CA2907936A1 - Sleep inducing device - Google Patents
Sleep inducing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2907936A1 CA2907936A1 CA2907936A CA2907936A CA2907936A1 CA 2907936 A1 CA2907936 A1 CA 2907936A1 CA 2907936 A CA2907936 A CA 2907936A CA 2907936 A CA2907936 A CA 2907936A CA 2907936 A1 CA2907936 A1 CA 2907936A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- infant
- mat
- sleep
- ridges
- conveyance
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B9/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for children's carriages or perambulators
- B62B9/22—Devices for rocking or oscillating
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Carriages For Children, Sleds, And Other Hand-Operated Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A sleep inducing device for inducing sleep or settling of an infant when in a pram in the form of a floor mat provided with an uneven upper structure having at least two spaced apart upwardly extending projections in the form of rectalinear ridges extending from one side of the mat to opposite sides of the mat. The height of each ridge and the spacing apart of adjacent ridges is selected to replicate the 'lub dub' sound of the heartbeat of the mother of the infant when the pram is pushed over the surface of the mat by the wheels being deflected upwardly and downwardly to produce vibrations as they pass over the ridges. The surface of the mat is also provided with undulations between adjacent ridges. The mat provides an economical and easy way to settle an infant where required by placing the mat on a suitable floor surface and repeatedly pushing the pram backwards and forwards over the mat until the infant settles and falls asleep.
Description
SLEEP INDUCING DEVICE
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices for inducing a sense of wellbeing in an infant to assist the infant in falling asleep and to methods of using such devices to pacify the infant.
In one form the present invention relates to a portable sleep inducing device which can be used temporarily as required and where required to induce a sleep state or similar in an infant.
In one form the present invention relates to a sleep inducing device for cooperating with a conveyance for the infant to induce sleep within the infant due to movement of the conveyance with respect to the device.
The present invention finds particular application as a portable sleep inducing device that can be used temporarily to create a surface for cooperation with the wheels of an infant conveyance to modify the movement of the wheels of the conveyance to induce a state of wellbeing in the infant resulting in sleep or a settled state.
Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to one or other embodiments of the sleep inducing device and to a method of using such devices, it is to be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments but rather the scope of protection is more extensive so as to include other forms and arrangements of the various devices and their uses in other applications.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
In some circumstances it is desirable to induce sleep or a settled state in an infant such as when an infant is fractious due to suffering a mild medical condition, such as during teething, or is over tired or is otherwise prevented from sleeping in accordance with the normal sleep pattern of the infant. Often in such circumstances it is difficult to induce sleep in the infant. Other circumstances include when an infant has developed an unwanted sleep behaviour, such as for example, rocking to sleep with a heavy older infant or difficulty in settling the infant when out and about in a different environment.
In the past there are many and varied ways of attempting to put a child to sleep.
Some ways include taking the infant for a walk in a stroller or similar, or taking the child for a journey in a motor vehicle or merely rocking the infant in the arms of a parent or carer in an attempt to relax the infant sufficiently so that the infant falls asleep. Some of the previously attempted methods of inducing sleep are more effective than others. However, not all of the
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices for inducing a sense of wellbeing in an infant to assist the infant in falling asleep and to methods of using such devices to pacify the infant.
In one form the present invention relates to a portable sleep inducing device which can be used temporarily as required and where required to induce a sleep state or similar in an infant.
In one form the present invention relates to a sleep inducing device for cooperating with a conveyance for the infant to induce sleep within the infant due to movement of the conveyance with respect to the device.
The present invention finds particular application as a portable sleep inducing device that can be used temporarily to create a surface for cooperation with the wheels of an infant conveyance to modify the movement of the wheels of the conveyance to induce a state of wellbeing in the infant resulting in sleep or a settled state.
Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to one or other embodiments of the sleep inducing device and to a method of using such devices, it is to be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments but rather the scope of protection is more extensive so as to include other forms and arrangements of the various devices and their uses in other applications.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
In some circumstances it is desirable to induce sleep or a settled state in an infant such as when an infant is fractious due to suffering a mild medical condition, such as during teething, or is over tired or is otherwise prevented from sleeping in accordance with the normal sleep pattern of the infant. Often in such circumstances it is difficult to induce sleep in the infant. Other circumstances include when an infant has developed an unwanted sleep behaviour, such as for example, rocking to sleep with a heavy older infant or difficulty in settling the infant when out and about in a different environment.
In the past there are many and varied ways of attempting to put a child to sleep.
Some ways include taking the infant for a walk in a stroller or similar, or taking the child for a journey in a motor vehicle or merely rocking the infant in the arms of a parent or carer in an attempt to relax the infant sufficiently so that the infant falls asleep. Some of the previously attempted methods of inducing sleep are more effective than others. However, not all of the
- 2 -previously attempted methods of making an infant sleep are successful in all circumstances for one or other reasons.
Furthermore, there are times when it is impractical or inconvenient to use such methods involving walking with the infant, driving the infant or rocking the infant, such as for example during inclement weather which may prevent walking or strolling outdoors. In many instances making unnecessary trips in motor vehicles, particularly at night, is impractical and undesirable. In other instances a parent or carer may have other responsibilities or activities which divert their attention limiting the time that the parent or carer can devote to attending to the infant in an attempt to get the infant to sleep which in many instances is time consuming. In other instances a parent or carer may be extremely tired, making it dangerous to drive or even rock the infant in a chair at the risk of the parent falling asleep, putting one or both of them at risk.
Therefore there is a need for an effective way of more readily inducing sleep in an infant or at least a more practical alternative to existing ways which additionally can lead to a more universally acceptable way to calm a child sufficiently to induce sleep.
Accordingly it is one aim of the present invention to provide an alternative sleep inducing device or method which device is portable allowing it to be used readily and safely.
Accordingly it is an aim of the present invention to provide a sleep inducing device which is more effective in getting an infant to fall asleep.
Accordingly it is one aim of the present invention to provide a sleep inducing device and method of using such device temporarily at a required location to induce sleep in the infant which has substantially universal application.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a method of inducing sleep in an infant that is more practical to use and is more readily available on demand as required.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a method of pain management for an infant that incorporates a non medicated component to a pain management plan and is more readily available on demand as required.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a sleep inducing device which cooperatively interacts with a conveyance for an infant to alter the movement of the conveyance so as to induce sleep within the infant when in the conveyance.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a sleep inducing device and method of use for cooperating with the wheels of a baby carriage to control the movement of the wheels of the carriage in such a manner so as to induce sleep within the infant when in the baby carriage.
Furthermore, there are times when it is impractical or inconvenient to use such methods involving walking with the infant, driving the infant or rocking the infant, such as for example during inclement weather which may prevent walking or strolling outdoors. In many instances making unnecessary trips in motor vehicles, particularly at night, is impractical and undesirable. In other instances a parent or carer may have other responsibilities or activities which divert their attention limiting the time that the parent or carer can devote to attending to the infant in an attempt to get the infant to sleep which in many instances is time consuming. In other instances a parent or carer may be extremely tired, making it dangerous to drive or even rock the infant in a chair at the risk of the parent falling asleep, putting one or both of them at risk.
Therefore there is a need for an effective way of more readily inducing sleep in an infant or at least a more practical alternative to existing ways which additionally can lead to a more universally acceptable way to calm a child sufficiently to induce sleep.
Accordingly it is one aim of the present invention to provide an alternative sleep inducing device or method which device is portable allowing it to be used readily and safely.
Accordingly it is an aim of the present invention to provide a sleep inducing device which is more effective in getting an infant to fall asleep.
Accordingly it is one aim of the present invention to provide a sleep inducing device and method of using such device temporarily at a required location to induce sleep in the infant which has substantially universal application.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a method of inducing sleep in an infant that is more practical to use and is more readily available on demand as required.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a method of pain management for an infant that incorporates a non medicated component to a pain management plan and is more readily available on demand as required.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a sleep inducing device which cooperatively interacts with a conveyance for an infant to alter the movement of the conveyance so as to induce sleep within the infant when in the conveyance.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a sleep inducing device and method of use for cooperating with the wheels of a baby carriage to control the movement of the wheels of the carriage in such a manner so as to induce sleep within the infant when in the baby carriage.
- 3 -Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a relaxation and settling device and method of use for cooperating with the wheels of a baby carriage to control the movement of the wheels of the carriage in such a manner so as to induce relief from discomfort within the infant when in the baby carriage.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to one form of the present invention there is provided a device for use in pacifying an infant so as to induce sleep or settling in the infant, the device comprising at least one surface having surface irregularities for forming a generally uneven surface, the surface irregularities being located at spaced apart locations from one another on the surface, wherein the spacing apart of the surface irregularities is such so as to produce movement in a wheeled conveyance carrying the infant when traversing the uneven surface of the device to mimic the rhythm, sound and/or 'bumping/patting sensation' or vibration experience of the infant when in the womb of the mother of the infant, so as to induce sleep or settled behaviour in the infant.
According to one form of the present invention there is provided a method of inducing sleep in an infant comprising the steps of locating the infant in a wheeled conveyance, moving the wheeled conveyance in a reciprocal movement across the surface of a sleep inducing device located on a supporting substrate wherein the device is provided with an upper surface having surface irregularities located at spaced apart locations for forming an uneven surface, the spacing apart of the surface irregularities mimicking the rhythm, sound, vibration and/or patting experienced by the infant when within the womb of the mother of the infant so as to induce drowsiness of the infant when the wheels of the conveyance traverse the irregularities of the uneven surface.
According to one form of the present invention there is provided a method of treating an infant suffering from sleep deprivation to induce sleep within the infant comprising the steps of reciprocally moving the wheels of a conveyance for the infant over the uneven surface of a sleep inducing device placed on a supporting substrate, the uneven surface being formed from surface irregularities wherein the surface irregularities are spaced apart from each other such that the spacing apart of the surface irregularities results in the movement of the conveyance to mimic the rhythm, sound and/or vibration experienced by the infant within the womb of the mother of the infant so as to induce sleep in the infant as the conveyance travels over the uneven surface.
According to one form of the present invention there is provided a sleep inducing device in the form of a covering capable of being located on a supporting substrate the covering comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface enabling the
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to one form of the present invention there is provided a device for use in pacifying an infant so as to induce sleep or settling in the infant, the device comprising at least one surface having surface irregularities for forming a generally uneven surface, the surface irregularities being located at spaced apart locations from one another on the surface, wherein the spacing apart of the surface irregularities is such so as to produce movement in a wheeled conveyance carrying the infant when traversing the uneven surface of the device to mimic the rhythm, sound and/or 'bumping/patting sensation' or vibration experience of the infant when in the womb of the mother of the infant, so as to induce sleep or settled behaviour in the infant.
According to one form of the present invention there is provided a method of inducing sleep in an infant comprising the steps of locating the infant in a wheeled conveyance, moving the wheeled conveyance in a reciprocal movement across the surface of a sleep inducing device located on a supporting substrate wherein the device is provided with an upper surface having surface irregularities located at spaced apart locations for forming an uneven surface, the spacing apart of the surface irregularities mimicking the rhythm, sound, vibration and/or patting experienced by the infant when within the womb of the mother of the infant so as to induce drowsiness of the infant when the wheels of the conveyance traverse the irregularities of the uneven surface.
According to one form of the present invention there is provided a method of treating an infant suffering from sleep deprivation to induce sleep within the infant comprising the steps of reciprocally moving the wheels of a conveyance for the infant over the uneven surface of a sleep inducing device placed on a supporting substrate, the uneven surface being formed from surface irregularities wherein the surface irregularities are spaced apart from each other such that the spacing apart of the surface irregularities results in the movement of the conveyance to mimic the rhythm, sound and/or vibration experienced by the infant within the womb of the mother of the infant so as to induce sleep in the infant as the conveyance travels over the uneven surface.
According to one form of the present invention there is provided a sleep inducing device in the form of a covering capable of being located on a supporting substrate the covering comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface enabling the
- 4 -covering to be retained in place on the substrate so as to assist placement of the covering due to movement of a wheel of a baby conveyance over the upper surface of the covering, the upper surface provided with spaced apart surface irregularities or discontinuities in the form of projections for forming an uneven surface in which the projections extend from the upper structure to a height of at least about 3mm and the spacing apart of adjacent projections from each other of at least 90mm, the wheels of the baby conveyance for cooperating with the covering such that when the wheels travel over the upper surface the position of the wheel is deflected so as to impart movement to the baby conveyance to induce sleep in the infant within the baby conveyance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
The maternal womb is an optimal, stimulating and interactive environment for human development. The unborn foetus grows within the mother's womb listening to the sound of the heart valves opening and closing referred to as the audible heart beat and feeling the oscillation of the ventricular contraction and relaxation or physical heartbeat of the mother.
During pregnancy, the baby becomes accustomed to the environment in which the baby is developing. During the last trimester when the baby is relatively larger with its bottom or back located in a generally upwards orientation, the baby spends the last three months of gestation in a position feeling the rhythmic beating of the heart through the diaphragm and womb wall on and through the baby's back or bottom. This induces a feeling of comfort and wellbeing within the infant.
Babies also become familiar with the audible sounds associated with the heart of the mother beating which is often described in medicine as the "Lub Dub" sound. As a result of the time spent in the womb of the mother many babies develop a physiological response to the sounds and sensations of the womb environment. It is believed that if the sounds and sensations of the womb environment can be duplicated outside the womb, such duplication would provide a comforting environment for the infant. Such an environment would result in an increase in the infant feeling more comfortable and being reassured which could result in slowing of the heartbeat of the infant, general relaxation of the infant and settling into an established sleep pattern or relief from pain or discomfort. The difficulty faced by the inventors is how to replicate the environment within the womb outside of the womb and more particularly to be able to replicate the womb environment in a form that can be used by the infant to increase the health and wellbeing of the infant.
The inventors have found a way of replicating both the rhythmic sounds and vibrations of the womb through the judicious design of a sleep inducing device having
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
The maternal womb is an optimal, stimulating and interactive environment for human development. The unborn foetus grows within the mother's womb listening to the sound of the heart valves opening and closing referred to as the audible heart beat and feeling the oscillation of the ventricular contraction and relaxation or physical heartbeat of the mother.
During pregnancy, the baby becomes accustomed to the environment in which the baby is developing. During the last trimester when the baby is relatively larger with its bottom or back located in a generally upwards orientation, the baby spends the last three months of gestation in a position feeling the rhythmic beating of the heart through the diaphragm and womb wall on and through the baby's back or bottom. This induces a feeling of comfort and wellbeing within the infant.
Babies also become familiar with the audible sounds associated with the heart of the mother beating which is often described in medicine as the "Lub Dub" sound. As a result of the time spent in the womb of the mother many babies develop a physiological response to the sounds and sensations of the womb environment. It is believed that if the sounds and sensations of the womb environment can be duplicated outside the womb, such duplication would provide a comforting environment for the infant. Such an environment would result in an increase in the infant feeling more comfortable and being reassured which could result in slowing of the heartbeat of the infant, general relaxation of the infant and settling into an established sleep pattern or relief from pain or discomfort. The difficulty faced by the inventors is how to replicate the environment within the womb outside of the womb and more particularly to be able to replicate the womb environment in a form that can be used by the infant to increase the health and wellbeing of the infant.
The inventors have found a way of replicating both the rhythmic sounds and vibrations of the womb through the judicious design of a sleep inducing device having
- 5 -spaced apart surface irregularities or discontinuities with spacing that replicates the womb environment so that there is greater chance that a baby is pacified and readily falls asleep.
In one form the supporting substrate is the floor of a building, including an internal floor such as the floor of a lounge room or family room within a home, or an external floor such as a balcony, decking or veranda.
Typically the conveyance for containing the infant is a wheeled conveyance, typically a wheeled baby carriage, such as in the form of a pusher, stroller, buggy, pram, push chair or similar. The baby carriage can contain a single child, or two or more children simultaneously and can be equipped with three or four individual wheels depending upon the type. It is to be noted that any suitable carriage for the baby can be used with the sleep inducing device of the present invention. For clarity of expression the term baby carriage will be used. However, the scope of the invention does not exclude other forms of a conveyance for an infant as indicated above.
In one form the sleep inducing device is a covering or cover, typically a cover or covering in the form of a floor covering or similar that can be placed more or less temporarily on the surface of the floor. Preferably, the floor covering is a mat or similar for temporarily covering a section of the floor when required. Descriptions of the portable sleep inducing device in the form of a mat can include sleep mat, motion mat, vibration mat, baby mat, rocking mat, baby rumbler mat or similar. Although the term mat will be used for ease of expression, it is to be noted that the scope of protection is not restricted to mats only but extends to include other forms and arrangements for providing an uneven surface.
Although the mat can be made from any suitable material, in preferred examples of the mat, the mat is made from plastics and/or rubber materials, typically of a semi-rigid, elastomeric plastic, often referred to as thermoplastic materials (TPE) including thermoplastic elastomers which are materials having both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties which make them suitable for forming the mat. Thermoplastic elastomers can be readily injection moulded into a desired or suitable shape. Typical classes of materials include styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys (TP-v or TPV), polyurethanes (TPU), copolyesters and polyam ides to name a few. Such materials are obtainable from a variety of different suppliers including such companies as DSM, Dupont, Dow Chemicals and similar. Forms of the mats can be made from a variety of other materials including carpets, rubber compounds, PVC, TPE, EVA, NBR/PVC, plastics, polymers, bamboo, grasses, timber, wood, dowels with cloth or other materials.
The mat can have any suitable shape, style, size, profile, form or similar.
Preferably, the mat is rectangular in shape having two opposed longitudinal sides and two opposed transversal sides. In one form, the mat is provided with one or more lines dividing the mat
In one form the supporting substrate is the floor of a building, including an internal floor such as the floor of a lounge room or family room within a home, or an external floor such as a balcony, decking or veranda.
Typically the conveyance for containing the infant is a wheeled conveyance, typically a wheeled baby carriage, such as in the form of a pusher, stroller, buggy, pram, push chair or similar. The baby carriage can contain a single child, or two or more children simultaneously and can be equipped with three or four individual wheels depending upon the type. It is to be noted that any suitable carriage for the baby can be used with the sleep inducing device of the present invention. For clarity of expression the term baby carriage will be used. However, the scope of the invention does not exclude other forms of a conveyance for an infant as indicated above.
In one form the sleep inducing device is a covering or cover, typically a cover or covering in the form of a floor covering or similar that can be placed more or less temporarily on the surface of the floor. Preferably, the floor covering is a mat or similar for temporarily covering a section of the floor when required. Descriptions of the portable sleep inducing device in the form of a mat can include sleep mat, motion mat, vibration mat, baby mat, rocking mat, baby rumbler mat or similar. Although the term mat will be used for ease of expression, it is to be noted that the scope of protection is not restricted to mats only but extends to include other forms and arrangements for providing an uneven surface.
Although the mat can be made from any suitable material, in preferred examples of the mat, the mat is made from plastics and/or rubber materials, typically of a semi-rigid, elastomeric plastic, often referred to as thermoplastic materials (TPE) including thermoplastic elastomers which are materials having both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties which make them suitable for forming the mat. Thermoplastic elastomers can be readily injection moulded into a desired or suitable shape. Typical classes of materials include styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys (TP-v or TPV), polyurethanes (TPU), copolyesters and polyam ides to name a few. Such materials are obtainable from a variety of different suppliers including such companies as DSM, Dupont, Dow Chemicals and similar. Forms of the mats can be made from a variety of other materials including carpets, rubber compounds, PVC, TPE, EVA, NBR/PVC, plastics, polymers, bamboo, grasses, timber, wood, dowels with cloth or other materials.
The mat can have any suitable shape, style, size, profile, form or similar.
Preferably, the mat is rectangular in shape having two opposed longitudinal sides and two opposed transversal sides. In one form, the mat is provided with one or more lines dividing the mat
- 6 -into panels. The lines can be in the form of creases, fold lines, hinges, grooves, or similar.
In one form one or more creases extend from or at along one longitudinal side to, at or towards the other longitudinal side, substantially parallel to the transverse sides. In one form, the creases are in substantial parallel transversely extending relationship to one another. The creases allow the mat to be concertinaed, folded, packed or otherwise converted into a small compact square or rectangular parcel or similar shape that can be readily stored within the baby carriage. Forms of the mat can be rolled into a generally cylindrical shape for storage.
However, various other shapes are possible such as circular or oval shaped, star shaped or any other shape that is either aesthetically pleasing to the eye and/or be provided with suitable spaced apart surface projections and/or indentations for replication of the "Lub Dub" sound.
In one form the surface irregularities or discontinuities form an interrupted surface, such as an uneven surface and include projections or indentations or both projections and indentations. In one form the upper surface or obverse face of the mat only is uneven with the lower or rear surface being substantially planar to lie flat upon the floor in use such as to resist displacement by the wheels of the baby carriage contacting the projections as the carriage travels over the upper surface of the mat, particularly over the projections. In one form the surface irregularities extend through the body of the mat such that the location of the projections on one side of the mat correspond to the location of the indentations on the other side of the mat.
In one form the projections are in the form of ridges, ribs, crests, protrusions or similar, preferably elongate ridges extending in a straight line from one edge of the mat to another edge of the mat, preferably between opposite edges. The form of the ridges includes pairs of ridges in side by side parallel relationship to each other, typically slightly spaced apart from each other. However, the ridge can have any suitable or convenient shape, profile, size or cross-section and be of any suitable type including being straight, arcuate, curved or the like.
The pattern of ridges can be any suitable pattern or array, including individual ridges being in substantially parallel relationship to each other or arranged in an intersecting array, typically a perpendicularly intersecting array or the like. The projections can extend transversely or longitudinally or obliquely of the lengthwise extending direction or central axis of the mat.
Forms of the upper surface of the mat can have a regularly repeating pattern, such as a grid or a grid like pattern or array of ridges, including a grid of longitudinally extending ridges or ribs and transversely extending ridges or ribs. In one form, the upper surface is
In one form one or more creases extend from or at along one longitudinal side to, at or towards the other longitudinal side, substantially parallel to the transverse sides. In one form, the creases are in substantial parallel transversely extending relationship to one another. The creases allow the mat to be concertinaed, folded, packed or otherwise converted into a small compact square or rectangular parcel or similar shape that can be readily stored within the baby carriage. Forms of the mat can be rolled into a generally cylindrical shape for storage.
However, various other shapes are possible such as circular or oval shaped, star shaped or any other shape that is either aesthetically pleasing to the eye and/or be provided with suitable spaced apart surface projections and/or indentations for replication of the "Lub Dub" sound.
In one form the surface irregularities or discontinuities form an interrupted surface, such as an uneven surface and include projections or indentations or both projections and indentations. In one form the upper surface or obverse face of the mat only is uneven with the lower or rear surface being substantially planar to lie flat upon the floor in use such as to resist displacement by the wheels of the baby carriage contacting the projections as the carriage travels over the upper surface of the mat, particularly over the projections. In one form the surface irregularities extend through the body of the mat such that the location of the projections on one side of the mat correspond to the location of the indentations on the other side of the mat.
In one form the projections are in the form of ridges, ribs, crests, protrusions or similar, preferably elongate ridges extending in a straight line from one edge of the mat to another edge of the mat, preferably between opposite edges. The form of the ridges includes pairs of ridges in side by side parallel relationship to each other, typically slightly spaced apart from each other. However, the ridge can have any suitable or convenient shape, profile, size or cross-section and be of any suitable type including being straight, arcuate, curved or the like.
The pattern of ridges can be any suitable pattern or array, including individual ridges being in substantially parallel relationship to each other or arranged in an intersecting array, typically a perpendicularly intersecting array or the like. The projections can extend transversely or longitudinally or obliquely of the lengthwise extending direction or central axis of the mat.
Forms of the upper surface of the mat can have a regularly repeating pattern, such as a grid or a grid like pattern or array of ridges, including a grid of longitudinally extending ridges or ribs and transversely extending ridges or ribs. In one form, the upper surface is
- 7 -provided with depressions, such as indentations, dimples or other forms of troughs, recesses, grooves or similar. Forms of the mat can have combinations of projections and recesses to form an undulating or bumpy surface.
In one form the mat is provided with a guide for guiding the direction of movement of the baby carriage along a preset trajectory. In one form the guide is a projection, such as a ridge or rib located at or towards one edge of the mat and extending lengthwise along the edge, preferably along the longitudinal edge.
Preferably the mat and ridges are injection moulded as an integral single piece moulding. Having permanently affixed ridges gives the mat durability. In one form the ridges are separate ridges formed as separate elements which are attached to the mat by suitable fasteners such as a mechanical fasteners, sewn anchoring or the like or by the use of a bonding agent such as an adhesive, glue or similar. However, in the interest of ease and economy of manufacture and durability of use, it is preferred that the ridges be integrally formed with the mat. However, in some circumstances having separate replaceable ridges which can be selectively attached and detached as required has some advantages particularly during storage of the mat when not in use and/or to add structural rigidity to the mat. In other circumstances removal of the ridges is preferred such as if the mat is a disposable mat that can be replaced after a period of use such as for example in the interests of hygiene, particularly if the mat becomes contaminated with foreign substances during use and/or storage, or where it is difficult to adequately clean or sterilise the mat.
Preferably the material from which the mat is made is substantially reilient, typically substantially resiliently deformable so as to retain its shape after under going elongation by contact with the wheels of the baby carriage. Preferably, the mat material is semi-flexible and absorbent so that when the wheel of the baby carriage runs over the ridge a certain amount of absorbing action occurs to cushion the movement of the carriage to more accurately replicate the womb environment and thus better induce sleep for the infant.
Forms of the mat can be provided with any suitable form of surface irregularities, discontinuities or interruptions of the upper surface or obverse face.
Typically, the distance from the centre line of one ridge to the centre line of an adjacent ridge is at least 90mm, preferably between 90mm and 150mm, more preferably between about 100mm to 130mm, most preferably about 125mm.
In one form the height of the ridges above the surrounding upper surface of the mat is at least about 3mm, typically at least about 4mm, preferably from about 5mm to lOmm, and more preferably from about 5mm to 7mm with respect to the immediate surroundings of the upper surface. However, ridges with heights greater than 7mm can be used.
In one form the mat is provided with a guide for guiding the direction of movement of the baby carriage along a preset trajectory. In one form the guide is a projection, such as a ridge or rib located at or towards one edge of the mat and extending lengthwise along the edge, preferably along the longitudinal edge.
Preferably the mat and ridges are injection moulded as an integral single piece moulding. Having permanently affixed ridges gives the mat durability. In one form the ridges are separate ridges formed as separate elements which are attached to the mat by suitable fasteners such as a mechanical fasteners, sewn anchoring or the like or by the use of a bonding agent such as an adhesive, glue or similar. However, in the interest of ease and economy of manufacture and durability of use, it is preferred that the ridges be integrally formed with the mat. However, in some circumstances having separate replaceable ridges which can be selectively attached and detached as required has some advantages particularly during storage of the mat when not in use and/or to add structural rigidity to the mat. In other circumstances removal of the ridges is preferred such as if the mat is a disposable mat that can be replaced after a period of use such as for example in the interests of hygiene, particularly if the mat becomes contaminated with foreign substances during use and/or storage, or where it is difficult to adequately clean or sterilise the mat.
Preferably the material from which the mat is made is substantially reilient, typically substantially resiliently deformable so as to retain its shape after under going elongation by contact with the wheels of the baby carriage. Preferably, the mat material is semi-flexible and absorbent so that when the wheel of the baby carriage runs over the ridge a certain amount of absorbing action occurs to cushion the movement of the carriage to more accurately replicate the womb environment and thus better induce sleep for the infant.
Forms of the mat can be provided with any suitable form of surface irregularities, discontinuities or interruptions of the upper surface or obverse face.
Typically, the distance from the centre line of one ridge to the centre line of an adjacent ridge is at least 90mm, preferably between 90mm and 150mm, more preferably between about 100mm to 130mm, most preferably about 125mm.
In one form the height of the ridges above the surrounding upper surface of the mat is at least about 3mm, typically at least about 4mm, preferably from about 5mm to lOmm, and more preferably from about 5mm to 7mm with respect to the immediate surroundings of the upper surface. However, ridges with heights greater than 7mm can be used.
- 8 -In one form the width of each ridge is in the range from about 3mm to about 10mm, preferably about 4mm to about 8mm, more preferably in the range from about 5mm to 7mm, most preferably about 5mm or 6mm.
Forms of the mat have two or more ridges in spaced apart relationship, such as for example from 2 to about 7 or more separate ridges or pairs of ridges. In one form the mat has at least two substantially parallel ridges in spaced apart relationship to each other to form a single projection, in pairs or triples. If the ridges are in pairs, each ridge has a width of about 5mm. Alternatively, the pair of ridges has a width of 5mm in total.
It is to be noted that the actual dimensions and configurations selected within these ranges have been determined to provide the pacifying noise and vibration to substantially replicate the rhythm, sound and vibration of the womb when a wheel of a baby carriage passes over the ridges.
Forms of the projections are continuous extending substantially along the length or width of the mat as a single unbroken ridge or rib. Forms of the projection are arranged in separate sections or segments in colinear spaced apart relationship to one another to form segmented ridges or ribs.
The dimensions and configuration of the projections and the size of the mat are independent of the size of the wheel of the baby carriage.
The wheels of the baby carriage can be any size or type, as usually provided in carriages for babies or infants and includes single wheels, pairs of wheels, roller wheels and similar. The radius of curvature of the wheels can be any convenient size since the difference between the radius of curvatures of various different types of wheels usually associated with baby carriages is not determinative of the movement imparted to the baby carriage over the uneven surface and generally does not change the rhythm, sound or vibrations of the baby carriage from that desired to replicate the heart beat within the womb when the mat is being used. The mimicking or replication of the rhythmic sound or vibration of the womb is determined by the width and height of the ridge and the spacing apart of adjacent ridges. Provided that the size of the wheel can be accommodated for travel over the upper surface of the mat between adjacent ridges, the desired or relevant movement of the baby carriage will occur to induce sleep.
Forms of the mat can include additional surface irregularities such as in the form of ridges which extend perpendicularly to the lengthwise extending direction of the main ridges so as to provide flexibility in use, symmetry or to provide aesthetically pleasing appearance or design of the mat, or for ease of fabrication, or to provide strength, durability and structure to forms of the mat.
Forms of the mat have two or more ridges in spaced apart relationship, such as for example from 2 to about 7 or more separate ridges or pairs of ridges. In one form the mat has at least two substantially parallel ridges in spaced apart relationship to each other to form a single projection, in pairs or triples. If the ridges are in pairs, each ridge has a width of about 5mm. Alternatively, the pair of ridges has a width of 5mm in total.
It is to be noted that the actual dimensions and configurations selected within these ranges have been determined to provide the pacifying noise and vibration to substantially replicate the rhythm, sound and vibration of the womb when a wheel of a baby carriage passes over the ridges.
Forms of the projections are continuous extending substantially along the length or width of the mat as a single unbroken ridge or rib. Forms of the projection are arranged in separate sections or segments in colinear spaced apart relationship to one another to form segmented ridges or ribs.
The dimensions and configuration of the projections and the size of the mat are independent of the size of the wheel of the baby carriage.
The wheels of the baby carriage can be any size or type, as usually provided in carriages for babies or infants and includes single wheels, pairs of wheels, roller wheels and similar. The radius of curvature of the wheels can be any convenient size since the difference between the radius of curvatures of various different types of wheels usually associated with baby carriages is not determinative of the movement imparted to the baby carriage over the uneven surface and generally does not change the rhythm, sound or vibrations of the baby carriage from that desired to replicate the heart beat within the womb when the mat is being used. The mimicking or replication of the rhythmic sound or vibration of the womb is determined by the width and height of the ridge and the spacing apart of adjacent ridges. Provided that the size of the wheel can be accommodated for travel over the upper surface of the mat between adjacent ridges, the desired or relevant movement of the baby carriage will occur to induce sleep.
Forms of the mat can include additional surface irregularities such as in the form of ridges which extend perpendicularly to the lengthwise extending direction of the main ridges so as to provide flexibility in use, symmetry or to provide aesthetically pleasing appearance or design of the mat, or for ease of fabrication, or to provide strength, durability and structure to forms of the mat.
9 PCT/AU2014/000410 Forms of the mat can optionally include other parts such as additional design features. The additional features include handles, magnets, creases, fold lines, hinges, in order to provide a compact, easy to carry, easy to store mat and provide a non-slip surface on the rear of the mat in order to eliminate the mat creeping over the surface of the floor due to the impact applied by the wheels pushing against the ridges on the surface of the mat. In some forms the rear surface or lower surface of the mat can be treated to resist movement, such as for example, by a friction coating, sticky coating or similar non-slip coating to increase the friction or adhesion of contact between the rear surface of the mat and the floor surface. One form of the coating is a low tack pressure sensitive adhesive coating allowing the mat to be repositioned. In one form the mat is provided with friction pads or similar at spaced apart locations such as for example at or towards the corners of the mat to assist in retaining the mat on the floor in use to resist displacement by impact of the wheels of the carriage or the projections.
Typically, in use of the mat, the wheels of the baby carriage on one side are aligned with one edge of the mat and the carriage is pushed from one end of the mat to the other end so that the wheels or wheel moves sequentially over the ridges in turn guided by the guide means so as to produce a vibratory movement of the baby carriage simulating the heart beats. The motion of the carriage over the ridges sends vibrations through the baby carriage which are experienced by the infant such as for example, felt through the bottom or back of the baby when in a recumbent position or supine position within the carriage.
The ridges can have any suitable profile including being flat on the sides and on the top so as to have a square cross-section or profile. However other profiles are possible such as generally trapezoidal in cross-section having tapering sides, generally semi-circular in cross-section, generally rectangular in cross section, generally square having curved upper corners along the upper edges in cross-section, generally arch like in cross-section, or generally hexagonal in cross-section, preferably an irregular hexagonal shape, having shorter and longer sides in which the shorter sides correspond to the upper corners of the ridges.
The junction of the ridges with the upper surface can have any suitable or desired form, including extending upwardly from the upper surface at right angles or substantially perpendicularly, having a smooth gradual transition in the form of a curved joint, having a fillet in the form of an inclined ramp or a generally inclined taper to assist the wheels of the carriage to rise over the projection by transiting the ridge and to better replicate the required lub dub sound of the heartbeat.
Typically, in use of the mat, the wheels of the baby carriage on one side are aligned with one edge of the mat and the carriage is pushed from one end of the mat to the other end so that the wheels or wheel moves sequentially over the ridges in turn guided by the guide means so as to produce a vibratory movement of the baby carriage simulating the heart beats. The motion of the carriage over the ridges sends vibrations through the baby carriage which are experienced by the infant such as for example, felt through the bottom or back of the baby when in a recumbent position or supine position within the carriage.
The ridges can have any suitable profile including being flat on the sides and on the top so as to have a square cross-section or profile. However other profiles are possible such as generally trapezoidal in cross-section having tapering sides, generally semi-circular in cross-section, generally rectangular in cross section, generally square having curved upper corners along the upper edges in cross-section, generally arch like in cross-section, or generally hexagonal in cross-section, preferably an irregular hexagonal shape, having shorter and longer sides in which the shorter sides correspond to the upper corners of the ridges.
The junction of the ridges with the upper surface can have any suitable or desired form, including extending upwardly from the upper surface at right angles or substantially perpendicularly, having a smooth gradual transition in the form of a curved joint, having a fillet in the form of an inclined ramp or a generally inclined taper to assist the wheels of the carriage to rise over the projection by transiting the ridge and to better replicate the required lub dub sound of the heartbeat.
- 10 -BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the sleep inducing device will now be described by way of example as an illustration of non-limiting forms of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1A is a plan view of one form of a floor mat for inducing drowsiness in an infant.
Figure 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of the form of the floor mat of Figure 1A.
Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the mat of Figure 1A.
Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic partial cross-sectional view of the mat illustrated in Figure 1 showing the uneven surface in more detail.
Figure 4A is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of the mat having ridges of another configuration.
Figure 4B is a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of the mat having ridges of a still further configuration.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between movement of the baby carriage over the uneven surface of the mat with the rhythm of the human heart and associated vibrations and oscillations for two beats of the heart.
SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
One form of the sleep inducing device in the form of a sleep mat or similar will now be described with reference to the drawings.
Mat, generally denoted as 10, is a substantially planar rectangular covering for a suitable supporting substrate, such as a floor of a room (not shown), made from a suitable thermoplastic elastomer as a one-piece injection moulding. Mat 10 has two longitudinal sides 12, 14 and two transverse sides, 16, 18. Longitudinal side 14 is provided with two spaced apart handles 20 extending outwardly from side 14 in substantially the same plan as the body of mat 10. In one form handles 20 are integrally moulded with mat 20 and have the form of tabs or similar extensions provided with an elongated aperture in the form of slot 22 which is of a size suitable for gripping to carry mat 10, such as by being of a size and shape to receive the fingers of one hand therethrough to assist in holding and placing mat 10 on the floor.
Mat 10 has a rear or lower surface 24, typically in the form of a generally planar backing surface which allows mat 10 to be located on the upper surface of the floor. If required, mat 10 is provided with optional friction devices, such as in the form of pads, or a suitable non-slip coating or the like to assist retaining mat 10 in place in use. In one form the non-slip coating is a repositionable coating or low-tack coating. Fold lines are provided at
Embodiments of the sleep inducing device will now be described by way of example as an illustration of non-limiting forms of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1A is a plan view of one form of a floor mat for inducing drowsiness in an infant.
Figure 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of the form of the floor mat of Figure 1A.
Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the mat of Figure 1A.
Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic partial cross-sectional view of the mat illustrated in Figure 1 showing the uneven surface in more detail.
Figure 4A is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of the mat having ridges of another configuration.
Figure 4B is a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of the mat having ridges of a still further configuration.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between movement of the baby carriage over the uneven surface of the mat with the rhythm of the human heart and associated vibrations and oscillations for two beats of the heart.
SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
One form of the sleep inducing device in the form of a sleep mat or similar will now be described with reference to the drawings.
Mat, generally denoted as 10, is a substantially planar rectangular covering for a suitable supporting substrate, such as a floor of a room (not shown), made from a suitable thermoplastic elastomer as a one-piece injection moulding. Mat 10 has two longitudinal sides 12, 14 and two transverse sides, 16, 18. Longitudinal side 14 is provided with two spaced apart handles 20 extending outwardly from side 14 in substantially the same plan as the body of mat 10. In one form handles 20 are integrally moulded with mat 20 and have the form of tabs or similar extensions provided with an elongated aperture in the form of slot 22 which is of a size suitable for gripping to carry mat 10, such as by being of a size and shape to receive the fingers of one hand therethrough to assist in holding and placing mat 10 on the floor.
Mat 10 has a rear or lower surface 24, typically in the form of a generally planar backing surface which allows mat 10 to be located on the upper surface of the floor. If required, mat 10 is provided with optional friction devices, such as in the form of pads, or a suitable non-slip coating or the like to assist retaining mat 10 in place in use. In one form the non-slip coating is a repositionable coating or low-tack coating. Fold lines are provided at
- 11 -spaced apart locations to enable mat 10 to be folded for storage. One form of the fold line are creases in the form of grooves 26 whereas other forms are hinges 28. The foldlines divide the mat into panels 30. Mat 10 has four such panels 30. Mat 10 is provided with a single centrally located living hinge 28 and two creases 26 located to either side of central hinge 28 to divide mat 10 into the four panels 30. Creases 26 and hinge 28 are provided in rear surface 24 to assist in folding mat 10 into a compact shape for storage by having the four panels 30 being folded back upon themselves in abutting back to back and face to face relationship with each other so that one portion overlies the other portion.
It is to be noted the creases 26 and hinge 28 can be of any suitable type and be located at any suitable place within mat 10, including being located in the top surface, or rear surface.
Mat 10 has an upper or obverse surface or face 32, typically in the form of an uneven surface comprising a multiplicity of surface irregularities or discontinuities in the form of raised areas or sections and lower portions or sections such as in the form of islands located on a surrounding sea arranged in a regularly repeating pattern or arrangement.
One such pattern is shown in Figures 1A and 2. One form of the raised areas are flat topped crests 34 arranged alternatively with flat bottomed troughs 36 to extend in two dimensions over upper surface 32. The difference in heights of crests 34 and troughs 36 provide small sized undulations to impart slight vibratory movement to the wheels of a baby carriage in the form of a pram or similar being pushed over surface 32 (to be described in more detail later).
Surface 32 is divided into squares 38 of alternatively arranged crests 34 and troughs 36. In one form there are 12 individual squares 38 arranged in two rows of 6 panels each in side by side relationship as shown more particularly in Figure 1A. As each square 38 is substantially identical, only one such square 38 will be described in detail.
Square 38 has 49 individual flat top crests 34 as the islands in the sea of troughs 36. A
projection in the form of an upwardly extending wall 40 extends continuously as an endless loop around all four sides of square 38 to form square 38 into a tray like structure in which wall 40 forms the raised lip of the tray. One form of ridge 42 is formed by the combination of the individual walls 40, such as the six outer longitudinal sections of wall 40 extending colinearly in end to end relationship along the longitudinal edges of mat 10 forming one integral longitudinally extending ridge 42 as a continuous length. Ridge 42 is integrally formed during manufacture of mat 10 as a continuous ridge. One form of ridge 42 is formed by the combination of two transversely extending walls 40 at transversely adjacent squares 38 so that there are seven transversely extending ridges 42. It is to be noted that there are (i) three longitudinally extending ridges 42 formed by the colinear individual wall sections 40 with one along one outer edge of mat 10, one along the other outer edge of mat 10, and one along the centreline of mat 10, and (ii) seven transversely extending ridges 42 formed each from a
It is to be noted the creases 26 and hinge 28 can be of any suitable type and be located at any suitable place within mat 10, including being located in the top surface, or rear surface.
Mat 10 has an upper or obverse surface or face 32, typically in the form of an uneven surface comprising a multiplicity of surface irregularities or discontinuities in the form of raised areas or sections and lower portions or sections such as in the form of islands located on a surrounding sea arranged in a regularly repeating pattern or arrangement.
One such pattern is shown in Figures 1A and 2. One form of the raised areas are flat topped crests 34 arranged alternatively with flat bottomed troughs 36 to extend in two dimensions over upper surface 32. The difference in heights of crests 34 and troughs 36 provide small sized undulations to impart slight vibratory movement to the wheels of a baby carriage in the form of a pram or similar being pushed over surface 32 (to be described in more detail later).
Surface 32 is divided into squares 38 of alternatively arranged crests 34 and troughs 36. In one form there are 12 individual squares 38 arranged in two rows of 6 panels each in side by side relationship as shown more particularly in Figure 1A. As each square 38 is substantially identical, only one such square 38 will be described in detail.
Square 38 has 49 individual flat top crests 34 as the islands in the sea of troughs 36. A
projection in the form of an upwardly extending wall 40 extends continuously as an endless loop around all four sides of square 38 to form square 38 into a tray like structure in which wall 40 forms the raised lip of the tray. One form of ridge 42 is formed by the combination of the individual walls 40, such as the six outer longitudinal sections of wall 40 extending colinearly in end to end relationship along the longitudinal edges of mat 10 forming one integral longitudinally extending ridge 42 as a continuous length. Ridge 42 is integrally formed during manufacture of mat 10 as a continuous ridge. One form of ridge 42 is formed by the combination of two transversely extending walls 40 at transversely adjacent squares 38 so that there are seven transversely extending ridges 42. It is to be noted that there are (i) three longitudinally extending ridges 42 formed by the colinear individual wall sections 40 with one along one outer edge of mat 10, one along the other outer edge of mat 10, and one along the centreline of mat 10, and (ii) seven transversely extending ridges 42 formed each from a
- 12 -combination of two colinear wall portions 40 with one ridge at the transverse edge, another ridge at the other transverse edge, and 5 ridges located in board of mat 10 in spaced apart relationship. In one form of mat 10, the distance between the centreline of one ridge 42 and the centreline of an adjacent ridge 42 is 125mm and the width of each ridge is 5mm. The profile of ridge 42 is generally trapezoidal with rounded or curved corners or edges at both upper corner edges and both lower corner edges where ridge 42 extends upwardly from upper surface 24.
Mat 10 is provided with an apron 44 formed along both longitudinal sides 12, 14 and both transverse sides 16, 18 as shown more particularly in Figures 1A and 2.
Handles 20 are located in apron 44 along longitudinal side 14. Ridges 42 located along the sides of mat 10 next to apron 44 can be used as a guide for guiding movement of the baby carriage, such as in the form of a pram, (not shown) along the desired trajectory by the wheels 50 of the pram contacting one of the sides of the ridges. However, any ridge 42 may be used to guide movement of the pram.
In use, mat 10 is retrieved from a storage position, such as for example, in the pram in a storage configuration in which the mat is folded into four overlying panels 30. Mat 10 is placed on the floor as required in a flat configuration with upper face 30 uppermost. The pram is positioned with one or two wheels 50 against the side of one of ridges 42 extending along apron 44 at the peripheral edge of mat 10. It is to be noted that both sets of wheels of the pram on either side of the pram or one set of wheels on one side only of the pram can travel over upper surface 32 to replicate the lub dub sound of heartbeats.
The pram with infant securely contained within is pushed over the uneven surface of upper surface 30 of mat 10. Movement of wheels 50 over the undulating surface of crests 34 and troughs 36 imparts a slight vibratory motion to the pram. The pram is pushed forward until the leading wheel contacts the first ridge 42 which is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the direction of travel where upon the wheel is deflected upwards over ridge 42 causing a corresponding upwards lift of the pram which is felt or sensed by the infant in the pram. Lifting of the pram is assisted by the curved joint at the base of ridge 42 where it joins upper surface 32. Further pushing of the pram moves the wheels over the ridge and down the opposite side where the wheels travel over the undulations 34, 36 until the next ridge is encountered where movement of the wheel up, over and down the ridge imparts a further raising and lowering of the pram body to be sensed by the infant. When the pram reaches the extent of travel in one direction at the far edge of mat 10, furtherest away from the operator, the direction of movement is reversed by, say, pulling the pram towards the operator in the direction towards the near side of mat 10. The repetitive pushing
Mat 10 is provided with an apron 44 formed along both longitudinal sides 12, 14 and both transverse sides 16, 18 as shown more particularly in Figures 1A and 2.
Handles 20 are located in apron 44 along longitudinal side 14. Ridges 42 located along the sides of mat 10 next to apron 44 can be used as a guide for guiding movement of the baby carriage, such as in the form of a pram, (not shown) along the desired trajectory by the wheels 50 of the pram contacting one of the sides of the ridges. However, any ridge 42 may be used to guide movement of the pram.
In use, mat 10 is retrieved from a storage position, such as for example, in the pram in a storage configuration in which the mat is folded into four overlying panels 30. Mat 10 is placed on the floor as required in a flat configuration with upper face 30 uppermost. The pram is positioned with one or two wheels 50 against the side of one of ridges 42 extending along apron 44 at the peripheral edge of mat 10. It is to be noted that both sets of wheels of the pram on either side of the pram or one set of wheels on one side only of the pram can travel over upper surface 32 to replicate the lub dub sound of heartbeats.
The pram with infant securely contained within is pushed over the uneven surface of upper surface 30 of mat 10. Movement of wheels 50 over the undulating surface of crests 34 and troughs 36 imparts a slight vibratory motion to the pram. The pram is pushed forward until the leading wheel contacts the first ridge 42 which is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the direction of travel where upon the wheel is deflected upwards over ridge 42 causing a corresponding upwards lift of the pram which is felt or sensed by the infant in the pram. Lifting of the pram is assisted by the curved joint at the base of ridge 42 where it joins upper surface 32. Further pushing of the pram moves the wheels over the ridge and down the opposite side where the wheels travel over the undulations 34, 36 until the next ridge is encountered where movement of the wheel up, over and down the ridge imparts a further raising and lowering of the pram body to be sensed by the infant. When the pram reaches the extent of travel in one direction at the far edge of mat 10, furtherest away from the operator, the direction of movement is reversed by, say, pulling the pram towards the operator in the direction towards the near side of mat 10. The repetitive pushing
- 13 -and pulling of the pram over the uneven upper surface between the near and far sides replicates the continuous lub dub sound.
One cycle of the relationship between the fixed ratio of cardiac cycle of, say, the mother of the infant, to the distance travelled by the pram at a constant speed when pushed and/or pulled repetitively over the upper surface of mat 10 is illustrated in Figure 5.
Figure 5 illustrates the heart beat or cardiac cycle of the heart. The cardiac cycle is generally about 0.8 seconds duration and includes both the first heart sound referred to as the lub sound and the second heart sound, referred to as dub sound which occur approximately 0.3 seconds apart.
On a firm floor, using mat 10 wheels 50 of the pram make a beating sound on first contact with ridges 42 and on return to the base of the mat after passing over the ridges. At a comfortable push/pull speed for the operator of about 150mm/second the simulated beat of the pram passing over the ridges occurs in approx 0.3 seconds which replicates the 'lub dub' of the heart beating to which the infant had become accustomed when in the womb during the late stages of pregnancy.
After passing over one ridge, the pram then rolls for about 0.5 seconds over the upper surface of the mat between adjacent ridges before making contact with the next ridge to produce another 'lub dub' sound by rising over the projection, thus, replicating the audible environment of the heart beating near the womb in accordance with the 0.8 second cardiac cycle. The movement of the wheel of the pram over the ridge at 0.8 second intervals creates a beating sensation on the back and bottom of the baby when in the pram, thus replicating the sensation of the heart beat on the babies back and bottom in utero at a rate of 75 beats per minute. By selecting both the spacing apart of the adjacent ridges in the range from about 90mm to 150mm, at about 125mm and the height of each ridge to be in the range of about 5mm to 6mm the infant is exposed to sensations of rhythmic vibration and sound which mirrors the same familiar sensation experienced by the infant when in the womb which in turn relaxes the infant sufficiently to allow the infant to fall asleep.
EXAMPLES
TRIALS AND EXPERIMENTS
Various materials were trialed in an attempt to find a durable, cost effective, aesthetically pleasing mat that was preferably portable as well. Table 1 summarises the results of the trials. It was found that TPE material was the most preferred material that offered the range of additional features.
One cycle of the relationship between the fixed ratio of cardiac cycle of, say, the mother of the infant, to the distance travelled by the pram at a constant speed when pushed and/or pulled repetitively over the upper surface of mat 10 is illustrated in Figure 5.
Figure 5 illustrates the heart beat or cardiac cycle of the heart. The cardiac cycle is generally about 0.8 seconds duration and includes both the first heart sound referred to as the lub sound and the second heart sound, referred to as dub sound which occur approximately 0.3 seconds apart.
On a firm floor, using mat 10 wheels 50 of the pram make a beating sound on first contact with ridges 42 and on return to the base of the mat after passing over the ridges. At a comfortable push/pull speed for the operator of about 150mm/second the simulated beat of the pram passing over the ridges occurs in approx 0.3 seconds which replicates the 'lub dub' of the heart beating to which the infant had become accustomed when in the womb during the late stages of pregnancy.
After passing over one ridge, the pram then rolls for about 0.5 seconds over the upper surface of the mat between adjacent ridges before making contact with the next ridge to produce another 'lub dub' sound by rising over the projection, thus, replicating the audible environment of the heart beating near the womb in accordance with the 0.8 second cardiac cycle. The movement of the wheel of the pram over the ridge at 0.8 second intervals creates a beating sensation on the back and bottom of the baby when in the pram, thus replicating the sensation of the heart beat on the babies back and bottom in utero at a rate of 75 beats per minute. By selecting both the spacing apart of the adjacent ridges in the range from about 90mm to 150mm, at about 125mm and the height of each ridge to be in the range of about 5mm to 6mm the infant is exposed to sensations of rhythmic vibration and sound which mirrors the same familiar sensation experienced by the infant when in the womb which in turn relaxes the infant sufficiently to allow the infant to fall asleep.
EXAMPLES
TRIALS AND EXPERIMENTS
Various materials were trialed in an attempt to find a durable, cost effective, aesthetically pleasing mat that was preferably portable as well. Table 1 summarises the results of the trials. It was found that TPE material was the most preferred material that offered the range of additional features.
- 14 -TABLE 1. Trials with different materials and application of ridges /
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Rubber ridges ' Yes. Rubber ridges Aesthetically rough. Yes both adhered to a vinyl mat Compact came away from Vinyl mat crept on the backing the mat with floor surface with the constant use constant pram movement' EVA foam Durability was marked easily, No sound lacking on absorbed staining and repetitive folding was difficult to clean action and the ability to use the product outdoors Rubber Too heavy Aesthetically Both for practical unpleasing and portability expensive.
, _________________________________________ .
TPE Yes light, Yes injection moulding Both folded well, cheap and practical, compact Easily cleaned with magnets TPE with non-slip As above Yes As above as well no Both surface at bottom creep with constant use On the understanding that the heart does not beat at a constant rate and that the pram Will be pushed at various rates over the uneven surface of the mat, tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of various spacings between the ridges on replicating the heart beats. On a firm floor the wheels of a pram make a beating sound which is a combination of first contact with ridges and again after passing over the ridge on return to the base of the mat. At a comfortable push/pull speed of 150mm/second this occurs in io approx. 0.3 seconds which replicates the lub dub' of the heart beating.
The pram then glides for 0,5 seconds before making contact with the next ridge for another lub dub' sound caused by first rising over the ridge and then dropping down to the upper surface of the mat. Thus replicating the audible environment of the heart beating near the womb having the 0.8 second cardiac cycle of the heart. The speed of pram movement may vary from 150 mm/
second to some degree which in turn replicates natural variation from the medically accepted 0.8 second cardiac cycle. For example a mother at rest may have a heart rate of 60 in which case the duration of one cycle of the cardiac cycle is 1.0 second but the ratio of heart beat, valve sounds and timing of sounds remains constant. The same ratio is
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Rubber ridges ' Yes. Rubber ridges Aesthetically rough. Yes both adhered to a vinyl mat Compact came away from Vinyl mat crept on the backing the mat with floor surface with the constant use constant pram movement' EVA foam Durability was marked easily, No sound lacking on absorbed staining and repetitive folding was difficult to clean action and the ability to use the product outdoors Rubber Too heavy Aesthetically Both for practical unpleasing and portability expensive.
, _________________________________________ .
TPE Yes light, Yes injection moulding Both folded well, cheap and practical, compact Easily cleaned with magnets TPE with non-slip As above Yes As above as well no Both surface at bottom creep with constant use On the understanding that the heart does not beat at a constant rate and that the pram Will be pushed at various rates over the uneven surface of the mat, tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of various spacings between the ridges on replicating the heart beats. On a firm floor the wheels of a pram make a beating sound which is a combination of first contact with ridges and again after passing over the ridge on return to the base of the mat. At a comfortable push/pull speed of 150mm/second this occurs in io approx. 0.3 seconds which replicates the lub dub' of the heart beating.
The pram then glides for 0,5 seconds before making contact with the next ridge for another lub dub' sound caused by first rising over the ridge and then dropping down to the upper surface of the mat. Thus replicating the audible environment of the heart beating near the womb having the 0.8 second cardiac cycle of the heart. The speed of pram movement may vary from 150 mm/
second to some degree which in turn replicates natural variation from the medically accepted 0.8 second cardiac cycle. For example a mother at rest may have a heart rate of 60 in which case the duration of one cycle of the cardiac cycle is 1.0 second but the ratio of heart beat, valve sounds and timing of sounds remains constant. The same ratio is
- 15 -replicated by forms of the mat of the present invention as the speed at which the pram travels over the surface of the mat is decreased or increased.
In this current trial both longer and shorter lengths of the spacing between ridges were tested to determine suitable spacing that achieved the required frequency of vibration at a speed of travel of the pram that could be sustained comfortably by the operator pushing the pram. Many spacings were found to require the operator to push too fast or too slow to be a comfortable motion to replicate the cardiac cycle. Table 2 illustrates the correlations between heart beat and pram speed. As one can see there is an optimum range of distances spacing between the ridges (90-150mm) to achieve the appropriate beats that would replicate the heart beat which typically ranges from 60-80 beats/min, for a majority of people, particularly women during the later stages of pregnancy.
TABLE 2. Range of ridge spacing and pram speeds to give variable beats/sounds, iieiaoioo0.ltoroitorrtppvPr.am6ppedon mm Beats/min "150 0.15 60 = =
140 0.15 64 ============================================================================
==============================================
130 0.15 69 ...............................................................................
...............................................
120 0.15 ............. 75 ..................................................
................................................
100 0.15 90 90 0.15 100 "tft 8 0' .
:.==
=
= .=
130 0.2 92 120 0.2 100 110 0.2 109 100 0.2 120 90 0.2 133 150 __________________________________ 0.1 ________ 40 140 0.1 43 130 0.1 46 120 0.1 50 110 jO.i 55 100 .................................. 0.1 ........ 60 =
=
In this current trial both longer and shorter lengths of the spacing between ridges were tested to determine suitable spacing that achieved the required frequency of vibration at a speed of travel of the pram that could be sustained comfortably by the operator pushing the pram. Many spacings were found to require the operator to push too fast or too slow to be a comfortable motion to replicate the cardiac cycle. Table 2 illustrates the correlations between heart beat and pram speed. As one can see there is an optimum range of distances spacing between the ridges (90-150mm) to achieve the appropriate beats that would replicate the heart beat which typically ranges from 60-80 beats/min, for a majority of people, particularly women during the later stages of pregnancy.
TABLE 2. Range of ridge spacing and pram speeds to give variable beats/sounds, iieiaoioo0.ltoroitorrtppvPr.am6ppedon mm Beats/min "150 0.15 60 = =
140 0.15 64 ============================================================================
==============================================
130 0.15 69 ...............................................................................
...............................................
120 0.15 ............. 75 ..................................................
................................................
100 0.15 90 90 0.15 100 "tft 8 0' .
:.==
=
= .=
130 0.2 92 120 0.2 100 110 0.2 109 100 0.2 120 90 0.2 133 150 __________________________________ 0.1 ________ 40 140 0.1 43 130 0.1 46 120 0.1 50 110 jO.i 55 100 .................................. 0.1 ........ 60 =
=
- 16 -The size and shape of the ridges were also considered to achieve the right combination of sound and vibration.
The following ridge shapes are deemed to be possible.
Ridge Shapes \\\\
A ridge substantially less than 5mm in height (4.5mm) was originally tested and determined to be less effective on a number of surfaces as replication of the required sound was poor.
Other ridge heights ranging from 5 mm-7 mm were found to be most effective.
Heights greater than 7 mm would also be effective.
The described arrangement has been advanced by explanation and many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which includes every novel feature and novel combination of features herein disclosed.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope.
One modification of the mat is to the overall shape of the mat. One such modified shape is illustrated in Figure 4A which shows a generally circular mat, generally denoted as 60 having a diameter of about 750-800mm, typically about 780mm. However mat 60 can have any suitable size. Mat 60 is provided with a multiplicity of ridges 62 extending linearly from one part of the circumference of mat 60 to another part of the circumference in the form of a chord or diameter of a circle. Although six individual ridges 62 of different lengths are shown in spaced apart relationships to each other, any reasonable number of ridges can be provided depending upon the size of mat 60. In this embodiment, as all of the ridges extend in substantially parallel relationships to each other the individual ridges do not intersect to form an array or grid like pattern. In this embodiment the pram is pushed to ride over the ridges in a series of bumps in sequence from one side of mat 60 to the other and back. In this embodiment the pram is pushed in a direction generally perpendicular to the lengthwise extending directions of the ridges.
The following ridge shapes are deemed to be possible.
Ridge Shapes \\\\
A ridge substantially less than 5mm in height (4.5mm) was originally tested and determined to be less effective on a number of surfaces as replication of the required sound was poor.
Other ridge heights ranging from 5 mm-7 mm were found to be most effective.
Heights greater than 7 mm would also be effective.
The described arrangement has been advanced by explanation and many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which includes every novel feature and novel combination of features herein disclosed.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope.
One modification of the mat is to the overall shape of the mat. One such modified shape is illustrated in Figure 4A which shows a generally circular mat, generally denoted as 60 having a diameter of about 750-800mm, typically about 780mm. However mat 60 can have any suitable size. Mat 60 is provided with a multiplicity of ridges 62 extending linearly from one part of the circumference of mat 60 to another part of the circumference in the form of a chord or diameter of a circle. Although six individual ridges 62 of different lengths are shown in spaced apart relationships to each other, any reasonable number of ridges can be provided depending upon the size of mat 60. In this embodiment, as all of the ridges extend in substantially parallel relationships to each other the individual ridges do not intersect to form an array or grid like pattern. In this embodiment the pram is pushed to ride over the ridges in a series of bumps in sequence from one side of mat 60 to the other and back. In this embodiment the pram is pushed in a direction generally perpendicular to the lengthwise extending directions of the ridges.
- 17 -A further modification of the mat is illustrated in Figure 4B which shows a generally oval or elliptical shaped mat 70 having a major axis and a minor axis. In this embodiment two of ridges 72a are arranged to extend substantially parallel to the major axis in substantially parallel spaced apart relationship to each other whereas eight ridges 72b are arranged to extend substantially parallel to the minor axis of mat 70 in substantially parallel spaced apart relationship to each other. Ridges 72a, 72b form a grid like array of ridges which intersect each other at right angles as illustrated in Figure 4B. In one form of mat 70, individual ridges 72a and individual ridges 72b are respectively spaced apart from adjacent parallel ridges at a spacing of about 125mm and each has a width or thickness of about 5mm. In this embodiment the pram can be pushed in two different directions to ride over the bumps produced by ridges 72a, 72b so that mat 70 can be used in two orientations.
ADVANTAGES
Advantages of forms of the invention include the following.
Use of forms of the mat eases discomfort experienced by the infant by settling an upset uncomfortable baby into a peaceful sleep.
Use of forms of the mat provides for non-medicated component for infant pain relief or pain management.
Use of forms of the mat provides a safe method for settling infants when parents or carers are tired.
Use of forms of the mat reduces infant crying time by settling an upset uncomfortable baby.
Use of forms of the mat reduces mental conditions such as depression within the family by enabling parents to reduce infant crying time by settling an upset uncomfortable baby.
Use of forms of the mat can change undesirable sleep and feed requirements in infant through relaxation and diversion of the baby including helping mothers to stretch out the time between feeds for babies that demand feeds frequently; assisting an infant with suckling issues to relax before a feed thereby increasing feed intake; helping babies that take short daytime naps to go back to sleep to increase day time sleep times required for healthy development of the infant; training infants gently to learn the skill of going to sleep without assistance through relaxation prior to sleep time; easy settling for babies who need to be rocked and patted; assisting with settling twins and multiples.
It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
ADVANTAGES
Advantages of forms of the invention include the following.
Use of forms of the mat eases discomfort experienced by the infant by settling an upset uncomfortable baby into a peaceful sleep.
Use of forms of the mat provides for non-medicated component for infant pain relief or pain management.
Use of forms of the mat provides a safe method for settling infants when parents or carers are tired.
Use of forms of the mat reduces infant crying time by settling an upset uncomfortable baby.
Use of forms of the mat reduces mental conditions such as depression within the family by enabling parents to reduce infant crying time by settling an upset uncomfortable baby.
Use of forms of the mat can change undesirable sleep and feed requirements in infant through relaxation and diversion of the baby including helping mothers to stretch out the time between feeds for babies that demand feeds frequently; assisting an infant with suckling issues to relax before a feed thereby increasing feed intake; helping babies that take short daytime naps to go back to sleep to increase day time sleep times required for healthy development of the infant; training infants gently to learn the skill of going to sleep without assistance through relaxation prior to sleep time; easy settling for babies who need to be rocked and patted; assisting with settling twins and multiples.
It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
- 18 -In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
Claims (29)
1. A device for use in pacifying an infant so as to induce sleep or settling in the infant characterised in that the device comprises at least one surface having surface irregularities for forming a generally uneven surface, the surface irregularities being located at spaced apart locations from one another on the surface, wherein the spacing apart of the surface irregularities is such so as to produce movement in a wheeled conveyance carrying the infant when traversing the uneven surface of the device to mimic the rhythm, sound and/or vibration and patting experience of the infant when in the womb of the mother of the infant, so as to induce sleep or settled behaviour in the infant.
2. A method of inducing sleep in an infant characterised in that the method comprises the steps of locating the infant in a wheeled conveyance, moving the wheeled conveyance in a reciprocal movement across the surface of a sleep inducing device located on a supporting substrate wherein the device is provided with an upper surface having surface irregularities located at spaced apart locations for forming an uneven surface, the spacing apart of the surface irregularities mimicking the rhythm, sound and/or vibration experienced by the infant when within the womb of the mother of the infant so as to induce drowsiness of the infant when the wheels of the conveyance traverse the irregularities of the uneven surface.
3. A method of treating an infant suffering from sleep deprivation to induce sleep within the infant characterised in that the method comprises the steps of reciprocally moving the wheels of a conveyance for the infant over the uneven surface of a sleep inducing device placed on a supporting substrate, the uneven surface being formed from surface irregularities wherein the surface irregularities are spaced apart from each other such that the spacing apart of the surface irregularities results in the movement of the conveyance to mimic the rhythm, sound and/or vibration experienced by the infant within the womb of the mother of the infant so as to induce sleep in the infant as the conveyance travels over the uneven surface.
4. A sleep inducing device in the form of a covering capable of being located on a supporting substrate characterised in that the covering comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface enabling the covering to be retained in place on the substrate so as to assist placement of the covering due to movement of a wheel of a baby conveyance over the upper surface of the covering, the upper surface provided with spaced apart surface irregularities or discontinuities in the form of projections for forming an uneven surface in which the projections extend from the upper structure to a height of at least about 3mm and the spacing apart of adjacent projections from each other of at least 90mm, the wheels of the baby conveyance for cooperating with the covering such that when the wheels travel over the upper surface the position of the wheel is deflected so as to impart movement to the baby conveyance to induce sleep in the infant within the baby conveyance.
5. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in the form of a covering or cover, preferably a floor covering.
6. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in the form of a mat including a mat made from injection moulding a thermoplastic elastomeric material.
7. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the material from which the mat is manufactured is one or more of styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys, polyurethanes, copolyesters or polyamides.
8. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the surface irregularities or discontinuities are in the form of projections wherein the projections are located at spaced apart locations over one surface of the mat.
9. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the projections are in the form of ridges or ribs extending from one edge of the mat to another edge, preferably from one side edge to an opposite side edge.
10. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the ridges or ribs are arranged in an intersecting pattern or are arranged in substantially parallel relationship to each other.
11. A sleep inducing a device according to any preceding claim in which the ridges intersect in a regularly repeating pattern or array.
12. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the individual ridges are arranged in a grid or grid like array having a multiplicity of substantially parallel longitudinally extending spaced apart ridges and a multiplicity of transversely extending spaced apart ridges intersecting the longitudinal extending ridges in which the longitudinally extending ridges intersect with the transversely extending ridges.
13. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the mat is a substantially rectangular shape having two parallel longitudinal sides and two parallel transverse sides and a generally uneven upper surface further comprises a multiplicity of raised portions and lowered portions arranged alternatively to each other to form a generally undulating surface located intermediate the projections.
14. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the distance from the centreline of one ridge to the centreline of an adjacent ridge is at least 90mm, preferably between about 90mm and 150mm, most preferably between about 100mm and 130mm, most preferably about 125mm.
15. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the height of the ridges is greater than about 3mm, typically greater than about 4mm, preferably in the range from about 5mm to 10mm, more preferably in the range 5mm to 7mm, and most preferably about 5mm above the immediately surrounding upper surface of the mat.
16. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the width of each ridge is in the range from about 3mm to about 10mm, preferably in the range from about 4mm to 8mm, more preferably in the range from about 5mm to 7mm, most preferably about 5mm.
17. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the movement of the wheels of the infant conveyance traveling over the upper surface of the mat replicates or mimics the heartbeat of the mother of the infant, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy, more preferably in the last trimester.
18. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the movement of the infant conveyance over the uneven surface of the mat including the projections and the undulations reproduces the rhythm, sound or vibration experienced by the baby when in the womb, referred to as the lub dub sound.
19. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the movement of the infant conveyance replicates the continuous lub dub sound in accordance with the cyclic rhythm of the heart of the mother of the infant as the wheels of the conveyance travels over and between the ridges of the upper surface from one side of the mat to another side of the mat repeatedly.
20. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the infant conveyance travels at a speed of about 150mm per second over the upper surface of the mat between adjacent ridges so as to take about 0.03 seconds to traverse over each ridge and about 0.05 second to traverse the spacing between each adjacent ridge in order to replicate the cardiac cycle of the heart.
21. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the infant conveyance is a baby carriage in the form of a pusher, stroller, buggy, pram, push chair or similar.
22. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim further comprising a guide for guiding movement of at least one wheel of the infant conveyance for travel over the upper surface of the mat from one location to another location and return.
23. A sleep inducing device according to any preceding claim in which the guide member is one of the ridges, preferably a ridge located at or towards one longitudinal side of the mat to extend substantially continuously linearly from end to end so as to guide movement of the wheel over the ridges in sequence.
24. A method according to any preceding claim using a sleep inducing device according to any one of claims 1 to 21 to pacify or settle an infant.
25. A method of managing problematic settling and feeding issues within the infant characterised in that the method comprises the steps of reciprocally moving the wheels of a conveyance for the infant over the uneven surface of a sleep inducing device placed on a supporting substrate, the uneven surface being formed from surface irregularities wherein the surface irregularities are spaced apart from each other such that the spacing apart of the surface irregularities results in the movement of the conveyance to mimic the rhythm, sound and/or vibration experienced by the infant within the womb of the mother of the infant so as to induce sleep in the infant as the conveyance travels over the uneven surface.
26. A device for use in pacifying an infant so as to induce sleep or settling in the infant substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or the foregoing examples.
27. A method of inducing sleep in an infant substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or the foregoing examples.
28. A method of treating an infant suffering from sleep deprivation to induce sleep substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or the foregoing examples.
29. A sleep inducing device in the form of a covering substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or the foregoing examples.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2013901249 | 2013-04-11 | ||
| AU2013901249A AU2013901249A0 (en) | 2013-04-11 | A Pram And Stroller Mat for Infant Settling Via Replication of Settling Elements of the Natural Womb Environment | |
| PCT/AU2014/000410 WO2014165929A1 (en) | 2013-04-11 | 2014-04-11 | Sleep inducing device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2907936A1 true CA2907936A1 (en) | 2014-10-16 |
Family
ID=51688742
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2907936A Abandoned CA2907936A1 (en) | 2013-04-11 | 2014-04-11 | Sleep inducing device |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (2) | AU2014252695A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2907936A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2014165929A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2579770A (en) * | 2018-10-29 | 2020-07-08 | Harold Jonas John | Improvements in or relating to wheeled child carriers |
| ES2955181A1 (en) * | 2022-04-22 | 2023-11-29 | Rodriguez Fernandez Francisco Javier | Complementary tiles (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9420351D0 (en) * | 1994-10-10 | 1994-11-23 | Jonas John H | Movement inducing apparatus |
| ES1046670Y (en) * | 2000-06-26 | 2001-06-16 | Guecho Servodeo Atela | DEVICE TO HELP SLEEP AND / OR REST APPLIED TO CHILDREN'S CARS |
| AU2005202323A1 (en) * | 2004-06-03 | 2005-12-22 | Brie Elizabeth McNab | Moulded Mat |
| US20120220819A1 (en) * | 2011-02-25 | 2012-08-30 | Gerald Michael Madl | Stroller Mat |
| GB2492391A (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2013-01-02 | Alistair Stuart Nobles | A board with raised sections for rolling a stroller across to aid sleep |
-
2014
- 2014-04-11 WO PCT/AU2014/000410 patent/WO2014165929A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-04-11 CA CA2907936A patent/CA2907936A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-04-11 AU AU2014252695A patent/AU2014252695A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2018
- 2018-02-27 AU AU2018201425A patent/AU2018201425A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2014252695A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
| AU2018201425A1 (en) | 2018-03-22 |
| WO2014165929A1 (en) | 2014-10-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20190411 |