Infant, Toddler and Child Sensory Enhancing Bed

Abstract

A bed shaped device or structure provides sensory enhancement for the comfort of the infant, baby, toddler, or child. The invention replicates the physical, physiology, and sensation of the mother to the child during the pregnancy period. The structure of the present invention facilitates transfer of the nurturing, characteristics of the mother through dynamics, temperature, graphical imagery, sound, scent, and nourishment to the infant, baby, toddler, or child whereby each senses the replicated comfort, attachment, and /or bonding the mother, as in the womb.

Claims

1. A sensory enhancing bed comprising: a bed structure designed to be partially enclosed and further comprising a bed frame, said bed structure capable of supporting an infant; a sleeping surface positioned on a bed frame within said bed structure; a mechanical system attached to said bed structure for providing multi-directional movements of said bed structure; and a temperature control system attached to said bed structure capable of adjusting temperatures within said bed structure.

2. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1 wherein said bed structure design comprises a front section, an open middle section and a rear trunk section having a top section that provides a partial cover for the bed structure.

3. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 2 wherein the front section of the bed structure a viewing element that is pivotally attached to said sensory enhancing bed and has the capability to pivot in an upward direction to an open position.

4. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 3 wherein said viewing element is a screen attached to an inside surface of the front section such that when said viewing element is in the open position, a screen is visible inside said bed structure.

5. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1 wherein said temperature control system further comprises a fan which blows air thorough a Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) duct, wherein the HVAC cools and warms the air blown it an into the said bed structure.

6. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1 further comprises an infant restriction device for securing an infant in said bed structure.

7. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 6 wherein said infant restriction device is an adjustable belt-like device secured to said bed structure and having the capability to cover and secure an infant in the bed structure.

8. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1 further comprising one or more support stands attached to and below said bed structure to provide further stabilize and support said bed structure.

9. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1 wherein said mechanical system for providing multi-directional movements further comprises: a motor; a first gear wheel attached to said motor; and a first actuator attached to said first gear wheel, said first actuator fitting through a guide path that will facilitate a radially back and forward elliptical movement and said first actuator further attached to said bed structure such that said bed structure will move in a direction consistent with the guide path.

10. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1 wherein said mechanical system for providing multi-directional movements further comprises: a motor; a first gear wheel attached to said motor; a second gear wheel positioned to engage said first gear wheel; and a second actuator attached to said first gear wheel, said second actuator fitting through a guide path that will facilitate a left and right-like swaying movement is parabolic movement and said second actuator further attached to said bed structure such that said bed structure will move in a direction consistent with the guide path.

11. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1 wherein said sleeping surface is a mattress.

12. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 4 wherein said screen further comprises an audio visual device.

13. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 12 wherein said audio visual device is a computer tablet device.

14. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1 wherein said bed structure further comprises a two part internal wall, of which a first part of the internal wall reclines and is orientated horizontally and attached to the bed frame structure for facilitating activities such as the sitting, sleeping, feeding, diaper/underwear changing and associated comforting of the infant, baby, toddler, or child.

15. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1 wherein said bed structure further comprises a two part internal wall, of which a first part of the internal wall reclines and is orientated horizontally incorporated into the bed frame structure for facilitating activities such as the sitting, sleeping, feeding diaper/underwear changing and associated comforting of the infant, baby, toddler, or child.

16. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1 wherein the multiple direction movements provided by said mechanical system further comprise multiple distinct sets of movements.

17. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 16 wherein said mechanical system for providing multi-directional movements of said bed structure further comprises a switching mechanism to enable a user to select a set of mechanical movements from the multiple distinct set of movements said mechanical system is capable of providing.

18. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 14 further comprising one or more pivot pins for facilitating the engagement of the vehicle structure with the mechanical system.

19. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 15 further comprising one or more pivot pins for facilitating the engagement of the vehicle structure with the mechanical system.

20. A sensory enhancing bed system for the comfort of the infant, baby, toddler, or child comprising: a bed structure designed to be partially enclosed and further comprising a bed frame, said bed structure capable of supporting an infant; a mechanical system attached to said bed structure for providing multi-directional movements of said bed structure; an infant restriction device for securing an infant in said bed structure; a temperature control system attached to said bed structure capable of adjusting temperatures within said bed structure; an audio visual system for displaying sounds and videos in said bed structure; a scent pad; and a control system comprised of a series of switches to enable a parent to separately control each of said mechanical system attached to said bed structure, temperature control system, and audio visual system.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] FIG. 1 is a top, front and side view of a motor vehicle bed structure embodiment of the present invention showing its nominal features, and internal accommodations for the infant, baby, toddler, or child.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a top view of a motor vehicle bed structure embodiment of the present invention showing the reclining and horizontal configuration of the bed area for the infant, baby, toddler, or child.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a front view of a motor vehicle bed structure embodiment of the present invention showing a mechanical system for creating various movements of the bed structure embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a side view of a motor vehicle bed structure embodiment of the present invention, whilst showing the supporting placement for the feeding apparatus for the infant, baby, toddler, or child.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a motor vehicle bed structure embodiment of the present invention showing a mechanical system for creating various movements of the bed structure embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 5a is a view of a general motor and gear system for use in the present invention for creating various movements of the bed structure embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a magnified view of the motor and gear system for use in the present invention for creating various movements of the bed structure embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the motor, gear and actuator system for use in the present invention for creating various movements of the bed structure embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a view of a side positioned actuator of the present invention for generally vertical movements of the bed structure of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a view of a front positioned actuator system of the present invention for generally horizontal movements of the bed structure of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a view of a groove path for guiding the movement of the front actuator during the movement of the vehicle structure of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a view of a groove path for guiding the movement of the side actuator during the movement of the vehicle structure of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a view of a pivot pin for facilitating the engagement of the vehicle structure with the mechanical system of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a view of a system schematic of the components in the system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] The present invention, an infant, baby, toddler, or child sensory enhancing bed, is a structure comprising a unitary body. This unitary body can be in various forms. Typical forms of this body can be in the shape of a carriage, wagon, car, truck, aircraft, boat, train or other modes of transportation. This structure can also comprise motorized/dynamic mechanism(s), whereby a consoling motion of the bed structure is being represented through rotational or lateral vibration. A two part internal wall, of which one reclines, is nominally orientated horizontally and attached and/or incorporated to the unitary body structure, which allows for activities such as the sitting, sleeping, feeding diaper/underwear changing, and associated comforting of the baby, infant, toddler, or child; creating the bed characteristics/area of the present invention.

[0047] The present invention further comprises a means of controlled-heating and/or cooling that is assembled and attached to the unitary body structure and routed into the bed area for the temperature sensing (soothing) of the baby, infant, toddler or child. Graphical imaging equipment is attached to the unitary body structure for display and monitoring of the baby, infant, toddler, child, or parent to provide photo/video-graphy sensing (relaxation). The unitary body structure of the present invention can comprise attachment(s) for Audile equipment sensing (added relaxation), provided through the graphical imaging equipment or explicitly expelled through a sole mean(s). The smell sensing capabilities (calming) of the present invention are accomplished by provisions incorporated into the unitary body structure, allowing for application of individually selected aroma therapeutic scents. The unitary structure of the present invention can have a static bottle warming, and/or cup holding apparatus for nurturing/nourishing the baby, infant, toddler, or child, during any parental tactile condition.

[0048] The structure of the present invention provides the benefit of relaxation and comfort through the provision of ancillary, self-incorporated components that attend to the senses of the baby, infant, toddler, or child. The environment of the baby, infant, toddler, or child is minimally sensory amplified through, visualization (sight), aroma therapeutic scents (smell), sound, taste, and/or movement and temperature (feel) enhancements.

[0049] The present invention can comprise 5 features applicable to the senses of the infant, baby toddler, or child:

[0050] 1. Imagery Sensing [0051] The infant, baby, toddler, or child is introduced to this feature by the parent/guardian turning on a switch to activate a monitor, TV, or computer tablet. This feature has the optional capability of being powered by a 12V Battery, the energy source for all electrical functionality of the bed.

[0052] 2. Sound Sensing [0053] The infant, baby, toddler, or child is introduced to this feature by the parent/guardian turning on a switch to activate a monitor, TV, or computer tablet. This feature has the optional capability of being powered by the 12V Battery, the energy source for all electrical functionality of the Bed.

[0054] 3. Taste Sensing [0055] The infant, baby, toddler, or child is introduced to this feature by the parent/guardian turning on a switch to activate a heating medium, which transfers heat to the baby bottle in the bottle warmer (typically depicted as an external, yet attached apparatus) when the required temperature is identified by the circuited Temperature Switch.

[0056] 4. Feel Sensing [0057] The infant, baby, toddler, or child is introduced to this feature by the parent/guardian turning on a switch to activate a fan, which blows air into a Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) duct, as the air is warmed or cooled (temperature functionality) by a Thermo-Electric Cooling device/module. The Thermo-Electric Cooling device/module is cooled when current flows through the device/module in normal positive and negative polarity wiring, and heated when the current flows in opposite direction (inverted polarity). The actuation (temperature functionality switching) of the Thermo-Electric Cooling device/module is determined by a circuited Temperature Controller, an identifier of the surrounding ambient temperature (atmosphere) of the space occupied by the infant, baby, toddler, or child, in the bed. A secondary means for this feature of the bed is device/module is determined by a circuited Temperature Controller, an identifier of the surrounding ambient temperature (atmosphere) of the space occupied by the infant, baby, toddler, or child, in the bed. A secondary means for this feature of the bed is represented through motion, introduced to the infant, baby, toddler, or child by the parent/guardian turning on a switch to actuate a motor (at least one) and attachment mechanism(s) (mated to the structure of the bed) that moves the bed radially (back, up, forward, or down), in the longitudinal axis (on a vertical plane) of the bed, along with a slight swaying in the lateral axis of the bed.

[0058] 5. Scent Sensing [0059] The infant, baby, toddler, or child is introduced to this feature by the parent/guardian turning on a switch to activate a fan, which blows air through the HVAC duct, across a scented pad, resulting in the scented therapeutic aroma flowing, encompassing, and filling the space, occupied by the infant, baby, toddler, or child, in the bed. [0060] A 12V Battery is the energy source for the electrical functionalities of the Bed, however, optional for the imagery and sound sensing features. Switched component(s) can be left in the ON position, as they are powered by the activation of a motion sensor, which allows current flow to all electrical functionality of the Comfy Cruiser Bed (except the imagery and sound sensing features). The motion sensor is activated (closed circuit: ON) when the infant, baby toddler, or child is placed in the bed.

[0061] Referring to the Figures, FIG. 1 is a top, front and side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the unitary structure is in the form of a motor vehicle. This bed structure 100 shows nominal features, and internal accommodations for the infant, baby, toddler, or child. The bed 102 is nominally placed, and resides, in a stationary position, with the capability to be translated via remote control. Ingress of the infant, baby, toddler, or child, is motion sensed, activating some or all sensory perceptive characteristics of the bed. The bed also has an infant multi-directional restraining element 120 similar to a seat belt device for securing an infant in the bed regardless of the position of the bed in the structure. FIG. 2 is a top view of a motor vehicle bed structure embodiment of the present invention showing the reclining and horizontal configuration of the bed area for the infant, baby, toddler, or child. Also shown are the bottle warming, and/or cup holding apparatus 104. The front hood type section of the structure 108 can pivot upward to reveal a video screen.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a front view of a motor vehicle bed structure embodiment of the present invention showing a mechanical system for creating various movements of the bed structure embodiment. Below the front portion of the bed structure 300 is a mechanical system 312 comprised of a motor, gears and an actuator to facilitate movements of the vehicle structure to induce a desired consoling motion in the bed. The vehicle bed structure 300 rests on and is supported by stands 314. These support stands provide stability of the bed structure during the induced motion activity. The motion produced by the mechanical system 312 is more of a lateral movement with reference to the support stands.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a side view of a motor vehicle bed structure embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the mechanical system for inducing motion of the bed structure 412 also comprises of a motor, gears and an actuator to facilitate movements of the vehicle structure to induce a desired consoling motion in the bed. In fact, the mechanical systems 312 and 412 can be the same system with the capability induced motions in lateral and forward and backward directions. In the present invention, the user can determine which direction for movements by the bed structure. Support stands 314 can be positioned by each of the 4 wheels on the bed structure.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the movements (translation or swaying/semi-rotation) of the bed structure are accomplished by a conjoined structure mated to a relocatable actuator attached to a motor assembled to the bottom of the bed. The relocatable actuator creates a link between the conjoined structure and the motor gear wheel. The relocatable actuator can be moved from one location to another to determine the forward and aft-like translation or the left and right like swaying movement. The forward and aft-like translation is actually oval (see FIG. 8), and the left and right-like swaying movement is parabolic (see FIG. 9). The body of the bed is positioned atop a base structure that lies on the ground, for support of the whole bed assembly. The body has two opposingly biased pins horizontally orientated (see FIG. 12), that complements slots on the base structure, allowing for pivoting in either the forward and aft-like translation, or the left and right-like swaying movement. The base structure is also designed with slots and routes/path, accepting of pins on the relocatable actuator to follow, which determines the movement of the bed.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a motor vehicle bed structure embodiment 500 of the present invention showing a mechanical system 516 for creating various movements of the bed structure embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5a, as mentioned, the movements of the bed structure are accomplished by a conjoined structure mated to a relocatable actuator 520 attached to a motor 522 assembled to the bottom of the bed. The relocatable actuator creates a link between the conjoined structure and the motor gear wheel 524 and 526. As illustrated, the motor 522 turns which causes the gear wheel 524 connected to the motor to turn. The actuator attached to the gear wheel will then move along a determined path such as the oval path shown in FIG. 8. The movement of the actuator causes the bottom of the bed structure to move in the same motion as the actuator.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a magnified view of the motor and gear system 516 for use in the present invention for creating various movements of the bed structure embodiment. As shown, a motor 622 connects to a gear 624. The actuator 632 connects to the gear 624 to facilitate movements of the bed structure. Gear 624 also connects to gear 626. Actuator 634 connects to gear 626 to facilitate lateral movements of the bed structure. A housing 630 facilitates translation motions between the bed structure and actuators.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the motor, gear and actuator system 516 for use in the present invention for creating various movements of the bed structure embodiment. Shown are two brackets 738 and 740 that attach the motor assembly to bottom of the bed structure 700. The motor 722 is positioned inside the assembly frame work 716. In this configuration, the gear 734 attaches directly to the motor 722. Rod 736 is attached to the gear 734 and is also attached to the actuator 720. As shown, actuator 720 is positioned to move within a groove (path) 738. This groove is on the side of the bed structure. Movement of the actuator will cause the bed structure to move. Path 738 dictates a forward and aft-like translation or movement. In FIG. 7, gear 724 can also engages gear 740. Gear 740 faces the front of the bed structure and connects to actuator 734. Referring to FIG. 9, the actuator can move through the grove path and create the left and right-like swaying parabolic movement.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a view of a side positioned actuator of the present invention for generally vertical movements of the bed structure of the present invention. The actuator 732 follows the groove path 832 to produce a forward and aft-like translation motion. This actuator 732 projects toward a side of the bed structure to better produce the forward and aft-like translation motion. FIG. 9 is a view of a front positioned actuator system of the present invention for generally horizontal movements of the bed structure of the present invention. The actuator 734 follows the groove path 934 to produce the left and right-like swaying parabolic movement. Element 942 is attached to the bed structure to facilitate movement of the section of the bed as the actuator follows the groove path to create the relative movement between sections of the bed structure.

[0069] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a groove path for guiding the movement of the front actuator during the movement of the vehicle structure of the present invention. As mentioned, in response to the movement of motor 722, actuator 734 moves along this path 1034 produces a left and right-like swaying parabolic motion in the bed structure. FIG. 11 is a view of a groove path 1132 for guiding the movement of the side actuator 732 during the movement of the vehicle structure of the present invention. This groove path has an oval or elliptical shape. This shape facilitates the forward and aft-like translation motion for movement of the bed structure.

[0070] FIG. 12 is a view of a pivot pin 1210 for facilitating the engagement of the vehicle structure with the mechanical system of the present invention. As mentioned, the bed structure has two opposingly biased pivot pins horizontally orientated (see FIG. 12), that complements slots on the base structure, allowing for pivoting in either the forward and aft-like translation, or the left and right-like swaying movement.

[0071] The structure of the present invention can be made in whole, or at least in part, of plastic, corrosion resistant metal, weather-resistant wood, rubber, and/or composite material construction, whilst providing a means for the enhanced sensory perception (all five senses) of the infant, baby, toddler, or child. The shape or geometrical design (external) of said structure embodied in the present invention is liken to, but is not limited to, a mode of transportation (carriage, wagon, car, truck, aircraft, boat or train; with/out ancillary doors) withstanding it allows for the incorporation of the sensory enhancing provisions required by the scope of the present invention.

[0072] In addition to the above-described method and structure for creating motion for the bed structure, other systems that generate bed movement are also available for implementation of the present invention. The present invention provides the capability to select a particular bed movement by engaging and disengaging certain gears in the motor assembly. However, a user can generally accomplish the same objectives of the present invention with single movement bed systems.

[0073] In addition to the motion, the present invention also comprises the use of temperature controls. Similar to motion, temperature can also have a relaxing, calming effect. As mentioned, in one embodiment, a switch can activate a fan, which blows air into an HVAC duct in the bed structure. As the air travels it is warmed or cooled (temperature functionality) by a Thermo-Electric Cooling device/module. Other temperature control means can include a blanket with temperature adjustment capabilities. Also the bed/mattress can have temperature adjustment capabilities. Other conventional heating and cooling means can also be implemented to accomplish the temperature control function.

[0074] FIG. 13 is a view of a system schematic of the components in the system of the present invention. Shown is the parent/guardian that has the ability to control the different functions in the enhanced bed of the present invention. Parallel systems have controllers/switches that separately control the feel, smell and taste functions. The parent/guardian also has the capability to control the sight and sound (audio/visual) function. The feel function relates primarily to the movements of the enhanced bed as indicated by the motor(s) and the temperature control. The scent pad function can also be controlled by the temperature controller. The taste function incorporates the bottle warmer. All of these mentioned functions and system capabilities of the present invention are directed at providing a comforting and cuddling environment for the infant, baby, toddler, or child.

[0075] An additional embodiment of the present invention can comprise the capability for a parent or guardian to monitor the activities of the baby, infant or child while not in the same room or vicinity of the baby, infant or child. This embodiment can comprise the features in the sensory bed of the present invention. In addition, in this embodiment the video screen used to provide audio/visual capabilities can have camera means that can capture images of the baby, infant or child in the sensory bed. These images can be transmitted to a receiver device that the parent or guardian can use to view the activities of the baby, infant or child while in another room. As a result, this alternate embodiment can provide monitoring capabilities for the parent. To facilitate the capturing of images at the sensory bed, the audio/visual screen can comprise a computing device such as a computer tablet. This tablet would have the capability to communicate with other electronic computing devices such as computers and smart phones. Further, the camera capabilities of the audio/visual device could be similar to camera devices attached to computer screens.

[0076] In still another embodiment of the present invention, there can a controller element that can control the functions of the present invention including the bed movements, temperature, aroma and audio/visual capabilities of the invention. The user (i.e. a parent) could program desired parameters for each function including a set time for each function to operate. The user can also receive status information for each function and remotely control the functions' operations. For example, if the parent receives an image that shows the child is asleep, the parent could remotely turn off functions such as the audio/visual function. The user can also have a time set to automatically shut off a function. The audio function of the present invention can also have the capability to provide various sounds without the visual component. For example, these sounds can include the sound of a vacuum cleaner running; rain drops falling, train sounds and various types of music. These different types of sounds can be stored and indexed in the audio/visual device. If the user just desired sounds, they could select sound only and then select the desired sound from the sounds in the index.

[0077] Still, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is designed to accommodate an animal such as a person's pet.

[0078] The enhanced child sensory bed of the invention provides significant advantages over the current art. The invention has been described in connection with its preferred embodiments. However, it is not limited thereto. Changes, variations and modifications to the basic design may be made without departing from the inventive concepts in this invention. In addition, these changes, variations and modifications would be obvious to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the foregoing teachings. All such changes, variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of this invention.