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Title:
KIT FOR AUDIO AND VISUAL STIMULATION OF BABY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/141233
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention provides a kit for providing at least one of a visual stimulus and an audio stimulus to an infant, the kit including an ellipsoid teething device and a transparent baby-safe cover therefor, the device including an outer ellipsoid part, adapted to house at least one of a battery, a speaker, a memory card, at least one light, at least one activation switch, a recording element and a volume switch and at least one inner spacer element extending inwardly from the ellipsoid part, adapted to grip an inner object around which the device is held, wherein the at least one stimuli are provided from the at least one light and speaker through the ellipsoid part and through the transparent cover.

Inventors:
SHARABY ZVI (IL)
ADANI ERAN (IL)
Application Number:
PCT/IL2017/050169
Publication Date:
August 24, 2017
Filing Date:
February 10, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
SHARABY ZVI (IL)
ADANI ERAN (IL)
International Classes:
A61J17/02
Foreign References:
US20140194928A12014-07-10
US20050217159A12005-10-06
US5551952A1996-09-03
US20050004603A12005-01-06
US8152012B12012-04-10
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
LIFSHITZ, Susan Eve (IL)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A kit for providing at least one of a visual stimulus and an audio stimulus to an infant, the kit comprising: a. an ellipsoid teething device comprising i. an outer ellipsoid part, adapted to house at least one of:

1. a battery;

2. a speaker;

3. a memory card;

4. at least one activation switch;

5. a recording element; and

6. a volume switch; and ii. at least one inner spacer element extending inwardly from said ellipsoid part, adapted to grip an inner object around which the device is held; and at least one outer polymeric cover with an openable seam along a length thereof, each said cover adapted to cover said device to enable said infant to bite thereon substantially without ruining the device; and an electronic connector for connecting said device to at least one of a computer, a mobile phone, a mobile device and combinations thereof.

2. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said inner object is selected from a bottle, a container, a toy, a mammalian bodily part, a human arm and a human leg.

3. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said outer ellipsoid part comprises a polymeric material and said at least one inner spacer element comprises a flexible material.

4. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said device has an outer diameter of 3 to 10 cm and a height of 3-10 mm.

5. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said device weighs less than 50 grams.

6. A kit according to claim 5, wherein said device weighs less than 30 grams.

7. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said device comprises all of said battery, said speaker, said memory card, said at least one activation switch and said recording element.

8. A kit according to claim 7, wherein said an outer ellipsoid part comprises a lower ellipsoid section and an ellipsoid- like cover section cover adapted to be fitted onto said lower ellipsoid section.

9. A kit according to claim 8, comprising at least one light.

10. A kit according to claim 8, comprising at least two lights.

11. A kit according to claim 10, wherein said ellipsoid part is at least one of translucent and transparent.

12. A kit according to claim 11, wherein said at least two lights are of different colors, and said at least two lights are adapted to provide said at least one visual stimulus through said ellipsoid part.

13. A kit according to claim 12, wherein said speaker is adapted to provide said at least one audio stimulus through said ellipsoid part.

14. A kit according to claim 13, wherein said at least one audio stimulus is selected from a noise, music, human voice, animal sounds and combinations thereof.

15. A kit according to claim 8, wherein said bottle is a baby bottle.

16. A kit according to claim 15, wherein said switches are disposed in said outer ellipsoid part.

17. A kit according to claim 16, wherein said switches are activated to different settings by repeated activations.

18. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said device is adapted to play said audio stimulus in a repeat loop.

19. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising instructions on how to use the device.

20. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising instructions on how to assemble and remove said cover on or from the device.

21. A kit according to claim 20, further comprising instructions on how to clean and maintain the kit. 22. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said at least one polymeric cover comprises a transparent silicone cover.

23. A kit according to claim 22, wherein said transparent silicone cover is removable.

24. A kit according to claim 23, wherein said transparent silicone cover is replaceable, dishwashable and sterilizable.

25. A kit according to claim 1, wherein said at least one outer polymeric cover comprises two polymeric covers of different colors, each one adapted for use by a different user.

26. A kit according to claim 25, wherein said at least one outer polymeric cover comprises two polymeric covers of different colors, each one adapted for use by a different user.

27. A kit according to claim 26, adapted for use by two or more infants.

Description:
KIT FOR AUDIO AND VISUAL STIMULATION OF BABY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to baby-safe devices, and more specifically to a teething apparatus, which provides visual and audio stimuli.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most babies suffer intermittently from teething from the age of around four months to two years. They like to bite on hard objects to alleviate the pain. Most teething devices are made of solid polymers, which may have rattles or other objects attached thereto.

Babies often appear unstimulated or bored. There is therefore an unmet need to provide a safe teething device, which provides visual and audio stimuli. There is further an unmet need for a device which can calm or distract a crying baby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a baby-safe teething device, which provides at least one of a visual stimulus and an audio stimulus.

It is another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a baby- safe teething device, which provides at least one of an electrical visual stimulus and an electronic audio stimulus.

It is yet another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a baby-safe teething device, which meets safety standards for babies and provides at least one of an electrical visual stimulus and an electronic audio stimulus, without emitting hazardous EMF emissions.

It is yet another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a kit comprising a baby-safe teething device, a USB cable and a printed set of instructions for using the kit. It is another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide versatile music devices for babies.

The present invention provides a kit for providing at least one of a visual stimulus and an audio stimulus to an infant, the kit including an ellipsoid teething device and a transparent baby- safe cover therefor, the device including an outer ellipsoid part, adapted to house at least one of a battery, a speaker, a memory card, at least one light, at least one activation switch, a recording element and a volume switch and at least one inner spacer element extending inwardly from the ellipsoid part, adapted to grip an inner object around which the device is held, wherein the at least one stimuli are provided from the at least one light and speaker through the ellipsoid part and through the transparent cover.

In some embodiments of the present invention, improved teething devices for providing electronic sounds to babies are provided for attaching to at least one of a baby bottle and a baby' s arm.

In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is described for providing a lightweight ellipsoid -shaped teething device, adapted to be fitted over a baby bottle and to be in close-fit around a circumferential section of the bottle.

In additional embodiments for the present invention, there is provided a detachable teething device, which provides electrical visual stimuli.

In additional embodiments for the present invention, there is provided a detachable teething device, which provides electronic audio stimuli.

There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, an ellipsoid teething device for providing visual and sound stimuli including: a) an outer ellipsoid teething part, adapted to house at least one of: i. a battery; ii. a speaker; iii. a memory card; iv. at least one activation switch; v. a recording element; and vi. a volume switch; and b) at least one inner spacer element extending inwardly from the ellipsoid teething part, adapted to grip an inner object around which the device is held.

Additionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the inner object is selected from a bottle, a container, a toy, a mammalian bodily part, a human arm and a human leg.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the outer ellipsoid teething part includes a polymeric material and the at least one inner spacer element includes a flexible material.

Yet further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the teething device has an outer diameter of 3 to 10 cm and a height of 3-10 mm.

Moreover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device weighs less than 50 grams.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device weighs less than 30 grams.

Moreover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the device includes all of the battery, the speaker, the memory card, the at least one activation switch and the recording element.

Additionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the an outer teething ellipsoid part includes a lower ellipsoid section and an ellipsoid like cover section cover adapted to be fitted onto the lower ellipsoid section.

Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes at least one light, which shines through the teething ellipsoid part.

Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes at least two lights, which shines through the teething ellipsoid part to provide different color lights. The ellipsoid part may be translucent or transparent. The lights may be activated according to software instructions, or according to a time of day. Additionally or alternatively, the lights may be activated according to a specific sound or sounds, played on the device.

The lights may be activated according to audio instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the lights may be activated in accordance with a rhythm of spoken words and/or music/ and or drums.

Moreover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the bottle is a baby bottle.

Additionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the switches are disposed in the outer ellipsoid part.

Moreover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, he switches are activated to different settings by repeated activations.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device is adapted to play the sound in a repeat loop.

Additionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device is as shown in the drawings.

Moreover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device is as described herein. The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings: Fig. 1A is a simplified pictorial illustration showing kit comprising a detachable ellipsoid teething device for mounting on a baby bottle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. IB is a simplified pictorial illustration showing the detachable ellipsoid teething device mounted on a baby bottle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1C is a simplified pictorial illustration showing the detachable ellipsoid teething device mounted on a baby' s arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2A is a simplified pictorial illustration showing a detachable ellipsoid teething device in a partially open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2B is a simplified pictorial illustration showing a detachable ellipsoid teething device in a partially closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a simplified exploded illustration of a detachable ellipsoid teething device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4A is a simplified pictorial illustration of a cover of the detachable ellipsoid teething device of Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a base of the detachable ellipsoid teething device of Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a simplified pictorial illustration showing another embodiment of a detachable ellipsoid teething device for mounting on a baby bottle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of details of a chip activating the detachable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In all the figures similar reference numerals identify similar parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these are specific embodiments and that the present invention may be practiced also in different ways that embody the characterizing features of the invention as described and claimed herein.

The present invention provides improved apparatus for providing sound to, for example, babies, infants, adults or domestic animals by attaching the apparatus/device to at least one of a baby bottle, a beverage container, a food container and a bodily part of the person or animal.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration showing a kit 109 comprising detachable ellipsoid teething device 100 for mounting on a baby bottle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device is lightweight, heat resistant, water resistant and baby-safe. In one embodiment, it has dimensions of 6-10 mm height a 3-10 cm outer diameter. It is typically constructed of polymeric materials. According to some embodiments, it is ellipsoid in shape.

According to other embodiments, the device may be affixed to the bottle. According to other embodiments, the device may be used without a bottle as a bite device for the baby to bite/chew on.

The device is constructed and configured to provide sound, such as voice and/or music at audible volumes.

The device comprises at least one speaker 102, 117, a recording element 104, a USB port 106. The device typically has an adjustable inner orifice 108, made by moving one or more flexible flaps 115, which are attached inside the device radiating inwards. There may be gaps or slits 119 between adjacent flaps. The flaps may be constructed of a flexible polymeric material such as rubber or silicone.

The kit further comprises a set of instructions 101 for operating the device. Additionally, the kit comprises a USB cable 103 with an adapter 111 for connecting to a computer, a smart phone or other mobile device and another adapter 113 for connecting to device 100 at USB port 107.

The kit further comprises at least one polymeric cover such as silicone transparent cover 114, which has an openable seam 116 for attaching over the device. The silicone cover is dishwashable, sterilizable and removable from the device. Its purpose is to allow the user to bite on the device in a safe manner and making it softer. The silicone cover may be replaced with a new one after long-term use. According to some embodiments, the kit may comprise two or more covers, each of a different color, for use by two or more respective infants. For example, the kit may comprise a pink cover for a baby girl, a light blue cover for a baby boy and a green cover for an older toddler.

As can be seen in Fig. IB, there is shown a simplified pictorial illustration showing the detachable ellipsoid teething device 100 mounted on a baby bottle 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device may be mounted from either side of the bottle. It is probably easier to mount it over a teat 122 and teat closure ring 124 than from the lower end 128.

Fig. 1C shows a simplified pictorial illustration showing the detachable ellipsoid teething device 100 mounted on a baby' s arm 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally or alternatively, the device may be mounted on the baby' s hand 132 or wrist 134.

Additionally or alternatively, the device may be mounted on the baby' s leg (not shown) or, for example, onto a toy, bed, cot, a handle, a stroller or pram (not shown).

Fig. 2A shows a detachable ellipsoid teething device 200 in a partially open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A central hole

208 is of an adjustable size. According to one embodiment, the size of the hole is defined by a plurality of spacers 204 which are horizontal thin flexible flap-like protruding elements from annular part 202 of the device. According to one embodiment, these spacers can be pushed down by force from above or raised by a force from below thereby increasing the size of the hole. According to another embodiment, the spacers can be extended horizontally thereby closing the hole partially or fully.

Fig. 2B shows the detachable ellipsoid teething device 200 of Fig. 2 A in a partially closed position, with a small hole 208, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a simplified exploded illustration of a detachable ellipsoid teething device 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device 300 comprises an ellipsoid- like cover section 302, adapted to be fitted onto lower ellipsoid section 350, by for example, snap-fitting, close- fitting, bonding or any other methodology known in the art. The lower ellipsoid section comprises a hollow channel 351 formed by outer wall 333 and inner wall 335 and a bottom circular panel 326. Hollow channel 351 is constructed and configured to house some of the active elements of the device. The active elements include, but are not limited to, at least one light element 330, such as an LED, a USB socket 312, a microphone 314 a speaker 322, a second LED light 324, (a third LED light 326 not shown) a main control panel 320 and a memory card 321.

Further shown is a plurality of spacers 304, adapted to protrude horizontally from inner wall 335. On the outer wall 333, there are a number of ports/cutouts 390 for a) a volume switch 328, b) the microphone, c) the lights, d) the speaker and e) the USB socket; and a battery 306, such as a lithium battery. Mating cutouts 390 also a formed on the cover so that the active elements, which are vertically disposed on/in the device or on the outer wall. This is further explained with reference to Figs. 4A- 4B.

The LED lights are of different colors, and the at least two lights are adapted to provide said at least one visual stimulus through the ellipsoid part and through the silicone cover to the infant.

The at least one said speaker is constructed and configured to provide at least one audio stimulus through the ellipsoid part and silicone cover to the infant.

The at least one audio stimulus is selected from a noise, music, human voice, animal sounds and combinations thereof. Reference is now made to Fig. 4A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of cover 302 of the detachable ellipsoid teething device of Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Cover 302 comprises a number of vertical dividers 358, 362 in a channel 356 formed between and outer wall 326 and an inner wall 354 and a top surface 366. Cut out 360 is adapted to clip around speaker 322.

Fig. 4B shows simplified pictorial illustration of base 350 of the detachable ellipsoid teething device of Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The memory card may comprise a memory of any suitable size, such as 128 MB, 512 MB, 1GB or the like. The battery may be any suitable battery, such as a 5 V DC battery. The USB port may be suitable for connecting to a computer or charger or both, adapted to work at 110V and/or 220 V.

The device may have one to five touch switches 102, such as, but not limited to: a) power on/off; b) play/stop/on/off; c) record/delete; d) next/forward/backward; e) volume low/medium/high/off. The device may be used to record music, a story, a person' s voice, other audible sounds and the like. For example, the device may be constructed and configured to run a 120 second loop for playing lullabies.

Additionally, it may receive downloaded audio content from a computer or other device via the USB port. For example the device is connected via the USB cable to a computer (not shown). Thereafter, one simply drags files using a computer mouse or "copy and paste" commands to the device.

The device may be setup to run a song/music/audio for a number of seconds/minutes on a repeat loop, as is known in the art.

The materials of construction of the device, according to one embodiment are outer ellipsoid teething part 202 of a relatively inflexible plastic, silicone or rubber. The spacers are made of a flexible material.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a simplified pictorial illustration showing another embodiment of a detachable ellipsoid teething device 500 for mounting on a baby bottle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises five buttons, 501, 502, 503, 504 and 505.

According to one embodiment, the buttons activity is as follows: Button 501, by pressing for a short duration, a previous recording is played, by pressing for a long duration, the volume is turned down.

Button 502, by pressing for a short duration, a next recording is played, by pressing for a long duration, the volume is increased.

Button 503, by pressing for a short duration, a record or save is performed, by pressing for a long duration, the current recording is repeated.

Button 504, by pressing for a short duration, a play or stop action is performed, by pressing for a long duration, the power is switched on/off.

Button 505, by pressing for a short duration, an LED (such as 330, Fig. 3) is switched on, by pressing for a long duration, the current recording is deleted. According to one embodiment, the short duration may be 0-0.5 seconds, for example and the long duration 0.5-3 seconds.

According to another embodiment, the short duration may be 0-2 seconds, for example and the long duration 2-10 seconds.

The instructions 101, Fig. 1 provided with the kit provide a picture of the device and instructions, such as those above on how to use each button.

Fig. 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of details of a chip 600 activating the detachable device 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The electro-circuit of device 500, otherwise called intelligent bracelet includes: an MCU (Master Control Circuit) 601, a USB Circuit 602; an MIC (Microphone) Record Circuit 603; an earphone Output Circuit 604; a Key Function Switching Circuit 605; a TF (Trans Flash) CARD 606; a PA (Power Amplifier) Circuit 607; a LCM Liquid Crystal Module 608; and a PMU(Power Manage Unit) 609. The MCU is made of integrated peripherals with scalable software, the functions can be upgraded anytime through the USB etrex connecting to the internet.

The USB Circuit has the functions of charge and data transmission.

The MIC (Microphone) Record Circuit is high-fidelity designed, the record and save functions can be achieved by pressing one key. The Earphone Output Circuit is connected with the standard earphone connector, can be cross-transferred from the functions of: earphone and loudspeaker.

The Key Functions Switching is made of touch buttons, the functions can be customized setting and changing according to the requirements.

The TF (Trans Flash) CARD can be customized making the volume of the memory according to the requirements.

The PA (Power Amplifier) Circuit is made in D style amplifier and display in the best timbre quality.

The LCM (Liquid Crystal Module) connected to the MCU (Master Control Circuit) can display the name of the file being played and consult the files in the memory.

The PMU (Power Manage Unit) controls the voltage of the power and on/off switch can be controlled by the software, which automatically and further protects the circuit.

Chip 600 is constructed and configured to activate device 500, Fig.5. Similar chips may be constructed to activate device 100, Fig. 1 and/or device 300, Fig. 3. The device may also comprise a liquid sensor switch (not shown), constructed and configured to activate the device when the bottle is tilted in a certain direction, such as upwards.

The references cited herein teach many principles that are applicable to the present invention. Therefore the full contents of these publications are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore described without departing from its scope, defined in and by the appended claims.