Crib gate position indicator

• US 20040207524A1
• Filed: 05/17/2004
• Published: 10/21/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: C&S Enterprises Corporation
• Original Assignee: C&S Enterprises Corporation
• Inventors: Slomowitz, Cynthia J., Slomowitz, Scott M.
• Application Number:
  US10/847,559
• Publication Number:
  US 20040207524A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/545.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47D 7/02 with side wall that can be lowered
• CPC Class Codes: A47D 9/012 with adjustable parts
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/08 by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0208 Combination with audio or video communication, e.g. combination with "baby phone" function
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0446 worn on the body to detect changes of posture, e.g. a fall, inclination, acceleration, gait
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0461 integrated or attached to an item closely associated with the person but not worn by the person, e.g. chair, walking stick, bed sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms

Abstract

A crib gate position indicator for use with a baby crib having a movable gate that can be placed into an open or a closed position. The crib gate position indicator includes a first portion that is mounted to the moveable gate and a second portion that is mounted to the frame of the crib. One of these two portions wirelessly detects the presence of the other when the moveable gate is closed. When the moveable gate is opened, the non-detection of the other member activates an indicator, visual or audible, at one of those members to alert a nearby caretaker that the crib gate is open. Alternatively, this indicator can be remotely-located and may even include a speaker for also conveying both a crib gate open condition as well as the sounds of the baby in the crib. Several alternatives of non-contact detection are disclosed for these first and second portions. Also, the crib gate position indicator can be applied for use with hospital beds, or doors and gates in general.

Claims

1. A crib gate sensor for detecting the open condition of a moveable crib gate of a crib having a frame including a plurality of legs, said crib gate sensor comprising:

a first portion located at the moveable gate;

a second portion located at a leg adjacent the moveable gate; and

wherein said first and second portions interact without contacting each other.

2. The crib gate sensor of claim 1 wherein said first and second portions are magnetically coupled.

3. The crib gate sensor of claim 2 wherein one of said portions comprises a magnetic switch.

4. An apparatus for use with a crib having at least one moveable gate and a frame including a plurality of legs, said apparatus comprising a first portion located at a moveable gate and a second portion located at a leg adjacent the moveable gate, said apparatus detecting the open condition of the moveable gate without said first and second portions making contact with each other and wherein said apparatus provides an indication, at the moveable gate, of said open condition when said first and second portions are misaligned.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first and second portions are magnetically coupled.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein one of said portions comprises a magnetic switch.