EP2249937B1

EP2249937B1 - Mobile

Info

Publication number: EP2249937B1
Application number: EP09708626.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Shoshana Oren; Maxim Holtzman
Original assignee: Tiny Love Ltd
Current assignee: Tiny Love Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-04
Filing date: 2009-01-29
Publication date: 2013-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2029-01-29
Also published as: EP2249937A2; HK1150799A1; WO2009098678A2; US20100311303A1; WO2009098678A3

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to mobiles, for example mobiles adapted for installation in a baby care device such as a crib or playpen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ability to recognize differences in the shapes and sizes of various objects is not innate or inherent but must be acquired. This is best taught at an early age by play, for the most effective toy for a child is one which instructs as well as entertains the player.
A classic toy serving to teach a child how to distinguish between objects which differ in shape, color and size, provides a player with a set of diverse geometric objects and a playing board having apertures therein. Each aperture in the board has a geometry which corresponds to only one of the pieces in the set. Hence when a player seeks to fit a triangular piece into an aperture, by trial and error he finds the one aperture in the board that will accept the triangular piece. The child in playing with this toy must take size into account. Thus if an aperture on the board is a circular opening with a one inch diameter, it will not accept a circular disc having a one-and-a-half inch diameter.
An infant who occupies a crib or a carriage is incapable of manipulating geometric pieces to play with the above described toy. However, this infant has powers of observation. Hence if geometric objects that differ in shape, size and color are collectively displayed, the infant learns to discern significant features among these objects. This is particularly true if the collection of objects is not in a static state and the objects are animated so that they can each be seen in the round.
Since the invention relates to a mobile, of prior art interest are the art mobiles created by Alexander Calder. These can be seen in major museums of modem art.
In a Calder mobile, colored sheet metal pieces having different geometries dangle from an armature that is supported from a ceiling; the pieces being free to swing. The distribution of the pieces and their relative weights are such that in a static state the armature is balanced and the mobile then appears to be a work of abstract sculpture. But the balance is upset by natural air currents flowing in the space occupied by the mobile. These currents impinge on the sheet metal pieces and cause them to sway, thereby animating the mobile. Calder has also created works in which the geometric pieces are maintained in fixed positions, this being referred to as stabiles.
US patents 3,638,602 ; 3,927,482 ; 3,983,647 ; 5,112,268 ; 5,620,274 ; 5,803,786 and 6,068,535 all disclose mobile configurations which were deemed innovative in their time. This list does not purport to be exhaustive.
US 7,025,654 discloses a toy mobile comprising a spider having a hub drivable by a motor to rotate the spider and having at least two legs radiating from the hub at an angle thereto and geometrical objects carried by the spider. Each leg has an end terminal which in the course of each rotating cycle rises to a level above the hub and then falls to a level below the hub, causing the geometrical objects to be animated at least partially under the influence of gravity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a mobile as defined in claim 1.
A broad aspect of the invention relates to ways to impart new types of motion to geometric objects affixed to a mobile. The term geometric objects as used in the specification and accompanying claims denotes any shape and pattern including, but not limited to, planar geometric figures (e.g. circles, ellipses, rectangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons and heptagons), three dimensional geometric solids (e.g. spheres, ellipsoids, cubes, rectangular solids, cones, pyramids, tetraheda, and other polygonal solids) or figurative shapes (e.g. animals, people, anthropomorphized objects and caricatures thereof). Optionally, figurative shapes can be provided as two dimensional or three dimensional objects. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention, geometric objects may be colorful or with black and white patterns or any other desirable pattern. Optionally, a pattern and/or color scheme is selected in consideration of a theory of child development. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, a mobile is designed to stimulate children of a particular age. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, a motorized mechanism rotates the mobile. The term "motorized mechanism" includes motors which rely upon an external power source as well as those which rely on internally stored potential energy. External power sources include, but are not limited to electric power sources (e.g. batteries or a wall socket). Potential energy can be provided, for example, using a coiled spring mechanism (e.g. wind-up or pull string activated) as is known in the art.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although suitable methods and materials are described below, methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention. All materials and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.
As used herein, the terms "comprise", "include", "have" or grammatical variants thereof are to be taken as specifying inclusion of the stated features, integers, actions or components without precluding the addition of one or more additional features, integers, actions, components or groups thereof.
The phrase "consisting essentially of" or grammatical variants thereof when used herein are to be taken as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof but only if the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, identical and similar structures, elements or parts thereof that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with the same or similar references in the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen primarily for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily to scale. The attached figures are:
Figs. 2, 3A, 3B, and 5 are perspective views of different mobiles according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. Figs. 1,4A,4B und 6 are not embodiments of the invention but useful for understanding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of the invention relate to mobiles with unique mechanisms for imparting motion to one or more geometric objects attached to one or more supports of the mobile.
Specifically, some embodiments of the invention can be used to increase a degree of attractiveness of one or more geometric objects to a viewer (e.g. an infant). Alternatively or additionally, various embodiments of the invention use a force of gravity to alter a spatial and/or a temporal pattern of motion imparted by a non-gravitational force. Optionally, the non-gravitational force includes a force supplied by a motor and/or a force provided by ambient air currents.
The principles and operation of mobiles according to exemplary embodiments of the invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the following description or exemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Overview

Referring concurrently to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 depicted exemplary mobiles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 share some common features. Each of the depicted exemplary mobiles is supported by a pole 26 and a base 20. According to various embodiments of the invention, base 20 is configured to be attached to a flat surface such as a vertical support 10 of Fig. 1. Exemplary external vertical supports include, but are not limited to, bars 10 of a crib or playpen. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, a hook (e.g. installed in a ceiling) replaces base 20 and/or pole 26.
Depicted exemplary bases 20 optionally include a mirror 22 and/or one or more user input devices generally depicted as buttons 24. Buttons 24 can optionally be employed to activate and/or control rotation of the mobile and/or presentation of sounds (e.g. music) and/or visual stimuli (e.g. lights).
Although pole 26 is depicted as being attached to the mobile from above, in other exemplary embodiments of the invention, pole 26 is attached to the mobile from below.
Mobiles according to various embodiments of the invention can be operated by a drive mechanism adapted to contribute to the rotational displacement of main support 120. The drive mechanism (not visible) can be provided in housing 28 and/or 38 and/or 48 and/or base 20.
Mobiles according to various embodiments of the invention rotate about a primary attachment point depicted as 110, 210 or 310 in the various figures. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, a main support element is rotatable about an axis passing through the primary attachment point and inclined relative to a horizontal plane.
Rotational motion in a plane angled with respect to a horizontal can be achieved, for example, using the teachings of US 7,025,654 to Oren et al. One of ordinary skill in the art will easily be able to adapt the teachings of Oren et al. for implementation in the context of various embodiments described hereinbelow.

Exemplary nested rings embodiment

Fig. 1 depicts exemplary mobile 100 including a primary attachment point 110 and a main support element 120 including optional fixed ring 150 attached thereto, rotatable about an axis passing through the primary attachment point and inclined relative to a horizontal plane The support element 120 with its fixed ring is subject to rotational displacement around a mobile rotary axis passing through the primary attachment point 110, which is inclined to a horizontal plane.
Depicted exemplary mobile 100 includes a set of concentric rings 130 and 140 including a main ring 130 and an additional ring 140, each of the rings rotatable about its own axis. In particular, the main ring 130 has axles 132 and 134 attached to the support element 120 and collinear with a diametrical axis of ring 130 so that, upon the rotation of the support element 120, axle 132 is sometimes above and sometimes below axle 134. The words "above" and "below" as used with regard to ends 132 and 134 mean that horizontal planes in which the respective ends reside have the indicated relationship.
The additional ring 140 has axles 142 - 144 attached to main ring 130 and collinear with a diametrical axis of the ring 140 which is oriented transversely to the diametric axis of the main ring 130.
In the depicted embodiment, a geometric object 160 (depicted as a star) is mounted on an axle 162 attached to the additional the ring 140 The additional ring 140 carries an object 160 which is attached thereto by axle 159-161 at locations spaced from the ends 142 and 144 of the diametrical axis of the ring, and is adapted for rotation thereabout. Each of the rings 130 and 140 is adapted to rotate back and forth through a defined arc with respect to its own axis. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention, the defined arc can be 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 degrees or lesser or intermediate or greater angles.
Optionally, additional objects 152 are suspended from the fixed ring 150. In the depicted embodiment, additional objects 152 are equally spaced from the fixed ring 150, although in other embodiments of the invention, objects 152 of different weights can be spaced at unequal intervals so that their weight is evenly distributed.
As main support 120 with the fixed ring 150 rotate about the mobile rotary axis, gravity causes rotation of rings 130 and/or 140 and/or object 160 about their respective axes, for reasons described below with reference to Fig. 6.
Referring now to Fig. 6, exemplary influences on rotational motion of the various rings is explained. In depicted exemplary mobile 600, main support 120 including optional fixed ring 150 rotate about a mobile rotary axis B-B passing through attachment point 110 and inclined at an angle of about 40 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. Optionally, alteration of this angle of inclination influences rotation of rings 140 and/or 130 and/or object 660 with respect to their respective axes. Optionally, decreasing the angle of inclination contributes to a reduction in rotation of rings 140 and/or 130 and/or object 660.
Alternatively or additionally, axis A-A of ring 130 and axis C-C of ring 140 are deployed at an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to one another. Optionally, the angle between these axes is about 15 to 45 degrees, optionally about 20 to 30 degrees, optionally about 25 degrees
Alternatively or additionally, ring 140 can be weighted at a point opposite a rotational axis 662 of star 660 as a means of increasing its tendency to rotate about its axis C-C.
Alternatively or additionally, an object in the center of ring 140 (e.g. star 660 of Fig. 6 or star 160 of Fig. 1) is asymmetrically weighted to encourage rotation of the object about its axis as optional fixed ring 150 of main support 120 rotates.
Additional objects 652 are suspended from optional fixed ring 150 of main support 120 from fixed attachment points 654.
Alternatively or additionally, additional objects 653 are suspended from optional fixed ring 150 of main support 120 from movable attachment points 655. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, movable attachment points 655 are provided as beads seated in grooves 657. Optionally, a length of groove 657 contributes to a degree of movability of the attachment.

Exemplary canopies/pair of strings- embodiment

Referring now to Fig. 2, an additional exemplary mobile 200 includes a primary attachment point 210 and a main support element (depicted as arms 220, 222 and 224) attached thereto. As in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, the main support is subject to rotational displacement with respect to primary attachment point 210 about an axis passing therethrough at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane. Optionally, the angle with respect to the horizontal plane is about 40 degrees. Optionally, main support depicted as arms 220, 222 and 224 can be replaced by a ring like structure similar to 150 of Fig. 1.
In the depicted exemplary embodiment of the invention, three support canopies 230, 232 and 234 are pictured. In other embodiments different numbers of support canopies may be provided. Each of the depicted support canopies 230, 232 and 234 has at least one geometric object (240, 242 and 244 respectively) suspended therefrom by at least two strings (e.g. pairs 250 and 260; 252 and 262; and 254 and 264 respectively) fixedly attached to their respective canopies. In the depicted embodiment, objects 240, 242 and 244 are styled as animal caricatures (monkey, giraffe and elephant respectively). In other exemplary embodiments of the, objects 240, 242 and 244 can be styled in accord with other themes (e.g. ocean creatures, space travel, car race and circus).
The at least two strings (pairs 250 and 260; 252 and 262; and 254 and 264) are fixedly attached to geometric objects (240, 242 and 244 respectively) at separate points of attachment on the object (e.g. 270 and 280; 272 and 282; and 274 and 284 respectively). Optionally, positioning of a center of gravity of the object with respect to the separate points of attachment contributes to additional motion of the object suspended from the strings.
Mobile 200 includes an optional counterweight (e.g. 290, 292 and 294) suspended from each canopy (230, 232 and 234) by at least one additional string (291, 293 and 295). The counterweight may contribute to rotational motion of the canopy as the main support rotates.
Optionally, a center of gravity of one or more of objects 240, 242 and 244 is not co-linear with the separate points of attachment (e.g. 270 and 280; 272 and 282; and 274 and 284 respectively) of the at least two strings on the object (pairs 250 and 260; 252 and 262; and 254 and 264 respectively).
In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the at least two strings are of a same length (e.g. 250 and 260).
In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the at least two strings are of different lengths (e.g. 254 and 264 and/or 252 and 262).
The support canopies 230, 232 and 234 are rotatably attached to the main support. Exemplary points of rotational attachment are depicted as 231, 233 and 235 and define axes of canopy rotation with respect to the main support element.
The support canopies 230, 232 and 234 each include a rotational control mechanism adapted to control rotation of the support canopy with respect to the main support 220. The mechanism is installed at points of rotational attachment 231, 233 and 235 and permits rotation in one direction only. Optionally, the mechanism imposes a rotation threshold which must be overcome for the corresponding canopy to rotate. The rotational control mechanism may include a ratchet mechanism. This mechanism can contribute to a more pronounced rotational motion of the canopy.
Optionally, as the main support (e.g. 222) rotates around attachment point 210 at an angle to the horizontal, object 242 and/or counterweight 292 apply a varying degree and/or direction of rotational force to rotational attachment point 233 of canopy 232. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, gravity contributes to the variation.
Referring now to Fig. 5, exemplary mobile 500 is similar to mobile 200 of Fig. 2 in many ways. Mobile 500 rotates about attachment point 210 and includes three canopies 230, 232 and 234 which rotate about points 231, 233 and 235 respectively.
In depicted exemplary mobile 500, geometric objects in the shape of animals are suspended from the canopies. A horse including a body 540 connected by a flexible neck 570 to a head 550 is suspended by a pair of strings 580 from attachment points 560 and 562 of canopy 230. A bird including a body 544 connected by a flexible neck 570 to a head 554 is suspended by a pair of strings from attachment points 560 and 562 of canopy 234. A monkey including a body 542 and a head 552 is connected by a flexible arm 570 to one of a pair of strings 580 connecting the monkey to attachment points 560 and 562 of canopy 232. Thus, each of the depicted animals includes a flexible member positioned between the two strings. The animals are unevenly weighted so that a center of gravity of the animal does not reside on a rotational axis of the canopy of the relevant canopy. As a result, gravitational force acting on the center of gravity of the animal contributes to rotation of the canopy from which the animal is suspended as the mobile rotates about 210.

Exemplary movably attached strings embodiment

Fig. 3 depicts an exemplary mobile 300 according to some embodiments of the invention. Depicted exemplary mobile 300 includes a primary attachment point 310 and a main support element 320 attached thereto and subject to rotational displacement with respect to primary attachment point 310 and inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
The mobile 300 includes geometric objects 330, 340 and 350 each suspended from main support element 320 by a first string (332, 342 and 352) attached to main support 320 at a fixed point and a second string (334, 344 and 354) movably attached to main support 320.
The second string 334, 344, 354 is subject to gravitational forces and moves back and forth along main support 320 as the main support rotates with respect to main attachment point 310. This is achieved by the second strings 334, 344, 354 being slidingly attached to main support 320, by beads 360. In the depicted embodiment, beads 360 are fashioned to resemble a center of a flower 362. Other configurations of bead 360 will suggest themselves to one of ordinary skill in the art according to a theme of mobile 300.
In the depicted exemplary embodiment, first strings 332, 342 and 352 and second strings 334, 344 and 354 are attached to geometric objects 330, 340 and 350 at separate attachment points on their respective objects so that a center of gravity of the geometric object is not between the separate attachment points on the object. Optionally, a center of gravity of the geometric object is co-linear with the separate attachment points on the object. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, a center of gravity of the geometric object which is co-linear with the separate attachment points on the object but not between the attachment points contributes to a tendency of the object to oscillate along its long axis with respect to main support 320 as main support 320 rotates.
In the depicted exemplary embodiments of the invention, main support 320 includes a continuous piece which surrounds primary attachment point 310. In particular, the main support 320 is provided as a closed undulating curve as depicted. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the main support may be provided as a plurality of separate pieces.
The mobile 300 further includes geometric objects (370 and 372) adapted to move along a track 374 within main support 320 in response to its rotational displacement, as will be described further in more detail. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the track does not lie along a rotational orbit about the primary attachment point defined by any point on the track.
Fig. 4 depicts an additional exemplary mobile 400, similar to mobile 300 of Fig. 3 in many ways. In depicted exemplary mobile 400, primary attachment point 310 and main support 320 are substantially as described hereinabove. Geometric objects 430, 440 and 450 (depicted here as animal caricatures) are each suspended from main support element 320 by a single string 460 movably attached to main support 320 by a sliding bead 360 as described above. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, beads 360 are separated from one another by a motion limiting adapted to limit motion of beads 360 with strings 460 along main support element 320
Optionally, the motion limiting element includes at least one object 482 affixed to main support element 320 and/or points of attachment 480 of surface 380 supported by main support element 320. Alternatively, the motion limiting element may be in the form of projections 710 constituting an integral part of the main support element 320. (Figs. 3B and 4B). In this case, objects 482 have solely decorative function. There may also be a combination of objects 482 and 710 in a single mobile.
Alternatively or additionally, the motion limiting element includes a slot 657 which limits motion of bead 655 with respect to support element 120 and/or 150 (Fig. 6).

Exemplary motion along a track embodiment

Referring again to Figs. 3 and 4, the main support element 320 includes a surface 380 in which geometric objects 370 and/or 372 move along a track 374 in response to the rotational displacement of the surface along an axis inclined relative to a horizontal plane. under the influence of gravity. Although tracks 374 are depicted as somewhat parallel tracks, they can optionally be provided in other arrangements.
In the depicted exemplary embodiment, track 374 is formed in the surface 380 attached to main support 320. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, track 374 is directly attached to main support 320 (e.g. in the form of a wire.). In the depicted exemplary embodiment, track 374 defines an undulating curve. In the depicted embodiment, track 374 is provided as a slot in surface 380.

Exemplary materials

Many exemplary embodiments of the invention are designed and/or configured for deployment in infant cribs and/or playpens. Optionally, materials for construction of various portions of the mobile are selected with that use in mind.
For example, structural elements such as pole 26 and/or base 20 and/or supports 120 and/or 220, 222 and 224 and/or 320 and/or surface 380 are optionally constructed from high impact plastic (e.g. polyvinylchloride or polycarbonate) and/or reinforced with metal. Various suspended objects described hereinabove can be constructed of plastic and/or fabric as desired. Optionally, suspended objects are provided as fabric dolls filled with lightweight materials (e.g. cotton batting) and weighted (e.g. with high density plastic weights) to achieve a center of gravity in a desired position relative to the doll and/or a support canopy or other support element above the doll.

Exemplary themes

In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, objects and/or supports within a specific mobile are designed and/or configured to adhere to an overall theme of a mobile.
Exemplary overall themes include, but are not limited to, "Ocean in motion" (for example as depicted in Figs. 1 and/or 6) and/or "Sweet Island dreams" (for example as depicted in Figs. 2 and/or 5) and/or "Nature's soothing serenade" (for example as depicted in Figs. 3 and/or 4).
Optionally, geometric items are provided as figures which are thematically consistent with music played by a music box provided as part of the mobile.
It is expected that during the life of this patent many motor mechanisms and/or rotational control mechanisms will be developed and the scope of the invention is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Specifically, a variety of numerical indicators have been utilized. It should be understood that these numerical indicators could vary even further based upon a variety of engineering principles, materials, intended use and designs incorporated into the invention. Additionally, components and/or actions ascribed to exemplary embodiments of the invention and depicted as a single unit may be divided into subunits. Conversely, components and/or actions ascribed to exemplary embodiments of the invention and depicted as sub-units/individual actions may be combined into a single unit/action with the described/depicted function.
Alternatively, or additionally, features used to describe a method can be used to characterize an apparatus and features used to describe an apparatus can be used to characterize a method.
It should be further understood that the individual features described hereinabove can be combined in all possible combinations and sub-combinations to produce additional embodiments of the invention. The examples given above are illustrative in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined solely by the following claims. Specifically, the invention has been described in the context of mobiles for infants but might also be used for other types of mobiles, for example large scale Calderian mobiles provided as art installations.

Claims

A mobile (200,300,500) comprising:
(a) a primary attachment point (210,310);

(b) a main support element (220,222,224,320) attached thereto and subject to rotational displacement with respect to said primary attachment point (210,310) about an axis inclined with respect to a horizontal plane; and

(c) at least one geometric object (240,242,244,330,340,350) suspended from said main support element (220,222,224,320), directly or indirectly, characterised in that said geometric object is suspended by only two strings (250,260,252,262,254,264,332,334,342,344,352,354,580) attached to the geometric object (240,242,244,330,340,350) at two spaced apart locations thereon.
A mobile (200,300,500) according to claim 1, wherein the two strings (250,260,252,262,254,264,332,334,342,344,352,354,580) are separated from each other along their entire length.
A mobile (200,300,500) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the two strings (250,260,252,262,254,264,332,342,352,580) are fixedly attached to the geometric object (240,242,244,330,340,350).
A mobile (200,300,500) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two strings (332,334,342,344,352,354) are attached directly to the main support element (220,222,224,320) at two spaced apart locations thereon.
A mobile (200,300,500) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the two strings (334,344,354) is movably attached to said main support element (220,222,224,320).
A mobile (200,300,500) according to claim 5, further comprising at least one motion limiting element adapted to limit motion of at least one string (334,344,354) that is movably attached to said main support element (220,222,224,320), which element optionally constitutes an integral part of the main support element (220,222,224,320).
A mobile (200,300,500) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising at least one canopy (230,232,234), which is optionally rotatable with respect to said main support element (230,232,234) at a canopy rotation axis.
A mobile (200,300,500) according to any claim 7, wherein the two strings (250,260,252,262,254,264,580) of at least one geometric object (240,242,244) are attached to the canopy (230,232,234), optionally at two spaced apart locations thereon.
A mobile (200,300,500) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said object comprises a flexible portion (570).
A mobile (200,300,500) according to claim 9, wherein the flexible portion (570) is between said spaced apart locations on said object.
A mobile (200,300,500) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a rotational control mechanism adapted to control rotation of the canopy with respect to the main support element.
A mobile (200,300,500) according to claim 11, wherein the rotational control mechanism comprises a ratchet mechanism.
A mobile (200,300,500) according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein said rotational control mechanism is adapted to limit rotation of the canopy (230,232,234) to a single direction.
A mobile (200,300,500) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said rotational control mechanism is adapted to permit rotation only if a threshold force is exceeded.