Crib gate position indicator

• US 6,710,717 B2
• Filed: 07/31/2002
• Issued: 03/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: C&S Enterprises Corporation
• Original Assignee: C&S Enterprises Corporation
• Inventors: Slomowitz, Cynthia J., Slomowitz, Scott M.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRIEU, VAN THANH
• Application Number:
  US10/209,135
• Publication Number:
  US 20020186138A1
• Time in Patent Office: 601 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.1, 340/539.15, 340/573.1, 340/573.4, 340/686.1, 340/539.16, 340/539.17, 340/539.23
• 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 gate sensor for use with a baby crib having a displaceable gate that can be moved into an open or a closed position. The gate sensor detects the open condition of the displaceable gate and transmits a wireless signal to a remotely-located indicator. The gate sensor includes a first portion that contains a transmitter and which can be coupled to the crib or the crib gate. The gate sensor also includes a second portion that is coupled to the displaceable gate, or to the crib accordingly, for interacting with the first portion when the displaceable gate is moved into the open position to cause the first portion to transmit the wireless signal.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the open condition of a displaceable gate of a crib and detecting the sounds of an infant in the crib, said method comprising the steps of:

coupling a first member comprising a transmitter and a microphone to the crib, said transmitter transmitting a wireless signal to a remote device representative of the sounds of the infant in the crib and said remote device providing an audible version of the sounds of the infant;

coupling a second member to the displaceable gate;

said first member and said second member interacting with each other to modify said wireless signal to include a component representative of the open gate condition whenever the crib gate is opened; and

providing an indication at said remote device whenever said component is present in said wireless signal.

2. A method for detecting the movement of a displaceable gate of a crib, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) coupling a first member to the crib;

(b) coupling a second member to the displaceable gate;

(c) said first and second members interfacing to detect the presence of the other without using wires exposed to the crib.

3. A gate sensor for use with a baby crib having a displaceable gate that can be moved into an open or a closed position, said gate sensor detecting the open condition of the displaceable gate, said gate sensor comprising:

a first portion containing an emitter/detector coupled to the crib for emitting a first signal and detecting a second signal;

a second portion coupled to the displaceable gate, said second portion receiving said first signal and reflecting said second signal towards said first portion when the displaceable gate is closed;

said first and second portions having no electrical conductors exposed to the baby crib.

4. A gate sensor for use with a baby crib having a displaceable gate that can be moved into an open or a closed position, said gate sensor detecting the open condition of the displaceable gate, said gate sensor comprising:

a first portion containing an emitter coupled to the crib for emitting a first signal;

a second portion coupled to the displaceable gate, said second portion comprising a detector for detecting said said first signal;

said first and second portions having no electrical conductors exposed to the baby crib.

5. A gate sensor for use with a baby crib having a displaceable gate that can be moved into an open or a closed position, said gate sensor detecting the open condition of the displaceable gate, said gate sensor comprising:

a first portion containing an emitter/detector coupled to the displaceable gate for emitting a first signal and detecting a second signal;

a second portion coupled to the crib, said second portion receiving said first signal and reflecting said second signal towards said first portion when the displaceable gate is closed;

said first and second portions having no electrical conductors exposed to the baby crib.

6. A gate sensor for use with a baby crib having a displaceable gate that can be moved into an open or a closed position, said gate sensor detecting the open condition of the displaceable gate, said gate sensor comprising:

a first portion containing an emitter coupled to the displaceable gate for emitting a first signal;

a second portion coupled to the crib, said second portion comprising a detector for detecting said said first signal;

said first and second portions having no electrical conductors exposed to the baby crib.