Body-motion activated crib mobile
First Claim
1. A mobile system comprising:
- a mobile adapted to be rotated in proximity to a structure holding an infant and in view of the infant;
an electric motor;
drive means operably coupling said motor to said mobile;
means for activating said motor in response to motion of the infant above a predetermined level comprising a passive infrared sensor adapted to provide a signal upon sensing such motion and switching means responsive to said signal and coupled to said motor;
means for connecting said motor and said activating means to a power supply; and
means for supporting said mobile;
said system being adapted to enable said infant to deliberately control switching of said motor by increasing or decreasing his or her body motion.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A crib mobile responsive to body motion of an infant. The mobile system is based on use of a passive infrared sensor and associated electrical switching of the type employed for security systems that turn on floodlights in response to detection of the presence of an intruder. An A.C. motor, drive shaft, and support rod for the mobile are mounted on an arm that extends from a housing connectable to a ceiling, and the sensor is mounted on another arm. Electrical connection may be made to a conventional A.C. ceiling outlet. The sensor provides a signal to activate the motor when it detects motion above a predetermined level, and it includes a time delay feature that prevents turning the motor off for a period after such motion is no longer detected. Sensitivity of the sensor and the duration of the time delay are adjustable. The mobile structure includes horizontally extending arms for supporting toys or decorative objects for being rotated in a circular path above a crib. The system provides an educational effect in that an infant learns to control operation of the device by increasing or decreasing its body motion. The system may also include a remotely located sound producing device and a transmitter for remotely turning on the device.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A mobile system comprising:
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a mobile adapted to be rotated in proximity to a structure holding an infant and in view of the infant; an electric motor; drive means operably coupling said motor to said mobile; means for activating said motor in response to motion of the infant above a predetermined level comprising a passive infrared sensor adapted to provide a signal upon sensing such motion and switching means responsive to said signal and coupled to said motor; means for connecting said motor and said activating means to a power supply; and means for supporting said mobile; said system being adapted to enable said infant to deliberately control switching of said motor by increasing or decreasing his or her body motion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A crib mobile system comprising:
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a crib mobile adapted to be placed above a crib in view of an infant therein and including a structure for securing a plurality of toys or decorative items for rotation in a predetermined circular path; an A.C. electric motor; drive means operably coupling said motor to said mobile for rotation of said mobile; a passive infrared sensor that may be aimed at the crib for sensing motion of the infant and providing a signal when such motion exceeds a predetermined level; switching means for activating said motor in response to said signal; means for connecting said sensor and said electric motor to an A.C. power supply; means for supporting said mobile; and said system being adapted to enable said infant to deliberately control switching of said motor by increasing or decreasing his of her body motion. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification