GB2492418A - An articulated infant monitor stand - Google Patents

Abstract

An articulated infant monitor stand is provided. The infant monitor stand comprises: at least one lockable ball joint 1, 2 and a member 8 connecting a device platform 3 to a mount 4. The monitor stand may also comprise a screw thread tripod standing to allow the monitor stand to be connected to a tripod 7. The platform 3 may also include an illumination source 5 which can be used as a night light, or, if detachable, a torch.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

TAMAR CLARKE

FOR

A MONITOR STAND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a monitor stand, more particularly an articulated infant monitor stand.

Background and Prior Art

Many parents and carers are increasingly concerned about the well-being of their children or the children they care for.

Of particular concern are times when the child is not in view, such as outside of the house, at school or another room.

In particular small babies when in their bedrooms, in their cots, cradles or beds, are particularly vulnerable to cot or cradle death, or what is known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The causes of SIDS are unknown, but it is thought to include sleeping arrangements, bedcovers and sleeping position. However despite changes to habits the rate of infant deaths from SIDS is stilt high.

Accordingly many parents and carers are particularly worried about the children they care for when they sleep.

Monitors are often used for when the infant is in bed and the carer is in another room.

Traditionally these have been one way radios relaying sound from the infant's room.

Recently there has been a large growth in video monitors as technotogy improves and becomes more cost effective. These typically comprise video cameras linked remotely to video display screens.

Although such monitors are extremely helpful, a common problem is that they are provided with basic stands that only enable their use on horizontal surfaces.

Typically problems are therefore presented in directing the camera effectively and permanently at the infant, somewhat negating their effective use.

In contrast the present invention provides an aftermarket multi-surface multi-location standardised stand that may be used for an overwhelming majority of cameras on the market.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an articulated infant monitor stand, including at least one balljoint and a member connecting a device platform to a mount.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the platform is provided with a means to engage and/or maintain a device in place. Typically this includes in combination or the alternative screw thread tripod standing, elasticated strapping, or rigid / semi-rigid clasp.

Some embodiments may have a plurality of engagement means being a plurality of screw threads.

The preferred embodiments of the stand are designed to hold and support a wide range of video baby monitors and cameras are designed to fit onto a crib andlor any furniture close by, such as shelves.

The stand may be attached to a clamp or clip mount which enables the stand to be able to clip on to a vertical crib side or any horizontal shelves around the infant, or other projecting planar structure.

The stand needs to be fully adjustable to suit most environments, which is of particular importance since the stand needs to be used when travelling.

Typically the stand will have key features including providing a fully adjustable video baby monitor platform.

The stand needs to hide the wire to keep it out of sight from the infant and avoid tampering.

Potentially a thermometer or other atmospheric measurement apparatus is incorporated on the stand somewhere.

The stand in all embodiments is durable and safe for the infant, being provided in infant friendly plastics.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the platform may be located on a ball joint wherein a second ball joint is provided at a distal end of an elongate extension member.

This member allows multiple articulations of any items on distal ends connected via the ball joint(s) and consequently allows great variation in the platform attitude even when the stand is fixed by use of a fixed mount.

In addition or the alternative the member may comprise or include gooseneck hose.

This mount may also be provided by a tripod, wherein said tripod may be separately provided, such as by a standard method of fixing, like a standard screw thread, for example 3⁄4" British Standard Whitworth (BSW) used on almost all small cameras or Ye" BSW for larger (and some older small) cameras.

This form of screw thread may also be used as an engagement means, whereby the device may be engaged to the platform by such means.

According to a fourth aspect the stand is provided with an illumination source to provide a nightlight for the infant. This light may be adjustable in strength or timing.

For example the light may be set to turn off after a user defined length of time.

The stand will thereby include a light to act as a night light but also as a torch for the parent. The light will accordingly need to swivel to avoid shining in the infant's eyes throughout the night.

In order to power the light the stand is provided with a battery and/or with facility to attach to mains electricity. The battery may be rechargeable or the stand and light may be powered with standard batteries such as AA size batteries.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the stand with a clip mount; Figure 2 shows a reverse view of the embodiments of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2; Figures 4 show an overhead view and rear view of the preferred embodiments; Figure 5 shows the preferred embodiment of the stand attached to a tripod mount and Figure 6 shows a reverse view of Figure 5.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured embodiment of the stand provides an adjustable video baby monitor holder that may be mounted onto the side of the cot, shelves or a separate collapsible tripod.

Lockable ball joints (1, 2) allow the camera platform (3) to be positioned in a variety of angles, providing parents, carers or users with the best view of a baby in the cot.

The stand, as pictured in Figure 1, is attached to a mount formed by a resiliently deformable clip (4) but may also be equipped with an adjustable bracket clamp to hold a wide selection of baby monitors onto a cot side or other vertically disposed structure.

The cot bracket 4 is stretched in use over the cot railings, then flexing back to clamp securely in place.

Located on the back of the camera platform 3 is a night light (pictured as 5 in Figure 2). The night light's brightness and direction can be adjusted to allow it to be used as a torch, if required.

In the pictured embodiment elasticated straps (6) are included, as may be additionally or in the alternative hook and loop sections such as VELCRO (Trade Mark), to stop the monitor or camera from lifting out of the clamp, keeping it securely fastened.

When the child becomes older, it may become necessary to move the stand from the side of the cot. Accordingly a tripod (7) as pictured in Figures 5 and 6 may be attached to allow users, parents or carers to place the camera at a safe distance away from the cot. The tripod typically folds away, allowing it to be easily transported.

The member (8) allows the stand to have an increased amount of movement. The member is able to attach to the tripod and the cot bracket or any other mount.

The ball joints (1, 2) allow the mount and extension to swivel in relation to each other.

They allow the user to place the camera where it is necessary. Unscrewing the ball joints may disengage a lock and allow the ball joints to move.

In preferred embodiments to lock the position of the ball joint(s) 1 and/or 2 the user would screw a ball joint cap (12) on tighter, to squeeze the ball inside whereby friction will cause the joint to lock in that position.

When required, the platform 3 can be swivelled round and the night light 5 can be used as a torch. The brightness of the light can be adjusted, for example by simply pushing in the light S such that when pushed in the light initially turns on dimly and or' the third push, the light will become a bright torch.

In use the user would attach the mount 4 to the side of the cot, making sure it is safe and secure, then place the camera onto the platform and tighten a vice 9 and/or fasten a holder 11 around the base of the camera (not shown).

The pictured embodiment is based around a sprung peg or clip mount 4. The clip can be attached to a cot, shelf, door etc. Handles for the clip will be at both ends of the clip. The ball joint socket 2 will then be in the middle.

Preferably a screw mechanism 10 will move the vice back forward and backward.

Alternatively a mechanism found in craft knives and box cutters wherein pushing the clamp down, disengages the lock, allowing you to slide the clamp 10 up and down.

Using the straps 6, (which are hook and loop n the prelerred embodiment but may be buckles or other adjustable mechanism) the user would then secure the camera down. The hook and loop wilt stop the camera being pulled up and out.

In some embodiments rubber straps may be used to hold the camera in place. At least two straps are envisaged to be needed due to the variety of different shapes of camera.

The camera platform allows parents to get a good view of their child.

If the infant is upset and the parents need to see what is going on, simply swivelling the camera platform will change the direction of the night light shining into the cot.

Batteries for the light can be replaced by unscrewing the top of the body.

As the camera generally needs to be angled down, the camera mount may be angled. Additionally or in the alternative there may be an off centre camera mount.

The platform is typically based as pictured on a semi.sphere, wherein the top is angled.

The tripod would be a foldable mount, perfect for the home or when travelling. It may be standard or specifically designed.

At least one wire clip 13 is ideally included to keep any wires secure and tidy on the stand.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims 1. An articulated infant monitor stand, including at least one balljoint and a member connecting a device platform to a mount.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A stand according to claim 1 wherein the platform is provided with a means to engage and/or maintain a device in place.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A stand according to claim 1 wherein the platform is provided with screw thread tripod standing 4. A stand according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the platform is provided with elasticated strapping.5. A stand according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the platform is provided with a hinged clasp.6. A stand according to claims 1 to 5 wherein a tripod may be attached to or form the mount.7. A stand according to any preceding claim wherein a clamp or clip mount enables the stand to be able to clip on to a projecting planar structure.8. A stand according to any preceding claim wherein the pfatform may be located on a balljoint wherein a second balljoint is provided at a distal end of an elongate member.9. A stand according to any preceding claim wherein an illumination source provides a nightlight for the infant.10. A stand according to claim 9 wherein the source is adjustable in strength or timing.11. A stand according to claims 9 or 10 wherein the source may be detachable to be used as a torch.</claim-text>