GB2574612A

GB2574612A - A hanging mobile

Info

Publication number: GB2574612A
Application number: GB1809587.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jones Britt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-12
Filing date: 2018-06-12
Publication date: 2019-12-18
Also published as: GB201809587D0

Abstract

A device for providing a hanging mobile comprises a member 2 of a first flexibility, an elongate portion 1 of a second flexibility, and a base 3; wherein the member 2 connects with the base 3, and the portion 1 is arranged at a first end 6 to attach to the member 2 and has at least one hanger 4 at the second end arranged for a hanging stimulus 100. The portability and flexibility of the positioning of the hangers enables the device to provide hanging stimuli at a plurality of locations, at a plurality of heights and a plurality of distances from, and angles with respect to, an infant.

Description

A HANGING MOBILE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hanging mobile, which enables hanging a plurality of different visual stimuli for an infant, for example over a cot or similar.

Background

Increasing understanding of the importance of stimuli for infants during their early years can also be combined with providing a pleasant environment for the infant. For example visual stimuli formed from three-dimensional or two-dimensional products subject to natural movement can be a pleasing distraction for a child.

As the child grows it is preferable to have the ability to alter these stimuli, and additionally or alternatively it can be important to alter positioning of the stimuli to maximise use and effectiveness. In small living spaces such repositioning is ideally capable of high frequency without compromise, and of great precision.

Visual and eye development of infants is helped by recognising and viewing different stimuli as the infant ages, for example where simpler higher contrast shapes are preferable to younger children and more complex shapes and colours aid older children. Children can focus at greater distances as they age.

In addition or the alternative changing distance of stimuli aids in the infant’s perception and development, where stimuli can be further away as the child gets older.

Prior Art

CN 205 877 638 (PI) discloses a portable display stand, including a column, which are serially connected with a load-bearing arm assembly distal end of the post, the arm assembly and a display mount assembly functions, a bottom end connected with the base of the posts, the posts and the load arm assembly between, the load arm assembly between the arm assembly and function, and a display mounting assembly between the arm assemblies function as the pivot connections are, the weighting arm assembly and two-stepped part is arranged between the junction of the arm assemblies function to limit the rotation mechanism.

KR 101 544 575 (BAE) discloses a baby mobile of which head is installed in a support part standing on a receiving part. The present invention comprises the receiving part having the bottom formed into a flat disc shape to be placed on the floor; the support part including an upper supporter to control the height from a lower supporter standing on an upper part of the receiving part; and a head part including a diameter part, combined with an upper part of the support part, and a rack on which a decoration is hung.

A combination unit, fixed on an upper part of the upper supporter, and a combination protrusion, fixed on a rear part of the diameter part, are combined. According to the present invention, the mobile is easily moved to and installed in a place fora baby. The mobile is prevented from falling down by fixing the support part in the receiving part or weighting the receiving part. The height is controlled in the support part, the angle is controlled in the head part, and the rotation of the head part is controlled in an upper part of the support part by the combination unit and the combination protrusion. A variety of baby products are able to be stored in a storage groove of the receiving part. Playing music and rotating the decoration and the rack by a controller are able to arouse babies' interest.

US 2011 0 167 986 (HENNESSEY) discloses an equipment support stand, comprising: an upright member comprising, an upper shaft, a lower shaft having an engaging structure located thereon, and an adjusting clutch connecting the upper shaft and the lower shaft; means for locating equipment on an upper end of the upper shaft; and a base assembly located on a lower end of the lower shaft, the base assembly comprising, a support housing, and receiving structure for engaging the engaging structure located on the lower shaft, the receiving structure being selectively engageable with the engaging structure on the lower shaft to prevent the rotation of the lower shaft relative to the base assembly.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for providing a hanging mobile, comprising a member of a first flexibility, an elongate portion of a second flexibility, and a base; wherein the member connects with the base, and the portion is arranged at a first end to attach to the member and has at least one hanger at the second end arranged for a hanging stimulus.

In this way the member and portion may combine to form an elongate part, between the base and the hanger or hangers. The portability and flexibility of the positioning of the hangers enables the device to provide hanging stimuli at a plurality of locations, at a plurality of heights and a plurality of distances from, and angles with respect to, an infant.

In some embodiments the device of the present invention may comprise a member that may accordingly be arranged and left in a plurality of configurations, to maximise interest, and location and distance potentials. For example the member may provide a hanging area that is a ring, sinuous, a line, or a spiral.

The member may comprise a soft outer, fabric surface, and substantially inner core, so as to prevent damage to the infant or their hands. In some embodiments advantageously also the relative weighting base and flexibility of the member at the hanger end are arranged to ensure that the member flexes before the base topples.

The member may connect with the base at a screw thread in some embodiments in other embodiments the member may connect with the base at a bayonet or twist-lock mechanism.

The portion may have a screw thread at the second end. In this way the portion may be screwed to the base in some variations of the device or kit of parts enabling the device, for example so as to allow for removal of the elongate member, so as to create a smaller or lower device in use.

In some embodiments the device comprises a rigid or flexible extender which may have a screw thread connection to the base and may act to extend the height of the member.

In some embodiments the hanger may comprise a hook which may extend from the second end of the elongate portion. In other embodiments in addition or the alternative the hanger or hangers may comprise a discrete part or parts, which may be added to the second end in use so as to provide a hanging means for the mobile as required. In some embodiments for example the hanger may comprise a screw thread so as to screw onto the second end of the elongate portion in use.

In some embodiments the hanger may comprise more than one kind of hanging means, for example wherein the hanger may be multipartite, with some parts arranged at the end of the elongate part, and others arranged along the elongate part.

In some embodiments the base may be weighted, or allow for weighting. For example in some embodiments the base may comprise a lead or concrete weight. In others the base may comprise a means to add ballast, for example water or sand in use. In still further embodiments the base may comprise means to secure the device to other structures, for example screw holes.

The base furthermore may comprise feet or ground contacting sections, which may be arranged to accommodate uneven grounds, and/or which may comprise resiliently deformable sections or be arranged to enhance friction forces and limit movement of the device in use.

In some embodiments the device comprises a padded surface, for example such that the infant is not liable to damage themselves with contact. For example the base may comprise padding, and/or the elongate part.

The member and portion may have outer layers that are the same or similar. The member and portion may have cores that are the same or similar. The member and portion may thereby have intermediate layers that allow for or provide flexibility or rigidity as appropriate.

In other embodiments the core for the member may comprise a substantially rigid material, for example aluminium armature.

In some embodiments the cores may be arranged to stiffen or have more rigidity at the first end than at the second end or at intermediate points.

In some embodiments the rigidity of the core or of the elongate portion is envisaged to change progressively.

In some embodiments the elongate portion comprises two discrete cores or core arrangements. For example the first end may comprise a rigid core, and the second end may comprise no core.

In this way the device of the present invention is arranged to provide an elevated hanging position for the mobile, which may be repositioned according to preference. For example in some embodiments the device may extend the hanger over the base or some distance therefrom. This may enable the device to hang mobiles over an infant at some distance from the base, for example the infant being in a cot.

In some embodiments the elongate portion and elongate member may comprise a screw threaded connection means. In some embodiments the elongate member and portion may comprise a ferromagnetic and/or clip connection means in addition or the alternative. The connection means may comprise a connector, and may be a bayonet or clip or twist-lock connection means.

In some embodiments the elongate portion may comprise a discrete enhanced flexibility portion which may comprise an intermediate part of the elongate portion, and/or the second end.

The flexible portion or part thereof may comprise a gooseneck.

In some embodiments the device may comprise articulation. For example in some embodiments the second end of the elongate portion may comprise articulation, and/or an articulated hanger.

In other embodiments a kit of parts comprising the device in use may enable addition of articulated joints into the embodiment of the device, for example comprising screw thread joints, and/or adaptors for insertion on the ends of the elongate portion, elongate member or base.

For example some embodiments of the kit or device may comprise a carabiner end or adaptor or hanger, which may be screwed into or onto an end of the elongate portion or member. In other embodiments the device may comprise a plurality of hangers, for example hanging loops.

The device may be formed wholly or predominantly in stainless steel, steel or aluminium, being powder or plastic coated in some embodiments.

Some embodiments of the device may be provided with a power supply or passage, for example comprising internal cabling in some embodiments and in other embodiments potentially comprising a light source, battery, audio capability or other visual or interactive features. This may enable the mobile to be more physically, visually, auditory or otherwise, attractive or engaging to the infant or user.

In some embodiments the base of the device may be collapsible, folding or otherwise capable of movement from a first in-use position to a second storage or transport position.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, with hanging mobiles on the hangers;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 in a second position, with hanging mobiles;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3 with an extender from the base;

Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5;

Figure 8 shows an isometric detail sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5;

And

Figures 9 show detail views of parts of a second embodiment of the present invention [All figures show sketches subject to later formalisation or removal as appropriate].

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference in general to the embodiment shown there is shown an embodiment of the device 99 for providing a hanging mobile, generally comprising a substantially more rigid elongate member 1, a substantially more flexible elongate portion 2, and a base 3; wherein the member connects with the base and the portion provides a hanging means providing a plurality of hangers 4.

The member and portion both comprise a rigid core and a deformable cushioned covering layer, and an outer fabric layer.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 there is shown an embodiment comprising an elongate member 2 extending from a circular base 3. The base is weighted by an internal concrete core, so that the member will not overbalance, even when the member’s end is weighed down by hanging items, or being pulled at.

Advantageously the portion is more flexible than the member, and the weighting is at the base, such that the portion will flex before the member and the member will flex before the base displaces, such that tugging on the mobiles is not liable to cause a danger for the infant. In other embodiments the hangers may comprise releasable or quick-release connections for hanging mobiles in addition or the alternative.

The portion 2 is more flexible, comprising an internal gooseneck, covered in padding and fabric, and is permanently joined at joint 6 to the member 1, and has a plastic end cap 5.

The portion comprises four hangers 4 comprising loops of fabric, from which items such as hanging mobiles 1000 may be hung to stimulate an infant.

The base 3 is circular and formed of a plastic basal plate, a concrete core, a cushioned top cover, and an outer covering layer.

A central connector socket 21 provides a socket with a male connector 22 for the connector collar 11 of the member 2 and of an extender 10.

The male connector comprises a screw thread bolt 22, and the female connector collar 11 provides a screw thread hole 20.

The extender also comprises a male connector collar 12 when extending the device.

The member comprises an aluminium armature core 17, covered by a deformable covering layer 28, which comprises an outer fabric layer 82. The aluminium armature is solid and 10 mm in diameter.

The base comprises a central concrete core 25 covered with a padded fabric covering 30, and having a central socket 21 with an upstanding threaded bolt 22, which is trapped below the core 25 by a plastic collar 29, and held in place by a locating nut 24.

The female collar connector 11 further includes a locator nut 24 into which the bolt screws in use.

The underside of the base 3 comprises a central covering 8 and an annular outer of rubber or silicone and increased depth 9, to limit damage to underlying surfaces, dampen noise during movement and/or provide higher levels of friction.

The member may also comprise hook and loop portions like Velcro (RTM) strips spaced on the member (not shown) which may be used to secure the device to a cot or any other structure.

With reference to further embodiments, the member may be multi-sectional internally, wherein a nearest section of the member to the base, or first section, may be substantially rigid and comprise a steel internal sleeve with an internal screw thread near its end. The rigid section may be as much as 700 mm long. A following section of the member from the rigid section towards the mobile end, or second section, may be substantially flexible, comprising an internal flexible polymer core. In other embodiments this section may comprise a gooseneck.

As shown in Figure 9b between sections there may be joints in the covering, to either side of which is a silicone insert 62 that extends along the section and holds the sections’ cores 61 within the joint, even where joining sections have no core.

With reference to the embodiment shown in parts in Figure 9a further embodiments may comprise an end most hanger 64. The hanger comprises a sprung carabineer door.

For example at the end of the portion may be an insert 63 with an internal female thread. Into this may be threaded a male thread end cap, which end cap comprises an axially extending hook for attachment of hanging infant mobile items. In the pictured embodiment this hook comprises a carabineer hook 64.

As shown in Figure 9c a third section may have an internal metal gooseneck 66, through which a core 61 may be passed from another section.

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 as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A device for providing a hanging mobile, comprising a member of a first flexibility, an elongate portion of a second flexibility, and a base; wherein the member connects with the base, and the portion is arranged at a first end to attach to the member and has at least one hanger at the second end arranged for a hanging stimulus.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the portion and member comprise a core, padding, and a covering.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the member has an internal aluminium armature core.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the portion comprises a gooseneck.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the hangers are spaced along the portion.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the base is weighted.

7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the member is displaceable from the base.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein member and base comprise a male and female connector.

9. A device according to claim 7 or 8 comprising a screw threaded connector between the base and member.

10. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a rigid extender for placement between the base and the portion.