SENSORY CHEWING NECK GAITER

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a neck gaiter having a chewing surface attached to a part of the neck gaiter. The gaiter is designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum who chew objects to satisfy their self-stimulatory behavior needs. This is a form of self-stimulation can relieve anxiety, reduce fear and combat sensory overload. The gaiter is sized and proportioned to encompass the neck of the individual who will be wearing the gaiter. A chewing surface is attached to a central region of the gaiter. The chewing surface is made of non-toxic, tasteless material that does not erode during the chewing process, such rubber, plastic, silicone, a combination thereof. The chewing surface may comprise a plurality of indentations or protrusions to produce a textured surface.

Claims

1. A neck gaiter comprising: a supporting body section, said body section consisting of an essentially rectangular piece of material having a back surface, a front surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and opposing first and second ends; a first fastening means attached to said first end of said body section; a second fastening means attached to said second end of said body section; and a chewing surface attached to said upper edge of said body section, wherein positioning of the neck gaiter on a neck of a wearer is such that, the chewing surface is in close proximity to the wearer's mouth.

2. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said first fastening means is attached to said front surface of said first end of said body section and said second fastening means is attached to said back surface of said second end of said body section.

3. The neck gaiter of claim 2, wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means are co-operating pieces of hook and loop fastener.

4. The neck gaiter of claim 2, wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means are co-operating pieces of a popper mechanism.

5. The neck gaiter of claim 2, wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means are co-operating pieces of a hook and eye mechanism.

6. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said essentially rectangular piece of material is hydrophilic and selected from the group consisting of: linen; cotton; rayon; wool; terry toweling; fleece, bamboo fabric; microfiber; plush fabric; hemp; flannel; and combinations thereof.

7. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said chewing surface is selected from the group consisting of: rubber; plastic; silicone; and combinations thereof.

8. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said chewing surface is smooth.

9. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said chewing surface is textured.

10. The neck gaiter of claim 9, wherein said textured surface comprised a plurality of indentations.

11. The neck gaiter of claim 9, wherein said textured surface comprised a plurality of protrusions.

12. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said chewing surface comprises a zipper, said zipper may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface.

13. A method of making a neck gaiter, said method comprising the steps: cutting an essentially rectangular piece of fabric, said rectangle having opposing edges and opposing ends; attaching a chewing surface to an upper edge of one of said opposing edges; and attaching a means of fastening to said opposing ends, wherein said opposing edges of said rectangular piece of fabric is sized and proportioned to accommodate a neck of a wearer and such that the chewing surface is positioned in close proximity to the wearer's mouth.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of attaching said chewing surface comprises stitching said chewing surface to one of said opposing edges.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of attaching said means of fastening to said opposing ends comprises stitching or gluing cooperating pieces of hook and loop fastener onto said opposing ends.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of attaching said means of fastening to said opposing ends comprises stitching cooperating poppers, or cooperating hooks and loops, onto said opposing ends.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of attaching said means of fastening to said opposing ends comprises stitching or tying cooperating pieces fabric or elastic onto said opposing ends.

18. The method of claim 13, comprising the additional step of attaching a zipper to said chewing surface, said zipper may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein said chewing surface is a zipper, said zipper may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein said chewing surface is selected from the group consisting of: rubber; plastic; silicone; and combinations thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0021] FIGS. 1A and B illustrate front and back aspects of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIGS. 2A and B illustrate front and back aspects of the subject matter in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIGS. 3A and B illustrate front and back aspects of the subject matter in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIGS. 4A and B illustrate an aspect of the subject matter in accordance with the construction of a prototype of an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIGS. 5A and B illustrate an aspect of the subject matter of a prototype constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates diagrammatically aspects of the proportions of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a neck gaiter having a chewing surface attached to a part of the neck gaiter. The sensory chewing neck gaiter may be made of a comfortable, and optionally absorbent, material such as cotton and the like. The gaiter is sized and proportioned to encompass the neck of the individual who will be wearing the gaiter. The gaiter may include lateral upper and lower edges, first and second ends and a means of fastening the ends together. A chewing surface is attached to a central region of the lateral upper edge. The chewing surface is made of non-toxic, tasteless material that does not erode during the chewing process, such as but not limited to, rubber, plastic, silicone, a combination thereof and the like. The chewing surface may comprise a plurality of indentations or protrusions to produce a textured surface.

[0029] This neck gaiter described herein is designed to meet the needs of children, and some adults, on the Autism Spectrum, or who have Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, or special needs. Many individuals having autism, Asperger's, ADHD, or who are fidgeters, and individuals having oral motor needs or other special needs, often chew or bite on non-edible objects such as toys or pencils or they like to suck shirt sleeves or bite jumpers. This is a form of self-stimulatory behavior, that can relieve anxiety, reduce fear and combat sensory overload. Many people exhibit self-stimulatory behaviors to some extent, such as nail biting, foot tapping and hair twirling. However, individuals with Autism exhibit more extreme and more frequent self-stimulatory behaviors that can impair their ability to interact with other people and participate in ordinary activities.

[0030] Chewing non-edible objects one of the more manageable forms of self-stimulatory behavior and has little impact on others. A major concern for parents of young children with Autism is what to chew or bite safely without risk of choking or poisoning. The neck gaiter device is designed to meet the needs of individuals who need to practice self-stimulatory behaviors, by allowing them to chew on a safe and non-toxic object.

[0031] The objects and advantages of the invention as described herein relate to a perfect natural way to calm, improve focus and also reduces fidgety tics.

[0032] The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0033] FIGS. 1A and B show front and back views of a neck gaiter embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 1A illustrates a front surface 102 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A first fastening member 112, such as a loop portion of a hook and loop type fastener such as a Velcro™ strip 122, is attached to the front surface 102 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104. In this embodiment the chewing surface 116 is shown as being relatively smooth.

[0035] FIG. 1B illustrates a back surface 106 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A second fastening member 114, such as a hook portion of a hook and loop type fastener such as a Velcro™ strip 124, is attached to the back surface 106 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104.

[0036] FIGS. 2A and B show front and back views of a neck gaiter embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 2A illustrates a front surface 102 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A first fastening member 112, such as a male section of a popper 204, is attached to the front surface 102 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104. In this embodiment the chewing surface 116 is shown as having a textured surface 202.

[0038] FIG. 2B illustrates a back surface 106 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A second fastening member 114, such as a female section of a popper 206, is attached to the back surface 106 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104.

[0039] FIGS. 3A and B show front and back views of a neck gaiter embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 3A illustrates a front surface 102 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A first fastening member 112, such as a loop/eye portion of a hook and loop/eye fastener, is attached to the front surface 102 of the first end 118. chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104. In this embodiment the chewing surface 116 is shown as having a textured edge. In some embodiments of the invention the chewing or textured edge may comprise a zipper. The zipper 302 is typically plastic and may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface 308.

[0041] FIG. 3B illustrates a back surface 106 of a neck gaiter 104. The neck gaiter 104 has an upper edge 108 and lower edge 110, and a first end 118 and a second end 120. A second fastening member 114, such as a hook portion of a hook and loop/eye fastener, is attached to the back surface 106 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is attached to the central portion of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104.

[0042] FIGS. 4A and B illustrate the making of a prototype neck gaiter 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0043] FIG. 4A shows a type of silicone barbeque glove 404, having a textured silicone 402, that can be used to make an embodiment of the neck gaiter 104.

[0044] FIG. 4B shows the typical size of textured silicone chew surface 408 that is suitable to use in the fabrication of the neck gaiter 104. Various different gaiter materials 410, such as cotton, can be used to make the supporting body section of the neck gaiter 104. Similarly, various different first fastening members 112 and second fastening members 114 can be used to secure the neck gaiter 104 around the individual's neck.

[0045] FIGS. 5A and B illustrate the construction and typical positioning of the neck gaiter 104 in position on the neck of a wearer,

[0046] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the construction of a prototype neck gaiter 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The gaiter material 410 has been cut and machined to form a supporting body section having an upper edge 108 and a lower edge 110 and a front surface 102 and a back surface 106. A first fastening member 112 and a co-operating second fastening member 114 are attached respectively at the first end 118 and second end 120 of the neck gaiter 104. A section of the textured silicone 402 is then attached to the center of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104.

[0047] FIG. 5B shows the relative positioning of the neck gaiter 104 on the neck of a wearer. The first fastening members 112 and second fastening members 114 (not shown) are positioned such that, when engaged; the chewing textured silicone chew surface 408 is in close proximity to the mouth of the wearer.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows the relative dimensions of an embodiment of the invention that is suitably sized to fit 3 to 5 year old individuals.

[0049] Dimension A is 6.5″

[0050] Dimension B is 6.0″

[0051] Dimension C is 6.0″

[0052] Dimension D is 3.2″

[0053] Dimension E is 1.5″

[0054] Dimension F is 4.7″

[0055] Dimension G is 12.0″

[0056] Dimension H is 0.9″

[0057] Angle J is 170°

[0058] Angle K is 100°

[0059] The above dimensions and angles are merely intended as a guide a representative example of an embodiment of the invention.

[0060] In conclusion, various embodiments of the neck gaiter described herein are designed to meet the requirements of children, and some adults, on the Autism Spectrum, or who have Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, or special needs.

[0061] The essentially rectangular piece of material that forms the supporting body of the gaiter is a piece of soft and absorbent material having hydrophilic properties and is typically selected from the group consisting of: linen; cotton; rayon; wool; terry toweling; fleece, bamboo fabric; microfiber; plush fabric; hemp; and flannel. The hydrophobic nature of the material aids in absorbing saliva produced by the individual wearing the gaiter.

[0062] The ends of the supporting body are releasably connected to each other by means known to those of skill in the field. The releasable connections, or fastening members, can be selected from, but are not limited to, hook and loop-type fastener such as Velcro™, poppers, hook and loop attachments, or elastic or fabric ties. For younger wearers, the fastening members must be easily releasable to prevent the risk of choking.

[0063] The chewing surface can be fabricated from a nontoxic, tasteless material that does not degrade or break down during the chewing process. The chewing surface can be made from, but is not limited to, rubber, plastic, silicone, a combination thereof and the like. The chewing surface may comprise a plurality of indentations or protrusions to produce a textured surface. In some embodiments of the invention the chewing or textured edge or surface may comprise a zipper. The zipper is typically plastic and may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface.

[0064] The sizing of the gaiter is designed to fit comfortably around the neck of the wearer, the proportions being selected to position the chewing surface in close proximity to the mouth of the wearer. For children in the 3 to 5 year old age range, the length of the lateral supporting body member may be in the region of 18-20″ and the width in the region of 3-4″. Older children or adults would need the dimensions to be increased.

[0065] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.