Sensory stimulation device for child

Abstract

The sensory stimulation device for a child is a crib-mounted system that provides aural, visual and olfactory stimulation for a child. The system includes a housing, which is adapted for mounting within the crib. A front wall of the housing has a screen mounted thereto, with the screen displaying a user-selectable image. The system further includes a microphone and at least one speaker in communication with a recording medium, allowing the user to selectively record and play back audio for the child. Further, the housing includes a scent chamber for receiving a scent producing material. The scent producing material generates scented air, which is pumped, under user control, through a port formed through the housing for delivery to the child. The system may further include a telephone interface, allowing for remote actuation and programming of the system.

1 . A sensory stimulation device for a child, comprising:
 a housing having a front wall and a rear wall, the front wall having an opening and a scent port formed therethrough;   a screen mounted to the housing and positioned within the opening formed through the front wall, the screen displaying a user-selectable image;   means for releasably securing the housing to a crib;   at least one microphone disposed in the housing;   a recording medium for storing user-selectable audio data, the recording medium being in electrical communication with the at least one microphone;   at least one speaker electrically connected with the recording medium for generating audio signals dependent upon the user-selectable audio data;   a scent chamber formed within the housing;   a scent producing material disposed within the scent chamber for producing scented air;   means for delivering the scented air to the child through the scent port;   means for delivering user-selective control signals to the means for delivering the scented air and to the recording medium; and   a user interface in electrical communication with the means for delivering user-selective control signals, the user interface allowing the user to actuate and program the means for delivering user-selected control signals.   
   
   
       2 . The sensory stimulation device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said user interface comprises a telephone interface adapted for connection to a telephone line, allowing the user to remotely actuate and program said means for delivering user-selected control signals. 
   
   
       3 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said screen has an upper end pivotally attached to said housing. 
   
   
       4 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a light source for selectively illuminating said screen, the light source being electrically connected to said means for delivering user-selected control signals. 
   
   
       5 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said means for releasably securing the housing to the crib comprises a substantially L-shaped support member mounted to an upper portion of the rear wall of said housing, the L-shaped support member being adapted for releasable reception of a horizontal rail of the crib. 
   
   
       6 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in- claim 5 , wherein said means for releasably securing the housing to the crib further comprises:
 a bolt mounted to a central portion of the rear wall of the housing and projecting rearwardly therefrom, the bolt being adapted for insertion between a pair of adjacent vertical rails of the crib; and   a nut for releasably securing the bolt to the crib.   
   
   
       7 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said means for delivering the scented air to the child through the scent port comprises a diaphragm slidably mounted within said scent chamber, the diaphragm being selectively driven to force the scented air through the scent port. 
   
   
       8 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising at least one rail mounted to an upper wall of said scent chamber, the diaphragm having an upper end slidably mounted to the at least one rail. 
   
   
       9 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a magnet mounted to the upper end of the diaphragm; and   an oscillating electromagnet mounted within said housing above the upper wall of said scent chamber for driving the diaphragm along an oscillating path, the oscillating electromagnet being in communication with said means for delivering user-selective control signals.   
   
   
       10 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said recording medium is further adapted for storing user-selectable video data, said screen being a display adapted for displaying the user-selectable video data. 
   
   
       11 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a transparent window mounted in said housing, the window covering the opening formed through the front wall thereof. 
   
   
       12 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a programmable timer in communication with said user interface. 
   
   
       13 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said user interface comprises at least one user-actuatable button mounted to the front wall of said housing. 
   
   
       14 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a battery chamber formed within said housing; and   at least one battery received within the battery chamber for providing electrical power to the sensory stimulation device.   
   
   
       15 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said user interface comprises a telephone interface adapted for connection to a telephone line, allowing the user to remotely actuate and program said means for delivering user-selected control signals, said housing having a telephone chamber formed therein, the telephone interface being received within the telephone chamber. 
   
   
       16 . The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the telephone interface comprises a cellular telephone.