CA2713483A1 - Device and method for inhibiting human's fear of the dark and associated imaginary fictitious negative entities - Google Patents
Device and method for inhibiting human's fear of the dark and associated imaginary fictitious negative entities Download PDFInfo
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- CA2713483A1 CA2713483A1 CA2713483A CA2713483A CA2713483A1 CA 2713483 A1 CA2713483 A1 CA 2713483A1 CA 2713483 A CA2713483 A CA 2713483A CA 2713483 A CA2713483 A CA 2713483A CA 2713483 A1 CA2713483 A1 CA 2713483A1
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- 206010016275 Fear Diseases 0.000 abstract description 7
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
- A61M21/02—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis for inducing sleep or relaxation, e.g. by direct nerve stimulation, hypnosis, analgesia
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
- A61M2021/0005—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus
- A61M2021/0044—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus by the sight sense
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
- A61M2205/8206—Internal energy supply devices battery-operated
Abstract
A device that inhibits children's fears of the dark or of imaginary or fictitious negative entities seeming to appear in the dark or unlit areas such as bedrooms is provided. The device has a top surface and displayed thereon is a geometric pattern of lights which are electrically connected to flash sequentially so as to vigorously display an active moving and agitated lighting effect so as to repel and nullify the potentially disturbing effect of any imaginary or fictitious negative entities which may appear to be present. The device is also provided with decals/stickers designed to repel imaginary fictitious negative entities. A method for using the device is also disclosed.
Description
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INHIBITING HUMAN'S FEAR OF THE
DARK AND ASSOCIATED IMAGINARY FICTITIOUS NEGATIVE
ENTITIES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for inhibiting fear of the dark often held by humans and especially children, and also associated imaginary fictitious negative entities, such as, but not limited to, ghosts, goblins, monsters, the boogey man, and other fictitious creatures which cause a negative fear reaction in humans and in particular children.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For the purpose of simplicity this disclosure will refer to the invention's usefulness to inhibit fear experienced by children but it will be understood the mature adults may find the invention equally useful and consoling.
Many children often experience fears of dark places, monsters, ghosts and the like seeming to appear under their bed or in closets. Parents, guardians, and babysitters are thereby faced with the difficulties that are caused by the fears experienced by children in their care, as they often present a significant challenge to the discharge of bedtime, and other essential tasks that are a general part of everyday living.
These difficulties are compounded by the impact the fear which the imaginary existence of "fictitious negative entities" have on the children in their care.
Along with many other childhood fears, the actual fear of dark places, monsters, ghosts and other fictitious creatures often pass with time. As children grow up and enter into adolescence, they experience less fear of what they cannot see or do not know. Instead they rely on the experiences they have gained that there is, in fact, nothing harmful found in dark places such as under the bed or in the closet.
However, to achieve a level of comfort in existing with things unknown, can be a hard and tedious task. Numerous devices and/or methods have been derived to make this difficult transition easier for children and the parents, guardians and babysitters caring for them.
Some examples for helping to overcome a fear of the dark include using night lights and other lighting devices to provide a source of comforting light for children. Studies have shown, however, that the use of night lights may decrease the efficacy of a child's sleep, and subsequently affect their work at school.
Other methods include giving a child a stuffed animal as a companion, reading pleasant bedtime stories before bed, etc. Other examples of devices and/or methods are described herein below.
United States Patent Application publication No. 2004/0228129 dated November 18, 2004 to Sanders discloses a device for helping children overcome nighttime fears that involves nightlight having faux transmitter component that is in combination with LED for convincing a child that it is emitting signals to repel unwanted creatures. It further comprises a sensor disabling LED, when sensed ambient light exceeds threshold.
United States Patent No. 6,431,719 dated August 13, 2002 to Lau et al.
discloses a night lamp for house hold applications that has LEDs whose operation is stopped when press switch is operated by a user. A microcontroller executes a sequence of instructions causing the controller to output different sequences of signals that are coupled to a driver unit that drives the light sources. This is an example of the many LED based night lights that were discovered in our search.
DARK AND ASSOCIATED IMAGINARY FICTITIOUS NEGATIVE
ENTITIES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for inhibiting fear of the dark often held by humans and especially children, and also associated imaginary fictitious negative entities, such as, but not limited to, ghosts, goblins, monsters, the boogey man, and other fictitious creatures which cause a negative fear reaction in humans and in particular children.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For the purpose of simplicity this disclosure will refer to the invention's usefulness to inhibit fear experienced by children but it will be understood the mature adults may find the invention equally useful and consoling.
Many children often experience fears of dark places, monsters, ghosts and the like seeming to appear under their bed or in closets. Parents, guardians, and babysitters are thereby faced with the difficulties that are caused by the fears experienced by children in their care, as they often present a significant challenge to the discharge of bedtime, and other essential tasks that are a general part of everyday living.
These difficulties are compounded by the impact the fear which the imaginary existence of "fictitious negative entities" have on the children in their care.
Along with many other childhood fears, the actual fear of dark places, monsters, ghosts and other fictitious creatures often pass with time. As children grow up and enter into adolescence, they experience less fear of what they cannot see or do not know. Instead they rely on the experiences they have gained that there is, in fact, nothing harmful found in dark places such as under the bed or in the closet.
However, to achieve a level of comfort in existing with things unknown, can be a hard and tedious task. Numerous devices and/or methods have been derived to make this difficult transition easier for children and the parents, guardians and babysitters caring for them.
Some examples for helping to overcome a fear of the dark include using night lights and other lighting devices to provide a source of comforting light for children. Studies have shown, however, that the use of night lights may decrease the efficacy of a child's sleep, and subsequently affect their work at school.
Other methods include giving a child a stuffed animal as a companion, reading pleasant bedtime stories before bed, etc. Other examples of devices and/or methods are described herein below.
United States Patent Application publication No. 2004/0228129 dated November 18, 2004 to Sanders discloses a device for helping children overcome nighttime fears that involves nightlight having faux transmitter component that is in combination with LED for convincing a child that it is emitting signals to repel unwanted creatures. It further comprises a sensor disabling LED, when sensed ambient light exceeds threshold.
United States Patent No. 6,431,719 dated August 13, 2002 to Lau et al.
discloses a night lamp for house hold applications that has LEDs whose operation is stopped when press switch is operated by a user. A microcontroller executes a sequence of instructions causing the controller to output different sequences of signals that are coupled to a driver unit that drives the light sources. This is an example of the many LED based night lights that were discovered in our search.
2 United States Patent No. 6,894,434 dated May 17, 2005 to Kosoff discloses a nightlight and lamp control unit for use in, for example, a child's bedroom.
It has control unit programmed to regulate lamps so that light from the lamps fade off simultaneously over a preset time period. This is an example of the many LED
based night lights that were discovered in our search.
United States Patent Application publication No. 2009/0073673 dated March 19, 2009 to Young discloses a light box/night-light that comprises a transparent, acrylic display panel having an entire front surface that is covered by a sheet which is attached to display panel, while a reflective side panel attaches to and extends from display panel. The light box may be personalized with the use of stickers.
United States Patent No. 7,354,174 dated April 8, 2008 to Yan discloses a modular LED lamp for use, for example, in a restaurant. It has a conducting rod that is coated with insulating layer of PTFE for preventing arcing or physical contact in the event of failure. The string of serially joined LEDs may be formed into a circular array of two and one-half turns that is arranged in a spiral.
United States Patent Application publication No. 2004/0232170 dated November 25, 2004 to Glick et al. discloses a faux anti-monster kit for use with children of variety of ages that has a spay container and two fluids with marking agents wherein the fluid are inserted into the spay container based on criteria associated with fictitious negative entity (e.g. monsters). The corresponding Canadian Patent Application has also been included.
United States Patent Application publication No. 2003/0013376 dated January 16, 2003to Larson et al. discloses a method for assisting a child to overcome fear by providing a dispensing component, fixing in a tangible medium a story written for helping a child to confront and overcome a fear, providing access to the story in
It has control unit programmed to regulate lamps so that light from the lamps fade off simultaneously over a preset time period. This is an example of the many LED
based night lights that were discovered in our search.
United States Patent Application publication No. 2009/0073673 dated March 19, 2009 to Young discloses a light box/night-light that comprises a transparent, acrylic display panel having an entire front surface that is covered by a sheet which is attached to display panel, while a reflective side panel attaches to and extends from display panel. The light box may be personalized with the use of stickers.
United States Patent No. 7,354,174 dated April 8, 2008 to Yan discloses a modular LED lamp for use, for example, in a restaurant. It has a conducting rod that is coated with insulating layer of PTFE for preventing arcing or physical contact in the event of failure. The string of serially joined LEDs may be formed into a circular array of two and one-half turns that is arranged in a spiral.
United States Patent Application publication No. 2004/0232170 dated November 25, 2004 to Glick et al. discloses a faux anti-monster kit for use with children of variety of ages that has a spay container and two fluids with marking agents wherein the fluid are inserted into the spay container based on criteria associated with fictitious negative entity (e.g. monsters). The corresponding Canadian Patent Application has also been included.
United States Patent Application publication No. 2003/0013376 dated January 16, 2003to Larson et al. discloses a method for assisting a child to overcome fear by providing a dispensing component, fixing in a tangible medium a story written for helping a child to confront and overcome a fear, providing access to the story in
3 combination with the dispensing component, and directing an end user to read the story and to dispense using the dispensing component at select intervals during such reading.
Although the use of many of these devices and/or methods has shown to be effective in helping children overcome the fears associated with the dark and fictitious negative entities, there is a need for a device that can provide both a comforting light as well as an individualized solution to target for certain children a specific type of fictitious negative entities, such as, for example, the boogey man.
The prior art as of yet does not envisage or indeed teach a device or method for inhibiting children's fears of the dark and/or associated fictitious negative entities that combines numerous light emitting diodes (LEDs) sequentially flashing in different patterns and having decals specific to the entity of which the target child is afraid. The sequentially patterned flashing lights illustrate that their device is working to protect them. The flashing light movement will appear to be more effective than a statically lit system. Different shaped patterns and colours of lights will be available, meeting the needs of all children. The LEDs `build-up' to (or from) the main light, illustrates aggressive momentum and also emanates a vigorous outward movement which simulates a repelling action against imaginary intruders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention provides a housing having a top side, a bottom side, and at least one side. A plurality of lights is displayed and arranged in a geometric pattern on the top side of the housing. A power source for powering the lights and means for controlling a flashing pattern of the plurality of light means is
Although the use of many of these devices and/or methods has shown to be effective in helping children overcome the fears associated with the dark and fictitious negative entities, there is a need for a device that can provide both a comforting light as well as an individualized solution to target for certain children a specific type of fictitious negative entities, such as, for example, the boogey man.
The prior art as of yet does not envisage or indeed teach a device or method for inhibiting children's fears of the dark and/or associated fictitious negative entities that combines numerous light emitting diodes (LEDs) sequentially flashing in different patterns and having decals specific to the entity of which the target child is afraid. The sequentially patterned flashing lights illustrate that their device is working to protect them. The flashing light movement will appear to be more effective than a statically lit system. Different shaped patterns and colours of lights will be available, meeting the needs of all children. The LEDs `build-up' to (or from) the main light, illustrates aggressive momentum and also emanates a vigorous outward movement which simulates a repelling action against imaginary intruders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention provides a housing having a top side, a bottom side, and at least one side. A plurality of lights is displayed and arranged in a geometric pattern on the top side of the housing. A power source for powering the lights and means for controlling a flashing pattern of the plurality of light means is
4 provided in the operating structure. The invention also comprises at least one decal or sticker.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a top surface perspective view of a device according to the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a bottom surface perspective view of the device according to the present invention; and Figures 3(a) to 3(g) illustrates other possible shapes of the device and light patterns according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 illustrates a top surface perspective view of a device (1) and figure 2 depicts a bottom surface perspective view of the device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device (1) broadly comprises a housing (2), a switching means (3), a controller means (not shown), a plurality of light means (4), and a power supply means (not shown). Each one of the aforementioned components, their function and their purpose is discussed in detail herein below.
The housing (2) acts as a container for holding internal components. The internal components may comprise the controller means and the power supply means. The housing (2) also acts as a foundation for mounting the switching means (3) and the plurality of light means (4). The housing (2) preferably has a top surface, a bottom surface and side surfaces.
The housing (2) is preferably formed from a plastics material, such as, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylics, thermoplastic resins, thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE), polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters, and the like. Although many other materials may be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned materials and/or other materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably the material is relatively inexpensive and durable, fire resistant, easy to use in manufacturing operations and results in an aesthetically acceptable product.
The housing (2) may be made by using any of the suitable manufacturing techniques known in the art for the material used, such as, for example, injection molding, compression molding, structural foam molding, blow molding, or transfer molding; polyurethane foam processing techniques; vacuum forming; and casting.
Preferably the manufacturing technique is suitable for mass production at relatively low per unit cost, and will result in an aesthetically acceptable product with a consistent acceptable quality.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing (2) may be circular in shape, as illustrated in figure 1. However, the housing (2) may assume alternative geometric shapes, such as, for example, square, oval, triangular, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention providing the alternative shape selected does not inhibit efficiency of operation, or in fact jeopardize the utility or patentable commercial acceptability of the invention. Other shapes may include, but are not limited to the shape of a star, an arrow (or combination of arrows at the cardinal points), a diamond, or a semi-circle, see figures 3(a) to 3(g).
Figures 3(a) to 3(g) illustrate various other shapes of the housing (2). The colour of the housing (2) may be any colour that is suitable for the material used, such as, for example, red, white, blue, black, pink, or purple.
The power supply is preferably comprised of at least one replaceable battery located in a conventional battery compartment inside the housing (2) and accessible via a cover (5). The replaceable batteries used may be any of standard A, AA, AAA, C, D or 9 volt rectangular type battery. The cover (5) and battery compartment may be shaped, oriented and positioned in any number of ways to accommodate the battery source in a conventional manner. Preferably the cover
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a top surface perspective view of a device according to the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a bottom surface perspective view of the device according to the present invention; and Figures 3(a) to 3(g) illustrates other possible shapes of the device and light patterns according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 illustrates a top surface perspective view of a device (1) and figure 2 depicts a bottom surface perspective view of the device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device (1) broadly comprises a housing (2), a switching means (3), a controller means (not shown), a plurality of light means (4), and a power supply means (not shown). Each one of the aforementioned components, their function and their purpose is discussed in detail herein below.
The housing (2) acts as a container for holding internal components. The internal components may comprise the controller means and the power supply means. The housing (2) also acts as a foundation for mounting the switching means (3) and the plurality of light means (4). The housing (2) preferably has a top surface, a bottom surface and side surfaces.
The housing (2) is preferably formed from a plastics material, such as, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylics, thermoplastic resins, thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE), polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters, and the like. Although many other materials may be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned materials and/or other materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably the material is relatively inexpensive and durable, fire resistant, easy to use in manufacturing operations and results in an aesthetically acceptable product.
The housing (2) may be made by using any of the suitable manufacturing techniques known in the art for the material used, such as, for example, injection molding, compression molding, structural foam molding, blow molding, or transfer molding; polyurethane foam processing techniques; vacuum forming; and casting.
Preferably the manufacturing technique is suitable for mass production at relatively low per unit cost, and will result in an aesthetically acceptable product with a consistent acceptable quality.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing (2) may be circular in shape, as illustrated in figure 1. However, the housing (2) may assume alternative geometric shapes, such as, for example, square, oval, triangular, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention providing the alternative shape selected does not inhibit efficiency of operation, or in fact jeopardize the utility or patentable commercial acceptability of the invention. Other shapes may include, but are not limited to the shape of a star, an arrow (or combination of arrows at the cardinal points), a diamond, or a semi-circle, see figures 3(a) to 3(g).
Figures 3(a) to 3(g) illustrate various other shapes of the housing (2). The colour of the housing (2) may be any colour that is suitable for the material used, such as, for example, red, white, blue, black, pink, or purple.
The power supply is preferably comprised of at least one replaceable battery located in a conventional battery compartment inside the housing (2) and accessible via a cover (5). The replaceable batteries used may be any of standard A, AA, AAA, C, D or 9 volt rectangular type battery. The cover (5) and battery compartment may be shaped, oriented and positioned in any number of ways to accommodate the battery source in a conventional manner. Preferably the cover
(5) is located on the bottom surface of device (1) and cannot be easily removed by children. Accordingly, a locking member or screw may be provided for securing the cover (5) in a closed manner. Using a battery as a power supply allows the device (1) to be self-contained unit and easily portable unit. The power supply optionally may be a conventional AC plug adapter.
The plurality of lights (4) are preferably light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Incandescent or halogen bulbs being used. The plurality of light means (4) are less preferred since they would consume more -power in operation. However, the present invention is not limited to using LEDs as the plurality of light means (4).
The light means (4) are preferably positioned on the top surface in a geometric pattern. As shown in figure 1, a preferable geometric pattern for the light means (4) is an equiangular spiral. However, other geometric patterns for the light means (4) are also envisioned, such as, a series of concentric rings or a different type of spiral pattern. The geometric pattern may also match the shape of the housing (2), for example, a square, an oval, or a triangular shape, etc. Other patterns may include, but are not limited to lights flashing from the centre, three in a row, at N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW. The invention may also include patterns of lights such as those illustrated in figures 3(a) to 3(g). Figures 3(a) to 3(g) illustrate other possible geometric patterns that may be used. The solid lines connecting the plurality of lights (4) indicate the connectivity of the individual lights, i.e.
illustrating a possible sequential lighting sequence. Optionally, one or more light means (not shown) may be displaced on the side of the device (1).
The plurality of lights (4) preferably emit a red colour. However, other colours emitted by the plurality of lights mean (4) are also envisioned, for example, red, white, blue, black, pink, purple, etc.
The device (1) preferably comprises a means for controlling the individual on/off state for each of the plurality of lights (4). The controller is preferably either a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor, or the like.
The controller preferably illuminates the plurality of lights (4) in pre-determined illumination patterns, a preferred illumination pattern of which is a spiral pattern, whereby the plurality of lights (4) are lit sequentially beginning with the outermost light and ending with the light located in the middle of the group. Other illumination patterns are also envisioned, such as, a spiral pattern beginning with the middle light and ending with the outermost light, or a concentric ring or square or oval pattern beginning with the middle light or ring and ending with the outside ring or vice versa. A random lighting pattern is also envisaged. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific illumination patterns described by way of illustration and example herein.
In another embodiment of the present invention, multiple illumination patterns may be displayed upon the illustration of the controller. The illumination patterns may be cycled via the operation of a mode button or the like (not shown) located on the device (1).
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the device (1) preferably comprises a set of decals or stickers (not shown) that represent different fictitious negative entities, such as, for example, ghosts, goblins, monsters, the boogey man, etc. Even more preferable, the set of decals or stickers are removable and reusable so that the device (1) may target a different fictitious negative entity at different times. Optionally, the decals or stickers are designed to repel fictitious negative entities, the designs may include but are not limited to the form of lightning bolts, or spiral springs. The decals or stickers may be made of a thin plastic that are attachable to the device with an overlay that will coincide with the LEDs.
They may be reusable, and will allow the parents, guardians, or babysitters to inherently protect the children from all entities by minimizing their fear thereof, without the need to purchase separate devices for each type of entity which might impart fear into the child or adult requiring consolation. They may be adhered and held in place with static electricity.
A method of operating the device (1) to help a child overcome a fear of the unknown preferably comprises the steps of. determining the type of monster a child is fearing, applying the appropriate decal or sticker to the device (1), placing the device (1) in a location where the child believes the monster to be, choosing an appropriate illumination pattern that the child would believe to scare or repel the type of monster the child is fearing; and activating the device (1).
The foregoing are exemplary embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that modifications to these embodiments may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
The plurality of lights (4) are preferably light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Incandescent or halogen bulbs being used. The plurality of light means (4) are less preferred since they would consume more -power in operation. However, the present invention is not limited to using LEDs as the plurality of light means (4).
The light means (4) are preferably positioned on the top surface in a geometric pattern. As shown in figure 1, a preferable geometric pattern for the light means (4) is an equiangular spiral. However, other geometric patterns for the light means (4) are also envisioned, such as, a series of concentric rings or a different type of spiral pattern. The geometric pattern may also match the shape of the housing (2), for example, a square, an oval, or a triangular shape, etc. Other patterns may include, but are not limited to lights flashing from the centre, three in a row, at N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW. The invention may also include patterns of lights such as those illustrated in figures 3(a) to 3(g). Figures 3(a) to 3(g) illustrate other possible geometric patterns that may be used. The solid lines connecting the plurality of lights (4) indicate the connectivity of the individual lights, i.e.
illustrating a possible sequential lighting sequence. Optionally, one or more light means (not shown) may be displaced on the side of the device (1).
The plurality of lights (4) preferably emit a red colour. However, other colours emitted by the plurality of lights mean (4) are also envisioned, for example, red, white, blue, black, pink, purple, etc.
The device (1) preferably comprises a means for controlling the individual on/off state for each of the plurality of lights (4). The controller is preferably either a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor, or the like.
The controller preferably illuminates the plurality of lights (4) in pre-determined illumination patterns, a preferred illumination pattern of which is a spiral pattern, whereby the plurality of lights (4) are lit sequentially beginning with the outermost light and ending with the light located in the middle of the group. Other illumination patterns are also envisioned, such as, a spiral pattern beginning with the middle light and ending with the outermost light, or a concentric ring or square or oval pattern beginning with the middle light or ring and ending with the outside ring or vice versa. A random lighting pattern is also envisaged. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific illumination patterns described by way of illustration and example herein.
In another embodiment of the present invention, multiple illumination patterns may be displayed upon the illustration of the controller. The illumination patterns may be cycled via the operation of a mode button or the like (not shown) located on the device (1).
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the device (1) preferably comprises a set of decals or stickers (not shown) that represent different fictitious negative entities, such as, for example, ghosts, goblins, monsters, the boogey man, etc. Even more preferable, the set of decals or stickers are removable and reusable so that the device (1) may target a different fictitious negative entity at different times. Optionally, the decals or stickers are designed to repel fictitious negative entities, the designs may include but are not limited to the form of lightning bolts, or spiral springs. The decals or stickers may be made of a thin plastic that are attachable to the device with an overlay that will coincide with the LEDs.
They may be reusable, and will allow the parents, guardians, or babysitters to inherently protect the children from all entities by minimizing their fear thereof, without the need to purchase separate devices for each type of entity which might impart fear into the child or adult requiring consolation. They may be adhered and held in place with static electricity.
A method of operating the device (1) to help a child overcome a fear of the unknown preferably comprises the steps of. determining the type of monster a child is fearing, applying the appropriate decal or sticker to the device (1), placing the device (1) in a location where the child believes the monster to be, choosing an appropriate illumination pattern that the child would believe to scare or repel the type of monster the child is fearing; and activating the device (1).
The foregoing are exemplary embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that modifications to these embodiments may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Claims (34)
EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS
FOLLOWS:
1. A device for inhibiting fear of fictitious negative entities comprising:
a housing having a upper portion, a bottom side, and at least one side;
a plurality of lights displayed and arranged in a geometric pattern on the upper portion of the housing;
means for controlling a plurality of flashing patterns generated by the plurality lights;
a power source for powering the plurality of lights and the means for controlling the plurality of flashing patterns of the plurality of lights; and a power switch for controlling the operation of said device.
a housing having a upper portion, a bottom side, and at least one side;
a plurality of lights displayed and arranged in a geometric pattern on the upper portion of the housing;
means for controlling a plurality of flashing patterns generated by the plurality lights;
a power source for powering the plurality of lights and the means for controlling the plurality of flashing patterns of the plurality of lights; and a power switch for controlling the operation of said device.
2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of lights are light emitting diodes (LEDs).
3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of lights are incandescent bulbs.
4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of lights are halogen bulbs.
5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the means for controlling the plurality flashing patterns of the plurality of lights is a microcontroller.
6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the means for controlling the plurality flashing patterns of the plurality of lights is a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).
7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the means for controlling the plurality flashing patterns of the plurality of lights is a processor.
8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the power source means is at least one battery located in a battery compartment in the bottom side of the housing.
9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the power source means is an external AC adapter.
10.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the power switch means is a switch.
11.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the power switch means is a push button.
12.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11:
wherein the geometric pattern is an equiangular spiral; and wherein one end of the spiral is at a centre of the top side of the housing.
wherein the geometric pattern is an equiangular spiral; and wherein one end of the spiral is at a centre of the top side of the housing.
13.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11:
wherein the geometric pattern is a plurality of curved lines; and wherein one end of each of the plurality of curved lines are at a centre of the top side of the housing.
wherein the geometric pattern is a plurality of curved lines; and wherein one end of each of the plurality of curved lines are at a centre of the top side of the housing.
14.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11:
wherein the geometric pattern is a plurality of straight lines; and wherein one end of each of the plurality of straight lines are at a centre of the top side of the housing.
wherein the geometric pattern is a plurality of straight lines; and wherein one end of each of the plurality of straight lines are at a centre of the top side of the housing.
15.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11:
wherein the geometric pattern is an arrow.
wherein the geometric pattern is an arrow.
16.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15:
wherein the housing is substantially circular in shape.
wherein the housing is substantially circular in shape.
17.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15:
wherein the housing is semi-circular in shape.
wherein the housing is semi-circular in shape.
18.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15:
wherein the housing is square or rectangular in shape.
wherein the housing is square or rectangular in shape.
19.The device according to any one of claims 12 to 15:
wherein the housing shape corresponds to the geometric pattern.
wherein the housing shape corresponds to the geometric pattern.
20.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 19:
wherein one of the plurality of flashing patterns of the plurality of lights begin at the centre of the geometric pattern and flash sequentially to the outer portion of the geometric pattern.
wherein one of the plurality of flashing patterns of the plurality of lights begin at the centre of the geometric pattern and flash sequentially to the outer portion of the geometric pattern.
21.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 19:
wherein one of the plurality of flashing patterns of the plurality of lights begin at the outer portion of the geometric pattern and flash sequentially to the centre of the geometric pattern.
wherein one of the plurality of flashing patterns of the plurality of lights begin at the outer portion of the geometric pattern and flash sequentially to the centre of the geometric pattern.
22.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 19:
wherein one of the plurality of flashing patterns of the plurality of lights is random.
wherein one of the plurality of flashing patterns of the plurality of lights is random.
23.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 22 further comprising:
at least one decal or sticker.
at least one decal or sticker.
24.The device according to claim 23:
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a lightning bolt.
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a lightning bolt.
25.The device according to claim 23:
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a laser gun.
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a laser gun.
26.The device according to claim 23:
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a goblin.
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a goblin.
27.The device according to claim 23:
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a ghost.
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a ghost.
28.The device according to claim 23:
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a boogey man.
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a boogey man.
29.The device according to claim 23:
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a gerbil.
wherein the at least one decal or sticker portrays a gerbil.
30.The device according to claim 23:
wherein the at least one decal or sticker coincides with the geometric pattern of the plurality of lights.
wherein the at least one decal or sticker coincides with the geometric pattern of the plurality of lights.
31.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 30:
wherein the plurality of lights are red.
wherein the plurality of lights are red.
32.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 30:
wherein the plurality of lights are at least one of red, white, blue, pink, and purple.
wherein the plurality of lights are at least one of red, white, blue, pink, and purple.
33.The device according to any one of claims 1 to 32 further comprising:
a flashing pattern button;
wherein one of the plurality of flashing patterns of the plurality of lights are chosen by pressing the flashing pattern button.
a flashing pattern button;
wherein one of the plurality of flashing patterns of the plurality of lights are chosen by pressing the flashing pattern button.
34.A method of operating the device according to anyone of claims 1 to 33 comprising the steps of:
determining the type of fictitious negative entity that is causing fear;
applying the appropriate decal or sticker to the device;
placing the device in a location where the fictitious negative entity is believed to located;
choosing one of the plurality of flashing patters of the plurality of lights; and activating the device.
determining the type of fictitious negative entity that is causing fear;
applying the appropriate decal or sticker to the device;
placing the device in a location where the fictitious negative entity is believed to located;
choosing one of the plurality of flashing patters of the plurality of lights; and activating the device.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2713483A CA2713483C (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2010-08-18 | Device and method for inhibiting human's fear of the dark and associated imaginary fictitious negative entities |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2713483A CA2713483C (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2010-08-18 | Device and method for inhibiting human's fear of the dark and associated imaginary fictitious negative entities |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2713483A1 true CA2713483A1 (en) | 2012-02-18 |
| CA2713483C CA2713483C (en) | 2018-09-25 |
Family
ID=45596099
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2713483A Active CA2713483C (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2010-08-18 | Device and method for inhibiting human's fear of the dark and associated imaginary fictitious negative entities |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2713483C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11206933B2 (en) | 2018-02-23 | 2021-12-28 | Ellen E. Serenson | Fear reducing blockade and methods of making and using same |
-
2010
- 2010-08-18 CA CA2713483A patent/CA2713483C/en active Active
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11206933B2 (en) | 2018-02-23 | 2021-12-28 | Ellen E. Serenson | Fear reducing blockade and methods of making and using same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2713483C (en) | 2018-09-25 |
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