GB2587023A

GB2587023A - Portable vibratable sleep enhancement device

Info

Publication number: GB2587023A
Application number: GB1913286.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Webb Nicholas; Richard Dyson Matthew
Original assignee: N2m Ltd
Current assignee: N2m Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-13
Filing date: 2019-09-13
Publication date: 2021-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-13
Also published as: GB2587023B; GB201913286D0

Abstract

A portable sleep enhancement device 100 comprises a housing 102 and a pair of vibrators 400a, b disposed within the casing 102 and operable to cause at least a portion of the housing 102 to vibrate. In use, the first vibrator 400a vibrates at a different frequency to the second vibrator 400b. The device generates a soothing vibration in cots, cribs, mattresses, prams, strollers and the like. The device may simulate, a pattern of vibration experienced by an occupant when travelling in a vehicle. One or both vibrators 400a, b may be a coin vibration motor, or an eccentrically rotatable mass coupled to a motor. The device 100 may include at least one controller 402 for varying the oscillation speed of one or more vibrator 400a, b. A surface of the housing 102 may include projections such as thermoplastic rubber or silicone studs.

Description

PORTABLE VIBRATABLE SLEEP ENHANCEMENT DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable vibratable sleep enhancement device.

A device embodying the present invention is particularly suitable for generating soothing vibration in cots, cubs, mattresses, prams, strollers and the like. This may help to soothe a baby or child and may help them to go to sleep and/or remain asleep for longer periods.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

Studies have previously shown that the vibrations in a vehicle may be effective in helping to soothe a baby or child, to encourage them to fall asleep and/or to stay asleep. For this reason, some parents may make journeys specifically to help their children fall asleep or extend journeys to allow extra sleep time. However, more recent research has shown that time spent in car seats should be minimised, particular for babies under 6 months old, and additional journeys to aid sleep have an adverse environmental impact through increased energy consumption and/or increased emissions.

Devices which generate vibrations to soothe babies and children have been developed. These existing devices provide high frequency vibrations, typically above 50Hz. These higher frequencies approximate the revving of an engine at higher speeds, simulating the sensation of travelling in a vehicle, e.g. in a car.

The inventors have appreciated that these devices are not optimised and that there is a need for an improved portable vibratable sleep enhancement device which may be placed into a cot, crib, pram, or the like.

The inventors have appreciated that there remains a need for a portable device which is capable of generating vibrations which more accurately simulate those felt in a vehicle, and which may be easily transferred between cots, cribs, prams, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

As used herein, the term "lower frequency components" is used to refer to vibration frequencies below 20 Hz. These are typically below the vibration frequencies that may be generated by a vibration motor due to stalling of the motor at lower frequencies/speeds.

As used herein, the term "motor speed" of a vibration motor refers to the speed at which the vibration motor is driven. The speed of a vibration motor and its vibration frequency are equivalent. The speed is a measure of the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the vibration motor, whereas the vibration frequency is a measure of the vibrations of the vibration motor per second and is expressed in Hz. Therefore, converting a speed of a vibration motor to its vibration frequency may be achieved by dividing the speed in RPM by 60 to arrive at the frequency in Hz. Therefore, controlling the speed of a vibration motor is equivalent to controlling its vibration frequency.

As used herein, the term "medium" refers to any substrate or substance into which vibrations generated by the device may be transmitted. In particular, a medium may be an underlying object or material on which a device embodying the present invention may be placed so as to transmit vibration. Alternatively, it may be an object or material against or proximate which a device embodying the present invention may be placed so as to transmit vibration.

As used herein, the term "about" refers to a deviation of up to 10% from the stated number.

The present invention provides a portable vibratable sleep enhancement device comprising: a housing; a first vibrator within the housing; a second vibrator within the housing; wherein the first and the second vibrators are operable to cause at least a portion of the housing to vibrate; and wherein the device is operable so that a vibration frequency of the first vibrator is different from a vibration frequency of the second vibrator.

The portable vibratable sleep enhancement device is operable to generate soothing vibrations. It is particularly suitable for use in environments such as beds, cots, cribs, prams, strollers and the like. The device may promote or enhance relaxation and/or sleep and is particularly suitable for use in soothing babies to encourage them to fall asleep and/or sleep for longer periods.

In devising the present invention, the inventors have appreciated that lower frequencies are more soothing for babies than higher frequencies as these lower frequency vibrations are more similar to the vibration frequencies experienced by a baby in the womb when their mother is moving. Devices according to preferred embodiments of the present invention may be capable of generating these low frequency vibrations.

The inventors have further appreciated that low frequency vibrations are a major component of the vibrations felt by an occupant of a vehicle being driven and are mainly due to vibration through the suspension of the car from bumps in the road and due to the engine when idling.

Devices according to preferred embodiments of the present invention may be capable of generating these low frequency vibrations.

In devising the invention, the inventors have appreciated that a device capable of providing high frequency vibrations at 50Hz and above and also low frequency vibrations at 20Hz and below, is better able to simulate a vibration pattern generated by a vehicle being driven. Devices according to preferred embodiments of the present invention may be capable of operating at a combination of such high and low frequency vibrations.

The device first and/or second vibrator may be simple, constant speed devices, generating a constant vibration output. The first and or second vibrators may be of a different type or specification from one another to achieve the requirement that device is operable so that a vibration frequency of the first vibrator is different from a vibration frequency of the second vibrator.

Alternatively, the first and or second vibrators may be of the same type and specification as one another but inherent differences in their operating characteristics resulting from the manufacturing process may be sufficient to achieve the requirement that the device is operable so that a vibration frequency of the first vibrator is different from a vibration frequency of the second vibrator. For example, two vibrators specified as being 50Hz may have an inherent variation such that, when driven in parallel by the same voltage or the same pulse width modulation speed control circuit, one of them operates at, for example, 48Hz, and the other operates at, for example, 52Hz.

As the device is operable so that a vibration frequency of the first vibrator is different from a vibration frequency of the second vibrator, a superposition effect occurs wherein vibration waves created by the first and second vibrator combine to create a more complex vibration pattern with lower frequency components. The superposition effect may occur in the medium in which the waves are travelling, for example in a mattress in a cot or pram or stroller.

As these lower frequency components are fundamental components of environments experienced by babies, such as the vibration pattern of a car being driven or a parent's breathing pattern, devices embodying the present invention may better simulate familiar vibrations experienced by babies and soothe them.

The frequency of these lower frequency components is equal to the difference in vibration frequencies of the two vibrators.

In the portable vibratable sleep enhancement device, the first vibrator may be a first eccentrically rotatable mass rotatably coupled to a first motor. The first eccentrically rotatable mass may be directly coupled to a shaft of a first motor. Alternatively, the first eccentrically rotatable mass may be indirectly coupled to a shaft of a first motor, for example using a suitable drive mechanism. This may for example be a transmission, for example a belt/pulley and/or geared drive system.

In the portable vibratable sleep enhancement device, the second vibrator may be a second eccentrically rotatable mass rotatably coupled to a first motor. The second eccentrically rotatable mass may be directly coupled to a shaft of a first motor. Alternatively, the second eccentrically rotatable mass may be indirectly coupled to a shaft of a first motor, for example using a suitable drive mechanism. This may for example be a transmission, for example a belt/pulley and/or geared drive system.

When both the first and second eccentrically rotatable mass are rotatably coupled to a first motor, one of the first and second eccentrically rotatable mass may be coupled directly to a shaft of the first motor, whereas the other one of the first and second eccentrically rotatable mass may be coupled to the first motor with a belt/pulley and/or geared drive system so as to create a speed difference between the vibrators. Alternatively, both the first and second eccentrically rotatable mass may be coupled to the first motor with slightly different belt/pulley and/or geared drive systems in order to create a speed difference between the vibrators. A speed difference between the first and second vibrator coupled to the first motor is to attain differing vibration frequencies of the vibrators.

In the portable vibratable sleep enhancement device, the second vibrator may be a second eccentrically rotatable mass rotatably coupled to a second motor. The second eccentrically rotatable mass may be directly coupled to a shaft of a second motor. Alternatively, the second eccentrically rotatable mass may be indirectly coupled to a shaft of a second motor, for example using a suitable drive mechanism. This may for example be a transmission, for example a belt/pulley and/or geared drive system.

Preferably, the first vibrator is a first coin vibration motor. This may enable the device to be a more compact and lightweight device. It may also ensue that the device requires little or no maintenance.

Preferably, the second vibrator is a second coin vibration motor. This may enable the device to be a more compact and lightweight device. It may also ensue that the device requires little or no maintenance.

Alternatively, the first and/or second vibrators may be or comprise linear resonant actuators. The device may optionally comprise more than two vibrators.

Preferably the device further comprises at least one controller operable to control and vary a vibration frequency of at least the first vibrator so as to control a vibration pattern of at least a portion of the housing.

Preferably, the at least one controller is also operable to control and vary a vibration frequency of the second vibrator.

Including a controller enables an operating speed and therefore vibration frequency of the first and/or the second vibrator to be varied. This may enable the vibrators to be operated at desired and variable frequencies.

Preferably, at least the first vibrator is coupled to the housing. Preferably, the second vibrator is also coupled to the housing. The first and/or second vibrator may be affixed directly to the housing. Alternatively, the first and/or second vibrator may be affixed to the housing by a holding device such as a bracket. The first and/or second vibrator may be affixed directly or indirectly to the housing using any suitable fasteners or other affixing means.

Affixing the first and/or second vibrator directly to the housing may ensure that the vibration pattern of the housing, which generates the desired soothing vibrations in a medium such as a mattress for cots, cribs, and the like, is intrinsically linked to the vibration of the first and/or second vibrator.

The housing may comprise one or more recesses shaped so as to receive the first and/or second vibrator. This may provide effective means for locating the first and/or second vibrator and ensuring direct transmission of the vibrations from the first and/or second vibrator to the housing.

Effective transmission of the vibration of the first and/or second vibrator into the housing may lead to more effective transmission of the vibration of the first and/or second vibrator into the medium. This may minimise energy waste, and lead to improved perception of the vibration by a baby or other user.

Preferably, the at least one controller comprises a pulse width modulator. This may result in more energy efficient operation, as a pulse width modulator may reduce energy loss, resulting in energy saving and/or improved battery life if the device is battery-powered. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one controller may comprise a potentiometer.

Preferably, the device further comprises an adjuster for causing the at least one controller to adjust a vibration frequency of at least the first vibrator.

Preferably, the device further comprises an adjuster for causing the at least one controller also to adjust a vibration frequency of the second vibrator.

Inclusion of an adjuster may enable the user to select from a range of desired vibration patterns. The adjustor may be a push button or toggle switch or dial or any other suitable device for selecting a desired mode of operation. As the device is intended for use in a cot, crib, pram, or the like, a push button may advantageously allow for easy control and is safe to use. A dial may permit greater freedom for selection of the vibration frequency of the first and/or second vibrator.

Preferably, the at least one controller is provided with a plurality of operation modes for controlling a vibration frequency of at least the first vibrator, the desired operation mode being selectable using the adjuster. The desired mode may be selectable by the adjuster.

Selectable vibration patterns may be optimised for various types of mattresses, bases or liners (e.g. foam or sprung). Alternatively, or additionally, the selectable vibration patterns may be optimised for various thicknesses of mattresses, bases or liners. Alternatively, or additionally, selectable vibration patterns may be optimised to simulate vibrations of different types of vehicles or different events that occur when a vehicle is driven, e.g. acceleration, deceleration, gear changes, and the like.

At least one of a plurality of operation modes may cause the first and/or second vibrator to vibrate at a constant vibration frequency.

At least one of a plurality of operation modes may cause the first and/or second vibrator to vibrate in such a way as to approximate or simulate the vibration pattern of a vehicle being driven.

At least one of a plurality of operation modes may cause the first and/or second vibrator to vibrate in such a way as to approximate or simulate the vibration pattern of a parent's breathing.

Preferably, the housing is made from substantially rigid material. Preferably, the housing is made from substantially rigid plastics material. A substantially rigid material may enable the housing to protect the components of the device effectively. Alternatively or additionally, a substantially rigid material may enable the housing to transmit vibrations from the first and/or second vibrator into the medium more efficiently.

A suitable rigid material may be Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) which is inexpensive, lightweight and durable.

Preferably, at least a portion of a surface of the housing comprises a gripping material. A gripping material may ensure that the device transmits vibrations into a medium efficiently but at the same time opposes movement of the device across the surface of the medium when it is being operated.

One particularly suitable gripping material may be a thermoplastic rubber which is inexpensive and provides effective frictional contact. Another suitable gripping material may be silicone.

Preferably, a portion of the surface of the housing comprises a plurality of projections. A plurality of projections may improve the transmission of vibration from the housing into the medium. Alternatively or additionally a plurality of projections may improve the frictional contact between the device and a surface of a medium and thereby oppose movement of the device relative to a surface of a medium.

Preferably, the plurality of projections is a plurality of thermoplastic rubber silicone studs. These may be hemispherical bumps.

Other suitable gripping means will be apparent to the skilled person. For example, an adhesive or hook and loop fastener may be used. Alternatively projections of a different shape may be provided, for example, silicone hairs.

Optionally, the device may further comprise an additional mass or ballast weight. The additional mass may be a metallic mass. An additional mass may improve the transmission of vibration from the housing into the medium. Alternatively or additionally an additional mass may improve the frictional contact between the device and a surface of a medium and thereby oppose movement of the device relative to a surface of a medium.

Preferably, the additional mass is affixed directly to the housing proximate at least one of the first and second vibrators. Preferably, the additional mass is affixed to the housing between the first and the second vibrators. This may improve the transmission of vibration from the housing into the medium. It may also improve the stability of the device when vibrating. It may also improve control of the vibration pattern of the housing, and may improve the transmission of vibrations into the medium.

Preferably, the first and/or second vibrators are vibratable at vibration frequencies in the range of about 50 Hz to about 250 Hz. More preferably, the vibration frequencies of the first and the second motors are in the range of about 65 Hz to about 110 Hz. These vibration frequencies may be sufficiently high to avoid stalling. They may enable the desired superposition effect to create lower frequency vibrations in the medium, e.g. vibration frequencies below about 20Hz.

The vibration frequencies of the first and the second vibrators may advantageously differ by no more than about 20 Hz, preferably by between about 1 to about 20 Hz, more preferably by between about 3 Hz to about 15 Hz, more preferably by between about 3 Hz and about 10 Hz, more preferably by between about 4 Hz to 7 Hz, more preferably by about 5 Hz. A difference in vibration frequencies of between about 3 Hz and about 10 Hz may be consistent with the whole-body resonance frequency of humans. This may help to maximise the perception of the vibration by a baby or other user. It may also help to minimise the power consumption of the device.

Preferably, the device further comprises a light source. A light source may allow for the device to be multifunctional. It may also provide a nightlight to assist in soothing a baby or other user.

The device may further comprise a light diffusing panel. The light diffusing panel may allow for light from the light source to be diffused to make it less harsh and more soothing.

Preferably, the device further comprises an energy storage means for powering at least one of the first vibrator, the second vibrator, the controller and the light source. An energy storage means may make the device more portable and easier to use, and may avoid the need for a plug socket to be available. The energy storage means may be at least one battery.

Optionally, the device may comprise vibration dampening means for the energy storage means. This may prevent or minimise vibration from the vibrators from adversely affecting the performance of the energy storage means and/or from creating unwanted noise.

Suitable vibration dampening means may be stiff springs or a pad of vibration dampening material adjacent the energy storage means. Other suitable means will be apparent to the skilled person. A suitable vibration dampening material may be a polymer. One particularly suitable vibration dampening material may be Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This may be inexpensive, durable, and provide sufficient vibration dampening. A vibration dampening material may also be a polymeric foam.

Optionally, a vibration dampening means may be provided within in the housing. This may be positioned adjacent, for example, above the motors. This may help to prevent unwanted vibration of element of the device such as the push button mode selector. It may also help to deflect vibration to the portion of the housing that is intended to be vibrated. This may improve the efficiency of transmission of vibration from the vibrators into the medium.

Alternatively, the device may be mains powered.

The device may further comprise a toggle switch to turn the device on and off. Preferably, such a toggle switch may bean a medium-engaging side, for example an underside, of the device, so that it is inaccessible during use of the device.

It should be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the invention may be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred or example embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of view of a portable vibratable sleep enhancement device embodying the present invention; Figure 2 is an underside view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective underside view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a system overview diagram of the device of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figure 1, a portable vibratable sleep enhancement device 100 is provided. The device may be used, for example, in cots, cribs, prams, strollers and the like. It is operable to generate soothing vibrations to encourage a baby or child or other user to fall asleep and/or to stay asleep for longer periods. Vibrations are transmitted directly into a medium on, or against, or adjacent, which the device may be placed, for example a mattress or liner for a cot, crib, pram, stroller, or the like.

In the depicted embodiment, housing 102 gives the appearance of a friendly character, in this case an astronaut. This is purely decorative and any other shape may be used. Any shape that may be visually pleasant or amusing to a child may be preferred but is not essential.

Housing 102 may be made from a rigid, durable material. One particularly suitable material is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

As will be described further below, device 100 comprises a pair of vibration motors 400a and 400b. The motors are operable to generate a centripetal force to cause vibration of the housing. These vibrations are transmitted by the housing into a medium on or against or adjacent which the device may be placed.

Device 100 further comprises a vibration mode selector 104. This is shown as a push button for ease of operation and safety. Other suitable means for selecting a different vibration mode will be readily apparent to the skilled person and may include a toggle switch or dial or a touch pad etc. The selector may also be one or more sensors for automated operation. Push button 104 is used to toggle the vibration motors between a plurality of pre-set operation modes to control vibration of housing 102 and thereby control vibrations transmitted to the medium.

The device further comprises a night light 106. A night light activator 108 is provided to allow night light 106 to be switched on or off, or for the brightness to be changed incrementally between a maximum and a minimum brightness. This is shown as a further push button for ease of operation and safety. Alternatively it may be another suitable means for activating a night light such as a timer switch, a dial, a touch pad or a light sensor for automated operation etc. Night light 106 preferably comprises a light diffusing panel 110 to diffuse the light of night light 106 to make it less harsh and more soothing.

With reference to Figure 2, a medium-engaging side of the device 100, being the underside in the depicted embodiment, comprises a gripping material 200 formed with a plurality of hemispherical bumps or projections 202. These may promote engagement of device 100 with a medium on or against or adjacent which device 100 is placed for enhanced transmission of vibrations. They may act to oppose movement of the device across or away from a surface of the medium during operation of the device. One particularly suitable gripping material 200 is rubber, preferably thermoplastic rubber. Other suitable materials will be apparent to the skilled person.

The device may be battery powered for ease of operation and to enable the device to be lightweight and portable. A battery cover 204 is therefore provided to permit installation and replacement of the batteries. The batteries may be rechargeable batteries. The device may alternately be mains powered or powered by another energy source.

With reference to Figure 3, device 100 further comprises a toggle switch 300 to turn the device on or oft Optionally, the device may also comprise a timer so that, once activated, the device may be turned off automatically after a pre-determined or user-selectable period of operation. Optionally, the device may incorporate one or more sensors. These may, for example, sense the light and/or temperature conditions. Alternatively or additionally, they may sense the material and/or thickness and/or density of a medium on or against or adjacent which device 100 is placed. Alternatively or additionally, they may sense noise and/or movement in the vicinity of the device. The one or more sensors may enable the device to be turned on and/or off automatically when certain pre-determined or user-selectable threshold conditions are met.

Housing 102 generally comprises a first part 102a and second part 102b, which are fastenable to one another. In the depicted embodiment, at least one of the first and second parts contains a plurality of screw holes 302 to enable the first and second parts to be coupled and fastened using screws. One or more screw holes may be enclosed by the battery cover 204 in Figure 3. Other suitable fasteners or closures will be apparent to the skilled person.

Battery cover 204 contains screw hole 304 such that it can be fastened to housing 102. Other suitable closures will be apparent to the skilled person.

With reference to Figure 4, device 100 comprises two vibration motors 400, including a first vibration motor 400a and a second vibration motor 400b. The first vibration motor 400a and the second vibration motor 400b are located within the housing.

Vibration motors 400a, 400b are preferably eccentric rotating mass vibration motors which comprise one or more rotating offset weights coupled to a motor to generate vibration. The motors are preferably simple and inexpensive, off-the-shelf, vibration motors. A particularly suitable type of motor is a coin vibration motor such as are commonly used in other electronic devices, for example in smart phones. The coin vibration motors are preferably designed to operate at vibration frequencies in the range 50 to 250 Hz. It will be appreciated that other types of motors or devices for generating vibrations may also alternatively or additionally be used.

As will be described further below, the vibration motors are operable at different vibration frequencies. The presence of two vibration motors operable at different vibration frequencies produces a superposition effect whereby the vibration waves created by each motor 400a, 400b combine so as to create a more complex waveform.

The vibration motors are operable at different vibration frequencies simply due to inherent differences between the two motors. For example, they may be of a different size or specification. Alternatively, there may be inherent differences between supposedly identical motors resulting from the manufacturing process where, for example, one 50Hz motor is actually rated at, say 48Hz and another 50Hz motor is actually rated at, say, 52Hz. In either of these conditions, a superposition effect is caused by the different vibration waveforms resulting from each of the motors.

This combined waveform includes lower frequency components.

The more complex waveform may be generated within a medium on or against or adjacent to which the device is positioned, which may be a mattress or liner for a cot or crib or pram or the like. Advantageously, this creates a combination of higher and lower vibration frequencies in a medium against or adjacent to which the device is positioned. It also results in lower frequency components than is achievable by known devices. The frequency of these lower frequency components is equal to the difference in vibration frequencies of the two vibrators. The complex waveform frequencies created in this way may provide a more realistic simulation of the vibrations experienced when, for example travelling in a car, compared that achievable by known devices.

On the inside of housing 102, device 100 has vibration motor recesses 404a, 404b shaped to receive vibration motors 400a, 400b. The motors are held in place by vibration motor retention bracket 406. Retention bracket 406 maintains the motors firmly in engagement with the housing 102. This may enhance the transmission of vibration from the vibration motors to the housing.

Preferably, device 100 further comprises a controller 402. Controller 402 is a pulse width modulation speed control circuit. Controller 402 is programmable. Vibration mode control button 104 is activatable to cause the controller 402 to toggle between the various pre-set operation modes.

Optionally, an additional mass 408 may be included as ballast to add weight to device 100. This may help to ensure firm engagement between device 100 and a medium on or against or adjacent which it is placed. The additional mass 408 may be a metallic mass.

Night light 106 comprises a light source 410 attached to bracket 406. Light source 410 is activatable using light control button 108.

Operation of the device will now be described with reference to Figure 5.

The device may be switched on and/or off using on/off switch 300. Once it has been turned on, push button 104 may be depressed so as to select the desired operation mode.

On selecting the desired operation mode, controller 402 activates the vibration motors, causing them to vibrate. These vibrations are transmitted by the motors 400a and 400b into the housing 102 and then by the housing into a medium on or against or adjacent which the device is placed.

Controller 402 may control a speed of one or both the first vibration motor 400a and the second vibration motor 400b. In controlling the speeds of the first and second vibration motor 400a, 400b, controller 402 also controls the vibration frequency of the vibration motors 400a, 400b.

A timer 500 controls the period of operation of the vibration motors. After a defined or user-selectable period of operation, the timer may signal the controller to vary a speed and thereby a vibration frequency of one or both of the vibration motors. This process may repeat for a required number of cycles or wave periods.

After a defined or user-selectable period of operation, or when certain sensed conditions are met, the device may be automatically switched off 502.

Controller 402 may be pre-programmed with a number of pre-set operation modes. The controller which may be programmed with any number of pre-set operation modes is envisaged. These may be predefined. One or more additional operation modes may be created through a software update. It is conceivable that a user may design one or more additional operation modes and program or upload them onto the device. In addition to the pre-set operation modes, the device may also be manually controlled by a user.

In an example embodiment, controller 402 is pre-programmed with six pre-set operation modes. Three of these operation modes cause the vibration motors 400a, 400b to operate at substantially constant speed and thereby vibrate at substantially constant vibration frequency. The other three modes vary the motor speed and thereby the vibration frequency according to pre-determined vibration patterns. The controller may be provided with a number of pre-set operation modes.

By way of example, controller 402 may include a operation mode which varies the speed of one or both of the vibration motors 400a and 400b so as to simulate or approximate the vibration pattern of a vehicle, e.g. a car. The speed of one or both of the motors and thereby the motor vibration frequency of one or both of the motors may be varied by the controller so as to simulate or approximate the sensation of being in a vehicle, that is accelerating and/or decelerating and/or changing gear.

As described above, the vibration motors are operable at different vibration frequencies. This may simply be due to inherent differences between the two motors. For example, they may be of a different size or specification. Alternatively, there may be inherent differences between supposedly identical motors as a result of the manufacturing process.

Alternatively, the controller causes the motors 400a, 400b to operate at different frequencies to generate a more complex waveform comprising higher and lower frequency components. This may be achieved by controlling the motor speed and thereby the vibration frequency of only one of the motors. Alternatively, it may be done by controlling the motor speed and thereby the vibration frequency of both of the motors. In either condition, a frequency of a lower frequency component of the more complex waveform is equal to a difference in vibration frequency between the two individual motor frequencies.

In one or more of the pre-set operation modes pre-programmed on controller 402, the motors 400a, 400b may be driven at frequencies which differ from each other by between about 3 and about 10Hz in order to coincide with the whole-body resonance frequency of humans. This advantageously may help in maximising the perception of the vibration and minimising the power consumed by the device. In such a case, the vibration frequency of the lower frequency components of the more complex waveform is between about 3Hz and about 10Hz.

The six pre-set operation modes pre-programmed on controller 402 may comprise the following: Operation mode 1 -both motors operated at substantially constant but different speed and thereby substantially constant but different vibration frequency. The motor speed is controlled such that the vibration frequency of at least one of the motors is between about 60Hz and about 80Hz, more preferably between about 65Hz and about 75Hz, more preferably about 70Hz.

Operation mode 2 -both motors operated at substantially constant but different speed and thereby substantially constant but different vibration frequency. The motor speed is controlled such that the vibration frequency of at least one of the motors is between about 80Hz and about 100Hz, more preferably between about 85Hz and about 95Hz, more preferably about 90Hz.

Operation mode 3 -both motors operated at substantially constant but different speed and thereby substantially constant but different vibration frequency. The motor speed is controlled such that the vibration frequency of at least one of the motors is between about 100Hz and about 120Hz, more preferably between about 105Hz and about 115Hz, more preferably about 110Hz.

Operation mode 4 -is designed to simulate a vibration pattern experienced by an occupant when travelling in a vehicle being driven. The vibration frequency is increased from a minimum frequency of between about 60Hz and about 80Hz, more preferably between about 65Hz and about 75Hz, more preferably about 70Hz. The increase in vibration frequency is designed to simulate acceleration. Intermittently during the increase in vibration frequency, the vibration frequency is reduced slightly, to simulate gear changes, before the increase in vibration frequency is resumed. After a maximum vibration frequency of between about 100Hz and about 120Hz, more preferably between about 105Hz and about 115Hz, more preferably about 110Hz is reached after a period of time, for example between 5 and 15 seconds, preferably between about 8 and about 13 second, more preferably about 10 to 12 seconds, the increase in vibration frequency may be stopped.

Each cycle may last for a total of between about 5 and 15 seconds, preferably between about 8 and about 13 second, more preferably about 10 to 12 seconds. Each cycle may last for the same or different amount of time as the preceding and/or subsequent cycle.

The vibration frequency is gradually decreased from the maximum vibration frequency to the minimum frequency to simulate deceleration. The declaration profile may be substantially the same as or may differ from the acceleration profile.

The cycle may then repeated.

Operation mode 5 -is designed to simulate or approximate a person breathing, for example the sensation a baby feels when lying against a parent's chest. The frequency is variable substantially following a sine wave, with a crest frequency of between about 100Hz and about 120Hz, more preferably between about 105Hz and about 115Hz, more preferably about 110Hz, a trough frequency of between about 60Hz and about 80Hz, more preferably between about 65Hz and about 75Hz, more preferably about 70Hz, and a wave period of between about 2 and 10 seconds, preferably between about 4 and about 8 seconds, more preferably about 6 seconds.

Operation mode 6-is similar to Operation mode 5, with the frequency substantially following a sine wave with a crest frequency of between about 100Hz and about 120Hz, more preferably between about 105Hz and about 115Hz, more preferably about 110Hz, a trough frequency of between about 60Hz and about 80Hz, more preferably between about 65Hz and about 75Hz, more preferably about 70Hz, but a longer wave period of between about 25 and about 35 seconds, preferably between about 28 and about 32 seconds, more preferably about 30 seconds.

In each of the six operation modes, the speeds of vibration motors 400a, 400b and thereby the vibration frequencies of the vibration motors are different from one another. This may be due to inherent manufacturing differences which result in slight speed differences and vibration frequency differences between the vibration motors. Alternatively or additionally, it may be due to the controller maintaining a motor speed and vibration frequency differential between the two motors.

In one example of operation modes 1, both a first and a second vibration motor are driven by controller 402 so as to achieve a substantially constant vibration frequency of 70Hz. However, due to inherent manufacturing differences between motors 400a, 400b, the first vibration motor 400a vibrates at a frequency of about 67 Hz and the second vibration motor 400b vibrates at a frequency of about 72 Hz. In this example, the difference between vibration frequencies of 5 Hz results in a frequency of the lower frequency components being 5 Hz, which coincides with the whole-body resonance frequency range of humans of approximately 3 to 10 Hz.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device comprising: a housing; a first vibrator within the housing; a second vibrator within the housing; wherein the first and the second vibrators are operable to cause at least a portion of the housing to vibrate; and wherein the device is operable so that a vibration frequency of the first vibrator is different from a vibration frequency of the second vibrator.
A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to claim 1, wherein the first vibrator is a first eccentrically rotatable mass rotatably coupled to a first motor.
3. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to claim 2, wherein the second vibrator is a second eccentrically rotatable mass rotatably coupled to the first motor.
4. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to claim 2, wherein the second vibrator is a second eccentrically rotatable mass rotatably coupled to a second motor.
5. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first vibrator is a first coin vibration motor.
A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second vibrator is a second coin vibration motor.
7. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one controller operable to control and vary a vibration frequency of at least the first vibrator so as to control a vibration pattern of at least a portion of the housing.
8. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to claim 7, wherein the at least one controller is operable to control and vary a vibration frequency of the second vibrator.
A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first vibrator is affixed to the housing.
10. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one controller comprises a potentiometer or a pulse width modulator.
11. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to any of claims 7 to 10, further comprising an adjuster for causing the at least one controller to adjust a vibration frequency of at least the first vibrator.
12. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one controller is provided with a plurality of operation modes for controlling a vibration frequency of at least the first vibrator, the desired operation mode being selectable using the adjuster.
13. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is made from a substantially rigid plastics material.
14. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of a surface of the housing comprises a plurality of projections.
15. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of projections is a plurality of thermoplastic rubber or silicone studs.
16. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a night light.
17. A portable vibratable sleep enhancement device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an energy storage means within the housing for powering at least one of the first vibrator, the second vibrator, the at least one controller, or the night light.