Body-motion activated crib mobile

• US 4,984,380 A
• Filed: 07/17/1989
• Issued: 01/15/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rodney D. Anderson
• Original Assignee: Rodney D. Anderson
• Inventors: Anderson, Rodney D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu, Mickey
• Application Number:
  US07/380,604
• Time in Patent Office: 547 Days
• Field of Search: 40/473, 40/617, 40/457, 40/455, 446/72, 446/175, 446/227, 446/236, 446/242, 446/247, 446/210, 446/175, 446/230
• US Class Current: 40/455
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/006 Infant exercisers, e.g. for attachment to a crib
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 19/02 incorporating moving display members

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.

Claims

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.

2. A mobile system as defined in claim 1 including time delay means for preventing deactivation of said motor during a predetermined period during which said motion is not sensed.

3. A mobile system as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for supporting said mobile includes a housing connectable to a ceiling.

4. A mobile system as defined in claim 3 wherein said support means includes a plurality of arms connected to and extending downward from said housing.

5. A mobile system as defined in claim 4 wherein said means connecting said motor and activating means to a power supply includes wires suitable for connection to an A.C. outlet.

6. A mobile system as defined in claim 5 including transmitter means arranged to be activated in response to said signal, remotely located receiver means and sound reproducing means coupled to said receiver means whereby said sound reproducing means may be activated in response to transmission of radiant energy by said transmitter.

7. A mobile system as defined in claim 6 wherein said sound reproducing means is a cassette player.

8. A crib mobile system comprising:

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.

9. A crib mobile system as defined in claim 8 wherein said support means includes a housing connectable to a ceiling and a plurality of arms secured to the housing and extending downward.

10. A crib mobile system as defined in claim 9 wherein said sensor is adjustably mounted at the downward end of one of said arms, and the motor drive means and mobile are mounted on another of said arms.

11. A crib mobile system as defined in claim 10 wherein said crib mobile structure includes a vertically extending rod attachable at its upper end to said drive means and horizontally disposed members including means for securing toys or decorative objects thereto attachable to the lower end of said rod for rotation thereof in a circular path.

12. A crib mobile system as defined in claim 11 including a night light attached to a third arm and adapted to be turned on when said motor is turned on.

13. A crib mobile system as defined in claim 12 including remotely located sound reproducing means and means for remotely turning on the same when said motor is turned on.