Elf On The Go Device

Abstract

An elf on the go device is disclosed, which is a motion activated toy that correlates to an existing “Elf on the Shelf”® toy. The elf on the go device comprises a body component that is configured in a cube-like gift box with a bow on it. The body component has an integrated motion sensor in the shape of a camera lens protruding from the front, an internal speaker, a vibration mechanism, and an external light. When activated, the motion sensor turns on the red light and the toy will vibrate and play pre-recorded audio and move the camera lens as if it were watching the area. The device has mounting capabilities and can be supported by a cell phone app, so the features of the device can be remotely operated as needed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 751,355, which was filed on Jan. 30, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of elf on the go devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fun and unique device for children that correlates with Elf on the Shelf® toys. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.BACKGROUND

[0003] By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in elf on the go devices. Generally, Elf on the Shelf® is a popular holiday tradition based on a children's book that involves a scout elf sent by Santa Claus to help monitor children's behavior in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The elf comes to the family's home around Thanksgiving, and his / her job is to observe the kids during the day and report back to Santa at night. Kids are told they cannot touch the elf, or it will lose its magic. The elf ‘moves’ to a new spot in the house each night, creating a fun hide-and-seek game every morning. While traveling, the elf is left at home, and children may wonder how it can monitor their behavior.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved elf on the go device that allows parents to tell children that the device communicates with the elf while they are away from home, reporting on their behavior back to the elf. More particularly, there is a demand for an elf on the go device that is a motion activated toy which is intended to function as a proxy for the “Elf on the Shelf” when traveling away from home.

[0005] Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an elf on the go device that provides users with a fun and unique device for children that correlates with Elf on the Shelf® . There is also a long-felt need in the art for an elf on the go device that allows parents to tell children that the device communicates with the elf while they are away from home, reporting on their behavior back to the elf. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an elf on the go device that features a gift box with a camera lens that moves in conjunction with a motion sensor, allowing it to simulate the effect of ‘watching’ the children. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that includes an integrated speaker and vibration mechanism that plays holiday music and sounds when the motion sensor activates. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an elf on the go device that utilizes a smartphone app to communicate with the device and control it remotely. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an elf on the go device that includes mounting capabilities, such as a strap or suction cup.

[0006] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an elf on the go device. The device is a motion activated toy that correlates to an existing “Elf on the Shelf”® toy. The elf on the go device comprises a body component that is configured in a cube-like gift box with a bow on it. The body component has an integrated motion sensor in the shape of a camera lens protruding from the front, an internal speaker, a vibration mechanism, and an external light. When activated, the motion sensor turns on the red light, and the toy will vibrate and play pre-recorded audio, and move the camera lens as if it were watching the area. The device has mounting capabilities, such as a strap or suction cup, to allow mounting in a vehicle or hotel room away from home. The device can be supported by a cell phone app, so the features of the device can be remotely operated as needed.

[0007] In this manner, the elf on the go device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that functions as a proxy for the “Elf on the Shelf”® when traveling away from home, that allows children to believe they are still being watched by their elf. The device is a cube-like gift box with a motion sensor, speaker, and vibration mechanism. The device has a suction cup or strap for mounting.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an elf on the go device. The device is a motion activated toy that correlates to an existing “Elf on the Shelf”® toy. The elf on the go device comprises a body component that is configured as a gift box with a bow on it. The body component has an integrated motion sensor in the shape of a camera lens protruding from the front, an internal speaker, a vibration mechanism, and an external light. When activated, the motion sensor turns on the red light, and the toy will vibrate and play pre-recorded audio, and move the camera lens as if it were watching the area.

[0010] In one embodiment, the elf on the go device provides users with a fun and unique device for children that correlates with Elf on the Shelf® toys. Specifically, the device functions as a proxy for the Elf on the Shelf® when traveling away from home and allows children to believe they are still being watched by their elf. The device simulates the effect of ‘watching’ the children and interacts to motion by vibrating and playing pre-recorded audio.

[0011] In one embodiment, the elf on the go device comprises a body component that is configured in a cube-like shape but can be configured in any suitable shape as is known in the art, such as a rectangular prism, etc. Typically, the body component is sized and shaped to resemble a small gift box or present and is shaped accordingly. Further, the body component comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a back wall, which form a structure for housing various internal components.

[0012] In one embodiment, the body component is decorated to resemble the small gift or present by being brightly colored and having a bow or other decoration on it. Specifically, the body component can be molded in various colors, patterns, and designs to resemble a gift or present and comprises ornamentation, such as a decorative ribbon, gift bow, beads, or a gift tag, etc., or any other suitable ornamentation as is known in the art.

[0013] In one embodiment, the body component has an integrated motion sensor in the shape of a camera lens protruding from the front wall. The camera lens can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art and protrudes approximately 0.25-0.5 inch out from the front wall. Typically, the camera lens is round to resemble a typical camera lens on a conventional camera. The integrated motion sensor can be any suitable motion sensor as is known in the art, which detects motion by changes in frequency. The motion sensor can be a passive infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, or a combined type sensor, etc. In this embodiment, the motion sensor is an ultrasonic sensor that resembles a camera lens and is activated when motion is sensed (i.e., changes in frequency).

[0014] In one embodiment, the camera lens is also able to rotate, pivot, and / or move around, making children think that they are being watched. In this embodiment, the camera lens includes a servo electric motor or other suitable small electric motor for moving the camera lens, as needed. The camera lens would move in conjunction with the motion sensor, allowing it to simulate the effect of watching the children.

[0015] In one embodiment, the body component also houses an internal speaker. The internal speaker would be able to play pre-recorded sounds and / or music. The pre-recorded sounds and / or music could be holiday music and sounds, such as the elf and / or Santa talking. The internal speaker would also play music / sounds in conjunction with the motion sensor. Thus, when the motion sensor is activated, the music / sounds is played through the speaker.

[0016] In one embodiment, the body component houses a vibration mechanism. The vibration mechanism would be any suitable vibration mechanism as is known in the art, which generates vibrations via an unbalanced mass on a driveshaft. The vibration mechanism would also be activated in conjunction with the motion sensor. Thus, when the motion sensor is activated, the vibration mechanism vibrates the body component in response.

[0017] In one embodiment, the body component comprises an external light. The light can be any suitable light as is known in the art, such as an LED, incandescent, fluorescent, etc. Further, the light can be any suitable color as is known in the art, or can change colors. In this embodiment, the light is a red light which is located on the front wall, but can be positioned in any suitable position as is known in the art. The light is activated in conjunction with the motion sensor. Thus, when the motion sensor is activated, the external light turns on, displaying a red light and alerting the child / children that the device is on and ‘watching’.

[0018] In one embodiment, the body component houses a processor which aids the device in communication with a smartphone and acts to communicate with the other device components, (i.e., the servo motor, the speaker, the vibration mechanism, the motion sensor, and the external light). The processor allows all the device components to communicate and interact, as needed. Thus, when the motion sensor is activated, the processor turns on the external red light and the body component will vibrate and the speaker will play pre-recorded audio and the servo motor will move the camera lens as if it were watching the area.

[0019] In one embodiment, the device is powered by a battery. The battery may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery which is recharged using a USB port. Further, the body component includes a power button for manually turning off and on the device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the device has mounting capabilities, such as a strap or suction cup to allow mounting in a vehicle or hotel room away from home. Specifically, the body component can include a suction cup secured to the bottom surface or any other suitable surface as is known in the art. The suction cup allows the device to be releasably secured to a vehicle surface or on a table, counter, or sink surface, etc., or other suitable surface of a hotel room. Further, the body component can also comprise a strap which can be secured to any suitable surface of the body component and then releasably secured via snaps, Velcro, buckles, ties, etc., to a vehicle interior or hotel room, as needed to prevent movement.

[0021] In one embodiment, the device can be supported by a cell phone app, so the features of the device can be remotely operated as needed. Thus, the device comprises a wireless communication module in communication with a smartphone. Specifically, the elf on the go device includes a wireless communications module and additional sensors, which would allow the elf on the go device to pair with a mobile application on a smartphone. Once paired, a user could control the device via the mobile application.

[0022] In one embodiment, the body component of the device is manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, or other suitable materials as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials. Further, the body component can be manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof. Additionally, the body component can be manufactured from a material that is antibacterial or antimicrobial or comprises a coating that is antibacterial or antimicrobial.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elf on the go device comprises a plurality of indicia.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, a method of allowing children to still believe they are being watched by the elf when traveling away from home is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an elf on the go device comprising a body component with a motion sensor, speaker, and vibration mechanism. The method also comprises mounting the device in a vehicle or hotel room via a strap or suction cup. Further, the method comprises turning the device on via the power button. The method also comprises when activated via the motion sensor, turning on the red light, vibrating the body component, and playing a pre-recorded audio through the speaker. Finally, the method comprises communicating with a paired smartphone to remotely control the device.

[0025] Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

[0026] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the elf on the go device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the elf on the go device of the present invention showing the integrated motion sensor in the shape of a camera lens in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the elf on the go device of the present invention showing the bottom surface of the device with a suction cup for mounting in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the elf on the go device of the present invention showing the device communicating with a smartphone in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the elf on the go device of the present invention in use in a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of allowing children to still believe they are being watched by the elf when traveling away from home in accordance with the disclosed architecture.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0034] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0035] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an elf on the go device that provides users with a fun and unique device for children that correlates with Elf on the Shelf®. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an elf on the go device that allows parents to tell children that the device communicates with the elf while they are away from home, reporting on their behavior back to the elf. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an elf on the go device that features a gift box with a camera lens that moves in conjunction with a motion sensor, allowing it to simulate the effect of ‘watching’ the children. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that includes an integrated speaker and vibration mechanism that plays holiday music and sounds when the motion sensor activates. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an elf on the go device that utilizes a smartphone app to communicate with the device and control it remotely. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an elf on the go device that includes mounting capabilities, such as a strap or suction cup.

[0036] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel elf on the go device. The device is a motion activated toy that correlates to an existing “Elf on the Shelf”® toy. The elf on the go device comprises a body component that is configured in a cube-like gift box with a bow on it. The body component has an integrated motion sensor in the shape of a camera lens protruding from the front, an internal speaker, a vibration mechanism, and an external light. When activated, the motion sensor turns on the red light and the toy will vibrate and play pre-recorded audio and move the camera lens as if it were watching the area. The device has mounting capabilities, such as a strap or suction cup to allow mounting in a vehicle or hotel room away from home. The device can be supported by a cell phone app, so the features of the device can be remotely operated as needed. Further, a novel method is disclosed of allowing children to still believe they are being watched by the elf when traveling away from home. The method includes the steps of providing an elf on the go device comprising a body component with a motion sensor, speaker, and vibration mechanism. The method also comprises mounting the device in a vehicle or hotel room via a strap or suction cup. Further, the method comprises turning the device on via the power button. The method also comprises, when activated via the motion sensor, turning on the red light, vibrating the body component, and playing a pre-recorded audio through the speaker. Finally, the method comprises communicating with a paired smartphone to remotely control the device.

[0037] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the elf on the go device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the elf on the go device 100 is an improved elf on the go device 100 that provides a user with a motion activated toy that correlates to an existing Elf on the Shelf® toy. Specifically, the elf on the go device 100 comprises a body component 102 with a motion sensor 104, a speaker 106, and a vibration mechanism 108. When activated, the motion sensor 104 triggers the vibration mechanism 108 to vibrate the body component 102 and the speaker 106 to play pre-recorded audio, such that a child or children 110 believe the device 100 is watching them.

[0038] Generally, the elf on the go device 100 provides users with a fun and unique device for children 110 that correlates with Elf on the Shelf® toys. Specifically, the device 100 functions as a proxy for the Elf on the Shelf® when traveling away from home and allows children 110 to believe they are still being watched by their elf. The device 100 simulates the effect of ‘watching’ the children 110 and interacts to motion by vibrating and playing pre-recorded audio.

[0039] Further, the elf on the go device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured in a cube-like shape but can be configured in any suitable shape as is known in the art, such as a rectangular prism, etc. Typically, the body component 102 is sized and shaped to resemble a small gift box or present and is shaped accordingly. Further, the body component 102 comprises a top surface 112, a bottom surface 114, opposing sidewalls 116, a front wall 118 and a back wall 120, which form a structure for housing various internal components.

[0040] Additionally, the body component 102 is decorated to resemble the small gift or present by being brightly colored and having a bow or other decoration on it. Specifically, the body component 102 can be molded in various colors, patterns, and designs to resemble a gift or present and comprises ornamentation 122, such as a decorative ribbon, gift bow, beads, or a gift tag, etc., or any other suitable ornamentation 122 as is known in the art.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the body component 102 has an integrated motion sensor 104 in the shape of a camera lens 124 protruding from the front wall 118. The camera lens 124 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art and protrudes approximately 0.25-0.5 inch out from the front wall 118. Typically, the camera lens 124 is round to resemble a typical camera lens on a conventional camera. The integrated motion sensor 104 can be any suitable motion sensor as is known in the art, which detects motion by changes in frequency. The motion sensor 104 can be a passive infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, or a combined type sensor, etc. In this embodiment, the motion sensor 104 is an ultrasonic sensor that resembles a camera lens 124 and is activated when motion is sensed (i.e., changes in frequency).

[0042] Further, the camera lens 124 is also able to rotate, pivot, and / or move around, making children 110 think that they are being watched. In this embodiment, the camera lens 124 includes a servo electric motor 126 or other suitable small electric motor for moving the camera lens 124, as needed. The camera lens 124 would move in conjunction with the motion sensor 104, allowing it to simulate the effect of watching the children 110.

[0043] Additionally, the body component 102 also houses an internal speaker 106. The internal speaker 106 would be able to play pre-recorded sounds and / or music. The pre-recorded sounds and / or music could be holiday music and sounds, such as the elf and / or Santa talking. The internal speaker 106 would also play music / sounds in conjunction with the motion sensor 104. Thus, when the motion sensor 104 is activated, the music / sounds is played through the speaker 106.

[0044] Furthermore, the body component 102 houses a vibration mechanism 108. The vibration mechanism 108 would be any suitable vibration mechanism as is known in the art, which generates vibrations via an unbalanced mass on a driveshaft. The vibration mechanism 108 would also be activated in conjunction with the motion sensor 104. Thus, when the motion sensor 104 is activated, the vibration mechanism 108 vibrates the body component 102 in response.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the body component 102 comprises an external light 300. The light 300 can be any suitable light as is known in the art, such as an LED, incandescent, fluorescent, etc. Further, the light 300 can be any suitable color as is known in the art or can change colors. In this embodiment, the light 300 is a red light which is located on the front wall 118 but can be positioned in any suitable position as is known in the art. The light 300 is activated in conjunction with the motion sensor 104. Thus, when the motion sensor 104 is activated, the external light 300 turns on, displaying a red light and alerting the child / children 110 that the device 100 is on and ‘watching’.

[0046] Further, the body component 102 houses a processor 302 which aids the device 100 in communication with a smartphone 304 and acts to communicate with the other device components, (i.e., the servo motor 126, the speaker 106, the vibration mechanism 108, the motion sensor 104, and the external light 300). The processor 302 allows all the device components to communicate and interact, as needed. Thus, when the motion sensor 104 is activated, the processor 302 turns on the external red light 300 and the body component 102 will vibrate and the speaker 106 will play pre-recorded audio, and the servo motor 126 will move the camera lens 124 as if it were watching the area.

[0047] Additionally, the device 100 is powered by a battery 306. The battery 306 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery in the form of an alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride battery, etc., such as any 3V-12volts DC battery or other conventional battery, such as A, AA, AAA, etc., that supplies power to the elf on the go device 100. Throughout this specification, the term “battery” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing the battery 306 may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells, as is appropriate for any given battery technology that may be used. In addition, a rechargeable embodiment of the battery 306 may be recharged using a USB port 308, wherein the USB port 308 is a USB-A, USB-B, Micro-B, Micro-USB, Mini-USB, or USB-C port, etc. Further, the body component 102 includes a power button 310 for manually turning off and on the device 100.

[0048] Furthermore, the device 100 has mounting capabilities, such as a strap 312 or suction cup 314 to allow mounting in a vehicle 316 or hotel room away from home. Specifically, the body component 102 can include a suction cup 314 secured to the bottom surface 114 or any other suitable surface as is known in the art. The suction cup 314 allows the device 100 to be releasably secured to a vehicle surface or on a table, counter, or sink surface, etc., or other suitable surface of a hotel room. Further, the body component 102 can also comprise a strap 312 which can be secured to any suitable surface of the body component 102 and then releasably secured via snaps, Velcro, buckles, ties, etc., to a vehicle interior or hotel room, as needed to prevent movement.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the device 100 can be supported by a cell phone app 402, so the features of the device 100 can be remotely operated as needed. Thus, the device 100 comprises a wireless communication module 400 in communication with a smartphone 304. Specifically, the elf on the go device 100 includes a wireless communications module 400 and additional sensors which would allow the elf on the go device 100 to pair with a mobile application 402 on a smartphone 304. Once paired, a user could control the device 100 via the mobile application 402.

[0050] Further, the smartphone 304 may be a mobile telephone, a smart pad, a laptop, a remote control, or any other smart device that may have wireless communication capabilities and may be connected to the internet. The smartphone 304 may perform any type of wireless communication, including, but not limited to, WIFI, BLUETOOTH, RFID, NFC, etc.

[0051] In yet another embodiment, the elf on the go device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 404. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 404 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 404 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be gift, elf, or brand related.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the body component 102 of the device 100 is manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, or other suitable materials as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials. Specifically, the plastics or polymers include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Further, the body component 102 can be manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof. Additionally, the body component 102 can be manufactured from a material that is antibacterial or antimicrobial or comprises a coating that is antibacterial or antimicrobial.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of allowing children to still believe they are being watched by the elf when traveling away from home. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing an elf on the go device comprising a body component with a motion sensor, speaker, and vibration mechanism. The method also comprises at 602, mounting the device in a vehicle or hotel room via a strap or suction cup. Further, the method comprises at 604, turning the device on via the power button. The method also comprises at 606, when activated via the motion sensor, turning on the red light, vibrating the body component, and playing a pre-recorded audio through the speaker. Finally, the method comprises at 608, communicating with a paired smartphone to remotely control the device.

[0054] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein, “elf on the go device”, “elf device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the elf on the go device 100 of the present invention.

[0055] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the elf on the go device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elf on the go device 100, as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the elf on the go device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the elf on the go device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the elf on the go device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and / or that suits the user's needs and / or preferences.

[0056] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0057] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. An elf on the go device that provides a user with a motion activated toy, the elf on the go device comprising:a body component;a motion sensor;a vibration mechanism; anda speaker;wherein the motion sensor, the vibration mechanism, and the speaker are integrated into the body component;wherein when the motion sensor is activated, the vibration mechanism vibrates the body component and the speaker plays music or sounds; andfurther wherein children believe the body component is watching them and reporting back to an elf.

2. The elf on the go device of claim 1, wherein the body component is configured in a cube-like shape.

3. The elf on the go device of claim 2, wherein the body component comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a back wall, which form a structure for housing various internal components.

4. The elf on the go device of claim 3, wherein the body component is decorated in various colors, patterns, and designs and comprises ornamentation such as ribbons or bows to resemble a small gift box.

5. The elf on the go device of claim 4, wherein the motion sensor is in a shape of a camera lens protruding from the front wall.

6. The elf on the go device of claim 5, wherein the camera lens includes a servo motor for moving the camera lens in conjunction with the motion sensor, allowing it to simulate effect of watching the children.

7. The elf on the go device of claim 6, wherein the speaker plays pre-recorded sounds or music in conjunction with the motion sensor.

8. The elf on the go device of claim 7, wherein the vibration mechanism is activated in conjunction with the motion sensor and vibrates the body component in response.

9. The elf on the go device of claim 8, wherein the body component comprises an external light.

10. The elf on the go device of claim 9, wherein the external light is a red light which is located on the front wall and activated in conjunction with the motion sensor.

11. The elf on the go device of claim 10, wherein the body component houses a processor which acts to communicate with the servo motor, the speaker, the vibration mechanism, the motion sensor, and the external light.

12. The elf on the go device of claim 11, wherein the body component is powered by a disposable or rechargeable battery, if the battery is rechargeable it charged via a USB port.

13. The elf on the go device of claim 12, wherein the body component comprises a strap or a suction cup to allow for mounting the elf on the go device.

14. The elf on the go device of claim 13, wherein the body component comprises a wireless communication module which would allow the elf on the go device to pair with a mobile application on a smartphone, once paired, a user could control the elf on the go device via the mobile application.

15. An elf on the go device that provides a user with a motion activated toy that correlates to an elf on the shelf® toy, the elf on the go device comprising:a body component configured in a cube-like shape, comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a back wall, which form a structure for housing various internal components;a motion sensor in a shape of a camera lens protruding from the front wall;a vibration mechanism; anda speaker;wherein the motion sensor, the vibration mechanism, and the speaker are integrated into the body component;wherein the camera lens includes a servo motor for moving the camera lens in conjunction with the motion sensor, allowing it to simulate effect of watching children;wherein the speaker plays pre-recorded sounds or music in conjunction with the motion sensor;wherein the vibration mechanism is activated in conjunction with the motion sensor and vibrates the body component in response;wherein the body component comprises an external light which is a red light located on the front wall and activated in conjunction with the motion sensor;wherein the body component houses a processor which acts to communicate with the servo motor, the speaker, the vibration mechanism, the motion sensor, and the external light;wherein when the motion sensor is activated, the processor turns on the external red light and the body component will vibrate and the speaker will play pre-recorded audio and the servo motor will move the camera lens as if it were watching the children;wherein the body component comprises a strap or a suction cup to allow for mounting the elf on the go device; andfurther wherein the body component comprises a wireless communication module which would allow the elf on the go device to pair with a mobile application on a smartphone, once paired, a user could control the elf on the go device via the mobile application.

16. The elf on the go device of claim 15, wherein the body component is decorated in various colors, patterns, and designs and comprises ornamentation such as ribbons or bows to resemble a small gift box.

17. The elf on the go device of claim 15, wherein the body component is powered by a disposable or rechargeable battery, if the battery is rechargeable it charged via a USB port.

18. The elf on the go device of claim 15, wherein the smartphone may be a mobile telephone, smart pad, laptop, a remote control, or any other smart device that may have wireless communication capabilities and may be connected to the internet, and the smartphone performs any type of wireless communication, including, but not limited to, WIFI, BLUETOOTH, RFID, NFC, etc.

19. The elf on the go device of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of allowing children to still believe they are being watched by an elf when traveling away from home, the method comprising the following steps:providing an elf on the go device comprising a body component with a motion sensor, speaker, and vibration mechanism;mounting the device in a vehicle or hotel room via a strap or suction cup;turning the device on via the power button;when activated via the motion sensor, turning on the red light, vibrating the body component, and playing a pre-recorded audio through the speaker; andcommunicating with a paired smartphone to remotely control the device.

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