Abstract:
An apparatus that simulates the movement an infant might experience while being held on its mother&#39;s chest is provided. The apparatus produces controlled and rhythmic motions similar to the expansion and contraction of an adult&#39;s chest or torso during normal breathing. The apparatus, and methods of operation thereof, provide a soothing, sleep-inducing motion for the infant placed therein. The apparatus may also include structure for causing circulation of air around the apparatus so as to prevent the build-up of carbon dioxide near the infant.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention generally pertains to an infant sleeping apparatus that generates a motion which mimics the breathing patterns of the mother. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes structure for creating an airflow about the apparatus to maintain optimal temperatures and remove carbon dioxide gases to promote a healthy, positive sleeping environment for newborns and infants. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Calming a crying newborn, and particularly so that the child will fall asleep, can be a significant and stressful challenge to the parents of the child. Research has shown that the deprivation of the maternal biological rhythms can be a cause of irregular behavior and sleeping patterns in pre-term infants. Also, the rhythmic stimulation provided in utero has been shown to enhances neurological maturation, which in turn facilitates the development of state behavior organization. A number of devices exist that mimic the sound of a mother&#39;s heartbeat or use rhythmic-type motion to calm a child and induce sleep. However, the rhythmic motion devices generally produce a rocking-type motion that does not very well approximate the natural bodily motions of the mother. 
         [0005]    Respiratory health of the child is also a point of concern for newborns and infants. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a syndrome marked by the sudden, unexpected death of an infant that remains unexplained after a thorough forensic autopsy. According to a study published in October 2007 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, babies who die of SIDS have abnormalities in the brain stem (the medulla oblongata), which helps control functions like breathing, blood pressure and arousal. Sleeping on the back has been recommended as a way of avoiding SIDS. It is theorized that small infants with little or no control of their heads may, while lying face down, inhale their exhaled breath (high in carbon dioxide) or smother themselves on their bedding. Further, additional research suggests that babies with a particular genetic makeup do not react “normally” by moving away from the pooled CO 2 , and thus smother. Yet another theory supporting the recommendation to place babies on their backs to sleep is that babies sleep more soundly when placed on their stomachs and are unable to rouse themselves when they have an incidence of sleep apnea, which is thought to be common in infants. 
         [0006]    In an effort to promote good airflow, many cribs and bassinets are designed with mesh or netting around the sleeping area. However, these measures are not directed toward actively drawing carbon dioxide gas away from the infant while sleeping. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided an apparatus into which an infant may be placed and operable to simulate the respiratory patterns of an adult. The apparatus comprises a bed structure into which the infant may be placed and a base assembly including a mechanism for powered raising and lowering of the bed structure between a first lowered position and a second raised position. The mechanism operates to maintain the bed structure at substantially the same level of inclination during shifting between the first and second positions. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an infant-supporting apparatus comprising a base assembly and a bed unit received on the base assembly and configured to receive an infant therein. The base assembly generally comprises a platform pivotally connected to a stationary support through one or more linkage members, a rotatable cam operably coupled to at least one of the linkage members, and a motor operably coupled with the cam for powered rotation thereof. The motor, cam, and linkage members are operable to effect shifting of the platform between a first lowered position and a second raised position while maintaining the platform at a generally constant incline throughout the shifting thereof. The bed unit is raised and lowered along with the platform during shifting of the platform between the first and second positions. 
         [0009]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of providing therapeutic motion for an infant. The method first comprises the step of placing an infant in an infant-supporting apparatus comprising a mechanism for powered shifting of the apparatus between a first lowered position and a second raised position. Next, the mechanism is activated to cause the apparatus to oscillate between the first lowered position and the second raised position, wherein the time in which the apparatus shifts from the first lowered position to the second raised position is less than the time in which the apparatus shifts from the second raised position back to the first lowered position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an infant sleeping apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an expanded top perspective view of the infant sleeping apparatus; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an expanded bottom perspective view of the infant sleeping apparatus; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a sectioned, perspective view of the infant sleeping apparatus; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the infant sleeping apparatus in its lowest configuration at the beginning of a raising and lowering cycle; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the infant sleeping apparatus in its highest point in the raising and lowering cycle; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the infant sleeping apparatus in an intermediate position subsequent to the highest point and near the lowest point in the raising and lowering cycle; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the infant sleeping apparatus once again in its lowest configuration near the end of the raising and lowering cycle; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is an side elevation view of a the cam assembly of the infant sleeping apparatus containing a specially configured cam and depicting various segments of its rotational travel during a raising and lowering cycle of the apparatus; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 10   a - d  are side elevation views of the cam of  FIG. 9  in various rotational stages and depicting the shifting of the platform caused by rotation of the cam; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a graph illustrating the change in platform elevation during rotation of the cam through one raising and lowering cycle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  depicts an infant sleeping apparatus  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus  10  is configured to receive an infant and provide stable, vertical motion that mimics the rhythmic breathing patterns of a mother who might be holding the child on her chest. By simulating such motion, the apparatus provides the benefit of calming the infant so as to enable the infant to fall asleep. 
         [0022]    Generally, apparatus  10  comprises a base assembly  12  and a bed unit  14 . Bed unit  14  is received on base assembly  12  and configured to receive an infant laid therein. In certain embodiments, bed unit  14  comprises a bassinet  16 , such as those commonly used in hospital maternity wards having a footprint of 26.5″×14″. In additional embodiments, apparatus  10  is capable of accommodating an infant approximately 27″ long and weighing approximately 17 lbs. Bed unit  14  also comprises an optional sleeping pad  18  (see,  FIG. 2 ), especially a hypo-allergenic, water resistant, flame retardant, nonconductive sleeping pad which fits “loosely” in the bassinet for easy removal. Alternatively bed unit  14  may comprise a hospital isolette unit, such as typically used with premature infants requiring intensive care. 
         [0023]    Base assembly  12  generally comprises a lower housing  20  containing a mechanism  21  for effecting controlled raising and lowering of bed unit  14  and an upper portion  22  that is mounted on the lower portion and optionally includes an electrical fan  24  (see,  FIG. 4 ) disposed within duct  26  and described in further detail below. In one particular embodiment according to the present invention, lower housing  20  has dimensions of 24″×12″×3″, and upper portion has dimensions of 29″×16.5″×10″. As best seen in  FIG. 4 , upper portion  22  includes a circumscribing skirt region  28  that extends below the upper most edge  30  of housing  20 . Skirt region  28  shields edge  30  during the raising and lower cycle of bed unit  14  so as to prevent foreign matter from entering housing  20  that could damage mechanism  21  or simply create an unsanitary condition within the housing. 
         [0024]    It is also within the scope of the present invention for upper portion  22  to function as the bed unit, so as to eliminate the necessity for bassinet  16 . For example, upper portion  22  includes a circumscribing raised sidewall portion  32  into which a pad may be placed and the infant laid thereupon. Sidewall portion  32  would operate to keep the infant contained within apparatus  10  during use. However, it is appreciated that the use of a separate bassinet  16  may have certain advantages, particularly in that bassinet  16  may be detached for easier cleaning and can be moved from a cart or other carrier device to apparatus  10  and back. 
         [0025]    As noted above, upper portion optionally includes air-handling structure comprising fan  24  located within duct  26  operable to circulate air around apparatus  10 . The build up of carbon dioxide levels near a sleeping infant has been identified as a possible factor of SIDS. The air handling structure is directed toward preventing carbon dioxide from accumulating around apparatus  10  so as to alleviate this concern. Fan  24  operates to pull air from the top side of upper portion  22  through at least one vent  34 , and preferably two vents (one on each side), disposed in sidewall portion  32  near the end where the infant&#39;s head would normally be placed. The air travels into duct  26 , through fan  24 , and is discharged through an outlet  36  located in or near skirt region  28 . It is within the scope of the present invention to employ other means of air movement, including a passive air flow system based on the inherent movement of the platforms, a linear actuator, pneumatic cylinder, pneumatic bellows or an air bladder that would imitate the natural sounds and feelings of the human lung. 
         [0026]    Mechanism  21  generally comprises a movable platform  38  coupled with a stationary support  40  via a plurality of linkage members  42   a - d . Each linkage member  42  is pivotally connected to both platform  38  and support  40  at joints  44   a - d ,  46   a - d , respectively. Linkage members  42   c  and  42   d  are operably coupled with a cam assembly  48  comprising cams  50 ,  52  mounted on an axle  54 . Also mounted on axle  54  is a drive wheel  56  that is coupled to an electric motor  58  via drive belt  60 . Upon actuation of motor  58 , belt  60  turns drive wheel  56  which in turn rotates axle  54  and cams  50 ,  52 . Motor  58  also provides some light background noise which can be soothing to the infant. 
         [0027]    Linkage members  42   c  and  42   d  are provided with cam follower bearings  62  disposed within a cam groove  64 . Groove  64  is defined by a raised outer cam sidewall  66  and a raised inner hub  68 . As cams  50 ,  52  are rotated, followers  62  slide or roll in groove  64 , the vertical movement of followers  62  being restricted by sidewall  66  and hub  68 . As can be seen in the Figures, cams  50 ,  52  are specially configured so that as followers  62  travel within groove  64 , linkage members  42   c  and  42   d  are shifted upward and downward thereby causing platform  38  to raise and lower with respect to stationary support  40 . The motion caused by rotation of cams  50 ,  52  is described in further detail below. 
         [0028]    An optional spring  70  may be used to reduce stress upon motor  58  during the raising and lowering of platform  38 . Spring  70 , as shown, is a coil spring that when installed within apparatus  10  is under compression. The ends of spring  70  are coiled about post  72  attached to platform  38  and post  74  attached to support  40 . As platform  38  is raised, spring  70  assists in forcing platform  38  and support  40  apart. When platform  38  is being lowered, spring  70  cushions platform  38  thereby helping to avoid jarring shifting thereof. As illustrated, linkage members  42   a  and  42   b  are not operably coupled with the cam assembly. Instead, linkage members  42   a  and  42   b  merely follow along with the shifting of platform  38  as a result of the movement of linkage members  42   c  and  42   d  that is induced by rotation of cams  50 ,  52 . Pivot joints  44   a, b  and  46   a, b  may be provided with detents to prevent pivoting of linkage members  42   a  and  42   b  beyond predetermined limits. 
         [0029]    Switches  76 ,  78  located in housing  20  control the operation of motor  58  and fan  24 , respectively. As shown, the switches are toggle on/off switches; however, dial or multiple setting switches could be employed if finer control over motor speed or fan speed was desired. Switch  76  also allows for the operator to selectively turn off motor  58  so as to wean the infant off of the motion of apparatus  10  while still permitting fan  24  to operate. 
         [0030]    It is understood that mechanism  21  shown in the Figures and described above is exemplary and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention. Other means for effecting raising and lowering of the apparatus may be used such as an expandable air bladder, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, so long as the mechanism employed is operable to achieve motion similar to the breathing patterns of an adult. 
         [0031]    Apparatus  10  may be configured to run off of DC battery power or 110 volt AC power. In certain embodiments, it may desirable to employ battery power in that the apparatus  10  becomes entirely self-contained, is easily portable, and risk of electrical shock to the infant is substantially reduced if not entirely eliminated. In these embodiments, as can be seen in  FIG. 3 , housing  20  is also provided with a battery compartment  80  and cover  82 . In alternate embodiments, apparatus  10  may be provided with a standard electrical plug (and associated circuitry) in addition to battery compartment  80  so that the user may be able to choose to operate apparatus  10  off of either battery or AC power. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 5-8  depict apparatus  10  in various stages throughout the raising and lowering cycle of platform  38  and base upper portion  22 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the beginning of a raising and lowering cycle in which platform  38  is in its lowest position relative to stationary support  40 . Note, cam hub  68  is not a concentric circle, but oblong and “egg-shaped” with axle  54  being skewed toward the end of hub  68  having the smallest radius of curvature. Note the position of the bassinet upper margin  84   a  and  84   b , shown in phantom. Margin  84   b  represents the height of the bassinet upper margin upon shifting to the highest point of the raising and lowering cycle as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , cam  50  has been rotated counterclockwise so that follower  62  is at its farthest point from axle  54 , i.e., the linear distance between follower  62  and axle  54  is at its maximum point. Thus, follower  62  and linkage members  42   a - d  have been pivoted upward thereby raising platform  38  and base upper portion  22 . Bassinet upper margin  84   b  is shown at its highest elevation during the raising and lowering cycle. Margin  84   c , shown in phantom, represents the configuration in the raising and lowering cycle depicted in  FIG. 7 , one in which the bassinet upper margin is approaching the lowest point. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  depicts cam  50  approaching the lowest position in the raising and lowering cycle, as indicated by margin  84   c  and margin  84   d , shown in phantom. Cam  50  has been rotated counterclockwise so that follower  62  is approaching its closest point to axle  54 . The shape of cam hub  64  is such that from this point forward the radial distance between axle  54  and follower  62  will only slightly change as cam  50  continues to rotate, thus explaining why the bassinet upper margin shifts very little between that shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , margin  84   d  has returned to substantially its lowest elevation in the raising and lowering cycle. Margin  84   d  is essentially at the same height as margin  84   a  shown in  FIG. 5 ; however, it is plainly visible that cam  50  has yet to complete a full revolution. As cam  50  continues its counterclockwise rotation back to the start of the raising and lowering cycle of  FIG. 5 , the bassinet upper margin remains essentially fixed in position. This very slight change produces a “pause” effect simulating the natural pause between breaths in an adult&#39;s respiratory cycle. 
         [0035]      FIG. 9  illustrates the approximate position on cam  50  for each of the configurations shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . In  FIG. 9  cam  50  is shown in the same position as in  FIG. 5 , depicting the beginning of a raising and lowering cycle. In order to reach the configuration shown in  FIG. 6 , cam  50  must rotate counterclockwise through approximately 109 degrees. This rotational segment is identified as part “A” of the raising and lowering cycle. Next, the cam rotates counterclockwise through approximately another 114 degrees to reach the configuration shown in  FIG. 7 . This rotational segment is identified as part “B” of the raising and lowering cycle. Following part B, the rate of change in the elevation of platform  38 , and consequently the upper margin of the bassinet, slows considerably. Cam  50  continues to rotate counterclockwise through approximately another 95 degrees to reach the configuration shown in  FIG. 8 . This rotational segment is identified as part “C” of the raising and lowering cycle. The elevation of platform  38  remains essentially constant over approximately the next 42 degrees of rotation, identified as part “D” of the raising and lowering cycle, until cam  50  arrives back at its starting position. 
         [0036]      FIG. 9  also contains a series of smaller arrows  86  that depict the travel of platform edge  88  during the various parts of the raising and lowering cycle. As can be seen, this travel is primarily vertical, but also contains a slightly horizontal component as well. This path of travel of platform  38  is illustrated in terms of absolute distances in  FIGS. 10   a - d . Note that these measurements are merely illustrative and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention. 
         [0037]      FIG. 10   a  shows cam  50  in the same configuration as in  FIG. 5 , at the beginning of the raising and lowering cycle. As can be seen, the distance between an axis  90  through axle  54  and perpendicular to platform  38  is 0.83 inches from edge  88 . Also, an axis  92  through axle  54  and parallel to platform  38  is 1.89 inches from the top margin of edge  88 .  FIG. 10   b  shows cam  50  in the same configuration as in  FIG. 6 . Note, though that the distance between axis  90  and edge  88  has increased to 1.07 inches indicating roughly one-quarter inch of horizontal shifting. While at the same time, platform  38  has been elevated by just over one-half inch.  FIG. 10   c  shows cam  50  in the same configuration as in  FIG. 7 . Note that the distance between axis  90  and edge  88  is nearly back to the original mark, while the elevation of platform  38  is still elevated nearly a tenth of an inch from its original position.  FIG. 10   d  shows cam  50  in the same configuration as in  FIG. 8 . Note that the distance between axis  90  and edge  88  is substantially the same as in  FIG. 10   a , as is the elevation of platform  38 . Therefore, it can be appreciated that during shifting from the cam position of  FIG. 10   d  back to the starting point of  FIG. 10   a , the position of platform  38  remains essentially fixed. 
         [0038]      FIG. 11  graphically illustrates the change in elevation of platform  38  as cam  50  rotates through a full revolution. Note,  FIG. 11  contains reference lines identifying parts A-D of the raising and lowering cycle. It is clearly visible that the time for platform  38  to shift from its lowest configuration to its highest configuration (here equivalent to degree of rotation as cam  50  is powered by a constant speed motor) is much less than the time for the cam to shift from its highest configuration back to its lowest configuration. Thus, the motion profile of the apparatus follows the breathing patterns of an adult with the “exhale” motion typically taking longer to occur than the “inhale” motion and a slight, but noticeable, pause between cycles to simulate the pause after exhalation and before inhalation of breath. In certain embodiments, the change in platform elevation during a raising and lowering cycle is between about 0.5 to about 1.0 inch, or between about 0.55 to about 0.8 inch, or about 0.625 inch. In certain embodiments, apparatus  10  operates to achieve between 6 to 18 raising and lowering cycles per minute, or between 12 to 14 cycles per minute, thereby simulating the average respiratory patterns of an adult at rest. 
         [0039]    Apparatus  10  also delivers consistent motion from cycle to cycle. Unlike mechanisms that are entirely spring operated, the amplitude of the raising and lowering motion does not appreciably change during the course of several raising and lowering cycles. The amplitude and/or period of motion with a spring-operated device would diminish over time until the device stopped. The present invention makes it possible to simulate a regular respiratory rhythm for extended periods of time. 
         [0040]    As shown in the drawings, platform  38  is slightly inclined. In certain embodiments, this incline may be between about 0 to about 15 degrees from horizontal. In alternate embodiments according to the present invention, however, platform  38  or recessed surface  23  of upper portion  22  can be configured with structure permitting the user to adjust the degree of incline as desired from between zero degrees to about 15 degrees. The incline feature assists in preventing infant regurgitation and asphyxiation, reducing negative health effects as a result of the infant&#39;s weight, preventing plagiocephaly (flattening of the infant&#39;s head), assisting with breathing difficulties due to congestion, and improving fluid and mucus drainage. As illustrated in the drawings, platform  38  maintains a generally constant incline throughout the raising and lowering cycle. However, it is within the scope of the present invention for the platform to pivot about a fixed point as it rises and descends.