG. 2 shows a display container 200 in the shape of a teddy bear. FIG. 3 shows a display container 300 in the shape of a cat. FIG. 4 shows a display container 400 in the shape of a dog. FIG. 5 shows a display container 500 in the shape of a cylinder. FIG. 6 shows a display container 600 in the shape of a pillow. FIG. 7 shows a display container 700 in the shape of a baseball.

Under certain embodiments, appendages 112 are added to the main body section 102. Under one embodiment, these appendages 112 are configured as arms, legs, ears and a head. Under other embodiments, the appendages 112 are configured in the shape of objects such as baseball bats, tennis rackets, or other objects that may be attached to the main body section 102. These appendages 112 can be attached to the main body section in a plurality of manners. In certain embodiments, the appendages 112 are sewn on to the main body section 102. Under other embodiments, the appendages 112 are attached through the use of a joint system comprising a disk and cotter pin combination. Under other embodiments, the appendages 112 are attached through the use of buttons or string.

Under one embodiment, the appendages 112 are movably attached to the main body section 102. Under one embodiment, the appendages can swing in a circular motion. Under another embodiment, the appendages 112 are secured to the outer surface 104 of the main body section 102 to insure that the appendages 112 do not move.

Under the embodiment of FIG. 8, the main body section 802 contains a filling material 814 that is pliable and resilient. The filling material 814 is disposed around the cavity 806 and substantially fills the remainder of the main body section 802. Under another embodiment, the filling material is loosely packed in the main body section 802 and does not fill the entire main body section 802. The filling material 814 is designed to make the display container 800 usable as a toy by a young child. By filling the main body section 802 with a material that is compliant, pliable and resilient, a child may bite, step on, fall on or drop the display container 800 without a danger of injury to the child or damage to the display container 800. Under one embodiment, the filling material 814 is washable so that the display container 800 can be washed without removing the filling material 814.

Under one embodiment, the filling material 814 can be any pliable, resilient material. Under one embodiment, a typical stuffed animal filling material is used as the filling material 814. Under another embodiment, the filling material 814 is a polyester/cotton filling. Under another embodiment, the filling material 814 is a heavy polyester filling.

Under another embodiment, the main body section 802 contains a filing material 814 that consists of small bean shaped pieces of a solid material. This creates a display container 800 that is compliant as the bean shaped pieces slip past each other when the display container 800 is handled by the child. Under one embodiment, the filling material 814 consists of plastic beans or pellets. Under another embodiment, the filling material 814 consists of polyester beans. Under another embodiment, the filling material 814 consists of naturally occurring grains.

Under certain embodiments, a heavier filler material 814 is added to a lower portion 816 of the main body section 802. The heavier filler material 814 situated in the lower portion 816 of the main body section 802 insures that the lower portion 816 of the display container 800 will normally remain on the bottom when the display container 800 is placed on a level surface. In the case of a teddy bear shaped display container 800, this will help insure that the display container 800 will remain in the seated position when placed on a level surface. This is also helpful in an embodiment in which a logo that the user wishes to display in the vertical position is disposed on the main body section 104. The heavier filling material 814 may consist of any material that is heavier than the other filling material 814 that is used in the remainder of the main body section 802. Under one embodiment, the heavier filling material 814 consists of small steel shot balls. Under another embodiment, the heavier filling material 814 consists of a woodwool filling material.

Under one embodiment, the main body section 802 contains an opening to facilitate the replacement of the filling material 814. This insures that the filling material 814 can be changed if necessary. This also allows the user to remove the filling material 814 in order to wash the outer surface 804 of the display container 800.

Under one embodiment, the main body section 802 does not contain a separate filling material 814 but consists of one solid material such as that which is created through injection molding. Under this embodiment, the main body section 802 consists of a solid material except for an area occupied by the cavity 806. This material can be any material that can be injection molded, cast or used in any other method that constructs a solid piece. A display container 800 constructed in this manner may be used as an ornamental piece rather than one that is handled as a toy by the child.

Under another embodiment, the main body section 802 is hollow. The outer surface 804 consists of a solid material such as that which is created through rotational molding. This creates a lighter weight display container 800.

Under certain embodiments, the appendages 112 are filled with filling material 814 similar to the main body section 102. Under another embodiment, the appendages 112 are constructed of different materials than the main body section 102 to give them added strength and to increase their wear resistance. Under other embodiments, the appendages 112 are constructed of a single material in a manner similar to pieces constructed through injection molding. Under other embodiments, the appendages 112 are hollow similar to pieces created through rotational molding.

Under one embodiment, the display container 100 further comprises a texturized material disposed on the outer surface 104 of the display container 100. The texturized material is configured to make the display container 100 usable by a child as a toy. Under one embodiment, the texturized material is made from a stain-resistant material to assist in keeping the display container 100 clean for the child. The texturized material can be constructed of a plurality of materials. The materials include plush, synthetic furs, velvet, felt, fleece, textured wool, jersey-backed fur fabric or any other material that could be used to cover the display container 100.

Under another embodiment, the texturized material 106 further comprises attachments 118. These attachments 118 may add to the aesthetic quality of the display container 100. The attachments 118 can be buttons, strings, molded plastic pieces, rubber pieces, synthetic hair, patches, belts, clothing pieces or anything else that might be attached to the outer surface 104 of the display container 100 or the texturized material. In each of these embodiments, the attachments 118 are configured in a manner to insure that they will not be a choking hazard for the child. Under one embodiment, the texturized material further comprises an attachment 118 configured in the shape of a tee-shirt. The tee-shirt shaped attachment 118 is disposed over the main body section 102 and the cavity is disposed in the main body section 102 through the tee-shirt attachment 118.

Under the embodiment of FIG. 1, a fringe decoration 120 is disposed on the outer surface 104. The fringe decoration is configured to surround the cavity 106. Under one embodiment, the fringe decoration 120 is made of the same material as the outer surface 104 of the display container 100. Under another embodiment, the fringe decoration 120 is made of the same material as the texturized material. Under other embodiments, the fringe decoration is made of ribbon, plastic, plush or any other material that is safe for a child.

The cavity 106 can be configured in a plurality of shapes. Under the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cavity 106 is in the shape of a circle. Under the embodiment of FIG. 9, the cavity 906 is in the shape of a heart. Under the embodiment of FIG. 10, the cavity 1006 is in the shape of a rectangle. The cavity 106 can also be configured in the shape of a square, semicircle, oval, pentagon, hexagon or any other shape that allows the cavity 106 to be placed on the main body section 102 of the display container 100. Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is shaped around a logo that is disposed on the main body section 102 of the display container 100.

The cavity 106 can also be made in a plurality of cross-sectional shapes. Under the embodiment of FIG. 8, the cavity 806 has a cup shape. Under the embodiment of FIG. 11, the cavity 1106 has a cone shape. Under the embodiment of FIG. 12, the cavity 1206 has a semicircular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity 1206 can also have a wedge shape, an oval shape, a cylindrical shape, a flattened shape or any other shape that allows the cavity 106 to penetrate the main body section 102 and creates a space for the object 110.

Under one embodiment, the cavity 106 is large enough that the object 110 can move freely within the cavity. Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is configured to hold the object 110 tightly. Under one embodiment, the object 110 is held in position by a fixture in the cavity 106. The fixture can include a clip, tie, strap, button, or any other mechanism that can be used to fix an object within the cavity 106. A fixture is used when the user wants to see a certain side of the object 110 or have the object 110 in a certain orientation while it is inside the cavity 106. Under an embodiment in which the object 110 is a pacifier, the user may want the portion of the pacifier that contains the plastic sucking device to be shown at all times. Under an embodiment in which the object 110 is a picture, the user may want the printed side of the picture to be shown at all times. Under another embodiment, the object 110 is not attached within the cavity 106 and can move freely within the cavity. The object 110 may make noise as it moves in the cavity 106 such as a rattle noise.

Under one embodiment, the cavity 106 is located in the main body section 102 of the display container 100. Under the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cavity 106 is located in the center of the main body section 102. Under the embodiment of FIG. 13, the cavity 1306 is located off-center in the main body section 1302. The location of the cavity depends on the styling of the other portions of the main body section 102 and may be located on any portion of the main body section 102.

Under the embodiment of FIG. 14, a plurality of cavities 1406 is located in the main body section 1402 and in the appendages 1412. The plurality of cavities 1406 may also be disposed on the reverse side of the main body section 1402 and the appanedages 1412.

Under the embodiment of FIG. 15, the cavity 1506 disposed on the front 1522 of the main body section 1502 connects with the cavity 1506 disposed on the back 1524 of the body section 1502. Under this embodiment, the child can see through the display container 1500. Under another embodiment, a plurality of cavities 1506 disposed on the front 1522 of the main body section 1502 and on the appendages 1512 connect with a plurality of cavities 1506 disposed on the back 1524 of the main body section 1502 and of the appendages 1512. The object 1510 disposed within the cavity 1506 maybe free to move or may be fixed as in previous embodiments.

The cavity 106 is substantially free of water. The cavity 106 contains the object 110 or plurality of objects 110 and substantially air. The cavity 106 is not intended to hold water as in the case of a water globe.

Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is configured to make a sound when squeezed by the child. This is accomplished by constructing the cavity 106 from a pliable plastic material and by situating a noise making device on one surface of the cavity 106. The noise making device may be electronic or may consist of a small hole in the cavity 106 through which air is passed.

Under one embodiment, the cavity 106 is made from the same material as the outer surface 104 of the main body section 102. These materials include plush, synthetic furs, velvet, felt, fleece, textured wool, jersey-backed fur fabric or any other material that is used to cover the display container 100. Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is made from a different material than the outer surface 104. Under certain embodiments, the child cannot contact the cavity 106. In these embodiments, the cavity 106 does not need to meet the same standards for child safety as the outer surface 104. Under one embodiment, the cavity 106 is constructed of a hard material so that the object 110 will make a noise when it contacts the cavity 106. The harder material may be a high density polyethylene because of its stiffness. Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is constructed of a soft material such as a fabric, so that the entire display container 100 is compliant. Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is constructed of an opaque material so that the filling material 814 of the main body section 102 is not visible through the cavity 106. Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is constructed of the same material as the transparent covering 108 so that the filling material 814 of the main body section 102 is visible through the cavity 106. Under this embodiment, manufacturing costs are reduced due to the consistency of the material between the cavity 106 and the transparent covering 108. Under one embodiment, the material of the cavity 106 is polystyrene.

Under one embodiment, the cavity 106 is completely inaccessible to the user and the child. Under this embodiment, the object 110 is placed in the cavity 106 during the manufacturing process and is sealed in the cavity 106 by the transparent covering 108. In this way, neither the user nor the child is ever able to access the object 110. In order to help the child reach a developmental milestone, the child needs to feel as if the object 110 within the display container 100 belongs to the child. In order to accomplish this under one embodiment, the child is given an old object similar to the object 110 that has been manufactured as part of the display container 100. The child is allowed to use the old object. Once the child has grown used to the old object, the old object can be removed and the child can receive the display container 100. Because the object 110 within the display container 100 is similar in appearance to the old object used by the child, the child assumes that the object 110 within the display container 100 is the old object that was used by the child. The child is then able to feel the comfort associated with having the object 110 near without being able to use the object 110.

Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is accessible to the user but not accessible to the child. Under this embodiment, the method for accessing the cavity 106 is sufficiently complex and inaccessible that the child cannot access the object 110 without the assistance of the user. In this embodiment, the user simply places the object in the cavity 106 and seals the cavity 106 with the transparent covering 108. The child is then unable to access the object 110 without the assistance of the user. This allows the user to place the specific object that was owned and used by the child within the display container 100. Under the embodiment of FIG. 16, the cavity 1606 is sealed by the user through the use of a threaded connection 1626 between the cavity 1606 and the transparent covering 1608. Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is sealed to the transparent covering 108 through the use of a lock. Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is sealed to the transparent covering 108 through the use of a child-safe threaded connection similar to that which is used in medicine bottles. Any other sealing method can be used that will insure that the child cannot access the object.

Under another embodiment, the cavity 106 is accessible to the user and to the child through the transparent covering 108. Under this embodiment, the sealing method can be used by the child and the user. The object 110 can be added and removed from the cavity 106 by the child and the user. The sealing method between the transparent covering 108 and the cavity 106 in this case does not need to be complex or child-proof. The sealing method can include threaded edges, buttons, Velcro, friction fit, or any other method that can be used to seal the transparent covering 108 to the cavity 106.

Under the embodiment of FIG. 1, the object 110 is a typical child's pacifier. Under other embodiments, the object 110 can be a picture, piece of a child's blanket, a lock of hair, a child's toy or any other object that can be placed in the cavity. Under one embodiment, the object 110 placed in the cavity 106 is an object 110 that a child has become attached to but needs to be physically separated from. These types of objects 110 include pacifiers, blankets or pieces of a blanket, a picture of a person or toy, a toy, or any other object that a child may need to be weaned off of or that is part of a developmental milestone. The cavity 106 and transparent covering 108 are configured to allow the child to see the object 110 but not to touch it or use it in the normal fashion. In this way, a user can help the child reach a developmental milestone that may require that a child no longer use a certain object 110, without completely removing the object 100 from the child. The child can have the object 110 in the display container 100 and feel secure that the object 110 is nearby without allowing the child to continue the direct dependency on the object 110. When a child has become very attached to an object 110, this is a much safer and much more gradual separation than completely removing the object from the child.

Under another embodiment, there is a plurality of objects 110 disposed within the cavity 106. The objects 110 may be several embodiments of the same object or they may be several completely different objects 110.

Under one embodiment, the transparent covering 108 is made of a flexible material. Under another embodiment, the entire display container 100 is made of compliant materials to insure that it is safe for a child's use. The flexible material is one that will not fail due to fatigue after many uses by the child. Under another embodiment, the transparent covering 108 is made of a harder material. The harder material may have rounded edges to lessen the likelihood of the child being scraped or cut by the harder material. Under one embodiment, the transparent covering 108 further comprises a texturized covering. The texturized covering can distort the object as seen by the child to make the object appear differently depending on the angle at which the transparent covering 108 is viewed. The texturized covering also adds to the feel of the display container 100 as the child plays with the display container 100. A texturized covering also allows the transparent covering 108 to be more flexible.

The transparent covering 108 can be manufactured with a plurality of thicknesses. A thicker material will make the covering 108 harder while a thinner material will make the covering 108 more flexible. The thickness is designed to be sufficient to prevent the child from tearing the transparent covering 108. It is essential that the transparent covering 108 is not torn and removed so that the child does not place the covering 108 in the child's mouth. The transparent covering 108 is also attached to the main body section 102 with sufficient tension that the transparent covering 108 does not wrinkle. This also prevents the covering 108 from become a choking hazard for the child.

Under one embodiment, the transparent covering 108 is colored. Under this embodiment, the entire contents of the cavity 106 are colored through the colored transparent covering 108. Under another embodiment, the transparent covering 108 is colored with a plurality of colors.

The transparent covering 108 can be made from a plurality of materials. The material is one that is safe for children which does not contain chemicals that would injure the child if placed in the child's mouth. Under one embodiment, the transparent covering 108 is made from a material that can be washed with the other portions of the display container 100 so that the entire display container 100 can be washed. Under the embodiment in which the transparent covering 108 is rigid, the transparent covering 108 can be made from polystyrene due to its excellent clarity and rigidity. Under another embodiment, the transparent covering 108 can be made of polyethylene terephthalate. This material is less rigid but still has excellent clarity. Under the embodiments in which a flexible, compliant transparent covering 108 is used, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or any other compliant, clear plastic can be used.

FIG. 17 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 1500 for assisting a child in achieving a developmental milestone. In one embodiment, the method 1700 starts 1702 and the user opens 1704 a box containing the display container 100. The user insures that the child does not see the display container 100 at this time. Under this embodiment, the user wishes to wean a child off of the user of a pacifier. Under certain embodiments, the user may be a parent or guardian. The user then collects and removes 1706 all but one of the pacifiers from the child's surroundings. The child's surroundings may include the home, car, play area, daycare center, school or other areas where the child may find a pacifier. The child is permitted to continue to use the pacifier that is not collected and removed. The user then restricts 1708 usage of the remaining pacifier to certain times of the day. These times may be nap time and bed time. This will help the child slowly adapt to the experience of not having constant physical contact with the pacifier. The user then places 1710 a calendar on the wall of the child's room. The calendar contains a multiple day program that leads to a special event on the last day. The child can follow the calendar to see that the special event is coming closer. The user should encourage the child to recognize which day the child is currently on using the calendar. The excitement in the child will build as the user explains that a special event is coming at the end of the last day. The user then reads 1712 a book to the child that contains a story of the Binky Fairy. The story explains that the Binky Fairy will come to place the child's pacifier in a safe place. The safe place is inside of the display container 100. The story then explains that the Binky Fairy will come while the child is sleeping and put the pacifier in the display container 100. The user then continues to restrict 1714 use of the pacifier until the last day of the calendar is reached. The user re-reads 1716 the story of the Binky Fairy each night until the last night. On the last night, the user explains that the Binky Fairy is going to come. The user removes 1718 the child's pacifier while the child is sleeping. The user places 1720 the display container with the child while the child is sleeping. The user places the display container 100 with the child while the child is sleeping so that the child believes that the Binky Fairy placed the pacifier within the display container 100 to keep it safe and then gave the display container 100 to the child. The user presents 1722 a certificate to congratulate the child on completing the calendar and removing the pacifier. The user places 1724 a gold star on the calendar and replaces 1726 the calendar with the certificate. The method 1700 then ends 1718.

FIG. 18 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 1800 for assisting a child in achieving developmental milestone. In one embodiment, the method 1800 starts 1802 and the user produces 1804 a calendar. The user then shows 1806 the child the calendar and highlights the last day of the calendar. The user then reads 1808 a story to the child in which a fairy will come to assist the child in achieving the developmental milestone. The user re-reads 1810 the book to the child each night until the last night of the calendar. The morning after the last night of the calendar, the user shows 1812 the child that the calendar has been completed. The user then places 1814 a gold star on the calendar. The user then replaces 1816 the calendar with a certificate to commemorate the achievement of the child.

FIG. 19 shows one embodiment of the display container as it may be sold to the consumer. The embodiment includes a display container 1900, a box 1928, a certificate of achievement 1930, a calendar 1932, and a book 1934. The display container 1900 is contained in the box 1928 when it is received by the user. This is to insure that the child does not see the display container 1900 until the day in which the display container 1900 is changed for a child's old object. The certificate 1930, calendar 1932 and book 1934 are also contained within the box 1928 when the box 1928 is received by the user. The calendar 1932 is configured to be hung on a wall in the child's room.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus to display objects, the apparatus comprising:

a container configured in the shape of a toy for children comprising at least a main body section and an outer surface;

a cavity disposed within the body section of the container, the cavity extending at least part way through the depth of the container, the cavity having at least one opening through the outer surface of the container, the cavity being accessible through the opening disposed in the outer surface of the container, and the cavity further comprising an interior area that is substantially free of liquid;

a transparent covering disposed over the cavity, the transparent covering sealing the cavity and being configured to make the interior area of the cavity visible to an outside user; and

an object disposed within the cavity and contained completely within the cavity, the object being contained within the cavity through the use of the transparent covering, the object being viewable through the transparent covering.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a texturized material configured to cover the outer surface of the container and further comprising a filling material disposed within the main body section.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the container is configured in the shape of a stuffed animal and further comprising a plurality of appendages attached to the main body portion in the shape of stuffed animal arms, legs and a head.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transparent covering is configured to be substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the container.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cavity consists of a front view the shape of a circle.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cavity is designed to allow the object disposed within the cavity to move freely within the cavity.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cavity is designed to hold the object in a substantially stationary position.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object disposed within the cavity is a typical pacifier for children.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transparent covering and the cavity are sealed during the manufacturing process with the object contained therein, making the object inaccessible to the user and the child.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transparent covering and the cavity are not completely sealed during the manufacturing process and the transparent covering and the cavity further comprise a sealing method that allows the user to access the object but does not allow the child to access the object.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transparent covering and the cavity are not completely sealed during the manufacturing process and the transparent covering and the cavity further comprise a sealing method that allows both the user and the child to access the object.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transparent covering is formed of colored plastic to color the contents of the cavity when viewed by the user.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transparent covering consists of a pliable material.

14. A system to assist a child in reaching the developmental milestone of weaning from the habit of constantly needing an object, the system comprising:

a container configured in the shape of a toy for children comprising at least a main body section and an outer surface;

a cavity disposed within the body section of the container, the cavity extending at least part way through the depth of the container, the cavity having at least one opening through the outer surface of the container, the cavity being accessible through the opening disposed in the outer surface of the container, and the cavity further comprising an interior area that is substantially free of liquid;

a transparent covering disposed over the cavity, the transparent covering sealing the cavity and being configured to make the interior area of the cavity visible to an outside user; and

an object disposed within the cavity and contained completely within the cavity, the object being contained within the cavity through the use of the transparent covering, the object being viewable through the transparent covering.

15. A method for assisting a child in reaching the developmental milestone of weaning from the habit of constantly needing a pacifier, the method comprising:

providing a container configured in the shape of a toy for children comprising at least a main body section and an outer surface;

providing a cavity disposed within the body section of the container, the cavity extending at least part way through the depth of the container, the cavity having at least one opening through the outer surface of the container, the cavity being accessible through the opening disposed in the outer surface of the container, and the cavity further comprising an interior area that is substantially free of liquid;

providing a transparent covering disposed over the cavity, the transparent covering sealing the cavity and being configured to make the interior area of the cavity visible to an outside user;

placing an pacifier within the cavity, the pacifier being completely contained within the cavity, the pacifier being contained in the cavity through the use of the transparent covering, the pacifier being viewable through the transparent covering;

removing an old pacifier similar to the pacifier within the cavity from the child; and

placing the container with the child.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

taking the container out of a box and insuring that the child does not see the container;

collecting and removing old pacifiers from the child's environment;

restricting usage of pacifiers by the child;

producing a calendar containing a number of days until a child completes the developmental milestone;

placing a calendar on a wall and placing a sticker for day 1 on the calendar;

reading a book which contains the story of the Binky Fairy to the child;

continuing to restrict the usage of old objects by the child;

encouraging the child to recognize which day on the calendar he or she is on;

re-reading the book which contains the story of the Binky Fairy each night until the last night of the calendar;

explaining to the child that the Binky Fairy is going to come during the night and put the child's pacifier in a safe place;

showing the child that the calendar has been completed;

preparing a certificate to commemorate the achievement of the child;

placing a gold star on the calendar to signify that the child has completed the process; and

replacing the calendar with the certificate to commemorate the achievement of the child.

17. An apparatus to display objects, the apparatus comprising:

a container configured in the shape of a toy for children comprising at least a main body section and an outer surface;

a cavity disposed within the body section of the container, the cavity extending at least part way through the depth of the container, the cavity having at least one opening through the outer surface of the container, the cavity being accessible through the opening disposed in the outer surface of the container, and the cavity further comprising an interior area that is substantially free of liquid;

a transparent covering disposed over the cavity, the transparent covering sealing the cavity and being configured to make the interior area of the cavity visible to an outside user;

an object disposed within the cavity and contained completely within the cavity, the object being contained within the cavity through the use of the transparent covering, the object being viewable through the transparent covering;

an opaque box containing the display container configured to conceal the display container from the child;

a certificate contained within the box configured to be presented to the child upon completion of the developmental milestone;

a calendar contained within the box configured to show the number of days until the completion of the developmental milestone; and

a book contained within the box configured to instruct the child concerning how the child will complete the developmental milestone.