GB2246068A

GB2246068A - Fully automatic electronic cradle

Info

Publication number: GB2246068A
Application number: GB9110584A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Choong Huat Lim; Choong Beng Lim; Chong Ek Lim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-05-21
Filing date: 1991-05-16
Publication date: 1992-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2011-05-16
Also published as: GB9110584D0; GB2246068B

Abstract

The invention is used for imparting a reciprocating movement to a cradle (16A) or the like. The device and mechanism comprises a motor-actuated pulley means (10), the device being electrically operable on alternating or direct current mode, and the current electronically controlled to impart an oscillatory movement to the pulley (10). The pulley (10) translates the oscillatory movement into a linearly reciprocating movement of a filament 4A which is wound about the pulley and attached to the cradle. <IMAGE>

Description

FULLY AnToWITIC TzCTRaRIC CRADLE TIalNICAL YIELD This invention relates to a device and mechanism for imparting a reciprocating movement to a cradle or the like, giving the same effect as would be achieved by a mother rocking a cradle carrying a baby.

BACKGROUND Generally, rocking of a cradle for soothing a baby to sleep is done manually by an adult, particularly a mother. This can be a tiresome task and requires great patience.

Commercially, automatic cradle is available and it is usually electrically operated by alternating current. It can be difficult to operate since adjustment is needed to match the weight of the baby. Whenever there is a break-down in electricity supply or non-availability of electricity supply, the automatic cradle does not function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION One object of the present invention is to do away with any form of adjustment to the device, so that it is easy to operate even by an untrained housewife.

Another object of the invention is to make it operable on alternating current or direct current such as battery source.

The invention is now disclosed, by way of examples, with reference to the drawings, in which : Figure (1) is an overall view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention, with the device installed above a vertical rocker cradle.

Figure (2) is a front view of the device as shown in Figure (1), with a covering panel of the box removed.

Figure (3) is a top view of the device as shown in Figure (2) without the box.

Figures (4) & (5) show the movements of the various components making up the first preferred embodiment.

Figure (6) is an overall view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention, with the device installed above a vertical rocker cradle.

Figure (7) is a front view of the device as shown in Figure (6), with a covering panel of the box removed.

Figure (8) is a top view of the device as shown in Figure (7), without the box.

Figures (9) & (10) show the relative movements of various components making up the second preferred embodiment.

Figure 11 (a) and 11 (b) is a diagram illustrating the reversal of polarity of the motor in the device.

Figure (12) is a diagram illustrating the electrical/electronic circuit of the device.

Referring now to Figure (1), the invention is in the shape of a container box (9) interposed between a vertical rocker cradle (1) and an overhead support frame. The invention shall be integrally installed and structurally strong and durable. A hook-like means (8) or other fastener means extends upwards from the container box so that the device can be suspended from the overhead support frame by suitable strong filaments. Extending downward from the container box is also another hook-like means (7) or other fastener means so that it is connected to a support frame (6) which is connected to a vertical rocker cradle (16) in turn connected to a resilient element such as a pair of tension springs (2).

At the bottom end of the tension springs (2) is another support frame (3) with a slot (17).

Passing through the container box (9) is an elongated element (1), with its lower end suitably latched into the slot (17) on the support frame (3). A spring (5) is connected tautly between its upper end (14) and its middle protrusion (15) of the elongated element (1), after the string is wound round the driving mechanism inside the container box (9).

The driving mechanism inside the container box (9) will move the elongated element (1) reciprocally up and down, and through the above mentioned linkage mechanism, the vertical rocker cradle (16) will move likewise.

Referring to Figures (2) & (3), a motor (11) is positioned inside the container box (9). Co-axially, a smaller pulley (12) is connected to the spindle of this motor (11). A belt (13) connects this pulley (12) to a larger pulley (10) alongside and suitably positioned. A circular drum (18) is co-axially and integrally connected to the larger pulley (10).

A long and strong filament (4) is tautly wound round this circular drum (18). One end of this filament is connected to the spring means (5) and then to the upper end of the elongated element (1). The other end of the filament is connected to the middle protrusion (15) of the elongated element.

Referring to Figures (4) & (5), an electronic circuit as shown in Figures 11 and 12 controls the current input and will generate alternating charges to rotate the motor (11) in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. Through it linkage mechanisms, the larger pulley (10) will rotate in the same manner and so move the elongated element (1) in an up and down direction, thereby achieving a rocking effect.

Referring to Figure 11, when power is activated, I.c.1 will start I.C 4 which in turn provides a positive charge of current to the motor (11) causing it to rotate clockwise.

When positive charge of the electric current reaches the motor (11), the motor will rotate in the clockwise direction.

The larger pulley (10) will rotate in the clockwise direction and roll up the filament (4), causing the elongated element (1) to move upwards, as illustrated in Figure (4). The cradle will move upwards. When the motor comes to a stop at the end of the cycle, the current in the circuit will increase thus giving a high voltage drop at VR 2 and on TR 2, thus causing I.C. 3 to trigger I.C. 2, I.C. 2 will trigger I.C. 1 causing I.C. 1 to reverse state and start I.C. 5, thus causing the motor (11) to rotate anti-clockwise [see Figure 11 (b)]. When negative charge reaches the motor (11), the motor will rotate in the anti-clockwise direction. The larger pulley (10) will rotate in the in the anti-clockwise direction and roll down the filament (40), causing the elongated element (1) to move downwards, as illustrated in Figure (5). The cradle will move downwards.The cycle is repeated as long as the circuit is activated.

The circuit as described above is given by way of example only.

Other devices such as two-way switch, magnetic switch and photo transistors can also be advantageously used.

The invention described above is given by way of example only and many modifications can be made, for example, mechanisms including music player, timer and sensor can be added to the device. The sensor (not shown) will detect vibration caused by the baby carried in the cradle and it will activate the device.

The larger pulley (10) can be replaced by a gear wheel. The elongated element (1) can be replaced by pinioned rack. When gear wheel rotates in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, the pinioned racks will move upwards and downwards.

Figures (6) to (10) illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the invention. The elongated element (1) with its upper end (14), its middle protrusion (15) and the lower end (3), as shown in the first preferred embodiment, is now simplified.

A return spring means (5A) is wound round the axle (20) of the circular drum (18) and is kept in a containment (19). (See Figures 7 & 8). A long filament (4A) is wound round the circular drum (18) attaching to the larger pulley (10). The free end of this filament (4A) is tautly connected to a supporting structure (21) of the rocker cradle (16A) with a hook-like means (15A).

By this linkage, the oscillatory movement of the pulley means is translated into a linearly reciprocating movement affecting the cradle, achieving an up and down rocking effect.

Claims

1. A device for use in rocking a cradle comprising an externally driven pulley, and a filament engaging first the pulley means and thereafter engageable, by its free end, with a rigid structure of a cradle; the pulley being drivable by driving means electronically rotatable in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.

2. A device according to claim 1 in which said driving means includes a motor and a pulley mechanism.

3. A device according to claims 1 or 2, in which the driving means is operable alternately in alternating current mode and direct current mode.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the a.c. electric current to the driving means is electronically controllable by a circuit giving it a variable frequency.

5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the pulley is biased by means of a return tension means.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said return tension means comprise a spring-loaded axle.

7. A device according to claim 5 or 6, in which the filament is tautly wound around said axle of the pulley means and has its free end engaging a cradle to urge the cradle in an up and down motion.

8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the driving means and the pulley are housed in a containing box, interposed integrally between a cradle and an overhung support frame.

9. A device for use in rocking a cradle or the like, constructed and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.

9. A device for use in rocking a cradle, constructed and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A device for use in rocking a cradle or the like comprising an externally driven pulley, and a filament engaging first the pulley means and thereafter engageable, by its free end, with a rigid structure of a cradle or the like; the pulley being drivable by driving means electronically rotatable in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.

7. A device according to claim 5 or 6, in which the filament is tautly wound around said axle of the pulley means and has its free end engaging a cradle to urge the cradle or the like in an up and down motion.

- 8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the driving means and the pulley are housed in a containing box, interposed integrally between a cradle or the like and an overhung support frame.