Abstract:
A cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for providing visual, tactile and, or audible stimulation for infants while selectively sterilize select items and the surrounding ambient, including a housing adapted for removable connection to cribs, changing tables and similar furniture, ultraviolet light generating source in the housing for sanitizing items in the housing when closed and the ambient when opened, audio source and compartments for holding and storing select items. The housing may include reflective and, or transparent surfaces for directing, reflecting and, or passing ultraviolet light.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/392,014 filed Mar. 29, 2006. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     N/A 
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to a crib accessory, and more particularly, to a multi-purpose crib accessory that is mountable to an infant&#39;s crib or changing table, selectively emits room sterilizing and sanitizing agents into the environment, includes compartments for holding infant care products and provides visual and audible stimulation to promote cognitive development. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     It is well known that a clean and mentally stimulating environment is important for facilitating health and cognitive development in an infant. An infant&#39;s room is often contaminated with airborne bacteria, unhealthy micro-organisms, germs and other unhealthy conditions in the actual dwelling, such as odors, mold, dirt and, or dust, which can adversely affect an infant&#39;s health and cognitive development. Sanitizing agents are typically provided in spray cans or bottles, which require the cognizant caretaker to remember to use them. In fact, they may be harmful if used improperly or excessively or by a child. It is also known that infant brains develop and mature when an infant is exposed to visual, audible and tactile stimulation. Colorful and audible mobiles are known in the art but are limited to providing visual and/or audible stimulation. Infant sanitization and brain stimulating products historically comprise separate articles. However, given the dual needs and concerns, it would be beneficial to provide a safe and effective infant stimulation and environment sterilizing device. 
     Ultraviolet radiation or UVC is reportedly a reliable and safe sterilizing/sanitizing alternative, but has not been effectively adapted for automatically or controllably sterilizing an infant&#39;s immediate environment and items. UV-C, also known as germicidal irradiation, lies in the spectrum between 100 and 280 nanometers (nm)) and is used for purification of air, water and surfaces. Due to its short wavelength, (200 to 270 nm) UV-C penetrates the outer membrane of bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses, attacking the DNA that makes up their structure. By breaking the chains between the two helixes within the DNA, the microorganism is rendered unable to reproduce, i.e. clinically dead. 
     Visual and audible mobiles that connect to cribs also exist. However, they fail to offer any environment cleansing benefits or structure for holding infant care products in a conveniently accessible location. 
     Although various sterilizing products and cognitive development devices are recognized in the prior art, they fail to adequately address or resolve the above noted concerns in a single device for sterilizing the immediate environment while facilitating cognitive growth. The applicant previously obtained U.S. Pat. No. 3,711,021 for a device that suspends from a ceiling and holds hair-grooming articles for use in hair salons, but it fails to address the above noted gap in the prior art. A device that simultaneously and reliably sterilizes an infant&#39;s environment while promoting cognitive development, as contemplated by the instant invention, is simply not known. For instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,592,131; 3,100,842; 4,806,770; 4,877,964; 4,888,487; 5,023,460; 5,126,572 and 5,185,532 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,559 disclose toothbrush and dental instrument sanitizing devices that merely employ ultraviolet radiation as a sanitation agent. Likewise, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,625,119; 5,029,252; 5,160,699; 5,166,528; 5,487,877 and 5,979,472 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,461,568; 6,558,640 and 6,811,748 only describe devices that utilize ultraviolet light as a sterilizing agent. 
     As noted, the aforementioned art fails to disclose a device that automatically or controllably employs and emits ultraviolet light to sterilize/sanitize an infant&#39;s ambient environment while simultaneously providing visual and audible stimulation for the infant and holding infant care products for conveniently accessible. As the background art fails to disclose a device that adequately addresses these multiple requirements in a single device, there is a need for such a device. The instant invention addresses this need by providing such a device, as contemplated by the instant invention disclosed herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Based on the foregoing, it is a primary object of the instant invention to provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like that is mountable or removably moutable to a ceiling or wall. 
     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like that may be electrically connected to a ceiling or wall outlet. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like that has a rechargeable battery or recharges batteries. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like having visible lights and, or patterns using LED&#39;s or other light sources. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like having a microcontroller for energizing and de-energizing the ultraviolet light source. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like that is mountable to a crib, changing table or other infant support device, using a clamp or other device. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like that is portable. 
     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like that utilizes ultraviolet light to facilitate sterilization of items placed in the device and the air in the corresponding room. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like that provides visual, tactile and, or audible stimulation to facilitate cognitive development. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to alternatively provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like that can hold infant care products in a manner that facilitates convenient access thereto. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to alternatively provide a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for infants, toddlers and the like that can warm a baby bottle. 
     In accordance with these and other objects of the present invention, the instant invention provides a cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for providing visual, tactile and, or audible stimulation for facilitating cognitive development in infants and toddlers while selectively releasing ultraviolet light to sterilize the surrounding ambient by breaking down airborne bacteria, unhealthy microorganisms, odors and germs and that includes storage compartments for holding health care products, such as wipes, powder and lotions and power receiving or generating devices. The cognitive stimulating sterilizing device comprises a housing adapted for removable mounting to a ceiling, wall or floor stand or removable connection to cribs, changing tables and similar furniture or a stand-alone system; ultraviolet light (UV) generating device in the housing for sanitizing objects placed in the housing and the ambient; microcontroller in electrical communication with the UV light source for automatically energizing or de-energizing the UV light source according to one or more preset times; compartments for holding selected items and incandescent light bulb for providing ambient light. The cognitive stimulating sterilizing device temporarily energizes the UV light source for a predetermined period of time, such as 3-6 minutes, when the housing is closed to sterilize items therein and releases the sterilizing ultraviolet light when the housing is opened to sanitize the ambient. The instant invention includes a microprocessor or timer that controls when power is removed from the UV light source. In the preferred embodiment, the instant invention also includes a mobile projecting from the housing to provide visual stimulation. The housing may include reflective and, or transparent surfaces for directing, reflecting and, or passing ultraviolet light. The instant invention may include visible lights, which may form patterns, using LED&#39;s or other light sources, preferably controllable by the microcontroller. The instant invention includes a support frame comprising telescopic tubing for adjusting the height of the housing and that is mountable to a crib, changing table or similar furniture by a clamping device. The tubing may include spaced holes that receive a pin for maintaining a selected elevation. 
     The housing is preferably spherical, comprising two hemispheres releasably engageable together. The housing includes and, or supports visual, audible and, or tactile stimulating devices removably attached to the housing for replacement with other stimulating devices to vary the stimulation. The housing preferably includes a rotatable section, such as a selected hemisphere or auxiliary ring, for providing a rotatable mobile that may be driven by a motor. The housing may also support at least one sound-generating device having one or more sound generating options to provide audible stimulation. The housing may also provide light stimulation and, or tactile stimulation with three-dimensional objects, which may also be caused to move or vibrate. The timer may be connected to the motor for automatically and, or adjustably removing and connecting power to the motor for rotating the mobile and varying speed of rotation. 
     In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in extended and retracted positions. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention shown in a partially extended position attached to a changing table and having a retraction unit. 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded view of one embodiment of the instant invention illustrating removable trays and accessories such as bottle warmers. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the lower housing sphere of the instant invention showing the compartments and a bottle in a warmer. 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of the upper housing sphere of the instant invention showing the ultraviolet light source. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the timer of the instant invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the instant invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted to a ceiling and shown in extended and retracted positions. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted to a wall and shown in extended and retracted positions. 
         FIG. 10  is an electrical block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporating microcontroller. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 to 10  depict the preferred embodiment of the instant invention which is generally referenced as an infant cognitive stimulating sterilizing device and, or by numeric character  10 . The instant invention is an improvement over the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,711,021, which is incorporated by reference herein, but does not necessarily share the same reference numerals, and has been adapted for an unrelated use. The instant invention  10  comprises a mobile-like device designed for supporting and providing at least one UV light source that attacks and deteriorates airborne organisms, such as bacteria, molds and viruses, releases an air freshener and provides visual and, or audible stimulation to an infant. Power may be received through an internal cord hard-wired to existing power or external cord  40  that plugs into an AC outlet, both of which run through the support rods  24 ,  16  to drive mechanism  30 . Alternatively, the instant invention  10  may be powered by a DC power source, such as batteries. The drive mechanism  30  preferably includes a microprocessor  60  in electrical communication with the ultraviolet (UV) light source  23  for automatically energizing and de-energizing the UV light source  23  according to preset times through an internal or external timer  32 . The instant invention  10  may comprise a housing  12  having a variety of geometric shapes, such as a sphere, cube, elliptical, animal or plant. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-10 , the cognitive stimulating sterilizing device  10  generally comprises a housing  12  having two halves  12   a ,  12   b  retractably joinable together along a support rod  16  for opening and closing the housing  12 ; retractable housing support rod  16  for supporting and facilitating the opening and closing of the housing  12 ; telescopic mounting rod  24  for supporting and adjusting the height of the housing  12 ; mounting bracket  30  for mounting the device  10  to a ceiling  1  or wall  3  or to a crib, changing table or similar furniture; mobile support rack  21  with hooks  21   a - d  for removably mounting infant related items  3  designed for facilitating visual stimulation in infants, at least one ultraviolet light source  23  for sterilizing items in the housing  12  and the surrounding area; drive system  30  having a microcontroller  60  with an internal or external timer  32  for automatically applying and removing power to and from the UV light source  23  at one or more preset times; at least one incandescent lamp or light bulb  40  for illuminating the interior of the housing  12  and, or surrounding area when the housing is open; and sound producing device  29  for audible stimulation. The instant invention  10  may also comprise visible entertaining color light source or sources  64 , which may provide light patterns, using LED&#39;s or other light sources. The audio device  29  may comprise digital music sources such as an MP3 or I-Pod and USB interfacing. The audio source  29  and entertaining light source(s)  64  are preferably driven by the microcontroller  60 , but may be controlled by a separate controller  62 . The instant invention  10  may be powered by rechargeable batteries and, or batteries that it can recharge and use. The instant invention  10  may be electrically designed to operate with a wall transformer. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-10 , the lower housing half  12   b  comprises a plurality of compartments  18 ,  18   a ,  18   b  for holding items to be stored and sterilized. The shape and number of compartments may vary. The instant invention  10  may include an air freshener  39  that releases a fragrance when the housing  12  is opened. The upper housing half  12   a  supports and stores the UV light source  23 , audio source  29  and light bulb  40  and may also store an air freshener  39 , battery compartment  14  and light reflectors  27 . The device  10  may include a motor  33  in the drive mechanism  30  for rotating the mobile support rack  21 . The housing  12  preferably comprises lightweight molded plastic. 
     The UV source  23  comprises at least one UV light bulb  23 , such as an ultraviolet germicidal 15-watt to 25-watt hot cathode UV lamp, preferably in the shape of a ring. In the preferred embodiment, power is applied to the ultraviolet light (UV) source  23  when the housing  12  is closed wherein the upper and lower halves  12   a ,  12   b  operate as switch or to trigger a switch. The UV light generated by the light source  23  sterilizes items in the housing  12  for a predetermined period of time, such as 2-6 minutes. The timer  32  removes power from the UV light source  23  after the predetermined time period. When the housing  12  is opened, ultraviolet light emanates from the housing  12  to sanitize the surrounding area. The housing  12  may include at least one reflector  27  for directing the UV light. The audio source  29  plays music, stories or other sounds that are comforting, entertaining and, or educational for the infant. The audio source  29  may have it&#39;s own switch and, or may be activated when the housing is opened or closed. The instant invention  10  preferably includes a timer  32  that removes power from the UV light source  23  after a preset time as adjusted by the operator. The timer  32  may be supported in the drive mechanism  30  and, or in electrical communication with the motor  33  that rotates the mobile  21  for removing power from the motor  33 . The timer  32  may be electrically connected to the audio source  29  for removing power from it after a predetermined period of time. A full time cycle could be two minutes to six minutes, or some other selected time. Objects are placed in or near the housing  12  for receiving a direct, concentrated source of sterilizing UV from the UV light source  23 . 
     The cognitive stimulating sterilizing device  10  preferably includes a mobile support rack  21  having hooks  21   a - d  to interchangeably support animated objects adapted for enjoyment by infants. The number of arms and hooks may vary without departing from the scope and spirit of the instant invention. The mobile support rack  21  may be static but preferably rotates. The motor  33  in the drive system  30  rotates the mobile  21 . The instant invention  10  may include a ring  22  rotatably engaged with the upper housing half  12   a  and electrically connected to the drive system  30  for supporting and rotating the mobile support rack  21 , which projects outward therefrom. Alternatively, the mobile support rack  21  may be connected to the upper or lower housing  12   a ,  12   b . The drive system  30  comprises a motor  33  for turning the ring  22 , upper housing  12   a  and, or lower housing  12   b  thereby causing the mobile support rack  21  to rotate. The timer  32  may also be used for removing power from the motor after a predetermined period of time. In an alternative embodiment, the invention  10  may include a control circuit for controlling when power is supplied to the motor and, or ultraviolet light source  23 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5  and  7 - 10 , the upper housing half  12   a  comprises a bowl shape defining an interior volume  13 , at least one compartment  18  and support rod aperture  17 . The upper housing half  12   a  may include compartments  18 ,  18   a ,  18   b  having different shapes and sizes. The upper housing  12   a  supports at least one UV light source  23  and may also support reflectors  27 , audio source  29  and air fresheners  39 . The upper housing  12   a  may also include a battery compartment  14  for DC powered versions. A transparent panel  11  may be defined by or incorporated in the upper housing  12   a  for releasing light from the incandescent lamp  40 . Power may be provided to the lamp  40  when the housing  12  is opened or closed or by way of a separate switch. In another embodiment, the transparent panel  11  may be closed to block the passage of light. The support rod  16  passes through the aperture  17  in the upper housing  12 . The upper housing  12   a  is secured to the support rod  16 . A slip coupling  20  may mechanically connect the ring  22  to the motor for rotating the ring  22  without rotating the housing  12 . Alternatively, the ring  22  may be connected to the upper housing  12   a  and the coupling  20  to the support rod  16  for rotating the entire assembly. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5  and  7 - 10 , the lower housing  12   b  preferably comprises a plurality of compartments  18 ,  18   a  and, or  18   b  defined by partitions  19  within its volume for supporting and holding items that need to be sterilized and accessible, such as powder, lotion and, or other infant hygiene items. The lower housing  12   b  may include a warming device  38 , which may be cylindrical or shaped like the compartment  18 , for warming bottles  2  and, or wipes. The warmer may be built into the compartment  18  and preferably comprises a heater device as is known in the art. The warmer is electrically connected to the source for receiving power and may comprise a separate switch. The instant invention  10  may comprise removable cups  36  adapted for insertion in the compartments. The removable cups  36  comprise a pair of side walls intersecting at right angles and a third shell-shaped side wall extending from the other ends of sidewalls. The sidewalls terminate at their upper edges in an outwardly extending peripheral flange and are suitably sized so that when the cup  36  is placed in the corresponding conforming compartment  18  the bottom surfaces of the flange sits on the compartment rim. A removable cup  36  enables the user to easily remove the cup for placement on a table or other location where needed. 
     The housing halves  12   a ,  12   b  are secured to the support rod  16 . The support rod  16  preferably comprises telescopic tubes that facilitate the opening and closing of the housing  12 . The positioning of the lower housing  12   b  relative to the upper housing  12  is maintained by locking the rod support&#39;s  16  tube in a selected position. The support rod  16  may be locked by a twist lock, tabs, spring-loaded buttons for engaging detents or holes or pins for placement in apertures. Alternatively, the rod support  16  may be extended and retracted by a retraction unit  26 , such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,711,021. In an alternative embodiment, the lower housing half  12   b  may slide up and down the rod  16  and interlock with the upper housing half  12   a  to close the housing  12 . 
     The mounting rod  24  extends from the support rod  16  in a unibody construction or is otherwise mechanically joined to the support rod  16  by the drive system  30  or a known coupling. The mounting rod  24  comprises an adjustable, inverted L-shaped or hook-shaped tube system having a clamp  30  that facilitates attachment to a crib or changing table so the housing attachment end is suspended over the child. The mounting rod  24  comprises an upper mounting rod  24   a  telescopically joined to a lower mounting rod  24   b  for slidably adjusting the height of the housing  12 . The height of the upper mounting rod  24   a  may be maintained by retaining screw system  26 , spring loaded buttons on one rod with detents or apertures on the other rod, or pin  31  for inserting through apertures on the rods  24   a, b  when aligned. The clamp  30  preferably comprises a spring-loaded clamp  30  that grips furniture when released. Power wires  41  are fed through the mounting rod  24  and support rod  16  for supplying power to the motor  33 , timer  32 , UV light source  23  and audible source  29   
     The drive system  30  comprises the control components of the instant invention  10  and is mounted to the support rod  16  and upper mounting rod  24   a . The drive system  30  comprises a motor  33  for rotating the ring  22  and, or support rod  16  and, or timer  32  for removing power from the motor  33 , UV light source  23 , retraction unit  26  and, or audio source  29 . Additional knobs and, or switches may be provided on the drive system  30  for individual control of these components  33 ,  23 ,  26 ,  29 . 
     The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.