AUTOMATIC PIVOTING BASSINET FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF PLAGIOCEPHALY

Abstract

A bassinet configured to prevent and treat plagiocephaly of an infant via an automated pivoting floor platform (bed) via an actuating motor disposed of in communication with a controlling timer, a power source, and at least one support. The motor is preferably insulated to ensure a quiet operation, minimizing the possibility of waking the infant during use. A soothing sound machine is preferably integrated into the apparatus and may be optionally activated at the user's will for a more restful sleep. The floor platform is preferably configured to tilt 15-20 degrees to either side, slowly, in an oscillating manner in intervals of 15 minutes. Straps present in communication with the floor platform and/or side walls of the bassinet facilitate the connection of a swaddle or onesie to the floor platform, ensuring the infant remains in position even when tilted. Tilting of the head is allowed, preventing flatting of the head in a single area due to the automatic movement of the head during the sleep session.

Claims

1. A bassinet that pivots, comprising: a floor platform disposed in communication with a base; a reciprocating rod descending from said base; wherein said reciprocating rod is attached to a strap at an anchor point on said base; an oscillatory drive disposed inside said base; a swivel hinge on said floor platform; retaining straps disposed in communication with said floor platform; a motor disposed in communication with said floor platform; and an actuating arm in communication with said motor.

2. The bassinet of claim 1 further comprising: a power source, said motor disposed in communication with said power source; a support for said motor; wherein said actuating arm is disposed in communication with said floor platform, wherein said actuating arm is configured to tilt said floor platform per revolutions of said motor; and a controlling timer disposed in communication with said motor and said power source.

3. The bassinet of claim 1, wherein said motor is attached at a bottom of said platform.

4. The bassinet of claim 1, further comprising: a battery disposed in communication with said motor; a vibrating feature disposed in communication with said motor; and a control circuit disposed in communication with said motor.

5. The bassinet of claim 1, wherein said floor platform is disposed in communication with said motor; and wherein said motor disposed in communication with an offset link.

6. The bassinet of claim 1, wherein said actuating arm is in communication to a control of the stroke length and reciprocating motion.

7. The bassinet of claim 1, further comprising: a crank device driven by a worm gear, and; an upper end of said reciprocating arm coupled to said crank device.

8. The bassinet of claim 7, wherein said crank device is driven by a worm gear.

9. The bassinet of claim 8, further comprising: an upper end of the reciprocating arm coupled to said crank device.

10. The bassinet of claim 1, further comprising: a side wall configured to receive a swaddle in communication with said platform.

11. The bassinet of claim 1, further comprising: a retaining strap configured to receive a onesie in communication with said platform.

12. The bassinet of claim 2, wherein said motor is attached at a bottom of said platform.

13. The bassinet of claim 2, further comprising: a battery disposed in communication with said motor; a vibrating feature disposed in communication with said motor; and a control circuit disposed in communication with said motor.

14. The bassinet of claim 2, wherein said floor platform is disposed in communication with said motor; and wherein said motor disposed in communication with an offset link.

15. The bassinet of claim 2, wherein said actuating arm is in communication to a control of the stroke length and reciprocating motion.

16. The bassinet of claim 2, further comprising: a crank device driven by a worm gear, and; an upper end of said reciprocating arm coupled to said crank device.

17. The bassinet of claim 16, further comprising: an upper end of the reciprocating arm coupled to said crank device; and wherein said crank device is driven by a worm gear.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further explain the invention's principles and enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0018] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a view of the bed of the bassinet of the present invention, showing an infant secured (swaddled) within the bassinet for sleep.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a diagram detailing the pressure distribution, as enacted by gravity, on the infant's skull during sleep as the bassinet of the present invention is pivoted throughout the night.

[0021] FIG. 3 exhibits a view of a first embodiment of the present invention as depicted from the side.

[0022] FIG. 4 details a flowchart describing the process of use of the present invention by a parent for their infant.

[0023] FIG. 5 depicts a view of the straps and buckles of the present invention as seen from above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0024] The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s).

[0025] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment; Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0026] The present invention is an automatic pivoting bassinet configured to both prevent and treat plagiocephaly. The present invention is a bassinet equipped with a bed area (10) having a floor platform (20), surrounding wall (30), and supports (40). The floor platform (20) traditionally functions as a mattress or bed for an infant. The supports (40) are preferably disposed of in communication with a bottom (50) of the floor platform (20), which provides even and adequate support for the weight of the floor platform (20) and infant during use.

[0027] An electric motor (60) disposed of in communication with a power source (70) is present within a housing (80) of the present invention. The power source (70) is preferably an AC power outlet, however, some embodiments may be equipped with batteries. The electric motor (60) is preferably affixed to at least one actuating aim (90), which is disposed of in communication with the floor platform (20) to facilitate actuation (tilting) of the floor platform (20). The floor platform (20) is configured to be angled automatically via the electric motor (60) at specific intervals (preferably every 15 minutes). Angles at which the floor platform (20) may be disposed include −15 degrees, 0 degrees, and 15 degrees, amounting to a slowly oscillating clockwise/counterclockwise motion.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the floor platform (20) may pivot up to 20 degrees in either direction. Movement of the floor platform (20) allows the distribution of the force of gravity to be applied evenly to the head of the infant throughout the night, preventing and/or treating the flattening of the head. The electric motor (60) is configured to operate very slowly and smoothly, ensuring a gentle rotation of the head of the infant. The frequency of the actuation of the electric motor (60) is preferably once every fifteen minutes, however, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the parent or guardian of the infant may alter the frequency if desired. It should be noted that the degree and frequency of the actuation of the electric motor (60) are dependent on the shape of the infant's head and the severity of the case of plagiocephaly.

[0029] In some alternate embodiments of the present invention, a mechanical motor is employed in place of an electric motor (60). In other alternate embodiments, the floor platform (20) is pivoted manually by the parent or guardian via a hand crank or lever. Further, in some alternate embodiments of the present invention, the entirety of the bassinet pivots about a primary axis to facilitate movement of the head of the infant during sleep.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, pressure distribution, as enacted by the gravitational force, is applied evenly when the present invention is properly used consistently over time, preventing the exertion of sustained pressure in one position which prevents flattening of that area of the head.

[0031] Retaining straps (100) are preferably present, either in communication with a specially designed onesie or in communication with the floor platform (20) itself. The retaining straps (100), as shown in FIG. 1, ensure that the infant remains in place, even during the pivoting process. Clasps or buckles (105) may be present on the onesie WE NEED TO DETAIL AND SHOW THE ONESIE IF ESPECIALLY RELEVANT or on a special swaddle (95) WE HAVE TO EXPLAIN 95 which affix to the straps (100) connected to the floor platform (20). The onesies and/or swaddles are preferably available in multiple sizes to accommodate differing sizes of babies. The retaining straps (100) are preferably similar to those of car seat straps. Both options allow for easy access to the baby and prevents overheating.

[0032] Additionally, some embodiments of the present invention are preferably equipped with a soothing sound feature which is controlled via buttons (110) found on the front or side of the bassinet. At least one speaker (120) facilitates the playback of soothing sounds to help the infant to sleep best. The sounds may be toggled on or off via a power button, and multiple sound options are preferably available, including but not limited to white noise, heartbeat noise, wave noise, and other similar noises.

[0033] The process of use of the apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, is preferably as follows: [0034] 1. First, the user purchases the apparatus of the present invention at an authorized retailer or online e-retailer. (200) [0035] 2. Next, the user opens the packaging of the apparatus and ensures all components are present. (210) [0036] 3. Then, the user retrieves an instruction manual and follows simple directions to complete assembly of the apparatus. (220) [0037] 4. The user then places the bassinet into a desired location and connects a power cable to a power source (if needed). (230) [0038] 5. When it is time for the infant to sleep, the user swaddles the infant in one of the included swaddles equipped with buckles. (240) [0039] 6. Once swaddled, the user places the infant into the bassinet on their back on the floor platform and straps the infant into position via the included straps. (250) [0040] 7. Then, the user presses a power button to turn on the apparatus. (260) [0041] 8. An internal timer instructs the motor to tilt the floor platform 15 degrees to the first side after 15 minutes have elapsed. (270) [0042] 9. The internal timer instructs the motor to tilt the floor platform back 15 degrees to a neutral, flat position after 30 minutes have elapsed. (280) [0043] 10. The internal timer instructs the motor to tilt the floor platform 15 degrees to a second side after 45 minutes have elapsed. (290) [0044] 11. The internal timer instructs the motor to tilt the floor platform back 15 degrees to the neutral, flat position after one hour has elapsed. (300) [0045] 12. Steps 8-11 (270-300) repeat until the user deactivates the apparatus via the power button. (310) [0046] 13. The user may also optionally activate a soothing sounds feature, which will play user-selected sounds from a speaker integrated into the apparatus if desired. (320)

[0047] Alternate embodiments of the present invention may include variations in the size, shape, color, texture, pattern, and other conventional characteristics of the bassinet of the present invention. As such, it should be understood that the present invention may be made available in multiple designs and orientations; however, every embodiment is equipped with a pivoting bed, referenced as the floor platform (20), to facilitate the treatment and prevention of plagiocephaly in infants.

[0048] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention described in the embodiments above but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

[0049] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular use contemplated.