US20180056202A1

US20180056202A1 - Baby/Infant/Child Strengthening and Recreational Device

Info

Publication number: US20180056202A1
Application number: US15/658,391
Authority: US
Inventors: Erin Elizabeth Michael; Christopher Ashley Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-08-23
Filing date: 2017-07-24
Publication date: 2018-03-01

Abstract

A device with three flat mirrored panels connected by two-way hinges with a contrasting color pattern located on each panel and the ability to customize lightening and music elements, provides an adult the ability to individualize sensory stimulation and use multiple positioning options of the device during tummy time with a child in order to promote the child's gross motor development.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I submitted a provisional application for my current invention on Aug. 23, 2016 to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. My invention's provisional application No. 62/378,424.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

After receiving confirmation of my provisional application submission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 23, 2016, I started to disclose my invention via email correspondence on Jan. 17, 2017 to potential companies interested in learning more about my invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention for the present application relates to a device that serves a dual purpose as a strengthening device as well as a recreational device for a baby. The device has three flat panels connected by two way-hinges. The front face of each panel has a flat mirror surface, lights and a contrasting color pattern design. A music player is located inside the center panel. The device has the ability to stand by itself and offers the user a variety of positioning options when placed in a vertical position with a semi-circular shape on a firm surface. Affixation devices are located on the backside of each panel in order to attach the device to a support structure as desired.
Tummy time” (also known as prone or stomach lying) is considered a body position as well as a play activity babies must demonstrate in order to develop fundamental and age appropriate gross motor skills. Tummy time requires babies to work neck, back and arm muscles against gravity in order to raise and maintain their head off the ground during play. It is a play position that, initially, is not tolerable for babies as their neck, back and arm muscles aren't strong yet; therefore, tummy time ends up being a difficult play position for babies to master. A baby will typically tolerate either brief periods of time or no time at all on their stomach due to the level of difficulty of sustaining their head position off the ground while attempting to control their upper body position at the same time. However, the working of these muscle groups against gravity supports the infant's overall development of strength and coordination, which in turn promotes gaining developmentally appropriate movement and play skills, and is, therefore, critical to a child's overall development. Improved tolerance for tummy time can only be achieved by continually placing a child in the prone position and increasing the time the child stays in this position. The terms baby, infant or child herein have been used interchangeably and the use of the invention is not restricted to the age of the baby, infant or child.
The “Back to Sleep” campaign in 1994 and the “Safe to Sleep” campaign in 2012, by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommended that all babies be put to sleep on their backs (rather than their stomach) to help reduce the incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Since the initiation of these campaigns, it has become even more important that babies work on spending increased amounts of time on their stomach during their waking hours. Spending time in the prone position during playtime helps a child improve their overall strength, endurance, and coordination and develop age-appropriate developmental motor skills.
In the past, mirrors have been used for engaging a baby while in the prone position. Children enjoy looking at themselves in a mirror; they find this novel activity stimulating and entertaining. The use of a mirror during tummy time is a great way to engage the child in—and distract a child from—the hard work they are performing while on their stomach. However, current baby toy products, e.g. single panel mirror toys, are limited in their ability to support the desired outcome of sustained tummy time.
Current single panel mirror toys (e.g. tummy time mirrors) as known include design flaws which undermine the ability to meet the needs of a baby during tummy time and therefore promote longer periods of tummy time with a baby. The known mirrors lack the ability to provide the child with:
1. Easy viewing of themselves:

- a. Current tummy time mirrors fail to provide a large enough mirror surface for the child to easily see themselves. Current product mirror sizes are small, ranging from a 3×3-inch to an 8×10-inch single panel. Further, these mirrors have large frames which take up significant product surface area, leaving less mirror surface available for a child to see their reflection. Given young babies have an immature visual system at birth, the smaller size mirrors make it difficult for a baby to locate their reflection and therefore engage with and be entertained by current tummy time mirrors.
- b. The positional design of current tummy time mirrors also interferes with the baby's ability to see themselves. Current products are either angled backwards at approximately a 30-45 degree angle or stand at an elevated vertical position off the ground making it exceptionally difficult for a baby with little-to-no head control to see themselves. Under these conditions, babies fail to receive the immediate positive feedback (e.g. of seeing their reflection), which is necessary to reinforce sustained tummy time.

2. Continual stimulation, uninterrupted views of themselves:

- a. Current tummy time mirrors use a single panel mirror. This design only promotes engagement of the child who is already physically able to lift his or her head in an upward forward motion off the ground and high enough off the ground to compensate for being able to look over the thick mirror frame and backward slant or elevated position of the mirror. The baby who is unable to position his or her head in this manner sees no reflection in the mirror and has no incentive to interact with the mirror or persist with tummy time.

3. Supportive stimuli that can be individualized to each child's need:

- a. Most of the tummy time mirrors incorporate a mirror as a feature of the overall, more complex product design. One existing tummy time mirror design has a single panel mirror with a music player; another single panel mirror design, incorporates a music player and lights. These designs incorporate continuous, simultaneous stimuli (i.e. music, lights) with no ability to turn one stimulus off separate from the other, a condition which may serve to overstimulate, rather than engage, a baby. Some children respond better to only a music-mirror combination. Others may enjoy only a light-mirror combination. Still other children may respond better to a mirror-only feature. The inability of current tummy time mirrors to individualize the stimuli features to a child's preferences does not support helping a child play longer on their stomach during tummy time.

4. Opportunities to engage in dynamic motor skills:

- a. Current tummy time mirrors incorporate a single panel mirror which is effective for only promoting a single head position. The known designs only promote static positioning of the child (e.g. holding their head up in a midline position) and requires the child to work only on holding their head only in a single position (head held forward) unless an adult is actively repositioning the single panel mirror during play as the baby turns his or her head to the left or right side (instead of keeping their head in midline) so that the location of the single panel mirror matches the eye gaze of the child. The inability of a child to see their reflection independent of adult assistance after they have changed their head position from the midline position (e.g. the child has turned their head to the right, but the single mirror panel is still located in the midline position), reduced the child's ability to be engage with and be motivated by external stimuli (e.g. their reflection in the mirror) as their head positions changes in order to help sustain playing on their stomach longer.

5. A versatile tool to support specific gross motor needs:

- a. Current tummy time mirrors pose a challenge for children with motor difficulties (e.g. developmentally delays or muscular disorders, such as torticollis) given the decreased physical strength and body (e.g. head, trunk) control that is associated with such conditions.
- b. Torticollis (“twisted neck”), a term used by physicians and motor therapists (e.g. physical therapist, occupational therapist) to describe abnormal neck posture, is characterized by persistent rotation of the head to one side and lateral flexion on the opposite side. Torticollis can be congenital (occurring during or shortly after birth) or acquired (caused by environment/experience). Eighty differential diagnoses have been identified which may cause a torticollis posture. The incidence of torticollis has increased dramatically, however, since the AAP's Back to Sleep campaign was initiated in 1992; the incidence of torticollis has increased from 1 in 300 children to 1 in 60. Research also suggests that 57% of twins present with torticollis. Engagement in current tummy time mirror products are a real challenge for a child with developmental delays or muscular disorders given the typical physical impairments associated with such conditions (e.g. decreased muscle strength, decreased balance control).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A baby strengthening and recreational device should include, not only a larger mirror surface on a single panel, but provide multiple large mirrored surfaces with the ability to stand in a semi-circular arrangement to allow for consistent child engagement during tummy time. Given this unique design, as the child's head position changes (that is, from whatever position their head is held or tuned), the child can continually view their reflection from any orientation of their head on or off the ground. Research suggests that babies innately enjoy looking at the human face, especially other baby faces; therefore, having the opportunity to see their own reflection from any head direction during tummy time is highly motivating and therefore can help facilitate keeping a child on their stomach longer. The device should also include a protective cover for each panel to prevent the mirror surface from being scratched when not in use (e.g. when being stored or transported).
A baby strengthening and recreational device should also incorporate improved positioning of all of the mirror surfaces which allow the child to see themselves readily and easily. The mirror surfaces ought to be positioned low to the ground, in a vertical position and with minimal framing to allow the child to easily view themselves from any position (that is, from whatever position their head is held or turned on or off the ground).
A baby strengthening and recreational device should provide multiple mirrored panels in a semi-circular shape. This unique design ensures that the child will have the opportunity to see themselves regardless of their head position (e.g. forward, turned left, turned right, with while on or off the ground). This design offers a large mirror surface for panoramic viewing, ensuring uninterrupted viewing by the baby which, in turn, supports continued motivation to participate in tummy time. This design also eliminates the need for the adult to continually move the mirror in response to the baby's changing head position during tummy time in order for the mirror's location to match the baby's eye gaze. The design also enables the device to stand by itself; therefore, not requiring an adult to hold the device in place in order to engage the child during tummy time. Finally, the design offers varied set up configurations of the three-mirrored panels during use in order to meet the unique needs of each child.
A baby strengthening and recreational device should also provide the ability to customize light and music stimuli. Research suggests music taps into a baby's strong preference for sounds and lights help capture and keep a baby's attention. These two stimuli can engage a baby during play, distract the baby from the difficult task of doing tummy time and therefore help promote increased duration of time on their stomach. Providing versatility, the option of being able to turn the lights feature on/off separate from turning the music feature on/off, as needed, is crucial to meeting the individual needs of each child in order to facilitate improved tummy time. Also, given the recommended use of multiple mirrored panels in the device, lights located on each panel ought to be activated independently of each other as well. This feature will allow the use of specific lights to promote head movement in the direction of the illuminated or activated lights.
A baby strengthening and recreational device should also provide a contrasting color pattern to be incorporated into the design of the device. Since an infant's visual system is not fully developed at birth, research suggests that presenting contrasting color patterns to a baby helps their eyes learn to focus on a target, which aids in the development of their head control. Since contrasting color patterns stimulate a baby's interest visually, it is another motivating stimulus that can engage a baby during tummy time.
A baby strengthening and recreational device should finally provide an affixation mechanism on the backside of each panel to enable the device to attach to a support structure (e.g. baby play gyms, baby activity gyms or baby play systems, each of which have support bars) when an adult cannot be right next to their child during tummy time. This feature enables the device to be safely secured to a stable structure to ensure the device maintains its vertical position on the ground when a child is engaged with the device and an adult is not close to their child to monitor their physical skills during tummy time (e.g. to supervise if the child reaches for the device with their hand or rolls toward the device). Affixation devices provide the user with an additional positioning option (e.g. use the device free-standing or attached to a support structure).
Children gain appropriate developmental motor skills when they are engaged in static, as well as, dynamic play. Unique to this device, it provides multiple mirrored panels in a semi-circular arrangement encourages a child to not only move their head in the up-and-down forward head lifting motion, but also, in the left and right head turning motions (dynamic movement) and to learn how to weight shift to the left and right sides of their upper body (dynamic movement) in order to support the development of head movement and control. The development of dynamic head strength and control is critical to a child's development of more advanced motor skills.
A baby strengthening and recreational device comprising: 1) three-panels of mirrors, 2) an ability to position the panels in a vertical position in a semi-circular shape on the ground 3) utilizing two-way hinges that connect the panels and offers various set up configurations during use 4) an ability to attach the device to a support structure, 5) provides a protective cover for each mirrored panel, 6) has a small size frame around each mirror surface with a contrasting color pattern design on each frame and 7) has optional light and music features that can be customized in order to offer the versatility necessary to engage typically developing children and children with special needs during tummy time.
For example, a child who has left-side torticollis prefers to look to the right; it is very difficult for them to look forward and to the left. Therefore, these children find it difficult to hold their head in those directions (e.g. looking forward and to the left) during play. This single-side preference (e.g. looking to the right), if not addressed, can lead to delays in other areas of the child's development. A baby strengthening and recreational device would promote engagement and perseverance in achieving the more difficult head orientations and would, in turn, support acquisition of new gross motor skills. The baby strengthening and recreational device's two-way hinges, three-panel design, allows for varied set-up, depending on the child's needs. In the case of a child with left torticollis, the left and center mirrored panels of the tri-fold design may be positioned in front of the child—with the right side panel swung backward out of view—to reduce child head orientation in the preferred direction, (e.g. head turning) and, thus, promotes attainment of full range of motion for head positioning (e.g. in the midline position and left head turning as well). The adult may also find using the customized light and music features useful in promoting this child's attention and head orientation to be directed to the center and to the weaker side (left side).
Tummy time is vital to a baby's growth and development; current research suggests that a lack of tummy time may underlie increased incidence of developmental delays. A well-designed baby strengthening and recreational device incorporating a plurality of mirrored panels arranged in an easily accessible viewing position with the ability to individualize supportive stimuli (e.g. mirror location, light and music features) promotes a baby's tolerance for, and sustained engagement in tummy time, which in turn, promotes a child's motor development. Further object, features, advantages, and properties of the device according to the present application will become apparent from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present description, the teachings of the present application will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one alternative embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a back view of one alternative embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 shows a top or aerial view of one alternative embodiment of the invention in an open use position with all three panels being utilized,

FIG. 4 shows a top or aerial view of one alternative embodiment of the invention in an open use position without the left panel being utilized,

FIG. 5 shows a top or aerial view of one alternative embodiment of the invention in an open use position without the right panel being utilized,

FIG. 6 shows a top or aerial view of one alternative embodiment of the invention in a closed non-use position,

FIG. 7 shows a top or aerial view of one alternative embodiment of the invention with the protective cover engaged to the front side of an individual panel, and

FIG. 8 shows an isometric side view of one alternative embodiment of the invention with the protective cover engaged to the front side of an individual panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, the invention according to the teachings for this application in the form of a baby strengthening and recreational device will be described by the embodiments.
A first embodiment of the device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a front view of the device 100. The device 100 may comprise an arrangement of three individual flat panels 101 creating a semi-circular shape when positioned vertically on the ground. Each panel 101 may have a flat mirror surface 102 on the front side of each panel 101. This arrangement creates a panoramic view of image reflection available to the child when the child is placed in front of the device 100 while on their stomach.
In the present embodiment, the device 100 may be formed of lightweight molded plastic material that creates a flat panel 101. The front side of the flat panel 101 may have a low-profile frame design. Each flat panel 101 may have a flat mirror surface 102 incorporated into the structure of the front side of the flat panel 101. The edges of the mirror surface 102 may be surrounded by a frame on the front side of the flat panel 101. The mirror surface 102 may be made out of a high quality reflective mirror material that is non-breakable and/or shatter resistant. A contrasting color pattern design may be located on the frame on the front side of the panel 101. In alternative embodiments, the contrasting color pattern design may be located on any part of the flat panel 101 (e.g. backside, top, bottom, and/or sides).
In the present embodiment, each flat panel 101 may have an approximate dimension of 8.50″ in height, 10.50″ in width, and 1.25″ in thickness. In alternative embodiments, the overall measurements of each flat panel 101 may be increased or decreased in size. Within each flat panel 101 may be a mirror surface 102. The size of the mirror surface 102 may be approximately 7.00″ in height and 9.00″ in width. In alternative embodiments, the overall measurements of the mirror surface 102 may be increased or decreased in size.
In the present embodiment, the device 100 may incorporate a two-way hinge mechanism 103, which may be located between the first and second panels 101, and the second and third panels 101. The two-way hinge mechanism 103 enables the device 100 to stand by itself by positioning the device 100 in a vertical position with a semi-circular shape on a firm surface. The two-way hinge mechanism 103 also allows for a variety of set up configurations during use; the two-way hinge mechanism 103 permits a user to fold outwardly the left and right panels 101 in order to meet a child's individual needs. Finally, the two-way hinge mechanism 103 enables the device 100 to fold for easy storage. The two-way hinges 103 may be made out of synthetic material with elastic properties. In alternative embodiments, plastic, metal, and/or bungee material may be used in the hinge mechanism 103.
In the present embodiment, the lights 104 may be located behind each mirror surface 102 with the lights 104 projecting through the mirror surface 102. The lights 104 may be positioned around the inside periphery of each mirror surface 102. In alternative embodiments, the lights 104 may be located: about any desired portion of each mirror surface 102; on the front or inside of each mirror surface 102; between the edge of the mirror surface 102 and the panel 101; about any desired portion of a panel 101; on the front, inside or behind each panel 101. The lights 104 on each mirror surface 102 may operate independently of each other. In alternative embodiments, the lights 104 may operative together as a unit. The lights 104 on each mirror surface 102 may have their own on/off light switch 105. In alternative embodiments, a single light switch 105 may operate the lights 104 on all three mirror surfaces 102. The light switch 105 may be located on the front side of each mirror surface 102. In alternative embodiments, the light switch 105 may be located on the front side, backside, side, top or bottom of a panel 101. The light switch 105 may be a single on/off switch. In alternative embodiments, a dual on/off switch may be used for the light switch 105. When the lights 104 are turned on, they may remain on in constant illumination. In alternative embodiments, the lights 104 may project a specific lighting pattern (e.g. flashing, sequential flashing) when turned on around an individual single mirror surface 102 or the lights 104 may sequentially illuminate between the mirror surfaces 102 to encourage motion of an baby's head in a desired direction by following the illuminated lights 104. The lights 104 may utilize LED lighting. In alternative embodiments, the lights 104 may use fluorescent, incandescent, and/or solar lighting.
The device 100 also has a music player which may be positioned inside the center panel 101. In alternative embodiments, the music player may be located: in front or behind the center panel 101; inside, in front or behind the left and/or right panels 101; or each panel 101 may have a music player. The music player may be comprised of technology necessary to support playing pre-recorded music. In alternative embodiments, the music player may also use pre-recorded sounds and/or voices. The music player may operate independently of the lights 104 on each mirror surface 102. In alternative embodiments, the music player and lights 104 may operate simultaneously. The music switch 106 may be located on the top of the center panel 101. In alternative embodiments, the music switch 106 may be located on the front side, backside, bottom or side or of the center panel 101 and/or on the front side, backside, top, bottom or side of the left and/or right panels 101. The music switch 106 may be a dual on/off switch. In alternative embodiments, a single switch may be used for the music switch 106. In alternative embodiments, a motion sensor may be utilized on the device 100, which would activate the light switches 105 and/or music switch 106 when a child moves their head (e.g. picks their head off the ground, turns their head).
An alternative embodiment of the device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2, showing a back view of the device 100. The device 100 according to the present embodiment in FIG. 2 is identical to the device 100 according to the first embodiment in FIG. 1. The flat panel 101 according to the present embodiment in FIG. 2 is identical to the flat panel 101 according to the first embodiment in FIG. 1. The backside of each panel 101 may have vertical and horizontal slot openings 107 designed to work in conjunction with an affixation device 108. This design enables each panel 101 to be attached to a support structure, which can include current baby “play gyms, activity gyms and play systems”. Each panel 101 may have the ability to attach to a support structure through affixation devices 108 which may be removable Velcro straps. The affixation device 108 may go through the slot openings 107; this creates a “loop” of the affixation device on the backside of the panel 101 in order to secure the panel 101 a support structure. In alternative embodiments, the design of the slot openings 107 may change to another configuration to enable the device 100 to attach to a support structure, the location of the slot openings 107 may change to be located on the front, top, bottom, or side of a panel 101, the number of slot openings 107 on each panel 101 may increase or decrease, the material used to create the removable affixation device 108 may be synthetic material, buckles, snaps, buttons, zipper, bungee material, elastic material, plastic material, snaps and/or rivets, no slot openings 107 may be utilized, and no affixation devices 108 may be utilized.
In the present embodiment, a music player may be located inside the center panel 101 with a speaker 109 located on the backside of the center panel 101. In alternative embodiments, the speaker 109 may be located: on the front side, top and/or side of the center panel 101; on the front side, top, side and/or backside of the left and/or right panels 101. The music switch 106 according to the present embodiment in FIG. 2 is identical to the music switch 106 according to the first embodiment in FIG. 1. The hinge mechanism 103 according to the present embodiment in FIG. 2 is identical to the hinge mechanism 103 according to the first embodiment in FIG. 1.
The two-way hinge mechanism 103 enables the device 100 to have varied set up configurations during use as illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The device 100 according to the present embodiments in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is identical to the device 100 according to the embodiments in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 above. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, shows a top or aerial view of the device 100 with the three panels 101 in an open use position, and a hinge mechanism 103 on each side of the center panel 101 for attachment to the left and right panels 101. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 shows a top or aerial view the device 100 with the three panels 101 in an open use position where the hinge mechanism 103 between the center panel 101 and the left panel 101 has been utilized to rotate the left panel 101 outwardly away from the center panel 101 to discourage observation of the left mirror surface 102 and to encourage the use and observation of the center mirror surface 102 and the right mirror surface 102. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 shows a top or aerial view of the device 100 with the three panels 101 in an open use position, where the hinge mechanism 103 between the center panel 101 and the right panel 101 has been utilized to rotate the right panel 101 outwardly away from the center panel 101 to discourage observation of the right mirror surface 102 and to encourage the use and observation of the center mirror surface 102 and the left mirror surface 102.
The two-way hinge mechanism 103 also enables the device 100 to be folded for easy storage as illustrated in FIG. 6. The device 100 according to the present embodiments in FIG. 6 is identical to the device 100 according to the embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2 above. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 shows a top or aerial view of the device 100 with the three panels 101 in a closed non-use position where the right panel 101 is initially folded inwardly adjacent to the center panel 101 and the left panel 101 is folded inwardly to be adjacent to the right panel 101. In alternative embodiments, the left panel 101 may be initially folded inwardly adjacent to the center panel 101 and the right panel 101 is folded inwardly to be adjacent to the left panel 101; the right panel 101 may initially fold inwardly adjacent to the center panel 101 and the left panel 101 is folded outwardly to be adjacent to the center panel 101; or the left panel 101 may initially fold inwardly adjacent to the center panel 101 and the right panel 101 is folded outwardly to be adjacent to the center panel 101.
An alternative embodiment of the device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 7, showing a top view of an individual panel 101 engaged to a protective cover 110. The protective cover 110 may engage to the front side of the panel 101. The flat panel 101 according to the present embodiment in FIG. 7 is identical to the flat panel 101 according to the embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2 above. A plastic protective cover 110 may be utilized to cover the front side of each panel 101 in order to protect the mirror surface 102 from being scratched. The protective cover 110 may attach to the front side of each panel 101 by snapping downward onto each panel 101; the protective cover 110 may detach from the front side of the panel 101 by pulling sideways and upward on each corner of the protective cover 110. In alternative embodiments, the protective cover 110 may attach and detach from the front side of the panel 101 using magnets or Velcro. The protective cover 110 may use a solid color design on the front side of the protective cover 110. In alternative embodiments, the protective cover 110 may use a contrasting color pattern design, other visual designs and/or pictures on the front side of the protective cover 110. The protective cover 110 may be made of a light weight molded plastic. In alternative embodiments, the protective cover 110 may be made of synthetic material, padding material and/or fabric.
An alternative embodiment of the device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 8, showing an isometric side view of an individual panel 101 engaged to a protective cover 110. The flat panel 101 according to the present embodiment in FIG. 8 is identical to the flat panel 101 according to the embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2 above. The protective cover 110 is engaged to the front side of the panel 101. The protective cover 110 according to the present embodiment in FIG. 8 is identical to the protective cover 110 according to the embodiments in FIG. 7.
Alternative materials that may be used to make this invention include: safety glass, Plexiglas, and/or other materials that create a reflective surface to be used to make the mirror surface 102; synthetic material, padding material and/or fabric in order to make the protective cover 110; magnets or Velcro may be used to attach and detach the protective cover 110 from the front side of each panel 101; fabric, synthetic material, padding material, recycled materials (e.g. plastic, paper, wood), foam, rubber and/or wood laminate in order to make the panel 101; fabric, plastic, metal, bungee material, and/or other synthetic material in order to make the hinge mechanism 103; an alternative design for the hinge mechanism 103 that allows panels 101 to be separated; an alternative design for the hinge mechanism 103 that allows for additional panels 101 to be added and removed; an alternative design for the hinge mechanism 103 that uses a central mechanism to be removed in order to allow each panel 101 to be separated for storage; fluorescent, incandescent, and/or solar lighting in order to make the lighting mechanism 104; electronics necessary to support using: Bluetooth technology, an ability to interact with a digital audio player, motion picture experts group audio layer 3 (MP3 player), iPod, smart phone, and/or USB capabilities within the music player; electronics necessary to support downloading and playing music, voices, and/or sounds from another electronic device onto the music player; electronics necessary to record audio directly onto the music player; use of synthetic material, buckles, snaps, buttons, zipper, bungee material, elastic material, plastic material, snaps and/or rivets to be used to make an affixation device 108; use of a custom-made support structure device that attaches to the device 100 which would allow the device 100 to be used: in the vertical position in front of a child while on their stomach, in the overhead position of a child while on their back or in the side position of a child while on their back or side; use of a custom-made base device that attaches to the bottom of the device 100 which would provide additional stability when the device 100 is positioned vertically on a firm surface in a semi-circular shape or in a linear shape.
Alternative elements that may be used in substitution for the elements of this invention include: curved panels 101 (convex or concave in shape); curved mirror surface 102 (convex or concave in shape); using a combination of a curved mirror surface 102 (convex or concave in shape) with a flat panel 101; using a combination of a flat mirror surface 102 with a curved panel 101 (convex or concave in shape); a capacity to add to, or reduce, the number of panels 101 used in the design of the device 100; using larger or smaller sized mirror surfaces 102 and/or panels 101; a continuous semi-circular (single) mirror surface 102 with no hinge mechanism 103; a continuous semi-circular (single) panel with no hinge mechanism 103; use of an electronic screen that allows for the projection of still images or videos on the front side or backside of a panels 101; using a reflective material that projects a distorted image (e.g. “carnival/fun” mirror material) on a panel 101; using solid colored panels or panels with a design (e.g. contrasting color pattern, other visual designs and/or pictures) instead of a mirror surface 102 on the front side of a panel 101; an ability to interchange the panel's 101 surface material (e.g. mirror, solid color design panel, contrasting color design panel, other visual designs on a panel and/or pictures) on the front side and/or backside of a panel 101; using a solid color design or other design on the frame on the front side of a panel 101; using a solid color, contrasting color patterns, other visual designs and/or pictures on the backside of a panel 101; using a contrasting color pattern design, other visual designs and/or pictures on the front side surface of the protective cover 110; using one-way hinge mechanism; a device 100 with only mirror surfaces 102 and lights 104 (no music feature); a device 100 with only mirror surfaces 102 and music (no lights 104 feature); a device 100 that only uses mirror surfaces 102 without lights 104 or music features; lights 104 and music player that are activated with a single switch and operate continuously and/or simultaneously; a different, or more complex, lighting 104 sequence used on a panel 101; a motion sensor may be utilized on the device 100, which would activate the light switches 105 and/or music switch 106 when a child moves their head (e.g. picks their head off the ground, turns their head); change the overall size of the device 100 and/or its components; change the design of the slot openings 107 that utilizes an affixation device 108; change the number and/or location of the slot openings 107 on the panel 101.
The various aspects of what is described above can be used alone or in various combinations. The teaching of the present application has numerous advantages. Different embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be other advantages which are not described herein. For example, the baby strengthening and recreational device offers these benefits to the child using the invention and the adult setting up the invention:

- 1. A semi-circular arrangement of flat mirrored panels that, in turn, allows a child the opportunity to see themselves from any direction their head is positioned while on their stomach;
- 2. Eliminates the need for an adult to continually manipulate a toy (e.g. single panel mirror) in order to promote—or respond to—changes in the child's head position and therefore their eye gaze;
- 3. Utilizes lights and music features, each of which have separate on/off switches and may be activated by an adult in response to the child's preferences and unique needs;
- 4. Incorporates two-way hinges which allow for a variety of set up configurations during use (three-mirror set-up, two-mirror set-up) where an adult may position one or more mirror panels to promote a child's head orientation to the weaker, less-preferred, side; the invention's tri-fold design with its two, two-way hinge mechanism also allows the invention to stand on its own when placed on a firm flat surface (e.g. the ground) in the vertical position with a semi-circular shape;
- 5. Offers a child a larger reflection viewing area to reinforce engagement in, and sustained tolerance of, tummy time regardless of the child's head position;
- 6. Offers a semi-circular arrangement of multiple mirrored panels that can be attached to a support structure (e.g. baby play gyms, baby activity gyms, and play systems) that has support bar(s) with the intended purpose to use the baby strengthening and recreational device in the vertical position on a firm flat surface (e.g. the ground);
- 7. Is designed to facilitate dynamic motor movements of a child in the prone position by enabling the adult to easily position a motivating tool (e.g. a toy with large semi-circular arrangement of mirrored panels with stimulating visual and auditory features) in various positions. The invention's developmentally appropriate features and design promote sustained tummy time of child as the child can easily engage with the mirrored panels regardless of their head position (on or off the ground) and stimuli (lights and music) can be utilized as needed to facilitate continued child engagement during tummy time;
- 8. The use of multiple mirrored panels during tummy time is a great way to more effectively engage and distract a child from the hard work he or she is engaged in during tummy time. If a baby can be distracted by things they find entertaining, the more likely a child will stay and play on their stomach longer. The longer the duration of time a child spends playing on their stomach, the more quickly their strength and motor control improves and the ability to achieve developmental milestones more quickly. This invention promotes a child's engagement during tummy time by incorporating a constant source of stimulation—their reflection into three mirrored panels arranged in a semi-circular arrangement, a contrasting color pattern on each panel and with lights and music stimuli activated, as desired. The size and scope of each mirrored panel in a semi-circular arrangement provides a large viewing area for a child to see him or herself, while playing on his or her stomach, regardless of the direction their head is turned. This design also encourages the child to work on controlling his or her head not only at midline (by looking into the center mirror panel), but also promotes the child's ability to turn his or her head to each side (by looking into the left and right mirrored panels). The promotion of head rotation and control through the use of multiple large mirrored panels in a semi-circular arrangement supports a child's development of core strength and overall motor development;
- 9. This device also provides parents and childcare providers an opportunity to engage with their child without having to hold up and reposition a toy (e.g. a single panel mirror toy) in response to where the child is looking in order to match the location of the mirror to the child's eye gaze. The tri-fold design enables the device to stand by itself in the vertical position when positioned in a semi-circular shape on a firm flat surface as well as enables a baby to see its reflection in any direction they turn their head during tummy time on the ground. Per the AAP, babies should always be supervised by an adult during tummy time. Extra care and adult supervision should be given to children who have started to reach for toys while on their stomach in order to ensure their safety. When an adult cannot be directly next to their child during tummy time, the invention has the capability to attach to a support structure when positioned in the vertical position with a semi-circular shape. This safety capability would make it more difficult for the baby to grab a hold of the invention and move it when an adult is not directly next to the child. Also, extra care and adult supervision should be given to children who have started to roll on the ground in order to ensure their safety. As the invention has the capability to attach to a support structure as described above, this safety capability would help keep the invention in an upright position should a baby roll into the invention when an adult is not directly next to the child; and
- 10. This device also addresses the issue of when a child has a preference for looking to one side while on their stomach (e.g. the baby has torticollis). The device's tri-fold design with its two way hinges allows the mirrored panels to be set up in such a way that encourages a child to look in the directions that are more difficult for them. By using the device with a child who has torticollis, the mirrored panels can be set up so that one end panel (e.g. the left or right panel) may initially be rotated outwardly out of view, thus encouraging the child to look toward the center and to the less-preferred, or weak, side.

The baby strengthening and recreational device is intended for use with children (ages newborn on up) in a variety of settings: in the home, with the parent and/or childcare provider during playtime with a child; in childcare and nursery centers with the staff during playtime with children; and in clinical settings (i.e. hospitals, private practice clinics) by professionals (e.g. physical therapists, occupational therapists) who work with children to improve their gross motor skills. This invention is intended for use with children during their awake time while on the ground during tummy time (e.g. prone or stomach lying) to enhance a child's engagement and enjoyment during tummy time and, in turn, to support the child's overall motor development. The invention is intended to be used with children who have not yet mastered the gross motor skill of crawling on hands and knees. Children who have achieved this skill may still find this invention engaging and entertaining during play.
Tummy time is considered a body position as well as a play activity that is critical to a child's acquisition of fundamental and age-appropriate gross motor skills. Children enjoy looking at themselves in a mirror and typically find mirror play most entertaining. Children also find lights and music very entertaining to engage with during play. Contrasting color patterns also help a child's eyes learn to focus on a target as well as focus their attention on a preferred item of interest. The baby strengthening and recreational device not only taps into activities children find reinforcing (e.g. mirror play, lights, music and a contrasting color pattern), it also facilitates the development of the gross motor skills of children, and satisfies the individual needs of children experiencing developmental delays and/or muscular disorders.
Although the teaching of the present application has been described in detail for the purposes of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the teaching of this application. For example, the device has been described with having three individual panels, with each said panel being substantially rectangular in shape, but it is understood that the panel does not need to be rectangle, the shape of the panel could have any other suitable shape that continues to enable the device to still be positioned vertically on the ground in a semi-circular arrangement. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.
Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features herein before referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.
The term “comprising” as used in the claims does not exclude other elements or steps. The term “a” or “an” as used in the claims does not exclude a plurality. A unit or other means may fulfill the functions of several units or means recited in the claims.

Claims

1. The invention claimed is a device comprising a plurality of three flat mirrored panels,

said plurality of flat mirrored panels engaged to each other by a two-way hinge,

said plurality of flat panels having a flat mirror surface on the front surface,

said plurality of flat panels having a plurality of affixation devices on the rear surface,

said plurality of flat mirrored panels having a plurality of light emitting diode light sources and an on/off switch for said light sources,

said center flat panel having a music source and an on/off switch for said music source,

said center panel has a speaker for said music source on the rear surface, and

said plurality of flat mirrored panels having a removable protective cover for the front surface.