GB2508031A

GB2508031A - Infant mobile

Info

Publication number: GB2508031A
Application number: GB201220876A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Susan Grant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-11-20
Filing date: 2012-11-20
Publication date: 2014-05-21
Also published as: GB201220876D0

Abstract

An infant mobile comprises a fragranced plaything operably attached to a rotation means. The rotation means is operable to rotate the plaything and disperse the fragrance at least adjacent an infant. The mobile can be secured to a childs cot, crib, car seat, pushchair, pram or playmat, or the like.

Description

INFM4T MOBILE The present invention relates to infant mobiles, and in particular to clockwork or motorised infant mobiles, which can be secured to a child's cot, crib, car seat, pushchair, pram or playmat, or the like. The invention extends to apparatuses capable of dispersing fragrance around an infant and associated methods, as well as to their use in medical treatment.

Babies and small children often suffer from illnesses, such as colic, nasal congestion, poor digestion, inflammation, diarrhoea, or the inability to get to sleep. Parents try to hdp cure their children by administering medication either directly to the child or alternatively onto their pillow to help them sleep. However, problems with such approaches are that it is often difficult to administer the correct dosages of the medication to the child. Very often such medications (e.g. Vicks Vaporub or Olbas Oil) are potent, and so can sting the child's eyes if touched, which can be distressing to the child. Thus, it is highly desirable for such medicaments to be used in such a way that they are out of reach from the child. Alternatively, other medications are quite weak in nature, and so require frequent administration for them to work successfully, which takes a lot of time.

There is therefore a need for an improved apparatus and method by which medications can be administered to small infants, such as babies and small children up to about two or three years old.

Hence, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an infant mobile comprising at least one fragranced plaything operably attached to a rotation means, wherein, in use, the rotation means is operable to rotate the at least one plaything and disperse the fragrance at least adjacent an infant.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an article, arranged in use to accommodate or support an infant, wherein the article comprises the infant mobile of the first aspect.

The article may comprise a car seat, a pram, a pushchair, a static chair, or a playmat, or the like. The infant mobile may be removeably attached to the article.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a fragranced plaything adapted, in use, to be removeably attached to the infant mobile of the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of dispersing a fragrance at least adjacent an infant, the method comprising suspending, at least adjacent an infant, an infant mobile comprising at least one fragranced plaything, and moving the plaything to thereby disperse the fragrance.

Advantages of the invention are that the mobile provides a very simple and convenient way by which one or more fragrance can be safely dispersed above, and administered, to an infant. As the fragranced plaything moves through the airspace adjacent (and preferably, above) the infant, it causes the fragrance(s) to be released therefrom, and thereby dispersed. The plaything is out of reach of the infant and so is safe to use, significanfly improving the ability to continually administer correct doses of the fragrance to the infant.

In one embodiment, the rotation means to which the at east one pthything is attached may comprise a motor, Which maybe battery-or mains powered. In another embodiment, the rotation means may comprise a clockwork mechanism, which may be actuated manually, for example a wind-up mechanism, which, when released, causes the at least one plaything to move or rotate.

The mobile may comprise a plurality of playthings operably attached to the rotation means. For example, the mobile may comprise two, three, four, five or six playthings, or more. Any shape, size or type of plaything can be used depending on the age and gender of infant. Preferably, the at least one plaything comprises a soft, child-friendly outer textile material. For example, the material may be Plush, Velvet, fleece, Cotton, although it wifi be appreciated that this Ust is not exhaustive. The or each plaything may comprise an inner stuffing section comprising stuffing, for example feathers, foam, polyester, or the like. For example, stuffing may be provided in the centre and/or inner extremities of the plaything.

The at least one plaything may be removeably attachable to the mobile, and preferably a support arm thereof The plaything may comprise attachment means by which it can be removeably attached to its associated support arm. For example, the attachment means and support arm may comprise Velcro (RTM). Alternatively, the is attachment means may comprise a hook and the support arm may comprise a loop, or vice versa.

The or each plaything may comprise fragranced stuffing. The fragranced stuffing may be contained within a pouch, or it may be provided in loose form. The fragranced stuffing may comprise foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) beads, or grains of sstheat or flax etc., which have been contacted with, or impregnated with, a fragrance. The fragranced stuffing may comprise any child-friendly smelling substance, which may exert a therapeutic and/or calming effect upon an infant.

Different fragrances maybe used to impart different medical effects to an infant. By way of example, the fragrance may comprise an essential oil, or an aromatherapy oil, or a compound which acts as a decongestant or as an anti-inflammatory agent, or which can be used to treat colic or over-tired children, or which can be used to aid sleep or digestion or an upset stomach, or to prevent nausea or diarrhoea, or as a sedative or as a relaxant. For example, the fragrance may be selected from the group of fragrances/compounds including: Olbas Oil (RTM); Vicks Vaporub (RTM); chamomile; lavender; tea tree; sweet orange; tangenne; rosemary; rose; peppermint; neroli; eucalyptus; lemon eucalyptus; or ginger.

In some embodiments, the mobile may comprise one fragrance, for example any of those listed herein. However, in other embodiments, the mobile may comprise a combination of two or more fragrances, or three or more fragrances, and so on, which can be selected from the fragrances listed herein. For example, in one embodiment, the mobile may comprise at least two playthings operably attached to the rotation means, wherein a first plaything comprises a first fragrance, and a second plaything comprises a second fragrance. The first and second fragrances are preferably different. The first fragrance may for example be chamomile (for treating colic, over tired children, relaxation), and the second fragrance may for example be lavender (to aid sleep). Advantageously, different combinations of fragrances can be grouped together on the mobile, for creating specific therapeutic effects for treating specific ailments experienced by the infant.

In one embodiment, the or each plaything may comprise a peripheral pocket extending substantially around its periphery, and preferably around the periphery of the inner stuffing section, into which the fragranced stuffing may be inserted, either in loose form or within a pouch. The diameter of the peripheral pocket may be between about 1 and omm, or between about 3 and 20mm, or between about 5 and imm, or between about 7 and imm. In another embodiment, the or each plaything may comprise an opening into which the fragranced stuffing may be received. The opening may be centrally disposed in the plaything.

The mobile maybe arranged, in use, so that the at least one plaything is disposed generally above the infant's head or body. Preferably, the lowermost portion of the at least one plaything is disposed at a height sufficiently high enough so that it is out of reach from the infant, but not so high that the fragrance is unable to impart its therapeutic or soothing effects on the infant. For examp'e, the at least one phuything may be disposed, in use, about 5-3ocm or about 10-20cm above the infant. The inventor has found that the above heights are optimum for dispersing the fragrance.

In use, the rotation speed of the at least one pthything may be from about 1-30 times per minute, or about 5-20 times per minute. Advantageously, such rotation speeds are sufficienfly fast to cause the fragrance(s) to be rdeased from the moving playthings and dispersed around the infant, so that it is inha'ed. However, the rotation is not so fast that a wind is created which would disperse the fragrance(s) too much so that it is distributed away from the infant.

In one embodiment, the plane of rotation of the at least one plaything may be substantially horizontally arranged with respect to the infant. It will appreciated, however, that, in use, there may be a small degree of oscillation about the vertical plane, as the at least one plaything rotates.

The mobile may comprise a timer, which is operable, in use, to automatically switch the rotation means (preferably, the motor) on or off after a pre-determined time. The mobile may comprise detection means, which is operable, in use, to detect when the infant is awake or asleep. The mobile may comprise a processor which, in use, switches the rotation means on when the infant is awake, or off when the infant is asleep, as detected by the detection means. In one embodiment, the detection means may comprise a microphone, which is operable to detect sound/noises made by the infant. In another embodiment, the detection means may comprise a passive infrared monitor, which is operable to detect the infant's movements.

The mobile may comprise a support stand or a clamp for supporting the at least one is plaything above an infant, preferably lying or sitting in the article of the second aspect.

All of the features described herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. in svhich:-Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fragranced mobile according to an embodiment of the invention secured to a infant's cot; Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic side view of the fragranced mobile shown in Figure icomprising a plurality of suspended playthings; Figure 3 is an enlarged rear view of a plaything from the mobile shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is an enlarged front view of the plaything shown in Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the plaything shown in Figure 3.

Examnle Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a mobile 2 attached to a cot or crib 4, and being suspended generally above a baby or small child 6 lying in the cot 4, as shown.

Although Figure 1 illustrates the mobile 2 being attached to a cot 4, it will be appreciated that the mobile 2 could also be attached to other articles that are designed to accommodate or support a child 6, such as a car seat, pram, a pushchair, a static chair, a playmat, or the like. The mobile 2 comprises an assortment of fragranced playthings i8, which, as the mobile 2 rotates above the infant 6, serve to release and distribute the fragrance into the air immediately above the infant 6, thereby helping to soothe and/or calm the infant 6 or impart other therapeutic benefits, as described below.

Referring to Figure 2 now, there is shown the mobile 2 in detail. The mobile 2 comprises a vertical upright S having a clamp 10 at one end thereof, and by which the mobile 2 can be attached to one side of the cot 4 (or other child-containing article), usually at the end of the cot 4 where the infant's head rests. Thus, the clamp is intended to be adaptable so that it can secure the mobile upright over an infant 6 (up to about 18 months). At the other end of the upright 8, there is provided a horizontally extending arm 12, which extends into the airspace above the infant 6. At the distal end of the horizontal arm 12, there is provided a downwardly suspending strut 14, on to which an array of short cross arms 16 is attached. At the distal end of each cross arm 16, there is provided a downwardly extending connector to which a plaything 18 is attached. As shown in Figure 2, any shape, size or type of plaything can be used with the mobile 2, depending on the age and gender of infant 6, for example a teddy bear, an animal (e.g. elephant), a happy face or a tree, or the like.

The playthings i8 are made of a soft, child-friendly textile material.

Referring to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the lowermost portion of the suspending strut 14 to which the cross arms 16 are attached is fitted with a batteiy-, or mains-operated, motor 30. However, in another embodiment, a dockwork device (not shosrn) may be used instead of a motor 30. Within the vertical upright 8, horizontal arm 12, and suspending strut 14, there is hidden electrical cabling which connects the motor 30 to an associated on/off switch 32, which is provided on the vertical upright 8. In use, the switch 32 is turned on in order to cause the motor 30 to rotate, thereby urging the playthings 18 to rotate.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a rear view ofa plaything 18. Towards the upper portion of the rear of the plaything 18, there is a provided a small attachment site 22, covered in, for example Velcro (RTM), by which the plaything 18 can be removeably attached to its associated connector 20. It will be appreciated that although Velcro (RTM) 22 is described as one way of attaching each plaything 18 to its connector 20, other forms of attachment can also be used. For example, the plaything i8 can include a tie, or hook, which can be tied or hooked onto the corresponding surface of the connector 20. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a plaything i8 detachably secured to a connector 20, which extends down from one of the cross arms i6.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a cross-sectional view of one of the playthings i8. Irrespective of its shape, the plaything i8 includes an inner stuffing section 24 filled with stuffing, for example feathers or foam or the like. Extending around the periphery of the inner stuffing section 24 of the p'aything 18, there is provided a peripheral pocket 26, which is approximately 5-10mm in diameter. The peripheral pocket 26 contains fragranced stuffing 28, for example foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) beads, or grains of wheat or flax etc., which have been contacted with, or impregnated with, a fragrance. For example, the fragrance stuffing 28 can be any child-friendly smelling substance, which may exert a therapeutic and/or calming effect upon the infant 6. Different fragrances can be used to impart different effects on the infant 6. By way of example, the stuffing 28 may comprise an aromatherapy oil, Olbas Oil (a decongestant), Vicks vaporub (a decongestant), chamomile (for colic, anti-inflammatory and over-tired children), lavender (aids sleep), tea tree, sweet orange (digestive aid, nerve sedative), tangerine (upset stomach, sedative), rosemary (decongestant), rose (anti-inflammatory, sedative), peppermint (digestion aid, sedative, decongestant), neroli (relaxant, anti-inflammatory), lemon eucalyptus (calming, anti-inflammatory and decongestant) or ginger (helps nausea and diarrhoea).

In some embodiments, the mobile 2 will comprise just a single type of fragrance, for examp'e one of those listed herein. However, in other embodiments, the mobile comprises a combination of two or more fragrances. For example, one or more plaything 18 comprises chamomile (for treating colic, over tired children, relaxation), and another pthything 18 on the same mobile 2 comprises lavender (to aid sleep). In this way, different combinations of fragrance and therapeutic effects can be designed for treating the specific ailments experienced by the infant 6.

The mobile 2 is used as followed, with reference to the Figures. An infant 6 is first placed in the cot 4, and the mobile 2 is then attached so that it is suspended generally above the infant's head or body. The lowermost portion of the playthings i8 should be disposed at a height sufficiently high enough so that it is out of reach from the infant 6, but not so high that the fragranced stuffing 28 is unable to impart its therapeutic or soothing effect on the infant 6. For example, the playthings i8 are generally about -ocm above the infant 6, or ideally about 10-20cm above the infant 6.

Once the mobile 2 is in position, an operator may then turn it on at switch 32, which causes the motor 30 to rotate, or wind up the dockwork mechanism, thereby urging the cross arms i6 and suspended playthings i8 to move accordingly above the infant 6. The rotation speed of the motor 30 and thus playthings i8 can range from about 1- 30 times per minute, but is ideally about 5-20 times per minute. It is important that the speed of rotation of the playthings 18 though the air above the infant 6 is sufficiently last to cause the fragrance(s) to be released from the stuffing 28 and dispersed around the infant 6, so that it is inhaled. However, rotation should not be so fast that a wind is created which would disperse the fragrance(s) too much so that it is distributed away from the infant 6 and out of the cot 4. Also, if rotation is too fast, drafts could be created which could prevent the infant 6 from sleeping, or even wake it up, which is undesirable. The mobile 2 is allowed to rotate the playthings 18 -s-and disperse the fragrance(s) until the infant 6 is asleep, at which point it can be turned off. The mobile 2 can include a timer 34. Alternatively, the mobile 2 can include a microphone (not shown), which is able to monitor and detect when the infant 6 is awake or asleep, and a processor (not shown), which switches the motor 30 on when the infant 6 is awake, or off when the infant 6 is asleep. In another embodiment, a passive infra-red (PIR) device is present, which detects motion of the infant 6, and which switches the motor 30 on when the infant 6 is awake, or off when the infant 6 is asleep.

Advantages of the mobile 2 of the invention are that it is an degant and convenient way by which a fragrance or essential oil, or the like, can be simply and safely dispersed above an infant 4 (either in a cot 4 or in a pram or pushchair or on a playmat etc.), and automatically administered thereto. The pthythings 18 are all detachable from the mobile 2, by detaching the attachment site 22 from the connector 20. The playthings 18 are frifly washahle, and the fragranced stuffing 28 can be easily and quickly removed from the peripheral pocket 26, and then replaced with fresh stuffing 28, once spent. Alternatively, the used playthings 18 can be replaced with entirely new playthings 18 with new stuffing 28.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An infant mobile comprising at least one fragranced plaything operably attached to a rotation means, wherein, in use, the rotation means is operable to rotate the at least one plaything and disperse the fragrance at least adjacent an infant.
2. An infant mobile according to claim 1, wherein the rotation means comprises a motor, which is battery or mains powered.
3. An infant mobile according to claim 1, wherein the rotation means comprises a clockwork mechanism, which is actuated manually, which, when released, causes the at east one pthything to move or rotate.
4. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile comprises a plurafity of pthythings operably attached to the rotation means.
5. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one plaything comprises a soft, child-friendly outer textile material, for example Plush, Velvet, Fleece, or Cotton.
6. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each plaything comprises an inner stuffing section comprising stuffing, for example feathers, foam, polyester, or the like.
7. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one plaything is removeably attachable to the mobile, and preferably a support arm thereof.
8. An infant mobile according to claim 7, wherein the plaything comprises attachment means by which it can be removeably attached to its associated support arm.
9. An infant mobile according to claim 8, wherein the attachment means and support arm comprise Velcro (RTM).
10. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each plaything comprises fragranced stuffing.

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11. An infant mobile according to claim 10, wherein the fragranced stuffing is contained within a pouch, or is provided in loose form.
12. An infant mobile according to either claim 10 or 11, wherein the fragranced stuffing comprises foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) beads, or grains of wheat or flax etc., which have been contacted with, or impregnated with, a fragrance.
13. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the fragranced stuffing comprises any child-friendly smelling substance, which exerts a therapeutic and/or calming effect upon an infant.
14. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the fragrance comprises an essential oil, or an aromatherapy oil, or a compound which acts as a decongestant or as an anti-inflammatory agent, or which can be used to treat cohc or over-tired children, or which can be used to aid steep or digestion or an upset stomach, or to prevent nausea or diarrhoea, or as a sedative or as a relaxant.
15. An inhint mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the fragrance is selected from a group of fragrances/smelling substances including: Olbas Oil (RTM); Vicks Vaporub (RTM); chamomile; lavender; tea tree; sweet orange; tangerine; rosemary; rose; peppermint; neroli; eucalyptus; lemon eucalyptus; and ginger.
i6. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile comprises a combination of two or more fragrances, or three or more fragrances.
17. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile comprises at least two playthings operably attached to the rotation means, wherein a first plaything comprises a first fragrance, and a second plaything comprises a second fragrance.
i8. An infant mobile according to any one of claims 10-17, wherein the or each plaything comprises a peripheral pocket extending substantially around its periphery into which the fragranced stuffing is inserted, either in loose form or within a pouch.
19. An infant mobile according to any one of claims 10-17, wherein the or each plaything comprises an opening into which the fragranced stuffing is received. -Il-20. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile is arranged, in use, so that the at least one plaything is disposed generally above the infant's head or body.21. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one plaything is disposed, in use, about 5-30cm or about 10-20cm above the infant.22. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotation speed of the at least one plaything is from about 1-30 times per minute, or about 5- 20 times per minute.23. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the plane of rotation of the at least one plaything is substantially horizontally arranged with respect to the infant.24. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile comprises a timer, which is operable, in use, to automatically switch the rotation means on or off after a pre-determined time.25. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile comprises detection means, which is operable, in use, to detect when the infant is awake or asleep.26. An infant mobile according to claim 25, wherein the mobile comprises a processor which, in use, switches the rotation means on when the infant is awake, or off when the infant is asleep, as detected by the detection means.27. An infant mobile according to either claim 25 or 26, wherein the detection means comprises a microphone, which is operable to detect sound/noises made by the infant.28. An infant mobile according to either claim 25 or 26, wherein the detection means comprises a passive infrared monitor, which is operable to detect the infant's movements. -12-29. An infant mobile according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile comprises a support stand or a clamp for supporting the at least one plaything above an infant.30. An article, arranged in use to accommodate or support an infant, wherein the article comprises the infant mobile according to any preceding claim.31. An artide according to claim 30, wherein the artide comprises a car seat, a pram, a pushchair, a static chair, or a playmat, or the fike.32. A fragranced plaything adapted, in use, to be removeably attached to the infant mobile according to any one of claims 1-30.33. A method of dispersing a fragrance at east adjacent an infant, the method comprising suspending, at east adjacent an infant, an infant mobile comprising at least one fragranced plaything, and moving the plaything to thereby disperse the fragrance.