Crib gate position indicator

• US 6,225,913 B1
• Filed: 08/25/1999
• Issued: 05/01/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: C&S Enterprises Corporation
• Original Assignee: Cynthia J. Slomowitz, Scott M. Slomowitz
• Inventors: Slomowitz, Cynthia J., Slomowitz, Scott M.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRIEU, VAN THANH
• Application Number:
  US09/383,176
• Time in Patent Office: 615 Days
• Field of Search: 340/521, 340/539, 340/573.1, 340/573.4, 340/686.1, 340/666, 340/545.1, 340/384.1, 340/384.7, 340/556, 381/56, 381/110
• US Class Current: 340/686.1
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0208 Combination with audio or video communication, e.g. combination with "baby phone" function
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/023 Power management, e.g. system sleep and wake up provisions
• 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 to automatically alert the parent or infant-caretaker, who is at a location outside of the room or location of the baby crib, when the crib gate has been left in an open condition. The apparatus includes crib gate sensor having a transmitter that communicates with a remotely-located indicator, having a receiver, whenever the crib gate is left in an open condition. The remotely-located receiver is plugged into any conventional electrical wall outlet throughout the house and includes either a visual indicator or an audible indicator that provides a warning to the parent or caregiver in the vicinity of the indicator that the crib gate has been left in an open condition.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing an automatic crib gate position indication of a crib having a gate that can be positioned in an open or a closed condition, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a non-intrusive gate sensor that is positioned out of reach of an infant or toddler who is placed in the crib, said gate sensor comprising;

(1) a power source;

(2) a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a signal when electrically coupled to said power source; and

(3) a switch coupled to the gate and electrically coupled between said power source and said transmitter, said switch electrically coupling said power source to said transmitter whenever the gate is in an open condition; and

(b) a remotely-located indicator comprising a receiver and an indication means, said receiver receiving said signal and activating said indication means to alert someone in the vicinity of said remotely-located indicator that the crib gate is in an open condition.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said indication means is a visual indicator.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said indication means is an audible indicator.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said remotely-located indicator further comprises AC/DC conversion circuitry and electrical plug for insertion into a conventional electrical wall outlet.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said switch comprises a non-contact sensor that detects the open condition of the gate and electrically couples said power source to said transmitter.