U.S. patent application number 11/784683 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for soothing devices.
Invention is credited to Kathy Osborn.
Application Number | 20080016624 11/784683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38957506 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080016624 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osborn; Kathy |
January 24, 2008 |
Soothing devices
Abstract
A soothing device is disclosed. The soothing device may be used
in combination with a person support, such as a baby crib, a bed,
and a dentist chair. The soothing device may include a display, a
projector, a screen, and a mobile. The soothing device may include
one or more covers. The soothing device may be used in combination
with a portable, stand alone media device.
Inventors: |
Osborn; Kathy;
(Indianapolis, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & DANIELS LLP
300 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, SUITE 2700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
38957506 |
Appl. No.: |
11/784683 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11490561 |
Jul 21, 2006 |
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11784683 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/658 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 5/00 20130101; A63H
33/006 20130101; A63H 33/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/658 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for mounting to a person support having a support
surface for supporting a person, the device comprising: a soothing
device supported by the person support, the soothing device
including a first portion adapted to couple to the person support,
a second portion positioned over the support surface of the person
support within a periphery of the person support, and an arm
connecting the first portion and the second portion; and a cover
configured to cover over at least a portion of one of the first
portion, the arm, and the second portion, the cover being
selectable from a plurality of covers each having a different
decorative appearance.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion includes at
least one speaker and a controller coupled to the speaker, the
controller being operably coupled to a media source which provides
media to be played by the speaker.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the media source is removably
coupled to the soothing device and includes a memory storing at
least a plurality of audio files.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the media source is a stand
alone media device.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a docking station
provided on the soothing device, the media source being receivable
by the docking station.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a second cover, the
second cover being configured to provide a coordinated decorative
appearance to the cover of the soothing device and to cover a
portion of the media source.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the memory of the media source
further includes at least one of a plurality of image files and a
plurality of video files.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a display
positioned within the periphery of the person support, the display
being operably coupled to the controller and configured to display
the at least one of the plurality of image files and the plurality
of video files stored in the memory of the media source.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the display is supported by
the second portion of the soothing device.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the display is an LCD
display.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the display is supported by
the person support.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the display is positioned
outside of a periphery of the support surface.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured
to utilize the at least one speaker to play at least one of the
audio files stored in the memory of the media source in conjunction
with at least one file of the plurality of image files and the
plurality of video files stored in the memory of the media source
being displayed on the display.
14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a first portion of the
plurality of audio files are referenced in a playlist stored in the
memory.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the soothing device is
configured to support a removable stand alone media device.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the
soothing device includes a rotatable member and a plurality of
visual stimulation devices supported by the rotatable member, the
visual stimulation devices being removable from the rotatable
member.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plurality of visual
stimulation devices are coordinated to the cover.
18. An apparatus for mounting to a person support having a support
surface for supporting a person, the device comprising: a soothing
device supported by the person support, the soothing device
including a first portion adapted to be coupled to the person
support, a second portion positioned over the support surface of
the person support within a periphery of the person support, and an
arm connecting the first portion and the second portion; and a
stand alone media device configured to be operatively coupled to a
media input of the soothing device and to provide media content to
a media output device of the soothing device, the media content
including a configurable playlist.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first portion includes
at least one speaker and a controller coupled to the at least one
speaker, the controller being operably coupled to the stand alone
media device which provides media content to be played by the
speaker.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the soothing device includes
a docking station, the stand alone media device being receivable by
the docking station.
21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the soothing device includes
a display positioned within the periphery of the person support,
the display being operably coupled to the controller and configured
to display media content provided by the stand alone media
device.
22. A method of customizing a soothing device for a first
environment including a person support including a support surface
for supporting a person, the method comprising the steps of:
offering a soothing device including a first portion adapted to
couple to the person support, a second portion positioned over the
support surface within a periphery of the person support, and an
arm connecting the first portion and the second portion; offering a
plurality of different covers for at least at least a portion of
one of the first portion, the arm, and the second portion, a first
cover of the plurality of different covers being coordinated with
the first environment; and selling the soothing device and the
first cover.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the person support is a baby
crib and the first environment includes at least one of a bedding
for the baby crib, a bumper pad for the baby crib, and an accessory
related to the baby crib, further comprising the step of offering
at least one of the bedding for the baby crib related to the first
environment, the bumper pad for the baby crib related to the first
environment, and the accessory related to the baby crib related to
the first environment.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the soothing device and the
first cover are offered at a single price.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the soothing device includes an
interface to interact with a removable media source.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of offering
a plurality of different covers for the media source, at least a
first cover for the media source of the plurality of different
covers for the media source coordinating with the first cover of
the soothing device.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first cover of the soothing
device and the first cover for the media source are offered at a
single price.
28. A soothing device for use with a person support having a
support surface for supporting a person and a stand alone media
device, the soothing device comprising: a housing; a controller
positioned within the housing, the controller being adapted to be
operably coupled with the stand alone media source; at least one
speaker operatively coupled to the controller, the at least one
speaker positioned within the housing and operably coupled to the
stand alone media device when the stand alone media device is
operably coupled to the controller such that audio media content
stored in a memory of the stand alone media device is played
through the at least one speaker; a mobile supported by the
housing, the mobile being positioned within a periphery of the
person support; and a visual media output device spaced apart from
the housing, the visual media output device being configured to
provide visual media within a periphery of the person support, and
operably coupled to the stand alone media device when the stand
alone media device is operably coupled to the controller, the
visual media being stored in the memory of the stand alone media
device.
29. The soothing device of claim 28, wherein the visual media
output device is a projector.
30. The soothing device of claim 28, wherein the visual media
output device is a display supported by the person support.
31. The soothing device of claim 28, wherein the visual media
output device is a display supported by the mobile.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/490,561, filed Jul. 21, 2006, the
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to soothing devices including
baby mobiles and baby soothing devices.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Traditional baby mobiles are mountable to a baby's crib and
include a music box, an arm extending from a music box over the
baby crib, and a plurality of objects or toys suspended from the
arm. The music box typically stores only a few songs. The music box
is powered by batteries and operates to play the songs and rotate
the objects above the crib. The mechanism for activating the mobile
(i.e. playing the songs and rotating the objects) is often in the
form of a wind up music box. In these cases the mechanism for
playing the music is usually a mechanical music player and the
music is played for the duration of the wind. In other words, the
play length of the music box is determined by the wind up capacity.
In other cases, the mechanism for activating the mobile is
electronic and a button is pushed to activate the mobile. In these
cases, the playback mechanism is digital in nature and typically
plays less soothing and more robotic sounding renditions of the
music. The play length of these electronic playback music boxes is
determined by the length of the song.
[0006] Oftentimes, the length of the playback is not long enough to
soothe a baby to sleep and parents are forced to sneak back into
the baby's room to re-activate the music box. In addition, the
variety of songs and sound quality is limited. It can be rather
frustrating to come home with a baby mobile that plays a song that,
for one reason or another, is not soothing to the baby. It would be
beneficial to provide a baby soothing device that would allow
parents to program and play back any variety of songs for any
desired duration. It would be of further benefit to provide a baby
soothing device that provided improved sound quality.
SUMMARY
[0007] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
soothing device for soothing or relaxing a person and/or for
entertaining a person is provided. In one example the soothing
device is a baby soothing device. In another example, the soothing
device is for an older person, such as a toddler, an adolescent, a
teenager, an adult, and a senior. In an exemplary embodiment, the
soothing device is configured to receive media content from a stand
alone media device and to present the media to the person.
Exemplary types of media content include audio, images,
visualizations, and videos. Exemplary methods of presenting the
media content include with at least one speaker, with a projector,
and/or with a display. Further, the soothing device in an exemplary
embodiment, includes a rotatable member which supports a plurality
of visual stimuli.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
an apparatus for mounting to a person support having a support
surface for supporting a person is provided. The apparatus
comprising a soothing device supported by the person support and a
cover. The soothing device includes a first portion adapted to
couple to the person support, a second portion positioned over the
support surface of the person support within a periphery of the
person support, and an arm connecting the first portion and the
second portion. The cover being configured to cover over at least a
portion of one of the first portion, the arm, and the second
portion. The cover being selectable from a plurality of covers each
having a different decorative appearance.
[0009] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
an apparatus for mounting to a person support having a support
surface for supporting a person is provided. The apparatus
comprising a soothing device supported by the person support and a
stand alone media device. The soothing device includes a first
portion adapted to be coupled to the person support, a second
portion positioned over the support surface of the person support
within a periphery of the person support, and an arm connecting the
first portion and the second portion. The stand alone media device
being configured to be operatively coupled to a media input of the
soothing device and to provide media content to a media output
device of the soothing device. The media content including a
configurable playlist.
[0010] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method of customizing a soothing device for a first
environment including a person support including a support surface
for supporting a person is provided. The method comprising the
steps of offering a soothing device including a first portion
adapted to couple to the person support, a second portion
positioned over the support surface within a periphery of the
person support, and an arm connecting the first portion and the
second portion; offering a plurality of different covers for at
least at least a portion of one of the first portion, the arm, and
the second portion, a first cover of the plurality of different
covers being coordinated with the first environment; and selling
the soothing device and the first cover.
[0011] In still a further exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a soothing device for use with a person support having
a support surface for supporting the person and a stand alone media
device is provided. The soothing device comprising a housing; a
controller positioned within the housing, the controller being
adapted to be operably coupled with the stand alone media source;
at least one speaker operatively coupled to the controller, a
mobile supported by the housing, and a visual media output device
spaced apart from the housing. The at least one speaker positioned
within the housing and operably coupled to the stand alone media
device when the stand alone media device is operably coupled to the
controller such that audio media stored in a memory of the stand
alone media device is played through the at least one speaker. The
mobile being positioned within a periphery of the person support.
The visual media output device being configured to provide visual
media within a periphery of the support and operably coupled to the
stand alone media device when the stand alone media device is
operably coupled to the controller, the visual media being stored
in the memory of the stand alone media device.
[0012] Additional features of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the
following detailed description of the presently perceived best mode
of carrying out the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a crib having a baby soothing
device according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted
thereon;
[0014] FIG. 1A is a top view of the crib of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of the baby soothing device of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a front view of an exemplary cover;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a crib having a baby soothing
device according to another embodiment of the present invention
mounted thereon;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a crib having a baby soothing
device according to another embodiment of the present invention
mounted thereon;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a stand alone
media source and a baby soothing device;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of exemplary media types
stored on a memory of the media source of FIG. 5 and exemplary
media output devices of the baby soothing device of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of various covers that may be
associated with various components of an environment, an exemplary
baby soothing device, and an exemplary media source;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of a bed having a mattress supported
by a frame, a headboard, a footboard, and a pair of siderails;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top view of the bed of FIG. 8;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a side view an exemplary embodiment of a portion
of a soothing device;
[0025] FIG. 11A is a bottom view of the portion of the soothing
device of FIG. 10 including a screen; and
[0026] FIG. 11B is a bottom view of the portion of the soothing
device of FIG. 10 including a display.
[0027] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent
embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not
necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in
order to better illustrate and explain the present invention.
Although the exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments
of the invention, in several forms, the embodiments disclosed below
are not intended to be exhaustive or to be construed as limiting
the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The embodiments hereinafter disclosed are not intended to be
exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in
the following description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and
described so that others skilled in the art may utilize its
teachings.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary soothing device 300 is
shown. Soothing device 300 includes a controller 302, a media input
304, a memory 306, a user input 308, and one or more media output
devices 310. In one embodiment, soothing device 300 is a baby
soothing device and includes a baby mobile, such as baby mobile 36
shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] Soothing device 300 interacts with a stand alone media
source or device 320 which provides media content to soothing
device 300. Exemplary types of media content include audio content,
image content, visualization content, and video content. Exemplary
types of audio content include songs and other types of recordings,
such as books. Exemplary types of image content include photos,
such as of family members, art, educational items, or
visualizations. Exemplary types of video content include video
clips of family members, movies, and educational shows. Exemplary
visualization content include wave visualizations, such as
available for Windows Media Player available from Microsoft
corporation located in Redmond, Wash.
[0031] An exemplary media source 320 is an IPOD brand media source
available from Apple Computer, Inc. located at 1 Infinite Loop,
Cupertino, Calif. 95014. Additional details regarding exemplary
media sources are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,934,812, U.S. Pat.
No. 7,046,230, U.S. Pat. No. 7,072,477, U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,437,
and U.S. Pat. No. 7,166,791, the disclosures of which are expressly
incorporated by reference herein.
[0032] Media source 320 receives exemplary media content from a
remote media content storage 330. Exemplary remote media content
storages 330 include a personal computer and a computer accessible
through a network, such as the Internet. An exemplary remote media
content storage 330 is ITUNES brand media software available from
Apple Computer, Inc. located at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, Calif.
95014.
[0033] In one embodiment, media source 320 is coupled to remote
media content storage 330 through a data port 332. In one
embodiment, media source 320 is coupled to remote media content
storage 330 through a docking station which includes an electrical
connection for data port 332. In one embodiment, media source 320
is wirelessly coupled to remote media content storage 330.
[0034] Media source 320 includes a controller 334 and an associated
memory 336. Media source 320 further includes a user input 338, an
output device 340, and a media output 342. Media content received
from remote media content storage 330 is stored in memory 336 by
controller 334.
[0035] Controller 334 in response to inputs received through user
input 338 retrieves various types of media content stored in memory
336. Exemplary user inputs include a touch input, a button, a
switch, and other suitable inputs. Exemplary output devices include
a display screen and other suitable output devices. In one example,
controller 334 displays on a display screen identifiers for various
media content stored in memory 336 and a user selects various media
content with user input 338.
[0036] Controller 334 provides the media content or a
representation of the media content to one or both of a media
output 342 and data port 332. An exemplary media output 342 is a
speaker or headphone jack. One or both of media output 342 and data
port 332 are operably coupled to media input 304 of soothing device
300.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 6, exemplary types of media content 331
are shown stored in memory 336 of stand alone media source 320
including a one or more audio files 350, one or more playlists 352,
one or more image files 354, one or more visualizations 355, and
one or more video files 356. Playlists 352 reference a plurality of
audio files 350, image files 354, visualizations 355, and/or video
files 356 and provide a quick way to select a plurality of media
content. Further, playlists 352 which may include one or more audio
files 350, image files 354, visualizations 355, and/or video files
356 are configurable. In one embodiment, a user may through user
input 338 (see FIG. 5) add media content to a playlist, remove
media content from a playlist, and/or organize the order of media
content for a playlist. Further, a user may program the amount of
time each image is shown on a display, such as display 560 (see
FIG. 11B), and whether a playlist should play through once, cycle,
and/or be presented in random order.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 6, media content 331 is provided to
soothing device 300. As mentioned above, media content 331 may be
provided through media output 342 (see FIG. 5) and/or data port 332
(see FIG. 5). The media content provided to soothing device 300 is
directed by controller 302 (see FIG. 5) to various media output
devices 310. Exemplary media output devices 310 are shown in FIG. 6
including one or more speakers 360, one or more projectors 362, and
one or more displays 364. Exemplary displays include LCD displays,
plasma displays, and other suitable displays. In one embodiment,
display 364 is positioned along a side of a person support, such as
the location of visual simulation device 248 on crib 10 (see FIG.
4). In one embodiment, display 364 is positioned over a mattress of
a person report, such as display 560 supported by arm 38 (see FIGS.
10 and 11B).
[0039] With one or more speakers 360, audio files 350 and/or a
sound component of video files 356 may be presented to a person,
such as a baby. With one or more projectors 362, image files 354
and/or an image component of video files 356 may be presented to a
person, such as a baby, on a surface. Exemplary surfaces include
screens (see screen 550 in FIG. 11A or a canopy of a crib), walls,
and ceilings. With one or more displays, image files 354 and/or an
image component of video files 356 may be presented to a person,
such as a baby. In one embodiment wherein the person support is a
baby crib 10, a display of stand alone media device 320 is covered
with a cover or otherwise obstructed from the view of a baby in a
crib 10.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary soothing device 400 is
shown coupled to media source 320. Soothing device 400 generally
interacts with media source 320 as described herein for soothing
device 300 (see FIG. 5). Soothing device 400 is a baby soothing
device and includes a base portion 402, an arm 404, a second
portion 406, and a plurality of visual stimulation devices 408.
Base portion 402, in one embodiment, is configured to be coupled to
crib 410. Second portion 406 is positioned over crib 410 within a
periphery of crib 410, such as periphery 15 shown in FIG. 1A for
crib 10.
[0041] Crib 410 is one example of a person support. Additional
types of person supports include standard beds, hospital beds,
dentist chairs, other suitable person supports. Exemplary person
supports are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,219, U.S. Pat. No.
7,076,818, U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,208, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,461,
the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
[0042] Exemplary person supports include a support surface for
supporting a person thereon. Exemplary support surfaces include an
upper surface of one or more support members. Exemplary support
members include a mattress and one or more support portion of a
chair, such as a backrest, an arm rest, a leg rest, and a
mid-section rest. Exemplary support members may be comprised of
foam, air cells, springs, and other suitable forms of padding or
combination thereof. In one embodiment, the support surface is the
top of the support member. In one embodiment, the support surface
is a top surface of a cover placed over the support member.
[0043] An exemplary person support 500 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
Support 500 includes a frame 502, a headboard 504 and a footboard
506, headboard 504 and footboard 506 being coupled to frame 502. A
mattress 508 is supported by frame 502. Person support 500 includes
a pair of siderails 510 and 512. A periphery 514 of support 500 is
illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0044] The soothing devices disclosed herein may be coupled to
support 500. The soothing devices disclosed herein may be coupled
to one of frame 502, headboard 504, footboard 506, and siderails
510 and 512.
[0045] Returning to FIG. 7, base portion 402 is coupled to a crib
410. Crib 410 is generally similar to crib 10 in FIG. 1. In one
embodiment, crib 410 includes bedding 412, a bumper pad 414, and at
least one accessory 416. Exemplary bedding includes sheets,
blankets, and a comforter. Bumper pad 414 is positioned generally
above a mattress of crib 410 and extends around an inner perimeter
of crib 410. Exemplary accessories 416 include window treatments, a
diaper holder, and other suitable accessories. Crib 410, bedding
412, bumper pad 414, and accessory 416 are generally grouped as the
environment 420 into which soothing device 400 is introduced.
[0046] In one embodiment, soothing device 400 and/or media source
320 are configured to coordinate with environment 420 and to be
configurable for various different environments. In one embodiment,
media source 320, base portion 402, arm 404, media output device
405, and/or mobile 406 have an associated cover 430, 432, 434, 435,
and 436, respectively. Further, in one embodiment cover 46 (see
FIG. 1) is selected to coordinate with the environment and/or
covers 430, 432, 434, 435, and 436. Each of covers 46, 430, 432,
434, 435, and 436 have a decorative appearance. Exemplary
decorative appearances include colors, patterns, textures, and
other suitable appearances. In one embodiment, covers 46, 430, 432,
434, 435, and 436 are coordinated by having the same decorative
appearance. In one embodiment, covers 46, 430, 432, 434, 435, and
436 are coordinated by having complementing decorative
appearances.
[0047] Exemplary covers include snap on covers, such as
interchangeable faceplates for media source 320, stretchable
covers, such as fabric covers, plastic covers, rubber covers,
neoprene covers and other suitable covers.
[0048] Turning to FIGS. 1-4, additional embodiments of soothing
devices are shown. Referring first to FIG. 1, a baby soothing
device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention is
shown. Baby soothing device 20 is adapted for mounting on baby crib
10, as described in further detail below. Baby soothing device 20
is also adapted for mounting nearby crib 10. Crib 10 generally
includes headboard panel 12, footboard panel (not shown) and side
panels 14 extending between headboard 12 and footboard 13 (see FIG.
1A). Headboard 12, footboard (not shown) and side panels 14
cooperate to surround mattress 16. An outer side of headboard 12,
the footboard, and side panels 14 define a periphery 15 (see FIG.
1A) of crib 10.
[0049] Baby soothing device 20 generally includes central operating
unit or base 22 and may include a visual stimulation device 36,
illustratively a mobile, operatively coupled to central operating
unit 22. Optionally central operating unit 22 is operably coupled
to an interface component 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
central operating unit 22 includes interface component 24, which is
adapted to electronically interface with any stand alone media
source 26 such as Mp3 player, IPOD brand media source, any portable
music player, digital music player or music storage device
including an Mp3 player, flash drive, satellite radio receiver, and
CD player. It should also be understood that interface component 24
may include wireless communication or network system interaction
between central operating unit 22 and media source 26. For
instance, the central operating unit 22 may include a USB port
adapted to receive the USB connector end of a standard Mp3
connector cable. The central operating unit 22 may also include a
mechanism to communicate with the home computer network or
bluetooth technology. It should be further understood that media
includes any sensory communication medium, such as audio and video.
Media source includes the functionality described herein for media
source 320 (see FIG. 6).
[0050] Interface component 24 electrically or wirelessly couples to
media source 26. As illustrated in FIG. 2, interface component 24
acts as a docking station for media source 26 and includes recess
24a, in which media source 26 may be cradled, and dock connector
24b disposed within recess 24a. Dock connector 24b is adapted to
electronically couple with a mating port or connector (not shown)
on media source 26. For example, dock connector 24b may be in the
form of a male connector mateable with a standard female connector
(not shown) on media source 26. As illustrated in FIG. 1, central
operating unit 22 operatively couples and communicates with media
source 26 via dock connector 24b. Central operating unit 22 also
includes speaker 28, which is operatively coupled with media source
26 via dock connector 24b and is adapted to transmit the sound and
music stored in media source 26. Central operating unit 22 may also
include remote sensor 30, which is adapted to receive signals from
a remote controller (not shown) to control central operating unit
in response to the signals received. Central operating unit 22 is
also adapted to transmit and display images or video stored in
media source 26, such as a video IPOD, as discussed in greater
detail below.
[0051] Baby soothing device 20 optionally includes attachment
bracket 32 coupling central operating unit 22 to crib 10 or other
support. As illustrated in FIG. 1, attachment bracket 32 is coupled
to central operating unit 22 and is adapted to mount central
operating unit 22 to side panel 14 of crib 10. Attachment bracket
32 may be in the form of any known attachment bracket used for
mounting mobiles or other devices to a crib. Alternatively,
attachment bracket 32 may be configured to mount central operating
unit 22 to a wall W near crib 10.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 1, visual stimulation device 36 is in
the form of a mobile having arm 38, a rotatable member 39, and
visual stimuli 40. In one embodiment, mobile 36 is mounted to a
wall W or ceiling C instead of central operating unit 22.
[0053] Illustratively arm 38 is operatively attached at one end to
arm receiving opening 37 (FIG. 2) of central operating unit 22.
Illustratively visual stimuli 40 in the form of small stuffed
animals are rotably mounted to the opposite end of arm 38 to
rotatable member 39 which rotates under the control of central
operating unit 22 as is known in the art. In one embodiment, visual
stimuli 40 are coordinated with the covers for the soothing device.
In one embodiment, visual stimuli 40 are themed. Exemplary themes
include nautical themes (boats, anchors, sea life, and other
items), sports (balls, clubs, and other items), and animals (bears,
giraffes, and other items).
[0054] Visual stimuli 40 may be supported by rotatable member 39 by
any suitable method including but not limited to fasteners such as
snap hooks, snaps, stitching, molded plastic ends. Illustratively
arm 38 is configured to position visual stimuli 40 over mattress 16
and within the periphery 15 (see FIG. 1A) of baby crib 10. Central
operating unit 22 is adapted to drive the rotation of visual
stimuli 40 in a manner similar to conventional mobiles. It should
be understood that visual stimuli 40 need not be in the form of
stuffed animals, but could be in the form of lights, toys, shapes
including colorful geometric shapes and other visually stimulating
objects. It should also be understood that visual stimuli 40 may be
interchangeable and provided in assorted designs, motifs, colors,
fabrics, materials, and styles.
[0055] In one embodiment, visual stimuli 40 may also come in
colorful, artistic, non-baby motifs for use with adults and older
children who may be bedridden, have disabilities, or otherwise need
soothing stimulation and/or distractions. In one embodiment, the
soothing devices disclosed herein are for use during and following
activities such as medical procedures, such as chemotherapy
treatment or dialysis.
[0056] Baby soothing device 20 optionally includes covers 50 which
are available for exposed parts of baby soothing device 20,
including but not limited to central operating unit 22, attachment
bracket 32, rotatable member 39, and arm 38. As illustrated in FIG.
2A, a cover 50 is adapted to fit over central operating unit 22
(FIG. 2). Covers 50 are interchangeable and have assorted colors
and designs and may be available in both solid colors and prints.
Covers 50 may be made of cloth, plastic or other suitable
materials. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, covers 50
include apertures 52 to accommodate access points for baby soothing
device 20, for example the cover for central operating unit 22 in
FIG. 2A includes an aperture 52A for the arm connection 37 of
central operating unit 22 and an aperture 52B for dock connector
24B. Covers 50 may be supported by baby soothing device 20 in any
suitable fashion, including but not limited to the use of fasteners
such as VELCRO brand fasteners, snaps, and ties; fitted and/or
stretchable fibers which contour the shape of baby soothing device
20 or create sleeves around appropriate parts of baby soothing
device 20.
[0057] There are many possible combinations of visual stimuli 40
and covers 50 making baby soothing device 20 customizable. Visual
stimuli 40 and covers 50 may be sold individually. Sets of visual
stimuli 40 and covers 50 may be combined into kits based on
conceptual groups of color options, images, designs and shapes.
Kits may assist in room decoration and kits may make baby soothing
device 20 easily transferable from one baby's room to another
baby's room with a different decoration motif. In one embodiment, a
user would obtain a first selection of at least one visual stimuli
40 and covers 50 for a first baby, such as a girl, and subsequently
obtain a second selection of at least one visual stimuli 40 and
covers 50 for a second baby, such as a boy. Kits may also allow for
differing levels of pattern complexity as baby grows and develops,
or as preferred by older persons using the soothing device.
[0058] In one embodiment, baby soothing device 20 is offered for
sale along with a plurality of covers 50 and visual stimuli 40 for
a single price. A first cover of the plurality of covers
coordinated for a first environment and a second cover of the
plurality of covers coordinated for a second environment. In one
embodiment, covers are provided for media source 26 which
coordinate with the covers for baby soothing device 20. In one
embodiment, a first cover for media source 26 is offered for sale
along with coordinating covers 50 for a single price. In one
embodiment, a first cover for baby soothing device 20 are offered
for sale for a single price.
[0059] Central operating unit 22 optionally includes power cord 42,
which is adapted to be plugged into AC outlet 44 and to deliver
electrical current from outlet 44 to central operating unit 22. For
added safety, cord 42 may be housed within rigid cover 46, also
available in coordinating colors and materials, extending from
central operating unit 22 to below mattress 16 such that cord 42 is
out of the reach of a baby in crib 10.
[0060] In use, illustratively central operating unit 22 is mounted
to side panel 14 of crib 10 using attachment bracket 32. Visual
stimulation device 36 is coupled to central operating unit 22 by
inserting arm 38 into arm receiving opening 37 (FIG. 2) such that
visual stimuli 40 are positioned above mattress 16 and within the
periphery 15 of baby crib 10. Illustratively power cord 42 is
plugged into outlet 44. Illustratively media source 26 is cradled
in recess 24a such that dock connector 24b electronically couples
with a mating port (not shown) on media source 26. A play list
(i.e. a list of songs stored on the Mp3 player when media source 26
includes an Mp3 player) is selected using the user inputs (not
shown) on media source 26. Media source 26 enables programmable
listing of songs and multiple play lists. Media source 26 includes
the ability to modify existing play lists. Media source 26
communicates the audio signals from the play list to speaker 28 via
central operating unit 22 thereby causing speaker 28 to play the
songs on the play list. When audio signals are being transmitted
from media source 26 to speaker 28, illustratively central
operating unit 22 operates to rotate rotating member 39 and thus
visual stimuli 40. Central operating unit 22 also is adapted to
synchronize audio signals with movement of visual stimuli 40.
Further, in one embodiment central operating unit 22 is adapted to
project and/or move images when audio and/or video signals are
transmitted from media source 26 to speaker 28, a projector 134
(FIG. 3), and/or display 248 (see FIG. 4) through central operation
unit 22.
[0061] A standard remote controller may be configured to operate
central operating unit 22 by transmitting signals to remote sensor
30. Accordingly, central operating unit 22 may be adapted such that
a user can turn off speaker 28, control the volume of speaker 28,
repeat the selected play list, select a new play list, turn off
central operating unit 22 or perform other operating tasks. Central
operating unit 22 may include other useful components such as an
on/off switch or volume control knob.
[0062] Unlike prior baby mobiles, baby soothing device 20 allows
the user to program a play list containing any variety of songs to
soothe the baby to sleep. The user is not limited to just one or
two songs stored in the conventional mobile music boxes. In
addition, the user can create a play list of any length to provide
longer soothing time. Also, the user can create multiple play lists
and/or modify current play lists to provide a variety of music to
sooth the baby and/or stimulate brain development. Finally, device
20 provides improved sound quality in comparison to the music boxes
of prior mobiles.
[0063] Turning now to FIG. 3, baby soothing device 120 according to
another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Similar to
device 20 (FIG. 1), illustratively baby soothing device 120
includes central operating unit 122, interface component 124 and
speaker 128. Interface component 124 operates in a manner similar
to interface component 24 (FIG. 2) to operatively couple central
operating unit 122 to media source 26. Optionally central operating
unit 122 is mountable to crib 10, as described above, using
attachment bracket 132. Rather than employing AC current through an
electrical cord, illustratively central operating unit 122 is
adapted to be powered by batteries and includes battery compartment
142 for housing batteries.
[0064] Rather than a mobile, visual stimulus device 134 of baby
soothing device 120 is in the form of a light projector 134. Light
projector 134 is operatively coupled to baby soothing device 120,
illustratively shown in FIG. 3, as coupled to central operating
unit 122. It is understood that light projector 134 may be
operatively coupled to arm 38 (FIG. 1), wall W or ceiling C. As
previously described, central operating unit 122 is adapted to
transmit video signals or still image signals which may include
lights and/or images from media source 26. Also as previously
described, projector 134 is adapted to output video signals or
still image signals as previously described. Light projector 134 is
adapted to project lights and/or images on items within the
periphery of baby crib 10 including such things as ceiling C above
mattress 16, a canopy attached to crib 10, and wall W. The lights
or images may be in the form of animals, stars, or other shapes and
may be a variety of colors. Furthermore, light projector 134 may be
adapted to project moving images on items within the periphery 15
of baby crib 10 including such things as ceiling C.
[0065] In one embodiment, light projector 134 may project images,
such as moving images, on a screen 550 (see FIG. 11A) supported by
a stationary member 41 attached to arm 38. Stationary member 41
further includes a plurality of couplers 552 to which visual
stimuli 40 may be attached. Exemplary couplers include clips,
hooks, and other suitable couplers. In one embodiment, a display
560 (see FIG. 11B) replaces screen 550 of FIG. 11A.
[0066] In operation, baby soothing device 120 operates as described
above with respect to device 20 (FIG. 1). However, rather than or
in addition to rotating a mobile, central operating unit 122 causes
projector 134 to project and/or move images and lights on items
within the periphery of baby crib 10 including such things as
ceiling C when music is played through speaker 128. Central
operating unit 122 may be configured to operate in music only mode,
whereby the music is played but projector 134 is turned off;
projector only mode, whereby images are projected but speaker 128
is turned off; or combined music and projector mode, whereby images
are projected and music is played. In the combined music and
projector mode, central operating unit 122 may be adapted to move
or project images on items within the periphery of baby crib 10
including such things as ceiling C in synchrony with the music
being played.
[0067] Central operating unit 22 may also be configured to project
images from media source 26. It is understood that the images may
include photos that are stored in the media source 26 or
digital/portable music device.
[0068] Turning now to FIG. 4, baby soothing device 220 according to
another embodiment of the present invention is shown. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, baby soothing device 220 includes central
operating unit 222, mobile 236, battery compartment 242, speaker
228 attachment bracket 232, and interface component 224. In
addition or in the alternative to mobile 236, baby soothing device
220 may also include a side panel visual stimulation device 248.
Optionally side panel visual stimulation device 248 may extend
downward from attachment bracket 232 such that visual stimulation
device 248 is displayed to the side of the baby in crib 10 as
illustrated in FIG. 4. Optionally side panel visual stimulation
device 248 may also couple to baby crib 10 and operatively
communicate with central operating unit 222. Optionally panel
visual stimulation device 248 may also extend from mobile 236 or be
mounted to wall W or ceiling C.
[0069] Central operating unit 222 may be configured to display
images, visualizations, and/or video from media source 26 with
visual stimulation device 248. It is understood that the images may
include photos that are stored in the media source 26. Similar to
projector 134 (FIG. 3), visual stimulation device 248 is adapted to
display video signals which may include lights and/or images from
media source 26. In one embodiment, visual stimulation device 248
is a flat panel display. In another embodiment, device 248 includes
visual stimuli 248a, which may be in the form of flashing lights or
moving characters. For instance, device 248 may mimic an aquarium
which may contain water and stimuli 248a moving within the water
and/or a celestial scene which may contain planets, stars, and
stimuli moving through the galaxy or sky. The stimuli, in the case
of an aquarium, may be in the form of fish or other sea creatures.
Of course, the aquarium and celestial concepts are just two
examples of the side panel visual stimulation device 248. Various
other concepts may be used. Central operating unit 222 is adapted
to activate (i.e. move and/or illuminate) stimuli 248 in a
coordinated fashion with the audio from media source 26.
[0070] It should be understood that although several of the
illustrated embodiments described above employ a docking station
arrangement for electronically coupling the central operating unit
to the Mp3 player, other means may be employed. Furthermore, the
central operating unit of the present invention need not include a
mounting bracket and need not be mounted on the crib 10 or wall W.
Instead, central operating unit may be adapted to simply sit on a
dresser or table in the room and project images or extend mobile
over the mattress of the crib. As such, central operating unit may
be adapted for use as a stand alone docking station for media
source 26 for use by a growing child or adult in need of soothing
stimulation. In addition, safety features may be added to the
devices of the present invention. For instance, a locking device or
cover may be employed to keep the Mp3 player from coming out of the
docking station and to prevent a child in the crib from dislodging
the Mp3 player.
[0071] In one embodiment, controller 302 based upon the type of
media content being received from media source 320 activates or
deactivates various media output devices. For example, if the media
content being received is audio only, such as for a song,
controller 302 will activate one or more speakers and deactivate
the display and/or the projector, if both are provided with the
soothing device. In another example wherein the media content is an
audio file and a visualization, controller 302 will activate both
one or more speakers and the display and/or the projector, if both
are provided with the soothing device. Further, controller 302 may
control the activation of a mobile provided with the soothing
device. The activation or deactivation of the mobile may be based
on an input with user input 308 or may be a timer. User input 308
may be a remote control unit that wirelessly communicates with
controller 302. Through the remote control unit a user may activate
or deactivate, one or more of speakers, projector, display, and
mobile.
[0072] Although the present invention has been described in detail
with reference to preferred embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the present
invention.
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