Play system accessory with motion-activated sound module
View Patent ↗An accessory for a play system comprises a support configured to be suspended from or supported on the play system; and a sound module coupled with the support. The sound module comprises a motion detector for detecting motion of the support and a sound-emitting device for emitting sounds in response to motion of the support as detected by the motion detector.
1. An accessory for a play system, the accessory comprising:
a support configured to be suspended from or supported on the play system; and
a sound module coupled with the support and comprising:
a motion detector for detecting motion of the support; and
a sound-emitting device for emitting sounds in response to motion of the support as detected by the motion detector,
wherein the sound module is operable to generate a first sound in response to motion in a first direction, a second sound in response to motion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a third sound in response to motion in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, a fourth sound in response to motion in a fourth direction opposite the first direction, a fifth sound in response to motion in a fifth direction opposite the second direction, and a sixth sound in response to motion in a direction opposite the third direction wherein at least two of the sounds are distinct from one another.
2. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the support is a swing seat configured to be suspended from the play structure.
3. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the support is a tube or tunnel configured to be suspended from the play structure.
4. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the motion detector comprises a ball-type switch.
5. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the motion detector comprises one or more accelerometers.
6. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sound module further comprises an input for receiving audio signals from an external audio source for reproduction by the sound-emitting device.
7. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sound module further comprises memory for storing a plurality of audio files and a selector switch for permitting a user to select which of the audio files is reproduced by the sound-emitting device.
8. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sound module is further operable to generate a seventh sound in response to a bouncing motion.
9. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sound module is further operable to generate an eighth sound in response to a swinging motion.
10. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sound module is further operable to modify a characteristic of the sound based on a speed at which the support is moved.
11. The system as set forth in claim 10 , wherein the characteristic is selected from the group consisting of volume, frequency, duration, and quality.
12. The system as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a light module including at least one light-emitting device operable to emit lights in response to motion of the support as detected by the motion detector.
13. The system as set forth in claim 12 , wherein the light module is further operable to modify a characteristic of the lights based on a speed at which the support is moved.
14. The system as set forth in claim 13 , wherein the characteristic is selected from the group consisting of intensity, color, duration, and pulse.
15. The system as set forth in claim 12 , wherein the at least one light-emitting device is further operable to turn on and off to a pattern of motion of the support as detected by the motion detector.
16. The accessory as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the first through sixth sounds are distinct from one another.