GB2575177A - A hanging mobile for infants - Google Patents

Abstract

A hanging mobile comprises an elongate member 10 having a first end 10A that includes a means for arranging the mobile to hang over an infant, and a second end 10B that has at least one hanger 20 for receiving one or more holder 30. Each holder 30 is substantially conical and has a flat circular base for receiving a displaceable cover (70, figure 11). The covers (70) may be planar circular discs which are releasable attachable to the base of a holder 30 such that the covers may be interchangeable to provide different visual stimuli to the infant.

Description

A HANGING MOBILE FOR INFANTS

Field of the Invention

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

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.

Changing distance of stimuli aids in the infant’s perception and development, where stimuli can be further away as the child gets older.

Present devices are typically only suitable for infants of a particular age or stage of development and are often limited in their positioning around the home. The present invention overcomes these limitations.

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

KR 101 544 575 (BAE) discloses a baby mobile of which head is installed in a support part standing on a receiving part.

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.

GB2471564 (WATERS) discloses an apparatus for accommodating an infant comprising support means, first and second mounting means and a frame means with a stimulus wherein the frame can be attached to either of the mounting means to position the stimulus in a different position.

US 2008 248 713 (MULRINE) discloses a magnetic valance for attachment to baby carriers, strollers, infant car seats and other baby travel systems, to which an array of toys can be easily secured for the baby's enjoyment and stimulation.

US8312575 (MARAJ) discloses a protective crib liner for a child includes a full protective liner configured to surround an inner length and height of the crib and to wrap-around a top perimeter portion of the crib. Up to eight fasteners may be affixed to the liner to secure it to the crib.

KR20130008371 (KIM) discloses a mobile with reversible doll clothes.

KR20100002969 (KIM) discloses a socket protecting and back lighting unit.

US4904220 (WILLIAMS) discloses a puppet mobile.

CN201482075 (LIAO) discloses a training apparatus for infants.

US442629 (LIPSCOMB) discloses a mobile for attachment to a chair.

US9565835 (NOBILE) discloses a laser and string animal toy.

KR101544575 (BAE IL SOON) discloses a mobile.

US4865380 (HEITZMAN-POWELL et.al) discloses a universal portable seat cushion with retractable sunshade device for a seated person.

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 hanging mobile comprising: an elongate member having a first end that includes a means for arranging the mobile to hang over an infant, and a second end that has at least one hanger for receiving one or more holder(s), wherein the at least one holder is substantially conical and has a flat circular base for receiving a displaceable cover.

In this way the hanging mobile can be arranged over the infant in a range of locations to provide stimulation and the visual stimuli provided on the displaceable covers can be readily changed to add variety or change the stimuli displayed for different ages and/or stages of development.

The configuration of the hangers on the member enables the hanging mobile to provide hanging stimuli on the holders at a plurality of locations, at a plurality of heights and a plurality of distances from, and angles with respect to, an infant.

In preferred embodiments at least part of the elongate member is flexible to enable the member to be deformed to assist with attachment to an object and/or to alter the positioning of the holders. In some embodiments the entire member may be deformable.

For example the member may 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, or the member may wrap around part of an object such as a cot, or table in order to secure the hanging mobile to the object such that the holders are suspended over an infant.

In some embodiments the member is connectable to a base stand so that the hanging mobile is free standing and can be arranged next to an infant without requirement of being attached to an object. For example the hanging mobile could be positioned next to a playmat on the floor, a bouncer chair, a sleeping pod, a Moses basket or a cot bed.

In preferred embodiments the member may comprise a soft outer, fabric surface, and substantially rigid inner core, so as to prevent damage to the infant or their hands. Preferably at least part of the inner core is deformable so as to enable the member to be flexed and maintained in various configurations.

It is appreciated that the flexibility of the member may vary along its length. For example to enable the second end to have greater flexibility to enable multiple configurations of the holders, whereas the first end may be less flexible to provide secure attachment to an object or stand base.

In some embodiments including a stand base the flexibility of the member may be arranged to ensure that the member flexes easily at the second end (distal end) so that the stand base will not topple if the holders or second end of the member is grabbed.

In embodiments with a stand base the member may be connected to the stand base in various ways. For example the member may connect with the stand base by a screw thread, bayonet, male and female connectors, twist-lock mechanism or snap fit mechanism.

In an embodiment having screw thread connections means the first end of the member may be threaded, in this way the threaded part of the member may be screwed to the base stand.

In yet further embodiments the member may be formed of two or more sections that can be connected to one another to alter the length of the member, for example so as to allow for removal of part of the elongate member, so as to create a smaller or lower device in use.

The two or more sections of the elongate member may be connected in various ways. For example the sections may be connected by a screw threaded connection means, a ferromagnetic means, a clip connection, a connector, a bayonet or twistlock connection means, or combination of any of the before mentioned connection means.

In some embodiments part of one or more member may be extendable, for example being telescopic, so that the length of the member can be adjusted.

One or more hangers are provided on the mobile to permit easy attachment of the holders. Various forms of the hanger may be provided. Preferably the hanger may comprise a hook or loop which may extend from the second end of the elongate member.

In other embodiments in addition or as an alternative the hanger or hangers may comprise a discrete part or parts, which may be added to the second end of the member in use so as to provide a hanging means for the mobile as required. In some embodiments for example the hanger may comprise a screwthread 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 embodiments in which the member is arranged on a stand base the stand base may be weighted or allow for weighting to improve stability of the hanging mobile device. 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 stand base furthermore may comprise feet or ground contacting sections, which may be arranged to accommodate uneven grounds, and/or which may comprise resiliency deformable sections or be arranged to enhance friction forces and limit movement of the device in use.

In some embodiments the stand 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.

In preferred embodiments the device has a padded surface, for example such that the infant is not liable to injure themselves with contact. For example the stand base and/or member may be covered in padded material such as a foam or other cellular structure.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments the whole device may have outer layers that are the same or similar.

Preferably at least the member is covered in a fabric to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish. It is appreciated that outer fabric layers may be removeable so that they can washed and to allow a user to change the appearance of the hanging mobile by exchanging one outer layer for another.

Typically the member has a flexible, deformable core. For example the core may be a deformable metal or metal alloy wire. In this way the device may have multiple layers that allow for flexibility and protection.

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

In some embodiments the core of a device 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 member is envisaged to change progressively. The change of rigidity may be enabled by the type and thickness of the core.

The variation in flexibility may aid with arrangement and stability of the device, helping to ensure that the device remains in the selected position and that it cannot be arranged in a position that may be too close to the infant by preventing or limiting flexion at the first end of the member.

In some embodiments the elongate member 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.

The second end of the member 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.

A distal end of the member may include an end cap to close the end of the member. The end cap may be a merely cover the end or may additionally provide a function. For example some embodiments the end cap may have a carabiner end or adaptor or hanger, which may be screwed into or onto an end of the elongate portion or member.

The holders are substantially conical having a distal base that has a greater surface area than the proximal end which connects to the hangers.

In use the larger distal base is directed to the infant in use so as to create the best visual stimuli for the infant.

In this way the device of the present invention provides a hanging mobile with interchangeable, visual stimuli. The distal end of the holder is adapted to receive the displaceable cover therefore enabling the visual stimuli to be changed in order to vary stimuli to be appropriate to an infant’s age and/or development, for example to reflect eye and brain development.

The displaceable covers enable a user to adjust what an infant sees above them, as the device is envisaged to be placed in use above the infant. The covers are typically displaceable patches that can be fitted to and removed from the holder.

Preferably the covers are disc shaped, although it is appreciated that the covers may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes.

The cover has at least one face arranged for display of information and one face for attaching to the holder. In some embodiments the cover may be double sided so as to display information on both sides and have attachment means on both sides. This allows the cover to be reversible in use.

The displaceable covers include an attachment mechanism to permit attachment and removal of the covers from the holder.

Preferably the cover attached to the holder by hook and loop means such as Velcro (RTM).

In other embodiments the cover may connect to the holders using ferromagnetism, allowing for easy changing of the covers from all the holders.

In still further embodiments the displaceable covers may be arranged to slide into and out of the holders. For example in such embodiments the holders may comprise a channel or a window into which covers may be slid.

The holders are arranged to be suspended from a hanger. The hangers may be arranged on the member or on the holder for arrangement about the member.

In this way the location of the hanger on the member may be variable. For example, hangers may be arranged on the member at fixed locations, therefore defining a fixed location from which holders can be suspended. Alternatively, or additionally, a hanger may be provided on the holder, thereby enabling a holder to be connected at any location on the member.

Preferably the distal end of the holder is circular and the cover substantially corresponds to this shape, for example being disc shaped. It is appreciated that in some embodiments the shape of the cover may not correspond to the holder and vice-versa.

Preferably the hanger or means by which the holder is attached to the hanger is a loop or tie that permits the holder to turn or rotate in use, to provide a more visually engaging spectacle for the infant.

Preferably the holder is secured from a point that allows the holder to extend or suspend from a central point. In this way each holder hangs in a balanced way.

In use the elongate member may be deformed to provide a shape to display an array of holders. For example the member may be bent to form a ring or spiral from which the holders are suspended.

In some embodiments additional items of different shapes and sizes are arranged on the member. For example there may be a central item, which may differ from the other holders, wherein the central item may comprise a fixed item, which item may not comprise a displaceable cover.

The holders and in particular the covers include educative messages or stimulating information. For example the covers may include images of animals, or display numbers or colours.

Some embodiments the hanging mobile may be provided with a power supply or passage for receiving a power supply (for example comprising internal cabling). The power supply may enable one or more light source to be lit, may enable audio capability, movement by means of a motor or other visual or interactive features.

For example the power supply may be to automate movement of the device, such as rotation, or to illuminate lights provided on the device, or to provide audible sound. For example each holder may be lit, or the device may include a sound module that plays a nursery rhyme or plays white noise.

This may enable the mobile to be more physically, visually, auditory or otherwise, attractive or engaging to the infant or user. The power supply may also be used to charge battery used to power some of the below mentioned features, thus avoiding the requirement for a contact connection to the power supply.

In some embodiments the device may include a means of storing data, receiving and transmitting data, for example to enable lighting sequences to be displayed or to permit a variety of tunes to be played by the device. This data may be transferred or received through a wired connection or via wireless means, such as across a network.

A kit of parts may be provided to assemble the device. In embodiments in which the device is available in parts that can be assembled this enables the addition of articulated joints into the embodiment of the device, for example comprising screw thread joints, ball and socket joints and/or adaptors for insertion on the ends of the elongate member(s) and/or to permit an articulating connection to a stand base.

Preferred embodiments 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 a device arrange on a cot;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device with a stand base;

Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the second embodiment;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the second embodiment;

Figure 5 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment with an extender from the stand base;

Figure 7 shows an exploded isometric view of the third embodiment

Figure 8 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the third embodiment;

Figure 9 shows an isometric detail sectional view of a stand base;

Figures 10A, 10B and 10C show detail views of parts of a second embodiment of the present invention

Figure 11 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to a first aspect of the present invention from below;

Figure 12 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 11, from above;

Figure 13 shows an isometric view of the bottom of the holder, and the cover, from the embodiment shown in Figure 11;

Figure 14 shows the body, and a holder from the embodiment shown in Figure 11;

Figure 15 shows a view from below of the embodiment shown in Figure 11; and

Figure 16 shows an isometric view of the cover face up, from the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 11.

Detailed Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the mobile hanging device 100 arranged on a cot 500.

The device 100 has an elongate member 10. The elongate member 10 is flexible and can be deformed in order to arrange the member around any object, in this example a cot 500.

The elongate member 10 has a padded layer (not shown) and has a fabric outer layer 11.

The device 100 has four hangers 20 arranged on a second end 10B of the member. The hangers 20 are loops through which a holder 30 can be secured.

Figures 2 to 5 show a second embodiment 200 of the invention. In the second embodiment 200 the first end of the member 10A is substantially more rigid than the second end of the member 10B.

The first end 10A is connected to a stand base 40 and the second end of the member 10B receives one or more holder 30.

The first end of the member 10A extends upwards from the stand base 40 to elevate the second end 10B from the surface upon which the stand base 40 is arranged. As this first end 10A is substantially rigid the second end 10B is maintained in this elevated orientation.

The member 10 has a rigid core (not shown in Figures 2 to 5) that is deformable. The core is covered in cushioned layer to provide padding over the core and has an outer fabric layer 11.

The stand base 40 is circular. The stand base 40 is weighted by an internal concrete core 42 (See Figure 9), so that the member will not overbalance, even when the second end of the member 10B is weighed down by holders 30, or if it were pulled at.

The second end of the member 10B is more flexible than the first end of the member 10A, and the weighting is at the stand base 40. This configuration ensures that the second end 10B will flex before the stand base 40 displaces if knocked or tugged on by an infant, therefore reducing the risk of accident or injury.

In some embodiments the hangers 20 may comprise releasable or quick-release connections for the holders in addition or the alternative. In this way the hanger 20 would release before the stand base 40 topples.

The member 10 shown in Figures 2 to 4 has a member formed from two points joined at a joint 15.

Figures 4 to 8 show the second end of the member 10B as a gooseneck. It is appreciated that the member 10 may be provided in this shape or may be arranged in this shape by a user. The second end of the member 10B has a plastic cap 13.

The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 has four hangers 20 comprising loops of fabric, from which items such as the holders 30 or other items may be hung to stimulate an infant.

The stand base 40 is circular and formed of a plastic basal plate 41 that surrounds a concrete core 42, a cushioned top cover 43, and an outer covering layer (not shown in Figure 9).

A central connector socket 43 provides a socket with a male connector 44 for the connector collar 45 of the member 10.

The male connector comprises a screw thread bolt 44, and the female connector collar 45 provides a screw thread hole 14.

In Figures 6, 7 and 8 where the member is formed from three parts 10A, 10,B and 10C, the parts are joined by a male and female connectors including a screw thread bolt 44, screw thread hole 14, 44 and a male connector collar 16.

The same connection mechanism is used to connect the member 10 to the stand base 40.

The member comprises an aluminium armature core 17, covered by a deformable covering layer 18, which comprises an outer fabric layer 11. The aluminium armature 17 is solid and 10 mm in diameter.

The stand base 40 comprises a central concrete core 42 covered with a padded fabric covering 41, and having a central socket 43 with an upstanding threaded bolt 44, which is trapped below the core 42 by a plastic collar 46, and held in place by a locating nut 47. The female collar connector 45 further includes a locator nut 47 into which the bolt screws in use.

The underside of the base 40 comprises a central covering 48 and an annular outer of rubber or silicone and increased depth 49, to limit damage to underlying surfaces, dampen noise during movement and/or provide higher levels of friction.

The member 10 may also comprise hook and loop portions such as Velcro (RTM) strips spaced on the member (not shown) which may be used to further secure the device to a cot or any other structure.

With reference to further embodiments, the member 10 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 some embodiments this section may comprise a gooseneck.

In Figure 10A there is shown an alternative end cap for the member. The end cap 64 provides a further hanger. The end cap 64 has a sprung carabineer door to receive a holder.

The end cap 64 is fitted to the member 10 by a screw fit connection, the end cap 64 having a threaded portion (male portion) that is received by a threaded column 63 (female portion) within the member 10.

Figure 10B discloses an example of a connection between sections of the member 10 at a joint. There are joints in the covering, to either side of which is a flexible insert, such as 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.

Figure 10C discloses an example of a section of the member 10. The section of the member is gooseneck shaped. It as an internal metal gooseneck 66, through which a core 61 may be passed from another section. A flexible insert 62 (which may a cellular structure such as foam or flexible material such as silicone) is also included. The member 10 has an outer later 65 of a flexible material such as a fabric sleeve, or thinner layer of foam or rubber, therefore ensuring that the member is soft to touch.

Figures 11 and 12 show an array of holders arranged on an annular hoop 300. The annular hoop 300 may be suspended from a hanger on the member, or the holders 30 can be individually suspended from hangers 20 on the member 10.

Four hanging holders 30 are arranged on the annular hoop 300. The annular hoop 300 has a hanging strap 50 that can be connected to a hanger 20 (not shown in Figures 11 or 12).

Four conical holders 30 are arranged on a bottom edge of the annular hoop 300. The holders 30 are tied to hangers 20 by a hanging strap 50.

The holders 30 are conical bodies with a flat bottom face that is arranged distally from the annular hoop 300 so as to face the infant in use. The hanging strap 50 extends from the tip of the conical holder 30.

The holders 30 are displaceable, so different embodiments of the holders may be used. It is appreciated that in some embodiments some non-conical items 35 may be connected to the hanging device. Figures 11 and 12 show an example of a star shaped item 80 suspend centrally between four conical holders 30. The star shaped item 35 is neutral coloured to focus attention on the covers 40.

The flat face of the holder is adapted to receive a cover 70. The cover 70 is a centrally adhered circular disc of thermoplastics covered in fabric. An outer face of the cover 70 has hook portion from a hook and loop material 71 such as Velcro (RTM), being arranged to connect with a loop portion 72 from the same material, which loop portion is arranged centrally on the bottom face of the cover 70 (See Figure 13).

The embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12 has four depending holders 30, each of which has covers 70 secured to the bottom face of each of the holders 30.

The covers 70 are planar circular parts, having a central face 73 for display of information/images and a hemmed edge 74. The hemmed edge 74 and conical body of the holders 40 are provided in the same fabric material as the inner and outer surfaces of the annular hoop 300. Advantageously this may be envisaged to cause the faces 73 of the covers 70 to stand out and be visually attractive to the infant.

The thin form of the annular hoop 300 means that an infant below the device in use will not see much of the annular loop, further ensuring that the major visual impact of the device will be the circular cover faces.

The hanging straps 50 are preferably of a neutral colouring and it is envisaged to disguise the hanging straps 50 of the embodiment as well as providing an interesting further moveable item.

Three top hanging straps 50 are used to hang the device in use from a hanger, converging above the centre of the annular hoop 300 to a single vertical strap. The straps in the pictured embodiment comprise ribbons but may comprise any other elongate flexible material.

The faces of the covers 70 as pictured comprise high-contrast geometric shapes, and may be easily changed as required by the user, without affecting the rest of the embodiment.

In this way the covers may be changed to more appropriate visual stimuli as the child ages. In addition or the alternative the hangers may be rearranged to approximate the child.

Further embodiments of the covers or faces thereof may comprise light emitting faces, lettering, numbering, pictorial elements or any combination thereof. In some embodiments the faces of the covers comprise user provided or providable faces. For example the faces may be writeable and/or displaceable.

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 (18)

Claims

1. A hanging mobile comprising: an elongate member having a first end that includes a means for arranging the mobile to hang over an infant, and a second end that has at least one hanger for receiving one or more holders, wherein the at least one holder is substantially conical and has a flat circular base for receiving a displaceable cover.

2. A hanging mobile according to claim 1 wherein at least part of the elongate member is flexible.

3. A hanging mobile according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least part of the elongate member is non-flexible.

4. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member connects to a base stand.

5. A hanging mobile according to claim 4 wherein the stand base is weighted.

6. A hanging mobile according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the member is displaceable from the base.

7. A hanging mobile according to any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the member and the stand base connect together by way of male and female connectors.

8. A hanging mobile according to any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the member and the stand base connect together by way of a screw threaded connector.

9. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the member comprises a core, padding, and an outer covering layer.

10. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the member has an internal aluminium armature core.

11. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the member is in the form of a gooseneck.

12. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member is formed from two or more connecting sections.

13. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the hangers are spaced along the second end of the elongate member.

14. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the covers comprise planar substantially circular discs.

15. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the covers and cone base have corresponding hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM) to permit attachment and removal of the covers from the holder.

16. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the covers and cone base have corresponding ferromagnetic means.

17. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the cone base has a channel for receiving cover that is slid into the channel.

18. A hanging mobile according to any preceding claim wherein the holders are attached by hanging straps to the hanger.