CONVERTIBLE ENTERTAINMENT MOBILE

Abstract

Provided is an entertainment mobile including a base unit accommodating an electric power source, a motor and an illumination system, said base unit configurable between a suspended position and a table top position; a canopy arm detachably attachable to the base unit at a base end thereof and configured for supporting a canopy at a canopy end thereof; and a canopy post for supporting the canopy over the base unit; a canopy detachably attachable to the canopy end of the canopy arm and to the canopy post; the entertainment mobile is configurable between at least a suspended position and a table-top position and the illumination system is configurable between illuminating the canopy and projecting over a wall surface.

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is concerned with child entertainment mobiles and more specifically with such mobiles configured with illuminating arrangements and being convertible between several functional positions.

PRIOR ART

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,952 discloses a mobile includes a base unit and a reflective member rotatably coupled to the base unit. A drive mechanism is disposed in the base unit and is configured to rotate the reflective member with respect to the base unit. The mobile also includes an illuminating member coupled to the base unit and disposed to illuminate the reflective member.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,142 discloses an interactive entertainment apparatus comprising a structure for use with a child receiving device is disclosed. The entertainment apparatus includes a fluid-filled, pliable container portion capable of being selectively compressed by a user to displace the fluid within the container. The apparatus includes attachment mechanism configured to secure the apparatus to a child receiving device proximate a child received in the child receiving device such that the child can contact the pliable transparent portion of the base to displace the fluid. The apparatus may further include an infant mobile including a mobile arm, a base unit suspended by the mobile arm, and one or more hanging elements suspended from the base unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,486 discloses an apparatus having a mobile arm, a base coupled to the mobile arm to maintain the mobile arm in upright orientation and moveable between a first orientation in which the base is coupleable to a vertical surface, and a second orientation in which the base can rest on a horizontal surface. A light source is coupled to the mobile arm and a mobile coupled to said mobile arm, whereby when the base is in the first orientation, the apparatus can be coupled to a crib rail to function as a crib mobile, and when the base is in the second orientation, the apparatus can rest on a horizontal surface to function as a lamp.

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The present disclosed subject matter is directed to a child entertainment mobile convertible between at least three positions.

The entertainment mobile comprises a base unit accommodating an electric power source, a motor and an illumination system, said base unit configurable between a suspended position and a table top position; a canopy arm detachably attachable to the base unit at a base end thereof and configured for supporting a canopy at a canopy end thereof; and a canopy post for supporting the canopy over the base unit; a canopy detachably attachable to the canopy end of the canopy arm and to the canopy post; the entertainment mobile is configurable between at least a suspended position and a table-top position and the illumination system is configurable between illuminating the canopy and projecting over a wall surface.

The term ‘table top position’ denotes that the base has a substantially flat base portion for stably placing over any substantially horizontal surface, setting as examples a top surface of a table or desk, a shelf of any kind, a nursing chest, and the like. This position includes also placing the base unit within a cradle-like or basket-like support which in turn is mounted on, or articulated to, a furniture item.

The term ‘suspended position’ as used herein in the specification and claims denotes that the device is configured for articulation to an upright wall, e.g. a side wall of a crib, a bed, a play pan, a stroller and the like. Articulation can be facilitated through any one or more of straps, hooks, bolts, fasteners, and the like.

The power source can be a battery compartment accommodating one or more batteries or battery pack, rechargeable or not, optionally with a socket for coupling to a power supply.

The power source can be an external and/or remote wireless source of power supply, and does not necessarily have to comprise batteries.

The term ‘illumination system’ as used herein in the specification and claims denotes any one or more illumination sources of one or more types. According to one configuration there is provided at least one projecting light source for projecting light at a substantially far distance, e.g. against a wall (e.g. the ceiling or a wall of the room), referred to as a ‘projecting position’; and at least one canopy illuminating light source for illuminating the canopy from below, referred to as an ‘illuminating position’.

The light emitted from the at least one projecting light sources can be a plain light beam or a projected/reflected image. It can be aimed (i.e. directed at different objects such as a wall or a ceiling), focused, enhanced (e.g. by a magnifying lens). Furthermore, the light or image emitted by the at least one projecting light source can be manipulated e.g. by a diverging lens, color lens, etc. Evenmore so, light parameters (wavelength, intensity) or the projected image can change either manually or automatically (e.g. as a function of time elapsed, randomly, in conjunction with a selected theme or music played by the mobile, depending on ambient light conditions, etc.).

According to one particular configuration the illumination system of the entertainment mobile comprises at least one projecting light source and at least one canopy illuminating light source, wherein at the suspended position only the at least one canopy illuminating light source operates and at the table-top position only the at least one projecting light source operates.

The one or more illumination sources can be of any one or more types, e.g. LEDs, incandescent light bulb, halogen light bulbs, etc.

The canopy can be configured with one or more transparent or translucent portions such that the illumination system can illuminate therethrough at different effects.

The canopy can be integrated with LEDs or other light sources, powered via an electric coupling extending through either or both of the canopy arm and canopy post.

The entertainment mobile can further comprise, within in the base unit, an audio system for playing music and sounds. The audio system can comprise preset audio tracks or can be programmable and/or can be connectable to an external audio source.

At either the suspended position or the table-top position the canopy can be rotated or rest still.

According to one example, the base unit is configured with an arm socket for rotary support of the canopy arm, configured for detachably attaching the canopy arm or the canopy post and articulation to the motor, thereby imparting rotary motion to the canopy at either its suspended position and the table-top position.

Any one or more of the stimulating feature of the entertainment mobile, i.e. rotary motion of the canopy, the illumination system, and the audio system can be initiated manually (e.g. by a switch and the like), or be programmed or can be sound or light activated/stopped. Any one of these stimulating features can be operated continuously or at one or more fixed or alternating speeds/ intervals, etc.

According to another example the canopy post is articulated to the base unit however without rotary motion imparted thereto, thereby supporting the canopy at a still position. According to a particular example the canopy post is detachably attachable to the base unit, however at a location other than the rotary socket. For example, the canopy post can be pivotally attached to the base unit, and/or configured for telescopically extending therefrom, or be screw-coupled thereto, etc.

According to a particular configuration of the disclosure, when the canopy is mounted on the canopy post it assumes a table-lamp like configuration.

The canopy arm and optionally the canopy post, can be configured for articulation with the motor of the base unit, either directly or via a gear train.

The base unit can be configured with a stabilizing arrangement for imparting it stability at the table-top position. The stabilizing arrangement can be for example a weight (permanently residing in the base unit or configured for adding), mobile arms, friction means, etc.

The canopy can be configured with one or more stimulating articles articulated thereto, such as figures and elements dangling therefrom. The stimulating articles can be fixed or detachably attached thereto. More so, the stimulating articles can be configured for animation while the canopy rotates.

At least portions of the canopy can be translucent or transparent or comprise openings or perforations, having different shapes and colors, whereby at the illuminating position light can penetrate and illuminate the ceiling of the room, serving as atmosphere light. When the mobile is at motion, the penetrating light offers a unique pattern over the ceiling.

According to the present disclosure the entertainment mobile is configurable between the following positions:

• • suspended position with the canopy mounted on either the canopy arm or canopy post;
  • suspended position with the canopy removed;
  • table-top position with the canopy mounted on either the canopy post or the canopy arm;
  • table-top position with the canopy removed.

At either of the above positions the illumination system is configured for either or both of the projecting position and the illuminating position.

The arm socket is configured at a top portion of the base unit, and wherein when the canopy arm is engaged therein the at least one projecting light source is deactivated and/or concealed.

According to a particular configuration, the projecting light source is concealed when the canopy arm is mounted on the base unit.

The base unit is further configured with a control unit for controlling the audio system, illumination system and rotation of the arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of the entertainment mobile of the present disclosed subject matter at a suspended position thereof, configured with a canopy mounted over a canopy arm;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the entertainment mobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the entertainment mobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of the entertainment mobile of FIG. 1, with the canopy removed, at a projecting position;

FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of the entertainment mobile of FIG. 1 at a table-top position thereof, with the canopy removed, at a projecting position;

FIG. 8 is a front view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of the entertainment mobile of FIG. 1 at a table-top position thereof, with the canopy mounted over a support post;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are rear isometric views illustrating converting the entertainment mobile into a table-top configuration with the canopy mounted over a canopy post;

FIG. 11C is an enlargement of the portion marked III in FIG. 11A;

FIGS. 11D and 11E are perspective top front and perspective top rear views, respectively, of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a rear isometric view of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12B and 12C are a front view and a side view of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13 is a front isometric view of the entertainment mobile of FIG. 1 at a table-top position thereof, with the canopy mounted over the mobile arm;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the entertainment mobile at a suspended position thereof, with the canopy mounted over the support post; and

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the base unit, illustrating components thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is directed to the annexed drawings, illustrating an entertainment mobile according to the present disclosure, generally designated 10. The entertainment mobile 10 comprises a base unit 14 and a canopy 18, configured for cooperation with the base unit at several options, as disclosed herein.

The base unit 14 is a solid unit having a substantially flat base 22 configured for placing over a flat horizontal surface schematically represented at 24 (FIGS. 7 to 10, 12, 13) such as table or desk, a shelf of any kind, a nursing chest, and the like. The flat base renders the base unit suitable also for placing it within a cradle-like or basket-like support which in turn is mounted on, or articulated to, a furniture item.

The base unit 14 accommodates a power source schematically identified as 28 in FIG. 15, wherein the power source can be a battery compartment accommodating one or more batteries, or battery pack, rechargeable or not, optionally with a socket for coupling to a power supply. Where the power source is a battery compartment, it typically is configured with an access door (not shown) at a back or bottom wall portion.

Alternatively, the power source can be an external source and can be a batteryless source. In such case the base unit 14 will comprise, instead of the compartment received therein, a suitable connection means to an external source or means for communication with a wireless source.

Also received in the base unit 14 there is an electric motor schematically identified as 30 in FIG. 15 electrically coupled to the power source 28. The electric circuitry of the entertainment mobile 10 further comprises a control panel which as can best be seen in FIG. 15, is divided into three areas: volume controls 32A and 32B, audio and/or illumination theme selectors 34A, 34B and 34C, and a mode selection in the form of a slide control 38, for selecting between different operative modes of the entertainment mobile 10, as disclosed herein in further detail. A controller 36 is configured within the base unit, for integration and coordinating and controlling the audio system, illumination system and rotation of the arm.

A top portion 40 of the base unit 14 is substantially flat and is configured with an arm socket 42 (best seen in FIGS. 11A and 11B), at an eye-pleasing continuous fashion as best seen in FIG. 15. The arm socket 42 configures for snappingly receiving a base end 46 of a canopy arm 48, detachably attachable thereto for conveying rotary motion imparted by motor 30, through an internal flexible motion rod (not shown) within the canopy arm 48 to a canopy coupler 50 at a canopy end 52 of the canopy arm 48. In this connection it is appreciated that the canopy 18 is easily detachable attachable to the coupler 50, for manipulating between the table-lamp like configuration and the mobile configuration where the canopy suspends from the canopy arm 48.

Further noted, top portions of the base unit 14 are configured with an illumination system comprising a projecting light source 54 and a canopy illuminating light source 56. The projecting light source 54 is a relatively stronger illuminating light source, configured for projecting light on a ceiling, whilst the canopy illuminating light source 56 is configured for throwing light on the bottom surface of the canopy 18, i.e. at a short distance. The arm socket 42 is configured with a micro switch (not seen) such that when the canopy arm 48 is engaged therein the micro switch disengages the projecting light source 54.

It is appreciated that the light emitted from the projecting light sources 54 can be a plain light beam or a projected/reflected image (e.g. by the provision of a screen or an image projector, not shown). Furthermore, light emitted from the projecting light sources 54 can be aimed (i.e. directed at different objects such as a wall or a ceiling, e.g. by providing the light source on a flexible arm; not shown), focused, enhanced (e.g. by a magnifying lens). Furthermore, the light or image emitted by the projecting light source 54 can be manipulated e.g. by a diverging lens, color lens, etc. Evenmore so, light parameters (wavelength, intensity) or the projected image can change either manually or automatically (e.g. as a function of time elapsed, randomly, in conjunction with a selected theme or music played by the mobile, depending on ambient light conditions, by virtue of the controller 36 mentioned with reference to FIG. 15, etc.).

Base unit 14 has texturized patterns 37 and texturized elements 39 for infant stimulation. More so, there is a translucent panel 41 with colorful images thereon, with an internal light source within the base unit, configured for illumination same from behind, as an atmosphere illumination.

The base unit 14 is further configured with a suspension arrangement e.g. straps 58 at the back face of the base unit 14, though other suspension arrangements can be configured, such as bolts, fasteners, hocks and the like (not shown), whereby it can be easily mounted and detached, at a substantially vertically suspended position, e.g. to a bed rack 59 and the like.

A canopy post 64 is pivotally articulated to the base 14 at 66, between a stowed position (FIGS. 1 to 14; best seen in FIG. 11A) and an erect position (FIGS. 10, 12, 14; best seen in 11B). At the stowed position the canopy post 64 is received within a depression 68. Typically, at either of its stowed position and erect position the canopy post 64 is secured e.g. by a snap-type arrangement, to thereby prevent spontaneous displacement thereof. A tip end 72 of the canopy post 64 is configured for insertion into a corresponding receptacle (not seen) within the canopy 18 such that the canopy 18 securely rests over the canopy post 64 at a so-called table-lamp like configuration (e.g. FIG. 12A).

Whilst in the illustrated example the canopy post 64 is pivotally secured to the base unit, it is appreciated that other configurations are possible too, e.g. the canopy post can telescopically extend from the base unit, or be screw-coupled thereto, etc.

Evenmore so, whilst in the illustrated example the canopy post 64 is pivotally secured to the base unit however according to another configuration (not shown) the canopy post can be configured for articulation with the motor 30 of the base unit via arm socket 42, thereby imparting the canopy with rotary motion also at the table-lamp like configuration.

Reverting now to the canopy 18, it is configured with a plurality of stimulating articles. i.e. figures 80 which are readily detachably attachable over a perimeter of the canopy 18 and can be can be configured for animation while the canopy rotates.

Furthermore, portions of the canopy (82 in FIG. 12B) can be translucent or transparent having different shapes and colors, or comprise openings or perforations 84, whereby at the illuminating position light can penetrate and illuminate the ceiling of the room, serving as atmosphere light. When the mobile is at motion, the penetrating light offers a unique pattern over the ceiling, e.g. stars, animated animal motion, etc.

The entertainment mobile 10 is thus configurable between the following positions:

I. Suspended position

• • a. with the canopy 18 mounted on the canopy arm 48 (FIGS. 1 to 3;
  • b. with the canopy 18 mounted on the canopy post 64 (FIG. 14);
  • c. with the canopy removed (projecting mode; FIGS. 4 to 6);

II. Table-top position

• • a. with the canopy 18 mounted on the canopy arm 48 (FIG. 13);
  • b. with the canopy 18 mounted on the canopy post 64 (FIGS. 10, 12);
  • c. with the canopy removed (FIGS. 7 to 9).

When the canopy 18 is removed (modes I.a. and II.b.; FIGS. 4 to 9) the projecting light source 54 is activated, to illuminate at a substantially far distance, against the ceiling, as schematically represented in the respective drawings by dashed lines.

When the canopy 18 is mounted (modes I.b., Ic., II.a. and II.b; FIGS. 1 to 3, 10, 12, and 13) the canopy illuminating light source 56 is activated as schematically represented in the respective drawings by doted lines. At these positions, light rays projecting trough the canopy are represented by dash-doted lines.

Converting between the situations as mentioned hereinabove and as illustrated in the drawings is simple and takes place by detaching the canopy 18 from the canopy arm 48, and removing the canopy arm from the base unit 14, arriving at the projecting position. If the so called table-top position is desired, the canopy post 64 is deployed into its erect position and the canopy 18 is placed thereover.

Claims

1. An entertainment mobile, comprising: a base unit accommodating an electric power source, a motor and an illumination system, said base unit configurable between a suspended position and a table top position; a canopy arm detachably attachable to the base unit at a base end thereof and configured for supporting a canopy at a canopy end thereof; and a canopy post for supporting the canopy over the base unit; a canopy detachably attachable to the canopy end of the canopy arm and to the canopy post; the entertainment mobile is configurable between at least a suspended position and a table-top position and the illumination system is configurable between illuminating the canopy and projecting over a wall surface.

2. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the power source comprises one or more batteries.

3. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the power source is an external source.

4. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the illumination system comprises at least one projecting light source and at least one canopy illuminating light source.

5. The entertainment mobile according to claim 4, wherein at the suspended position only the at least one canopy illuminating light source operates and at the table-top position only the at least one projecting light source operates.

6. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the canopy is configured with one or more transparent or translucent portions such that the illumination system can illuminate therethrough at different effects.

7. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the canopy is integrated with at least one light source, powered via an electric coupling extending through either or both of the canopy arm and canopy post.

8. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the base unit further comprises an audio system for playing music and sounds.

9. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the canopy is configured to rotate or rest still either in the suspended position or the table-top position.

10. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the base unit is configured with an arm socket for rotary support of the canopy arm, configured for detachably attaching the canopy arm or the canopy post and articulation to the motor, thereby imparting rotary motion to the canopy at either its suspended position and the table-top position.

11. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the canopy post is articulated to the base unit without rotary motion imparted thereto, thereby supporting the canopy at a still position.

12. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the canopy is configured to be mounted on the canopy post so as to assume a table-lamp like configuration.

13. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the canopy arm alone or together with the canopy post is configured for articulation with the motor of the base unit, either directly or via a gear train.

14. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the base unit is configured with a stabilizing arrangement for imparting it stability at the table-top position.

15. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the canopy is configured with one or more stimulating articles articulated thereto, such as figures and elements dangling therefrom.

16. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, configurable between a suspended position with the canopy mounted on one of the canopy arm or canopy post, a suspended position with the canopy removed, a table-top position with the canopy mounted on either the canopy post or the canopy arm; and a table-top position with the canopy removed.

17. The entertainment mobile according to claim 16, wherein at any one of the above positions the illumination system is configured for either or both of the projecting position and the illuminating position.

18. The entertainment mobile according to claim 4, wherein the arm socket is configured at a top portion of the base unit, and wherein when the canopy arm is engaged therein so that the at least one projecting light source is deactivated and/or concealed.

19. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the projecting light source is concealed when the canopy arm is mounted on the base unit.

20. The entertainment mobile according to claim 1, wherein the base unit is further configured with a control unit for controlling at least the illumination system and rotation of the arm.