GB2462328A

GB2462328A - Cot bumper and mounting platform

Info

Publication number: GB2462328A
Application number: GB0814395A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mordechay Bahiri; Eyal Maori
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-07
Filing date: 2008-08-07
Publication date: 2010-02-10
Also published as: GB0814395D0

Abstract

A baby head protecting device with means for supporting toys or other attachments comprises the combination of a supporting platform 2 which can be secured to the wall of a cradle or child's bed 1, and a conventional head protector or bumper [not shown] which may be detachably secured to the platform 2. The protecting device may include a mirror [5, Fig. 1] or a video camera mounted on a mobile arm 4. The arm 4 maybe attached to a universal connector 3 which secures the platform to the cradle. Multiple connectors 3 may be used and can support toys or other accessories. The connectors may provide an electrical connection with an attachment secured to the platform, for example to provide power to the attachment. In use, the head protecting device may be secured to one, two or three sides of the cradle using the universal connectors.

Description

Baby Head Protecting Device The invention relates to a baby head protecting device which is also a platform for attaching various devices to a baby's cradle and includes indirect vision means.

There is a need to attach various devices to a baby's cradle, for example the mobile, toys, photographs, etc. At present there is no reliable, modular means to answer this need.

Furthermore, parents often need to see the baby. It is important to be able to view the baby, to detect any problems as soon as possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a new a baby head protecting device is disclosed, which comprises the prior art head protector and a platform for attaching various toys or devices to a baby's cradle. The device can be attached to three sides of the bed surrounding the baby's head, or to part of these sides.

The device further includes indirect vision means, including for example a mirror, a video camera, etc. The platform includes novel universal connectors with means for attaching toys and accessories, and also for attaching the platform to the cradle.

The height of the platform may be adjusted as required and as the baby grows.

The universal connectors further include means for attaching various items as desired. A connector may provide mechanical means for holding an item, and/or electrical connections as may be required.

For example, the mobile may be connected using such a universal connector.

A mirror may also be connected using the universal connector, to allow the parents to see the baby anytime. Other indirect viewing means may be used in lieu of the mirror, for example a video camera.

The connector may include a contact between its plugs, for closing an electrical circuit.

This allows for accessories or toys to be activated when connected to the connector.

Various other items may be connected to the platform, provided they comply with the requirements of the universal connectors there.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 illustrates a baby cradle or bed with the new platform and indirect vision means Fig. 2 details a mobile unit arm attached to the platform and cradle Fig. 3 details the mobile unit arm 4 attachment to the platform Fig. 4 details a mirror unit 5 attached to the platform and cradle Fig. 5 details the connector of the mobile unit arm Fig. 6 details an exploded view, from outside the cradle, of a connector in the platform Fig. 7 details an exploded view, from inside the cradle, of a connector in the platform Fig. 8 details an exploded view, from inside the cradle, of a connector in the platform and its attachment to the cradle Fig. 9 details the two conesponding parts of the connector

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 illustrates a baby cradle or bed 1 with the new platform 2.

The baby support platform 2 may surround three sides 11, 12, 13 of the baby bed 1, or almost three sides as illustrated.

Furthermore, the device further includes indirect vision means 5, including for example a mirror, a video camera, etc. In a preferred embodiment, a baby head protector (not shown) is removably attached to the lower part of the platform 2. The head protector may be attached using a zipper, clicks or other suitable means. The head protector may itself be attached to the cradle using means known in the art.

Thus, the new baby head protecting device comprises a prior art head protector, attached to a platform for attaching various devices to a baby's cradle In one embodiment of the invention, the platform 2 can be manufactured with the connectors 3 built in, therefore any attachment has to comply with the connectors standard in order to be attachable to the platform.

The system is so devised that, without the platform, it may be difficult or impossible to connect the various accessories to the cradle.

Preferably the head protector part is made of a soft material to protect the baby's head, covered in cloth or a similar material.

On the head protector's lower part there may be openings to allow the passage of air therethrough.

The universal connector 3 includes means for attaching the platform 2 to the cradle 1, and optionally both mechanical and electrical means for attaching various accessories to the cradle 1.

The structure is modular and may be assembled in many ways and shapes.

In one embodiment, the platform includes six connectors. Other embodiments may include a different number of connectors.

The platform may also include Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) which may be controlled from the remote. These LEDs may be used, for example, to illuminate the baby and cradle at night.

The system may further include a remote control. The platform may 2 include a pocket on its external part, for storing the remote.

The platform 2 may further include a charger unit for charging the remote when not in use (provided the remote uses rechargeable batteries).

The remote control may include: * ON/OFF control for the lights, mobile andlor video * volume control * means for selecting between the various accessories attached to the platform, and for activating the various functions there.

* controls lighting for night activation * automatic turn-off after a predefined period of inactivity of the remote.

Fig. 2 details, by way of example, a mobile unit arm 4 attached to the platform 2 and cradle 1. Preferably, the shape of the arm 4 is adjustable to adapt to the requirements in each case and as the baby grows.

The mobile unit arm 4 may be attached to the cradle 1 using upper support means 41 and lower support means/connector 42.

Fig. 3 details the mobile unit arm 4 attachment to the platform 2 and the baby bed 1.

The mobile unit arm 4 may have a lower support/connector 42 which is mechanically coupled to the universal connector 3 on the baby support platform 2.

The connector 3 may include the Looky(TM) trademark indicia 43.

Fig. 4 details indirect vision means, in this example a mirror unit 5, attached to the platform 2 and cradle 1.

A mirror arm 51 may be mechanically coupled to the universal connector 3 in the baby support platform 2. Preferably the angle of the mirror is adjustable, to allow viewing the baby from a distance.

In another embodiment, a video camera may be used in lieu of the mirror unit 5.

The camera may be connected to a remote video monitor, to view the baby as desired.

The remote monitor may include a computer laptop, palmtop or other device.

The platform 2 may include a plurality of connectors 3, for attaching a plurality of accessories, items, photographs andlor toys thereto.

Fig. 5 details one embodiment of the connector 42 of the mobile unit arm 4.

The lower support/connector 42 may include both an electrical connector 421 and mechanical means/polarizer 422 for attaching the arm 4 and holding it in an upright orientation (or in another specific, unique orientation).

Other items, in order to be attachable to the universal connector 3, have to use the same structure as that of connector 42.

The universal connector 42 may include various types of electrical connections, for example: a. No electrical connection, when the accessory does not require it b. Activating means for the accessory when connected, using for example a wire to short (connect) between two wires from the accessory. Thus, a prerequisite for activating the accessory is its connection to the universal connector.

c. Supply electrical power to the accessory -a preferably low voltage power source is available to the accessory when connected to the universal connector. Electrical wires installed in the platform 2 may bring power to the connector.

d. Supply electrical power to the accessory -a preferably low voltage power source is connected to one or more universal connectors.

Structure: to provide the above functions, the electrical connector preferably has four contacts: two for the power source, two for the short contact. In addition, there should be a polarizer device 422 to ensure the plug is inserted only in the right orientation.

Fig. 6 details an exploded view, a view from outside the cradle, of a connector 3 in the platform 2. Preferably the connector 3 has a structure complementary to that of the connector 42 as detailed above.

The connector 3 may have a threaded part 31, an inner part 32 and an outer cover 33.

Basically the connector comprises three parts: (toward the outside) an external thread and means for precise insertion and snap attachment; (toward the inside) snap connection taking into account ambient lighting, optionally using LEDs sunounding the platform, or a transparent structure.

Fig. 7 details an exploded view, a view from inside the cradle, of the connector 3 including the threaded part 31, the inner part 32 and the outer cover 33.

Fig. 8 details an exploded view, from inside the cradle, of the connector 3 in the platform and its attachment to the cradle 1. The inner part may include a cover 353, preferably smooth and made of a soft or elastic material, so as not to hurt the baby. In a preferred embodiment, part 353 is transparent or translucent, to allow illuminating the cradle and baby using light generating means inside the cover 353. The light generating means may include incandescent bulbs or, preferably, Light Emitting Devices (LEDs). Preferably, high efficiency LEDs should be used.

The light emitting means may be installed in the part 352.

Parts 352 and 351 hold, between them, the platform 2 Parts 351, 31 and 3 are used to attach the platform to the cradle 1. Thus the platform 2 is removably attached to the cradle 1.

Fig. 9 details the two corresponding parts of the connector: The first part 3 comprising sub-parts 32, 315 and 31, is attached to the platform 2 (not shown); the second part 4 comprising sub-parts 42, 421, 422 is part of an attachment, toy or other device which may be attached to the platform, for example the mobile.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector parts 3 and 4 are so devised as to perform the following functions: a. Removably attach the parts 3, 4 to each other, to mechanically hold the attachment connected to part 4 secured to the platform 2. When desired, the attachment can be removed, or replaced with another attachment.

b. Polarizing means to prevent the rotation of the part 4.

c. Electrical connections (optional). Some attachments do not require electric power, so this function is not required. Other attachments have their internal power supply, such as a battery; the electrical connection only indicates that the attachment is secured to the platform, and enables the operation of the attachment.

In still other embodiments, the attachment receives electrical power from an external source through the connector.

It will be recognized that the foregoing is but one example of an apparatus and method within the scope of the present invention and that various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinbefore.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is: 1. A baby head protecting device comprising a prior art head protector and a platform for attaching various toys or devices or other attachments to a baby's cradle or bed.
2. The baby head protecting device according to claim 1, further including means for its attachment to three sides of the cradle or bed surrounding the baby's head, or to only one or two sides of the bed.
3. The baby head protecting device according to claim 1 or 2, further including means for removably attaching the head protector to the platform.
4. The baby head protecting device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further including indirect vision means attached to the platform.
5. The baby head protecting device according to claim 4, wherein the indirect vision means comprise a mirror or a video camera.
6. The baby head protecting device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further including universal connector means in the platform for attaching to the cradle.
7. The baby head protecting device according to claim 6, wherein the universal connector further includes means for connecting to toys or accessories.
8. The baby head protecting device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the universal connector includes means for securing an attachment thereto and preventing its rotation.
9. The baby head protecting device according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the universal connector further includes means for closing an electrical circuit in the attachment.
10. The baby head protecting device according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the universal connector further includes means for supplying electrical power to an electrical circuit in the attachment, from an external electricity source.
ii. The baby head protecting device according to claim 1 -10, wherein the platform and/or head protector is made of a soft material.
12. The baby head protecting device according to claim 1 -10, wherein the baby head protecting device has three sides so devised as to attach to three conesponding sides of the cradle, and there are two universal connectors attached to each side of the device.
13. The baby head protecting device according to claim 1 -10, further including indirect vision means.
14. The baby head protecting device according to claim 13, wherein the indirect vision means comprise a mirror connected to the platform.
15. The baby head protecting device according to claim 13, wherein the indirect vision means comprise a video camera connected to the platform.
16. In a baby head protecting device, a universal connector secured to the platform and including means for removably attaching to the baby cradle and means for connecting accessories thereto.
17. A baby head protecting device substantially as detailed in the presentdisclosure and the corresponding drawings.