Nursery Device for Soothing Infants

Abstract

In one aspect, a device includes a housing. The housing can include a scotch yoke disposed within an interior of the housing. The scotch yoke can include a sliding yoke. The device can also include a plurality of attachment points. The plurality of attachment points can be disposed on the sliding yoke. The device can further include a sheet. The sheet can be coupled to the plurality of attachment points disposed on the sliding yoke. Rotation of the scotch yoke can cause oscillation of the sheet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 670,614. This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Infant soothing devices, such as hanging mobiles or other devices, may be designed to help infants relax and / or amuse themselves. However, these devices can pose several challenges related to their effectiveness and safety. Examples of these challenges include issues with sound (e.g., loudness, type of noise), light (e.g., brightness, color), and / or proximity of the device to the infant (e.g., distance, size).SUMMARY

[0003] Infants may be highly sensitive to sound, light, and / or other sensory stimuli. For example, newborns may only be able to see certain colors (e.g., black, white, and / or red) within a certain field of view (e.g., a few inches). However, many existing soothing devices for helping infants relax and / or amuse themselves, such as mobiles or other devices, may not adequately consider these sensory needs. For example, some devices, such as white noise machines or musical mobiles, may be too loud, potentially harming an infant's hearing. Conversely, if the sound is too quiet, some devices may not effectively mask background noise or provide comforting auditory stimulation for sleep. As another example, some devices may be too bright, which may disturb sleep, while lights that are too dim or emit colors less-detectable by an infant may fail to provide the visual comfort. Other devices may be positioned too close or too far from the infant. Additionally, some devices may not mimic an environment or simulate a feeling of a mother's womb. Replicating such an environment may be soothing, relaxing, or otherwise beneficial for an infant.

[0004] Accordingly, systems and methods disclosed herein address some of the above limitations by providing soothing devices designed to benefit infants, for example by simulating elements of a womb-like environment. Example devices as described in this disclosure may be configured to provide improved auditory, visual, and / or other sensory experiences, e.g., for an infant.

[0005] In one aspect, an example device is disclosed. The device can include a housing. The housing can include a scotch yoke disposed within an interior of the housing. The scotch yoke can include a sliding yoke. The device can also include a plurality of attachment points. The plurality of attachment points can be disposed on the sliding yoke. The device can further include a sheet. The sheet can be coupled to the plurality of attachment points disposed on the sliding yoke. Rotation of the scotch yoke can cause oscillation of the sheet.

[0006] In another aspect, a second example device is disclosed. The device can include a housing. The housing can include a scotch yoke disposed within an interior of the housing, where the scotch yoke includes a sliding yoke. The housing can also include a window disposed in the housing aligned with the scotch yoke. The device can also include a plurality of attachment points, where the plurality of attachment points are disposed on the sliding yoke. The device can further include a sheet, where the sheet is coupled to the plurality of attachment points disposed on the sliding yoke, and where rotation of the scotch yoke causes oscillation of the sheet. The device can also include at least one mounting bracket coupled to the housing, where the at least one mounting bracket comprises a hook.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a device, in accordance with example embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a device, in accordance with example embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a device attached to a crib, in accordance with example embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 4A is an illustration of a device, in accordance with an alternative example embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4B is an illustration of a device, in accordance with an alternative example embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4C is an illustration of a device, in accordance with an alternative example embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4D is an illustration of a device, in accordance with an alternative example embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a device attached to a crib, in accordance with an alternative example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONI. Overview

[0015] Infants are highly responsive to stimuli from the world around them, and may have sensitive visual, audio, and / or tactile perception systems. Some existing infant soothing devices may fail to address the sensory capabilities of infants, for example by being too bright, or too dim, too loud, or too quiet, or be positioned too far from an infant. Systems and methods disclosed herein are designed to match with the sensory capabilities of infants, providing soothing auditory and visual stimulation better-tailored to their developmental stage. For example, the soothing devices may be configured to mimic the environment of a mother's womb by using colors such as black, white, and / or red.

[0016] Specifically, devices described herein include a sheet coupled to a housing, where the sheet can oscillate (or “wave”) by way of a scotch yoke. This oscillating motion may be beneficial for amusing and / or relaxing an infant. In some cases, the device may use a scotch yoke mechanism to create the wave or billowing effect in a muslin sheet, providing visual and tactile stimulation. Additional features may include a light that is emitted on the sheet, a noise generation, and / or a color scheme that may be consistent with an infant's sensory system or a familiar environment. Overall, the systems and methods are configured to be safe and beneficial to the limitations of an infant's sensory system.II. Example Systems

[0017] FIG. 1 depicts an example soothing device 100, which may include housing 110, a sliding yoke 122, a plurality of attachment points 140, a first fastener 142, a second fastener 144, and a sheet 150 (which may also be referred to as “fabric” or “sheet of fabric”).

[0018] Housing 110 may include one or more materials, which may be chosen with safety, durability, and / or functionality considerations. For example, housing 110 could include plastic (e.g., polypropylene), which may be lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and / or molded into various shapes and designs. Housing 110 could also include wood, which may be sturdy and / or have desirable properties (e.g., non-toxic, smooth), and / or metal (e.g., aluminum, steel), composite materials, and / or fabric. Other possibilities exist.

[0019] Sliding yoke 122 may extend out of housing 110. Sliding yoke 122 may include a first arm 124 extending out of the housing 110 and a second arm 126 extending out of the housing 110. Each of the first arm 124 and the second arm 126 can include a proximate end 128a, 128b and a distal end 130a, 130b. The plurality of attachment points 140 can be disposed on the sliding yoke 122. At least one attachment point 140a, 140b in the plurality of attachment points 140 can be disposed on the distal ends 130a, 130b of each arm of the sliding yoke 122.

[0020] The plurality of attachment points 140 may be where the sheet 150 attaches to the device 100. The attachment points 140 may be configured to support or hold up sheet 150. The plurality of attachment points 140 can also be removable attachment mechanisms. The removable attachment mechanisms can include fasteners to hold sheet 150. For example, attachment point 140a can have fastener 142 and attachment point 140b can have fastener 144. Fastener 142 and / or fastener 144 (“the fasteners”) may be configured to support or hold up sheet 150. For example, sheet 150 may be configured to be coupled to the fasteners. In an example embodiment, the fasteners could be magnets. Sheet 150 could have embedded or sewn-in magnets that align with and attach to corresponding magnetic fasteners. Sheet 150 could also incorporate snap buttons that align with corresponding snaps on the fasteners. Different fastener choices are possible. Some example fasteners include screws and bolts (e.g., made of metal), plastic clips, rivets, adhesive strips and / or pads, and / or hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro).

[0021] In an alternative example, the attachment points can be holes. Sheet 150 might have ties, laces, or drawstrings that can be wrapped around and tied through the holes to secure the sheet 150 to the sliding yoke 122. Sheet 150 could also be sewn to the attachment points.

[0022] Other attachment possibilities exist as well. For example, sheet 150 may have reinforced holes or metal / plastic grommets that are designed to receive screws, bolts, or plastic clips. As another example, sheet 150 might have sewn-in loops or sleeves through which the fasteners can be threaded. As yet another example, sheet 150 may include adhesive strips or pads that stick to corresponding adhesive surfaces on the fasteners. As another example, sections of sheet 150 may be equipped with hook-and-loop fasteners. As another example, elastic bands may be sewn into edges of sheet 150, enabling them to can stretch over and grip the fasteners. As another example, sheet 150 could be riveted to the fasteners.

[0023] Sheet 150 may be coupled to the plurality of attachment points 140 disposed on the sliding yoke 122. Sheet 150 could be a plurality of shapes such as a rectangular shape, a square shape, or a triangle shape. Sheet 150 may be configured to have properties based on, for example, a sensory capability of an infant. Such properties include size, color, material, etc. For example, sheet 150 may have a width between 3 and 24 inches, and a length between 3 and 24 inches. As another example, sheet 150 may include muslin, polyester, or cotton. As another example, sheet 150 may be white, black, red, or any combination thereof. Sheet 150 may have some pattern (e.g., stripes or zebra print). In some cases, soothing device 100 may include one or more fabrics (which may be collectively referred to as “fabric”) that could be interchanged. For instance, a blue fabric could be used during the daytime, and swapped out for a red fabric at nighttime.

[0024] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of soothing device 100, as discussed above in reference to FIG. 1. Housing 110 may include a battery door 112, which may be configured to be opened and closed to allow access to a charging and / or battery compartment.

[0025] Soothing device 100 may include a power switch 108, which may be mechanically and / or electrically connected to a motor 160. In some cases, power switch 108 may be configured to control an operation of the motor (e.g., on / off). Motor 160 may be a direct current (DC) and / or alternating current (AC) motor. In some cases, motor 160 may be powered by batteries, which may be stored in a battery holder (and accessed, for example via battery door 112 as discussed above).

[0026] In some cases, motor 160 may be configured to emit noise, for example, to provide ambient or white noise as an additional or alternative soothing feature for soothing device 100. In some cases, motor 160 may be configured to emit noise between 10 decibels and 60 decibels.

[0027] In some cases, soothing device 100 may include a speed controller, which may be configured to control a speed of the motor rotation, for example, by controlling a power input to motor 160 from batteries in the battery holder. The speed could be variable or fixed.

[0028] In an example embodiment, the soothing device 100 can include a scotch yoke 170. The scotch yoke 170 provides a means for direct and continuous transfer between rotational and reciprocating motion using a slotted yoke and a crank assembly.

[0029] Traditional methods of converting rotary motion to linear motion often involve crankshafts and connecting rods, which require multiple pivot points and result in non-uniform velocity profiles. These systems tend to introduce inefficiencies due to side thrusts and complex linkage geometries. The Scotch yoke, by contrast, utilizes a more compact and geometrically simplified mechanism in which a pin on a rotating crank engages a straight slot in a yoke, thereby inducing linear displacement of the yoke as the crank rotates. This setup offers advantages in terms of smoother motion and reduced mechanical complexity.

[0030] The scotch yoke 170 can include a sliding yoke 172 with a guide channel 174 configured to accept and constrain a crank pin 176. The crank pin 176 is attached to a rotating crankshaft 178. The crankshaft 178 is mechanically coupled to motor 160. As motor 160 operates, it rotates crankshaft 178. The speed controller may be used to control a speed of rotation of crankshaft 178. The crank pin 176, rigidly attached to rotating crankshaft 178, traces a circular path, and as it moves within the guide channel 174, it compels the sliding yoke 172 to reciprocate in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft 178. The guide channel 174 allows the crank pin 176 to slide back and forth while the crankshaft 178 rotates continuously, creating a sinusoidal linear displacement profile. The relative simplicity of the parts reduces frictional losses and enhances mechanical efficiency.

[0031] A feature of the Scotch yoke is its ability to produce high torque at the ends of the stroke, which is not typical in conventional slider-crank mechanisms. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for applications requiring sustained force during the reciprocation cycle, such as valve actuators or specialized pumping devices. Moreover, the sliding yoke's linear motion is symmetrical and precisely timed with the crankshaft's rotation, which contributes to the mechanism's overall dynamic balance and operational consistency.

[0032] In some cases, operation of the scotch yoke 170 drives a movement of the sliding yoke 172. The rotation of the scotch yoke 170 and back-and-forth movement of the sliding yoke 172 may create an oscillation effect in sheet 150, resulting in a gentle, wave-like motion. As described earlier, the oscillation of sheet 150 may create a calming, amusing effect that may help soothe and relax infants. The gentle motion mimics natural, rhythmic movements, such as those experienced in the womb, providing a sense of comfort and security to the infant. This motion can aid in lulling infants to sleep and can also serve as a focal point to hold their attention, promoting visual and sensory development.

[0033] In an example embodiment, housing 110 can include a window 116. The window can be made from materials such as glass, plexiglass, or PVC. In housing 110, window 116 can be aligned with the scotch yoke 170 and specifically with crankshaft 178 such that a user can view the rotation of crankshaft 178 through window 116. The user may also be able to see the oscillation of the crank pin 176 and the sliding yoke 172. In some cases, soothing device 100 may include a device configured to emit noise, such as a music box, or speaker. In some cases, the noise may be configured to be white noise and / or music.

[0034] In some cases, soothing device 100 may include a light emitter, where the light emitter is configured to emit light onto the sheet. In some cases, the emitted light is white light or red light. The emitted light may be configured to create illumination patterns or have a brightness that may mimic certain environmental conditions for an infant (e.g., a mother's womb).

[0035] In some cases, movement of the fabric may be achieved by an alternative or additional mechanism, for example a rack-and-pinion, a belt drive, a roller-on-a-track, and / or a wiper hub. In some cases, soothing device 100 may include a spring mechanism to create an oscillation of the fabric. For example, a motor could be used to pull a spring back-and-forth to generate a billowing effect.

[0036] In some cases, the oscillation of the fabric may be in more than one direction of motion (e.g., side-to-side and up-and-down).

[0037] In some cases, soothing device 100 may include a fan or other device for causing oscillation of the fabric. For example, a fan could be coupled to the housing and used to propel air onto the fabric to create waves.

[0038] Housing 110 may include a mounting attachment 102 to couple the soothing device 100 to a crib. The mounting attachment may include various types of mounting and / or coupling mechanisms, such as a clamp mount, a screw-in or screw-on mount, an adhesive mount, a strap mount, a magnetic mount, a hanging mount, and / or a bracket mount. In an example embodiment mounting attachment 102 may be shaped like a hook in order to hook onto the side of a crib, such that the fabric of soothing device 100 hangs over a mattress in the crib. The mounting attachment may be configured to allow soothing device 100 to be mounted or coupled to another surface or device (e.g., a crib, a wall, a window, a table, etc.).

[0039] FIG. 3 depicts soothing device 100 mounted to crib 300 by way of crib wall 310. Crib 300 may also include mattress 320. In some cases, sheet 150 may be configured to be positioned between 6 inches and 18 inches above a base (e.g., mattress 320) of crib 300. Additional or alternative mounting and / or placements of soothing device 100 on crib 300 (and / or onto other systems or structures) are possible and within the scope of this disclosure.III. Alternative Example Systems

[0040] Alternative embodiments of the soothing device are also possible. For example, FIG. 4A depicts an alternative example soothing device 400, which may include housing 410, rod 430, fastener 432, rod 440, fastener 442, and fabric 450 (which may also be referred to as a “sheet” or “sheet of fabric”).

[0041] Housing 410 may include one or more materials, which may be chosen with safety, durability, and / or functionality considerations. For example, housing 410 could include plastic (e.g., polypropylene), which may be lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and / or molded into various shapes and designs. Housing 410 could also include wood, which may be sturdy and / or have desirable properties (e.g., non-toxic, smooth), and / or metal (e.g., aluminum, steel), composite materials, and / or fabric. Other possibilities exist.

[0042] Rod 430 and rod 440 may be referred to as “rod” or “rods” and / or “pole” or “poles.” For example, in this disclosure, the term “rod” may include rod 430 and / or rod 440, and “pole” may refer to rod 430 or rod 440. Rod 430 and rod 440 (“the rods”) may be configured to loft fabric 450 at a certain pose. For example, the rods may be configured to allow electromechanical components to be placed further from an infant. The rods, by holding or positioning fabric 450 (e.g., to hang above the infant), may create a spatial separation between the infant and fabric 450 and / or between the infant and electromechanical components (e.g., housed in housing 410). By elevating fabric 450, the rods may increase a vertical distance between the infant and the system, and may position them out of the infant's reach.

[0043] The rods may be straight and / or bent, and may be adjustable and / or bendable. For example, the rods could include a flexible material that allows them to be bent upward or downward based on a desired position of fabric 450. Additionally, the rods may be configured to extend or adjust in length and shape, providing flexibility in positioning fabric 450 at various heights and angles, and may allow components to be placed at a safer, more distant location relative to the infant. This separation may reduce direct contact and potential interference, and may improve the overall safety and functionality of the device.

[0044] The rods could include one or more materials. For example, the rods could be made of metal (such as aluminum or stainless steel), plastics (like polycarbonate or reinforced fiberglass), and / or other materials. The rods may be configured to extend through housing 410. A proximal (or “near”) end of the rods may be coupled to a nut, and a distal (or “far”) end of each rod may include a fastener, such as fastener 432 and fastener 442.

[0045] In some embodiments, the rods may have a diameter between 0.01 inches and 2 inches. In some embodiments, the rods may have a length between 10 inches and 30 inches. In some embodiments, this length may be adjustable. In some embodiments, the rods may be coated, for example in a non-toxic coating and / or a paint or patterning.

[0046] Fastener 432 and / or fastener 442 (“the fasteners”) may be configured to support or hold up fabric 450. For example, fabric 450 may be configured to be coupled to the fasteners. Different fastener choices are possible. Some example fasteners include screws and bolts (e.g., made of metal), plastic clips, rivets, adhesive strips and / or pads, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), and / or magnets. Other possibilities exist.

[0047] For example, fabric 450 may have reinforced holes or metal / plastic grommets that are designed to receive screws, bolts, or plastic clips. As another example, fabric 450 might have sewn-in loops or sleeves through which the rods or fasteners can be threaded. As another example, for magnetic fasteners, fabric 450 could have embedded or sewn-in magnets that align with and attach to corresponding magnetic fasteners. As yet another example, fabric 450 may include adhesive strips or pads that stick to corresponding adhesive surfaces on the fasteners. As another example, sections of fabric 450 may be equipped with hook-and-loop fasteners. As yet another example, fabric 450 could incorporate snap buttons that align with corresponding snaps on the fasteners. As another example, fabric 450 might have ties, laces, or drawstrings that can be wrapped around and tied to the fasteners. As another example, elastic bands may be sewn into edges of fabric 450, enabling them to can stretch over and grip the fasteners. As another example, fabric 450 could be riveted to the fasteners.

[0048] Fabric 450 may be configured to have properties based on, for example, a sensory capability of an infant. Such properties include size, color, material, etc. For example, fabric 450 may have a width between 3 and 24 inches, and a length between 3 and 24 inches. As another example, fabric 450 may include muslin, polyester, or cotton. As another example, fabric 450 may be white, black, red, or any combination thereof. Fabric 450 may have some pattern (e.g., stripes or zebra print). In some cases, soothing device 400 may include one or more fabrics (which may be collectively referred to as “fabric”) that could be interchanged. For instance, a blue fabric could be used during the daytime, and swapped out for a red fabric at nighttime.

[0049] FIG. 4B depicts another view (top view) of soothing device 400, which includes rod 430, fastener 432, rod 440, and fastener 442, as discussed above.

[0050] Housing 410a may form part of housing 410, as discussed above, and may refer to a “top” housing, or an “upper” housing. Housing 410a may include a battery door 412, which may be configured to be opened and closed to allow access to a charging and / or battery compartment.

[0051] Housing 410a may include speed controller 406 and / or power switch 408, which will be discussed below in the context of FIG. 3B.

[0052] Housing 410a may include mounting knob 402 and / or mounting knob 404 (the “mounting knob” or “mounting knobs”). The mounting knobs may include various types of mounting and / or coupling mechanisms, such as a clamp mount, a screw-in or screw-on mount, an adhesive mount, a strap mount, a magnetic mount, a hanging mount, and / or a bracket mount. The mounting knobs may be configured to allow soothing device 400 to be mounted or coupled to another surface or device (e.g., a crib, a wall, a window, a table, etc.). For example, the mounting knobs could include a clamp configured to clamp to the wall of a crib, such that the fabric of soothing device 400 hangs over a mattress in the crib.

[0053] Rod separation angle 470 may be a separation angle between rod 430 and rod 440 (which may be referred to as “poles”). Rod separation angle 470 may be fixed, variable, and / or adjustable. For example, a user of soothing device 400 may be able to adjust rod separation angle 470, if, for example, a different size fabric were to be used. In some cases, rod separation angle 470 may change while soothing device 400 is in use. In some embodiments, rod separation angle 470 may be between 30 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0054] Planar angle 472 may be an angle between the rods and the housing. Similar to rod separation angle 470, planar angle 472 may be fixed, variable, and / or adjustable.

[0055] FIG. 4C depicts another view (side view) of soothing device 400, which includes housing 410a as discussed above. Housing 410b may form part of housing 410 (in the context of, e.g., FIG. 4A) and may refer to a “bottom” housing, or a “lower” housing.

[0056] Vertical angle 474 may be an angle between the rods and a horizontal plane (e.g., a plane drawn parallel to a top surface of housing 410a). Similar to rod separation angle 470 and planar angle 472, vertical angle 474 may be fixed, variable, and / or adjustable. Vertical angle 474 may be any angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees. In an example embodiment, vertical angle may be 52 degrees.

[0057] FIG. 4D depicts a schematic diagram for example components inside housing 410, which may be mounted on or disposed on housing 410b. These components may include mounting knob 402 and mounting knob 404, rod 430 and / or rod 440, as discussed above.

[0058] Additionally, soothing device 400 may include screw 462 and nut 464. Nut 464 may be coupled to screw 462 and / or rods 430 and / or 440. In some cases, rotation of screw 462 may cause movement of the rods. These components may be configured such that rotation of screw 462 causes oscillation of fabric 450 (as discussed in the context of FIG. 4A).

[0059] In some cases, rotation of screw 462 drives a movement of the rods. Specifically, as screw 462 rotates, nut 464 may travel along the screw's length, causing the rods attached to nut 464 to move back and forth. This back-and-forth movement of the rods may create an oscillation effect in fabric 450, resulting in a gentle, wave-like motion. As described earlier, the oscillation of fabric 450 may create a calming, amusing effect that may help soothe and relax infants. The gentle motion mimics natural, rhythmic movements, such as those experienced in the womb, providing a sense of comfort and security to the infant. This motion can aid in lulling infants to sleep and can also serve as a focal point to hold their attention, promoting visual and sensory development.

[0060] In some cases, screw 462 may be a self-reversing lead screw. Accordingly, screw 462 may include grooves or channels along its length, guiding the movement of nut 464. A self-reversing lead screw may operate through a mechanism that translates rotational motion into linear oscillation. In a self-reversing lead screw, as the screw rotates, the nut, which may be threaded onto the lead screw, follows a helical path defined by these grooves, propelling it linearly along the screw's axis. Upon reaching the end of the screw, the geometry of these grooves triggers a reversal of the nut's direction, causing it to traverse back along the screw in the opposite direction. This self-reversing feature enables continuous back-and-forth motion without necessitating changes in a direction of propulsion or additional control mechanisms.

[0061] In the context of soothing device 400, a self-reversing lead screw may provide predictable motion and a gentle, rhythmic oscillation of an attached sheet (e.g., fabric 450), mimicking the comforting movements (as, for example experienced by infants in the womb).

[0062] Soothing device 400 may include motor 460, which may be configured to rotate the screw, for example, to drive the oscillation discussed above. Motor 460 may be a direct current (DC) and / or alternating current (AC) motor. In some cases, motor 460 may be powered by batteries, which may be stored in battery holder 414 (and accessed, for example via battery door 412 as discussed above). In cases where screw 462 includes a self-reversing lead screw, motor 460 may not need to change directions for the screw to reverse directions, as discussed above.

[0063] In some cases, soothing device 400 may include speed controller 406, which may be configured to control a speed of rotation of the screw, for example, by controlling a power input to motor 460 from batteries in the battery holder 414. In some cases, soothing device 400 may include power switch 408, which may be configured to control an operation of the motor (e.g., on / off). The speed of rotation of the screw could be variable or fixed.

[0064] In some cases, motor 460 may be configured to emit noise, for example, to provide ambient or white noise as an additional or alternative soothing feature for soothing device 400. In some cases, motor 460 may be configured to emit noise between 10 decibels and 60 decibels.

[0065] FIG. 5 depicts soothing device 400 mounted to crib 500 by way of crib wall 510. Crib 500 may also include mattress 520. In some cases, fabric 450 may be configured to be positioned between 6 inches and 18 inches above a base (e.g., mattress 520) of crib 500. Additional or alternative mounting and / or placements of soothing device 400 on crib 500 (and / or onto other systems or structures) are possible and within the scope of this disclosure.

[0066] In some cases, soothing device 400 may include a spring mechanism to create an oscillation of the fabric. For example, a motor could be used to pull a spring back-and-forth to generate a billowing effect.

[0067] In some cases, the oscillation of the fabric may be in more than one direction of motion (e.g., side-to-side and up-and-down). In some cases, this oscillation may be achieved by configuring the rods to shake.

[0068] In some cases, movement of the fabric may be achieved by an alternative or additional mechanism, for example a rack-and-pinion, a belt drive, a roller-on-a-track, and / or a wiper hub.

[0069] In some cases, soothing device 400 may include a fan or other device for causing oscillation of the fabric. For example, a fan could be coupled to the housing and used to propel air onto the fabric to create waves, as discussed above.

[0070] In some cases, soothing device 400 may include a device configured to emit noise, such as a music box, or speaker. In some cases, the noise may be configured to be white noise and / or music.

[0071] In some cases, soothing device 400 may include a light emitter, where the light emitter is configured to emit light onto the sheet. In some cases, the emitted light is white light or red light. The emitted light may be configured to create illumination patterns or have a brightness that may mimic certain environmental conditions for an infant (e.g., a mother's womb).

[0072] Although some of the acts and / or functions described in this disclosure have been described as being performed by a particular entity, the acts and / or functions can be performed by any entity, such as those entities described in this disclosure. Further, although the acts and / or functions have been recited in a particular order, the acts and / or functions need not be performed in the order recited. However, in some instances, it can be desired to perform the acts and / or functions in the order recited. Further, each of the acts and / or functions can be performed responsive to one or more of the other acts and / or functions. Also, not all of the acts and / or functions need to be performed to achieve one or more of the benefits provided by this disclosure, and therefore not all of the acts and / or functions are required.

[0073] Although certain variations have been discussed in connection with one or more examples of this disclosure, these variations can also be applied to all of the other examples of this disclosure as well.

[0074] Although select examples of this disclosure have been described, alterations and permutations of these examples will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other changes, substitutions, and / or alterations are also possible without departing from the invention in its broader aspects as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising:a housing, wherein the housing comprises a scotch yoke disposed within an interior of the housing, and wherein the scotch yoke comprises a sliding yoke;a plurality of attachment points, wherein the plurality of attachment points are disposed on the sliding yoke; anda sheet, wherein the sheet is coupled to the plurality of attachment points disposed on the sliding yoke, and wherein rotation of the scotch yoke causes oscillation of the sheet.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the scotch yoke further comprises a crankshaft, and a crank pin.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the sliding yoke further comprises a guide channel, and wherein the crank pin is disposed in the guide channel.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the housing further comprises:a motor mechanically coupled to the crankshaft, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the crankshaft.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the housing further comprises:a speed controller in communication with the motor, wherein the speed controller is configured to control a speed of rotation of the crankshaft; anda power switch electrically coupled to the motor, wherein the power switch is configured to control an operation of the motor.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the motor is configured to emit noise between 10 decibels and 60 decibels.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein the housing further comprises a window, wherein the window is aligned with the crankshaft.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a mounting attachment, wherein the mounting attachment is configured to couple to a crib.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the mounting attachment of the housing comprises at least one hook.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the sheet is configured to be positioned between 6 inches and 18 inches above a base of the crib.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the sliding yoke comprises a first arm extending out of the housing and a second arm extending out of the housing, wherein each arm comprises a proximate end and a distal end and at least one attachment point is disposed on the distal end of each arm.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of attachment points comprise holes disposed in the sliding yoke.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of attachment points comprise removable attachment mechanisms.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises a fabric, wherein the fabric is muslin, polyester, or cotton.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the sheet comprises a width and a length, wherein the width is between 3 inches and 24 inches, and wherein the length is between 3 inches and 24 inches.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the sheet comprises at least one of a rectangular shape, a square shape, or a triangle shape.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises a color, wherein the color is white, black, red, or any combination thereof.

18. The device of claim 1, further comprising a light emitter, wherein the light emitter is configured to emit light onto the sheet.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the emitted light is white light or red light.

20. A device comprising:a housing, wherein the housing comprises:a scotch yoke disposed within an interior of the housing, wherein the scotch yoke comprises a sliding yoke;a window disposed in the housing aligned with the scotch yoke;a plurality of attachment points, wherein the plurality of attachment points are disposed on the sliding yoke;a sheet, wherein the sheet is coupled to the plurality of attachment points disposed on the sliding yoke, and wherein rotation of the scotch yoke causes oscillation of the sheet; andat least one mounting bracket coupled to the housing, wherein the at least one mounting bracket comprises a hook.

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