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 comprising a bed frame, said bed structure designed to be partially enclosed; a sleeping surface positioned on said bed frame and capable of supporting an infant, baby, toddler, or child; a mechanical system attached to said bed structure configured to provide multidirectional movement of said bed structure, the mechanical system comprising a motor, a first actuator attached to a first gear wheel, said first actuator fitting through a parabolic guide path that facilitates a forward and aft parabolic swaying movement, a second actuator attached to a second gear wheel, said second actuator fitting through an elliptical guide path that facilitates side to side swaying movement, wherein the motor is adapted to provide rotational movement to the first gear wheel to rotate the first actuator and adapted to provide rotational movement to the second gear wheel to rotate the second actuator; and a temperature control system attached to said bed structure, said temperature control system comprising a fan, a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) duct, a thermoelectric device and a scent pad, wherein the temperature control system is configured to activate said fan to blow temperature controlled air and to provide a therapeutic aroma through the HVAC duct and across the sent pad to adjust a temperature and provide a therapeutic aroma within said bed structure.

2. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1, wherein said bed structure further comprises a front section, an open middle section and a rear trunk section, said rear truck 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 is capable of pivoting in an upward direction to an open position, said front section comprising a video screen.

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

5. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 4, wherein the video screen is part of an audio visual device.

6. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 5, wherein said audio visual device is a computer tablet device.

7. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 1, wherein said thermoelectric device cools and warms the air blown into said bed structure.

8. The sensory enhancing bed as describe in claim 1, further comprising an infant restriction device for securing said infant, baby, toddler, or child in said bed structure.

9. The sensory enhancing bed as described in claim 8, wherein said infant restriction device is an adjustable restraining element secured to said bed structure and capable of securing said infant, baby, toddler, or child in the bed structure.

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

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

12. A sensory enhancing bed comprising: a bed structure comprising a bed frame, said bed structure designed to be partially enclosed; a sleeping surface positioned on said bed frame and capable of supporting an infant, baby, toddler, or child; a mechanical system attached to said bed structure for providing multidirectional movements of said bed structure, the mechanical system comprising a motor, a first actuator attached to a first gear wheel, said first actuator fitting through a parabolic guide path that facilitates a forward and aft parabolic swaying movement, a second actuator attached to a second gear wheel, said second actuator fitting through an elliptical guide path that facilitates side to side swaying movement, wherein the motor is adapted to provide rotational movement to the first gear wheel to rotate the first actuator and adapted to provide rotational movement to the second gear wheel to rotate the second actuator; a remote monitoring and control system; and a temperature control system attached to said bed structure, said temperature control system comprising a fan, a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) duct, a thermoelectric cooling device and a scent pad, wherein the temperature control system is configured to activated said fan and blow air at a controlled temperature through the HVAC duct to adjust a temperature within said bed structure.

13. The sensory enhancing bed of claim 12, wherein the remote monitoring and control system comprises a video camera connected to the bed structure and positioned to monitor the infant, baby, toddler, or child.

14. The sensory enhancing bed of claim 13, wherein the remote monitoring and control system allows a user to control one or more of temperature, movement, scent, sound, and an audiovisual device of the sensory enhancing bed.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

(4) 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.

(5) 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.

(6) 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.

(7) 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.

(8) 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.

(9) 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.

(10) 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.

(11) 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.

(12) 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.

(13) 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.

(14) FIG. 13 is a view of a system schematic of the components in the system of the present invention.

(15) An embodiment of the present invention can also comprise audio visual capabilities in the form of a computer tablet to provide sound and sight for the infant, baby, toddler or child while they are in their beds.

(16) The present invention is the solution that conveniently cares for and comforts infants, babies, toddlers and children to help them calm down, relax, stop crying and simply go to sleep.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(17) 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.

(18) 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.

(19) 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.

(20) The present invention can comprise 5 features applicable to the senses of the infant, baby toddler, or child:

(21) 1. Imagery Sensing

(22) 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.

(23) 2. Sound Sensing

(24) 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.

(25) 3. Taste Sensing

(26) 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.

(27) 4. Feel Sensing

(28) 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.

(29) 5. Scent Sensing

(30) 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.

(31) 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.

(32) 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 sleeping surface 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 structure 100. The bed structure 100 also has an infant multi-directional restraining element 120 similar to a seat belt device for securing an infant in the sleeping surface 102 regardless of the position of the bed structure 100 in the bed structure 100. FIG. 2 is a top view of a motor vehicle bed structure 100 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 section 108 of the bed structure 100 can pivot upward to reveal a video screen 109. Further depicted in FIG. 1 is the rear trunk section 110 with a top portion 111 and the two part internal wall 112 of the sleeping surface 102.

(33) 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 100 (as seen in FIG. 1) 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 100 rests on and is supported by support 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.

(34) FIG. 4 is a side view of a motor vehicle bed structure embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an alternate view of the mechanical system 312 underneath the bed structure 100. In the present invention, the user can determine which direction for movements by the bed structure 100. Support stands 314 can be positioned by each of the 4 wheels on the bed structure 100.

(35) In one embodiment of the present invention, the movements (translation or swaying/semi-rotation) of the bed structure 100 are accomplished by positioning 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.

(36) FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a bed structure 100 of the present invention showing the mechanical system 312 for creating various movements of the bed structure 100.

(37) FIG. 6 is a magnified view of the mechanical system 312 for use in the present invention for creating various movements of the bed structure embodiment. As shown, a motor 522 connects to a first gear 624. A first actuator 632 connects to the first gear 624 to facilitate movements of the bed structure 100. First gear 624 also connects to second gear 626 (as shown in FIG. 7). A second actuator 634 connects to second gear 626 to facilitate lateral movements of the bed structure. A housing 630 facilitates translation motions between the bed structure and actuators.

(38) FIG. 5a and FIG. 7 show schematic views of the mechanical system 312 for use in the present invention for creating various movements of the bed structure 100. Shown in FIG. 7 are two brackets 738 and 740 that attach the mechanical system 312 to bottom of the bed structure 100. The motor 522 is positioned inside the housing 630. In this configuration, the first gear 624 attaches directly to the motor 522. First rod 520 is attached to the first gear 624 and is also attached to the first actuator 632. First actuator 632 is positioned to move within a parabolic groove (path) 934, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. This parabolic groove path 934 is on the side of the bed structure 100. Movement of the first actuator 632 will cause the bed structure to move. Parabolic groove path 934 dictates a forward and aft-like translation or movement. In FIG. 7, first gear 624 engages second gear 626. Second gear 626 faces the front of the bed structure 100 and connects to second actuator 634.

(39) FIG. 8 and FIG. 12 show views of the front positioned second actuator 634 of the present invention for left and right-like movements of the bed structure 100 of the present invention. The second actuator 634 follows an elliptical groove path 832 to produce the left and right-like translation motion.

(40) FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the parabolic groove path 934 for guiding the forward and aft-like movement of the first actuator 632 during the movement of the bed structure 100 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the elliptical groove path 832 for guiding the left and right-like movement of the second actuator 634 during the movement of the bed structure 100 of the present invention.

(41) FIG. 12 is a view of a pivot pin 1210 for facilitating the engagement of the bed structure 100 with the mechanical system 312 of the present invention. As mentioned, the bed structure 100 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.

(42) 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.

(43) 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.

(44) 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.

(45) 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.

(46) 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.

(47) 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.

(48) Still, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is designed to accommodate an animal such as a person's pet.

(49) 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.