U.S. patent application number 12/621605 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for infant sleeping area ventilation system for the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rex Enterprises, LLC. Invention is credited to Franklin Leroy Stebbing.
Application Number | 20100125949 12/621605 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42194858 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100125949 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stebbing; Franklin Leroy |
May 27, 2010 |
Infant Sleeping Area Ventilation System For the Prevention of
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Abstract
A ventilation system that includes a fan for providing fresh air
within an infant's sleeping area. The fan may be mounted to the
infant's sleeping device and may include fan guards surrounding the
fan for increased safety. The ventilation system may include a
sensing device for monitoring the conditions within the infant's
sleeping area. The sensing device may monitor the oxygen level, the
carbon dioxide level, and the presence of smoke. The sensing device
may monitor for additional toxic gasses or hazardous conditions
within the infant's sleeping area. The ventilation system may
further include a remote receiver that receives signals from the
sensing device if a hazardous condition exists within the infant's
sleeping area. The ventilation system may further include local and
remote alarms configured to provide notification of a hazardous
condition within the infant's sleeping area.
Inventors: |
Stebbing; Franklin Leroy;
(Norfolk, NE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
TEN SOUTH WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3000
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Rex Enterprises, LLC
Norfolk
NE
|
Family ID: |
42194858 |
Appl. No.: |
12/621605 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61117360 |
Nov 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
61168113 |
Apr 9, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/423 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/5657 20130101;
A47D 13/02 20130101; B60N 2/2863 20130101; A47C 21/044 20130101;
A47D 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/423 |
International
Class: |
A47C 21/04 20060101
A47C021/04 |
Claims
1. A ventilation system comprising: a fan; a mounting apparatus
configured to mount the fan to an infant's sleeping area; a sensing
device including a plurality of sensors for monitoring hazardous
conditions in the infant's sleeping area; and at least one alarm
configured to provide notification of a hazardous condition in the
infant's sleeping area.
2. The ventilation system of claim 1, further comprising: a remote
receiver configured to receive signals from the sensing device and
provide an alarm if the sensing device detects a hazardous
condition in the infant's sleeping area.
3. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the fan includes fan
guards positioned on either side of the fan.
4. The ventilation system of claim 2, wherein the remote receiver
receives wireless signals from the sensing device.
5. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the sensing device
monitors the oxygen level in the infant's sleeping area.
6. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the sensing device
monitors the carbon dioxide level in the infant's sleeping
area.
7. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the alarm is
configured to provide an audible notification of a hazardous
condition in the infant's sleeping area.
8. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the sensing device is
enclosed in an infant-friendly enclosure.
9. The ventilation system of claim 8, wherein the infant-friendly
enclosure is a stuffed toy.
10. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the sensing device
transmits a signal to the fan to increase a speed of the fan if a
hazardous condition is detected in the infant's sleeping area.
11. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the infant's
sleeping area may be a crib, bassinet, infant carrier or infant car
seat.
12. A ventilation system comprising: a fan; a mounting apparatus
for mounting the fan on an infant's sleeping area; and a sensing
device including one or more sensors for monitoring the infant's
sleeping area, wherein the sensing device is positioned in close
proximity to an infant's head.
13. The ventilation system of claim 12, further comprising: a
remote receiver configured to receive signals from the sensing
device and provide an alarm if the sensing device detects a
hazardous condition in the infant's sleeping area.
14. The ventilation system of claim 13, wherein the sensing device
sends signals to increase the speed of the fan if a hazardous
condition is detected in the infant's sleeping area.
15. The ventilation system of claim 14, wherein the sensing device
is configured to be enclosed in an infant's toy.
16. The ventilation system of claim 13, wherein the remote receiver
receives wireless signals from the sensing device.
17. The ventilation system of claim 13, wherein the sensing device
monitors the oxygen level in the infant's sleeping area.
18. The ventilation system of claim 13, wherein the sensing device
monitors the carbon dioxide level in the infant's sleeping
area.
19. The ventilation system of claim 12, further comprising: an
alarm configured to provide a local and remote notification of a
hazardous condition in the infant's sleeping area.
20. The ventilation system of claim 19, wherein the infant's
sleeping area may be a crib, bassinet, infant carrier or infant car
seat.
21. A ventilation system comprising: a fan; a mounting apparatus
for mounting the fan on an infant's sleeping area; at least one
alarm configured to provide notification of a hazardous condition
in the infant's sleeping area; a sensing device including one or
more sensors for monitoring the infant's sleeping area, the sensing
device configured to be attached to an infant's toy, wherein the
sensing device is positioned in close proximity to an infant's
head; an alarm configured to provide a notification of a hazardous
condition in the infant's sleeping area; and a remote receiver
configured to receive signals from the sensing device and provide
an alarm if the sensing device detects a hazardous condition in the
infant's sleeping area.
22. The ventilation system of claim 21, wherein the remote receiver
includes a microphone and a transmitter allowing two-way
communication with the sensing device.
23. The ventilation system of claim 21, wherein the infant's
sleeping area may be a crib, bassinet, infant carrier or infant car
seat.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Non-Provisional Application claims benefit to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/117,360 filed Nov. 24, 2008 and
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/168,113 filed Apr. 9,
2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to a ventilation system for
use in infant sleeping areas to aid in the prevention of Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome, also known as "Crib Death". The invention
also relates generally to eliminating toxic gases and cooling the
infant in his/her sleeping area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as Crib
Death is a devastating tragedy that claims the lives of about 2500
young infants each year in the United States alone. Until recently,
the cause of SIDS was not well known or understood. Recent data
provides strong indications that the cause of SIDS is re-breathing
of carbon dioxide exhaled by the infant, which deprives the infant
of vital oxygen. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and therefore
tends to pool in basin shaped vessels such as bassinets, car seats,
and cribs that include plastic enclosures such as "bumpers." It has
recently been discovered and reported by Archives of Pediatrics
& Adolescent Medicine, a monthly professional medical journal
published by the American Medical Association, that SIDS and Crib
Death can be decreased by 73% if the infant is sleeping in an area
where there is a room fan. The cause of SIDS may the lack of
sufficient oxygen and/or an increase in carbon dioxide in the
infant's breathing air. Normal air contains 20.9% oxygen and 0.03%
carbon dioxide, while air exhaled from a human contains about 5%
carbon dioxide.
[0004] Generally, ventilation for an infant's sleeping area is not
often suggested or employed. The typical instruction given to
parents is to place the infant on his/her back while sleeping,
since this is thought to reduce the incidence of SIDS. But, this is
perhaps the result of locating the baby's nose and mouth above the
carbon dioxide pool trapped in the bassinet or crib with its
plastic sides forming a basin to collect this toxic gas.
Additionally, in the past, parents and healthcare professionals
unknowingly have used cribs or high sided bassinets, often draping
them in impervious materials that actually trapped and concentrated
carbon dioxide and other harmful products in the infant's breathing
space. These practices exacerbate the problem and perhaps even
created it. These practices were perhaps an attempt to eliminate
drafts on the infant, but are now found to be counter
productive.
[0005] Until recently the methods used to ventilate rooms
containing cribs and bassinets, if any were used, were the
hit-or-miss use of room fans, which move enough excess air volume
to ventilate the bed while also moving large volumes of air
throughout the room. Another method for ventilating cribs is a fan
and duct system illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,704, which
places ducts in a crib with the duct openings directed to
ventilating the sleeping area. Due to the drawbacks and
complexities of these methods, neither is in popular use.
[0006] The basic objects of this invention are to provide a simple,
reliable means to monitor the breathing air in an infants sleeping
area and to alarm if it is outside of a preset limit. In its
simplest form the sensor consists of an oxygen monitor that is
normally intended for use by an adult worker in an industrial or
similar setting where breathing air can be hazardous. These
hazardous areas are known as "confined spaces" where, for example,
oxygen can be depleted by combustion or displaced by other gasses
or chemical processes. The worker wears the oxygen sensor and is
usually warned if the oxygen level decreases from the normal 20.9%
to anything below 19.5%. The warning consists of a loud audible
sound accompanied by flashing lights. For an infant air monitor the
technology is used instead to monitor the air in the sleeping space
such as a crib or bassinet.
[0007] According to information from OSHA, "human beings begin to
suffer adverse health effects when the oxygen level drops below
19.5%". According to the Encyclopedia of Clinical Toxicology, By
Irving S. Rossoff, Edition: illustrated, Published by Informa
Health Care, 2002, ISBN 1842141015, 9781842141014, page 201
(paraphrased) carbon dioxide levels, levels greater than 0.5% (5000
ppm) have caused drowsiness, asphyxiation, coma, paralysis,
increased respiration, and cyanosis in man.
[0008] Experiments using an oxygen meter to determine the increase
in carbon dioxide in air caused by re-breathing were conducted. The
oxygen meter was placed in a simulated bassinet along with short
tubing. By inhaling and exhaling into the top end of the tubing,
the oxygen level in the simulated bassinet quickly dropped from
20.9% to less than 16%, in less than 30 seconds, tripping the
alarms on the oxygen monitor. The oxygen levels continued to drop
but the experiment was stopped for safety concerns. Since there was
a 5% drop in oxygen, it can be concluded that there was a 5%
increase in carbon dioxide.
[0009] The experimental simulated bassinet has similar
characteristics to a baby bassinet, such that the bassinet will
form a basin and thus trap and pool carbon dioxide gas. Carbon
dioxide is about 37% heavier than air, so carbon dioxide tends to
collect in the bottom of a closed basinet or crib because the crib
or basinet acts as a basin. It will form a deepening pool if the
surrounding air is relatively undisturbed. The carbon dioxide is
constantly replenished and further concentrated by a breathing
infant. The infant can eventually drown in the pool of carbon
dioxide unless there is intervention. Accordingly, the present
invention is directed at providing advancements in monitoring and
removing toxic gases from an infant's sleeping area.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention achieves the above-mentioned
advancements by providing a compact ventilation system for
monitoring and removing toxic gases from various infant sleep
areas. This invention allows fresh air to flow into the infant
sleeping area, and flushes and removes toxic gases such as carbon
dioxide, methane and ammonia. The invention also removes bacteria
and viruses from the infant's sleeping area, which helps keep the
sleeping area sanitized by providing increased oxygen levels, which
are known to kill bacteria and viruses.
[0011] The invention may also flush odors from an infant's sleeping
area by removing waste gases within the sleeping area. The
invention may also reduce high levels of humidity, thereby reducing
the growth of microbes such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew.
In one embodiment of the invention, by attaching the ventilation
system to the foot or head or other portion of an infant's sleeping
area and directing the flow of fresh air toward the infant, the air
will flush and remove toxic gases and introduce fresh air for the
infant to breathe. By attaching the ventilation system directly to
the sleeping area the ventilation system can be made much smaller
with a greatly reduced air flow, as compared to a standard room fan
or ceiling fan. Thus, the invention allows for a quieter and more
comfortable sleeping area for an infant.
[0012] This invention allows for a low cost solution to removing
toxic gases from an infant's sleeping area, by using small, readily
available components such as fans, power supplies, blade guards and
supports, and applying them directly and in very close proximity to
an infant's breathing space. With this configuration, the
ventilation system can concentrate the flow and directly force the
toxic gases from an infant's breathing area. The invention, as
described herein, may reduce or eliminate the main, and perhaps
only, cause of SIDS, suffocation and asphyxiation caused by the
re-breathing of carbon dioxide. Although the primary use of this
invention is to improve the health of infants by providing a
healthier environment, it also has extensive uses for older adults,
infirm patients and even healthy adults desiring a better,
healthier sleeping environment.
[0013] This invention may overcome the safety hazard caused by the
use of plastic or impervious crib barriers, often called "bumpers"
used to enclose the sleeping area of the infant. Additionally, the
invention may overcome the safety hazards introduced by the home
and hospital use of plastic bassinets that may incorporate plastic
covered, raised sides that trap carbon dioxide gas within the
bassinet breathing space. This invention may increase safety by
providing low voltages, low currents, a guarded ventilation system,
safety indicator lights to indicate malfunction, and other
alarms.
[0014] This invention provides a very low cost solution by using
small, readily available components and applying them directly and
in very close proximity to the breathing space near the infant's
head, where it can directly monitor breathing air quality. Thus,
the invention may help reduce or eliminate SIDS by monitoring and
alerting for one of its causes: Oxygen deprivation and/or CO2
induced suffocation or asphyxiation.
[0015] In one embodiment, this invention provides a remote
monitoring system, which allows greater freedom and mobility of the
supervising adult while enabling better monitoring of the infants
breathing air. The invention allows sensing without the use of
connecting wires or cables in the crib with their attendant
strangulation hazards. The invention may incorporate a microphone,
transmitter, and/or a receiver to alert a parent of infant distress
and allow two-way communication.
[0016] The invention may monitor several gas levels such as O2, CO2
or even smoke simultaneously. The invention may further monitor air
quality and provide feed back signals to control fan output, that
uses low voltage, typically 9 volt battery or less and low current
typically 0.10 amp or less for inherent safety. The invention may
also use indicator lights and sounds to indicate unsafe conditions,
and to awaken and startle the baby causing crying with attendant,
increased breathing.
[0017] In at least one embodiment, a sensing device may be enclosed
in an infant friendly enclosure for unobtrusive acceptance, such as
a teddy bear or other stuffed animal, for example, that can be
placed close to the infant and be accepted by the infant or baby.
The baby may even become attached to the toy/sensing device. In at
least one embodiment, a pocket sized or wearable receiver may be
provided for an adult to use to verify baby sleep area conditions
and/or baby distress signals such as crying. Additional readouts
may be provided to the adult remote such as air quality,
temperature, and other important conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment
of the ventilation system on an infant's crib.
[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of the exemplary embodiment
of the ventilation system in FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of an alternative
embodiment of the ventilation system showing the foot of an
infant's bassinet.
[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the ventilation system on
an infant's bassinet.
[0022] FIG. 2C illustrates a rear view of the ventilation system
showing the head of an infant's bassinet.
[0023] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a further embodiment of
the ventilation system attached to a car seat.
[0024] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the ventilation system
attached to a car seat, showing the head of the car seat.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of an exemplary power source
for the ventilation system.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate power source for the
ventilation system.
[0027] FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of an exemplary mounting
technique for the ventilation system.
[0028] FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of the exemplary mounting
technique for the ventilation system.
[0029] FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of the ventilation
system.
[0030] FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of an alternate technique
for mounting the ventilation system.
[0031] FIG. 7C illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary
embodiment of the controls for the ventilation system.
[0032] FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment
of the sensing device of the ventilation system.
[0033] FIG. 8B illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment
of the sensing device of the ventilation system within an
enclosure.
[0034] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The invention is generally depicted in FIG. 1, but may be
embodied in various forms. Referring to FIG. 1A, a ventilation
system 10 is shown attached to an infant's sleeping area, such as a
crib 100. The ventilation system 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and
6B, may include a mounting system, a low speed fan 605, a filter
660, a support frame 670, and blade guards 665, which provide fresh
air flow while maintaining a safe environment for those coming into
contact with the ventilation system 10.
[0036] Referring back to FIG. 1A, the sleeping area, such as a crib
100, may include several ventilation systems 10 arranged in various
positions. The ventilation systems 10 may be mounted in any
suitable position around the sleeping area. For example, a
ventilation system 10 may be mounted on the end of a crib and
pointed downwards towards an infant's face. Additionally,
ventilation systems 10 can be positioned on the side of a crib 100,
between slats on a crib 100, or at the head of a crib 100, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and positioned towards an infant.
Any number of ventilation systems 10 may be contemplated within the
scope of this invention.
[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, air flow openings 110 may
be incorporated into the invention to aid in the removal of toxic
gases from an infant's sleeping area. The removal of toxic gases
may be accomplished by the ventilation system 10 providing a light
air flow through the sleeping area, which pushes toxic gases or
pools of toxic gases out through the air flow openings 110. In one
embodiment, the air flow openings 110 may be positioned low in the
sleeping area to provide a drain for the gases such as carbon
dioxide to escape and be replenished with breathable air. For
example, the air flow openings 110 may be located in a crib bumper
attached to the sides of the crib 100 above a mattress pad. The use
of the air flow openings 110 may cause breathable air to be
replenished to the sleeping area even when a fan 605 is not used,
because the heavier-than-air carbon dioxide drains out through the
bottom portion of the slotted openings and is replenished with
fresh air. Also, rising convection air currents are generated by
the infant's body heat, especially the head area, and this
displaced air is also replenished with fresh air, flowing in
through the slots or elsewhere.
[0038] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an alternate embodiment of the
invention. In FIG. 2B, a ventilation system 10 is mounted to a
bassinet 200 or a bassinet basket. The ventilation system 10 may
include any number of ventilation systems 10, which may be mounted
in any suitable position on the bassinet 200. For example, a
ventilation system 10 may be mounted at the head or foot of the
bassinet 200. The bassinet 200 may also include air flow openings
210 to remove the toxic gases and pooling of gases. The air flow
openings 210 may be positioned in any suitable manner on the
bassinet 200. For example, the foot 215, head 225, and sides 220 of
the bassinet may all include air flow openings 210.
[0039] In one embodiment, the air flow openings 210 are slots in a
configuration that precludes blankets and bedding from blocking the
air flow openings 210. For example, the slots may be long openings.
In at least one embodiment, the air flow openings 210 are
positioned low on the sleeping area. The low positioning of the air
flow openings 210 in the bassinet 200 facilitate the draining of
toxic gases from the sleeping area with the assistance of gravity,
as toxic gases such as carbon dioxide are heavier than air. In this
embodiment, the stale air in the bassinet 200 is constantly being
flushed and replaced by fresh air, providing a healthier
environment for an infant by reducing bacteria and viruses. This
invention may be utilized at homes or in maternity wards. For
example, the plastic bassinet baskets used in maternity wards to
hold newborn infants may include a ventilation system 10 or air
flow openings 210 may be added to a bassinet 200 to reduce the
pooling of toxic gases in an infant's sleeping area.
[0040] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a further embodiment of the
invention with ventilation systems 10 mounted to a car seat 300 or
a baby carrier. The ventilation systems 10 may be mounted in any
suitable position on the car seat 300 for directing air over the
sleeping area of the car seat 300. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 3B, a ventilation system 10 may be mounted at the head of the
car seat 300 and directed over an infant's head. In at least one
embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the ventilation
system 10 may be powered through a cigarette lighter outlet located
in a vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, not illustrated, the
ventilation system 10 may be powered by a battery pack. The car
seat 300 may also include air flow openings 310 to aid in draining
toxic gasses from the car seat 300. The air flow openings 310 may
be located at any suitable position within the car seat 300 to
facilitate the draining of toxic gases from the sleeping area
inside the car seat 300.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a low
voltage system for powering the ventilation system 10. The low
voltage system 400 may include speed controls 410 for controlling
the speed of the fan 605. The low voltage system 400 may include a
battery and charger 420 for powering the ventilation system 10 if
the main power fails. The low voltage system may also include a low
voltage power source 440 and sensors 430. In at least one
embodiment, the sensors 430 include corresponding alarms. The
battery and charger 420 may also power the sensors 430 and the
corresponding alarms, in the case of a power failure. The sensors
430 may include any suitable safety alarms with audible and/or
visible indication. In at least one embodiment, the sensors 430
include detectors for monitoring the ventilation system 10 such as
for monitoring the speed of the fan 605, fan failure, or a power
overload and corresponding alarms. Additionally, the sensors 430
may include environmental alarms such as smoke detectors, carbon
monoxide detectors, and temperature sensors that monitor the
infant's sleeping area and surrounding environment. The detectors
may monitor the temperature of the infant by any appropriate means.
For example, the detector may be placed in the infant's clothing to
directly monitor the temperature of the infant or the temperature
of the infant may be remotely monitored through a device such as an
infrared sensing device. The sensors 430 may include any suitable
type of alarm, such as LEDs or other warning alarms with local
and/or remote annunciation. The ventilation system 10 may be
powered in alternate ways, including by a wall receptacle 550, as
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0042] Referring back to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the fan 605 may use very
low voltages and currents known to be intrinsically safe. For
example, the voltage may be 12 Volts or less, and the current may
be 1/10 Amps or less. The fan guards 665 may be positioned on one
or both sides of the fan 605 and may remove the danger of injury if
the ventilation system 10 is mishandled. For added safety, the fan
blades may be made of any suitable material to prevent injury such
as plastic or rubber. A filter 660 may be positioned at the fan
inlet and/or outlet and may include a filter medium to filter the
air passed through the ventilation system 10 to reduce the
particulates flowing out of the ventilation system 10 towards an
infant.
[0043] The ventilation system 10 may be mounted to the sleeping
areas in any suitable manner. The mounting may occur through a
mounting apparatus. In one embodiment, the mounting apparatus, as
illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, is a front clamp 610 and a rear
clamp 620. The clamps may include springs 630 and a pivot point 640
to aid in the mounting process by biasing the rear clamp 620. The
mounting system may also include a support 670 attached to the
front clamp 610. The support 670 may also be attached to the fan
605. A pivot point 645 may allow the ventilation system 10,
including the fan 605 and the support 670, to pivot and be
positioned in different directions in relation to the infant or
infant's sleeping area. In at least one embodiment, the ventilation
system 10 may be further secured to the crib for safety by other
securing means, such as VELCRO.RTM., belts, or straps.
[0044] Alternatively, the mounting apparatus may be a mounting
bracket 710, as shown in FIG. 7B. In this embodiment, the fan 605
may be attached to the mounting bracket 710 in any suitable manner.
For example, the fan 605 may be bolted to the mounting bracket 710.
The fan 605 may be controlled by any suitable fan controls. In one
embodiment, the fan 605 is turned on and off by pressing a single
button, as illustrated in FIG. 7C. In an alternative embodiment,
the fan 605 may have alternate speeds and be turned on by a knob,
as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The fan controls may be positioned
in any relevant location. For example, the controls may be located
directly on the ventilation system 10 or may be on the positioned
on the mounting bracket 710. The mounting apparatus may be any
suitable material for mounting a ventilation system 10 to an
infant's sleeping area. For example, the mounting apparatus may be
plastic or metal.
[0045] In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8a, the
ventilation system 10 may further include a sensing device 800
detecting unsafe conditions in the infant sleeping area, as
illustrated in FIG. 8. The sensing device 800 may include several
different types of sensors for detecting hazards and alarms to warn
of the hazards. For example, the sensing device 800 may include an
oxygen sensor, a toxic gas sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a
temperature sensor, and/or a smoke detector.
[0046] The sensing device 800 may work in conjunction with the fan
605 or may be an independent device. In at least one embodiment,
the sensing device 800 may be located within an enclosure 810. To
make the sensing device 800 more acceptable to the infant and
parent, the sensing device 800 may be enclosed it in a toy, like a
baby doll, teddy bear or stuffed dog. In one embodiment, the
sensing device 800 may be sewn into the stuffed toy, as illustrated
in FIG. 8b. Alternatively, the toy may include pockets so the
sensing device 800 may be placed within pocket of the toy. In
another embodiment, the sensing device 800 may include a belt, such
that the belt may be placed around any suitable object such as a
crib slat, teddy bear, baby doll, etc. The enclosure 810 may be
positioned in the vicinity of the infants head to sense hazardous
conditions, while enhancing acceptance of the sensing device 800 by
the child.
[0047] In at least one embodiment, the ventilation system 10 may be
housed within an enclosure, such as the enclosure 810, as depicted
in FIGS. 8a and 8b. In this embodiment, the enclosure 810 may be
secured to the infant's sleeping area. For example, the enclosure
810 may be secured to the slats of a crib 100. The power source
440, as shown in FIG. 4, that powers the ventilation system 10 may
be further configured for increased safety. For example, the power
source 440 may separate from the ventilation system 10 if the
enclosure 810 is separated from the infant's sleeping area. The
power source 440 may use a bayonet connection, which would allow
the power source 440 to be easily separated from the ventilation
system 10. Additionally, the power source 440 may be fastened to
the infant's sleeping area to prevent a cord from entering the
infant's sleeping area.
[0048] The enclosure 810, illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b, may be
made of any suitable material for coming in contact with an infant,
while allowing the air to come in contact with the sensing device
800. For example, the enclosure 810 may be made of a porous cloth
or similar medium to allow air to easily come into contact with the
sensing medium readily and with minimum interference.
[0049] In at least one embodiment, the sensing device 800 includes
alerts to indicate an unsafe condition in the infant's sleeping
area. For example, the sensing device 800 may include alarms that
warn of low oxygen, high levels of carbon dioxide or other toxic
gasses, or the presence of smoke. The sensing device 800 may
further include an alarm that warns of low battery power or loss of
power. In one embodiment, the sensors and alarms are mounted in on
a small printed circuit board. The sensing device 800 may include
both audible and visual alarms. For example, as illustrated in
FIGS. 8a and 8b, the sensing device 800 may include an audible
alarm 801 and a visual readout 802, and/or an LED (not shown).
[0050] The alerts may annunciate at the location of the infant's
sleeping area and also, may be transmitted to a remote receiver 820
carried by a parent or an adult supervisor. The remote receiver 820
may allow the parent to perform tasks outside of the immediate
vicinity of the infant, while providing safe monitoring of the
infant's sleeping area. The remote receiver 820 may allow the
parent to be aware of the actual air quality being breathed by the
infant. The sensing device 800 may include additional features that
allow the parent to listen to the infant and surroundings and be
alert of other problems. For example, the remote receiver 820 may
include a microphone and transmitter to allow the parent to soothe
the child by voice through a speaker incorporated in the sensing
device 800 or by another speaker in the location of the infant's
sleeping area. The signals transmitted to and received from the
remote receiver 820 and the sensing device 800 may be amplified by
use of a relay using technology similar to that of a cordless
phone, to increase the range and reliability of the network. The
relay may use ordinary household power along with a backup battery
system to alert in case of household power failure. The relay may
reduce the strength of the radio frequency radiation needed in the
sensing device 800, which increases safety, because the sensing
device is used near the infant.
[0051] The alarm may be configured to awaken a sleeping infant when
unsafe breathing air is detected, causing the infant to cry, which
in turn increases the infant's breathing. The alarm may also be
configured to notify an adult of unsafe infant sleeping area
conditions. In this respect, the alarm may include local and remote
alarms. For example, the local alarm may include an audible sound
within the infant's sleeping area. Additionally, the sensing device
800 may be configured to use wireless transmission capabilities to
signal an alarm or a remote receiver 820 in a different room or
area to allow infant monitoring to take place while an adult is
doing other tasks. In one embodiment, the remote receiver 820 may
be a small pocket-sized or wearable signal receiver that detects
and signals alarms to an adult supervisor. In another embodiment,
the remote receiver 820 may be a cellular telephone configured to
receive and transmit signals from the sensing device 800.
[0052] In at least one embodiment, if the sensing device 800
detects a hazardous condition, the sensing device 800 transmits
signals to the fan 605 to cause the fan 605 to increase fresh air
output to the infant. The sensing device 800 may use very low
voltage and power in the monitor for intrinsic infant safety. The
sensing device 800 may further provide an independent back-up alarm
in the event the fan 605 malfunctions.
[0053] There are additional benefits with the use of the
ventilation system of the invention. For instance, the breeze from
the fan will provide tactile stimulation. Tactile stimulation is
known to stimulate and accelerate brain development. Additionally,
the fan can have dim lights incorporated into the fan that can
serve as night lights. Research from the American Optometric
Society has indicated that night lights promote the development of
vision. Also, the fan can be positioned in such a way as to blow on
"mobiles." Mobiles have various forms, such as light-weight plastic
birds or butterflies that can be actuated by wind-up spring driven
motors or even small electric motors. The motion of the mobile
attracts the attention of the infant so that the infant's vision is
stimulated and exercised and caused to develop more rapidly.
[0054] Moreover, the apparatus of the invention may include a
speaker and microphone. The speaker can be used to stimulate the
auditory organs of the infant. It can be in the form of recordings
or live. Sounds such as music, soothing sounds, voices in various
languages, mom's voice, and other beneficial or educational sounds
can be incorporated. This in turn will cause increased development
of the associated parts of the infant's brain.
[0055] There are still other benefits and uses of the ventilation
system of the invention. For example, a known method of stimulating
the infant is to have the parent walk around the child's bed and
talk softly to it. The child hears and sees the parent. This causes
the child to follow the parent with its eyes and head. If an infant
is touched lightly on a cheek, it will turn toward the touch,
perhaps seeking nourishment. An infant will follow a light with its
eyes. It will turn its head toward sound. The light breeze from the
fan of the invention can induce a similar response.
[0056] One preferred method for stimulating the infant with these
devices is to use two of them. One on each side of the baby's bed.
The devices are made to alternate between them periodically, such
as every two or three minutes, or even at random or adjustable
programmed times to keep from tiring the baby. The baby is exposed
to tactile stimulation from the flow of air, visual stimulation
from the light, and audible stimulation from the speaker or other
sound generation device. Perhaps starting on the left side so that
he turns his attention to that side. After a time, the right fan,
light and sound come on and the left switches off. Thus, the baby
is gently stimulated both mentally and physically as he turns from
side to side. The devices can be made to alternate in any of a
numerous combinations to promote the desired stimulation of the
baby.
[0057] A recommended and well adopted method for reducing SIDS is
to place the infant on its back when it is in bed. However, the
infant tends to get a flat area (sometimes pronounced) on the back
of its head. To help overcome this, it is suggested that the baby
be given "tummy time" under careful supervision. The use of this
invention with two or more assemblies, placed in positions to
attract the attention of the infant to different locations, will
cause the infant to reposition its head from time to time, helping
to eliminate the flat area on the back of its head.
[0058] The fan assembly of the invention can be incorporated into a
child-friendly object such as a teddy bear or baby doll. This
package would include the fan, sensors, alarms, lights, microphone
controls, etc. An alternator could also be incorporated for
multiple assembly use.
[0059] Studies of infants that have expired from SIDS have shown a
possible correlation in the development of the brainstem and SIDS.
This part of the brain is associated with reaction to breathing,
carbon dioxide sensitivity, and blood pressure responses. It would
seem that in these babies the infant does not respond or react to
increasing levels of CO2 by repositioning its head as a more
developed infant might. It may be possible to increase or hasten
the development of the brain and neck muscles through various
sensory stimulation, as descried above. This may further assist in
overcoming the incidence of SIDS. In any event, a baby's brain
develops in direct correlation to the amount of stimulation that it
receives through the various senses. The earlier and more
pronounced the stimulus, the faster the development escalates.
Early stimulation can result in a very well developed brain as time
passes. Since this brain is now capable of learning at a faster
rate, it will absorb even more information and accelerate learning
even faster and farther, thereby providing a distinct advantage to
the mature adult.
[0060] In summary, with the present invention, an infant's sleeping
area may be flushed with fresh air, increasing the quality of
breathing air. The invention may also provide the benefit of
cooling an infant, which may provide a more comfortable environment
for the infant and increase the overall health of the infant. The
cooling may also reduce the incidence of SIDS. The invention may
direct airflow through the sleep area regardless of whether the
infant is laying on his or her back or stomach. By reducing the
toxic gases through the flow of fresh air and notifying an adult if
a hazardous condition exists in the infant's sleeping area, the
incidence of SIDS, suffocation, and asphyxiation from breathing
toxic gases may be reduced or eliminated. Additionally, the use of
the ventilation system, with its various features, can not only
reduce the incidence of SIDS by improving ventilation of the
sleeping area, it can also have the additional benefits of
improving the infant brain by increasing the rate of its
development through specific sensory stimulation. It can also
eliminate the flat spot caused by sleeping on its back and can
produce generally positive improvement on the baby's overall
health.
[0061] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the
invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed
to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
[0062] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
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