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 which can relieve anxiety, reduce fear and combat sensory overload. The gaiter is sized and proportioned to comfortably and releasably encompass the neck of the individual who will be wearing the gaiter. A textured 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 as rubber, plastic, silicone, or a combination thereof. The chewing surface preferably comprises 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, sized and proportioned to wrap around a user's neck, said essentially rectangular piece of material having an innersurface, an outersurface, an upper edge, a lower edge and opposing first and second ends; at least one of a first fastening element attached to said first end of said body section; at least one of a second fastening element configured to releasably connect with said first fastening element, said second fastening element being attached to said second end of said body section; an elastic region at each of the said opposing first and second ends; and a textured 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 element is attached to said outer surface of said first end of said body section and said second fastening element is attached to said inner surface of said second end of said body section, said first and second fastening elements being sized and proportioned to releasably cooperate with one another.

3. The neck gaiter of claim 2, wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening elements are co-operating pieces of hook and loop fastener, for releasably fastening said neck gaiter around a wearer's neck.

4. The neck gaiter of claim 2, wherein said first fastening element and said second fastening element are co-operating pieces of a popper mechanism, for releasably fastening said neck gaiter around a wearer's neck,

5. The neck gaiter of claim 2, wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening elements are co-operating pieces of a hook and eye mechanism, for releasably fastening said neck gaiter around a wearer's neck.

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 6, wherein said essentially rectangular piece of material further comprises an elastic material, said elastic material being integrated into the essentially rectangular piece of material at each of the said first and second ends.

8. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said chewing surface is in close horizontal proximity to the wearer's mouth.

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

10. The neck gaiter of claim 1, wherein said textured surface comprises a plurality of indentations.

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

12. The neck gaiter of claim 10, 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, sized and proportioned to wrap around a user's neck, said essentially rectangular piece of fabric having opposing edges and opposing ends; attaching a textured chewing surface in a horizontal orientation to an upper edge of one of said opposing edges; attaching an elastic material to each of the said opposing ends; and attaching one or more fastening elements to each of said opposing ends, wherein said opposing edges of said rectangular piece of fabric is sized and proportioned to accommodate a neck of a wearer such that the chewing surface is positioned in close horizontal 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 fastening elements to said opposing ends comprises stitching or bonding cooperating pieces of hook and loop fastener onto said opposing ends.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein said step of attaching said fastening elements 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 fastening elements 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 textured chewing surface, said zipper oriented horizontally along said textured chewing surface, wherein 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 textured chewing surface is a zipper, oriented horizontally along said upper edge, 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 textured 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

[0025] 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.

[0026] FIGS. 1A and B illustrate front and back aspects of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIGS. 2A and B illustrate front and back aspects of the subject matter in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIGS. 3A and B illustrate front and back aspects of the subject matter in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0029] 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.

[0030] FIGS. 5A and B illustrate an aspect of the subject matter of a prototype constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates diagrammatically aspects of the proportions of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIGS. 7A and B illustrate an aspect of the subject matter of a prototype constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 preferably horizontally oriented along said upper edge, close to a wearer's neck. 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.

[0035] Attachment of chewing surfaces and fastening elements to the neck gaiter may be achieved by stitching, bonding (gluing and/or heat sealing), tying, and the like.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Chewing non-edible objects is 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] FIGS. 1A and B show front and back views of a neck gaiter embodiment of the invention.

[0041] FIG. 1A illustrates an outer 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 element 112, such as a loop portion of a hook and loop type fastener 122 such as a Velcro™ strip is attached to the outer 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. The chewing surface 116 is oriented horizontally, such that it runs along the upper edge of the neck gaiter 116.

[0042] FIG. 1B illustrates an inner 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 element 114, such as a hook portion of a hook and loop type fastener 124 such as a Velcro™ strip, is attached to the inner 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. The chewing surface 116 may comprise rubber; plastic; silicone; and combinations thereof.

[0043] FIGS. 2A and B show outer and back views of a neck gaiter embodiment of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 2A illustrates an outer 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 element 112, such as a male section of a popper 204, is attached to the outer 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. The textured surface 202 may comprise a plurality of indentations or protrusions.

[0045] FIG. 2B illustrates an inner 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 element 114, such as a female section of a popper 206, is attached to the innersurface 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.

[0046] FIGS. 3A and B show front and back views of a neck gaiter embodiment of the invention. In this view, the first end 118 of FIG. 3A may be seen in the front view 304. The first end 118 of FIG. 3B may be seen in the back view 306.

[0047] FIG. 3A illustrates an outer 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 element 112, such as a loop or eye portion of a hook and loop or eye fastener, is attached to the outer surface 102 of the first end 118. A chewing surface 116 is horizontally 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 302.

[0048] FIG. 3B illustrates an inner 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 element 114, such as a hook portion of a hook and loop or eye fastener, is attached to the inner 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. In some embodiments of the invention the chewing or textured edge may comprise a zipped surface 308, placed horizontally along the upper edge 108, which acts as a self-soothing or distracting surface, so that a user may chew or play with the zipped surface 308. The zipped surface 308 comprises a zipper that is typically plastic and may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface 308.

[0049] FIGS. 4A and B illustrate the making of a prototype neck gaiter 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0050] FIG. 4A shows a type of silicone barbeque glove 406, having textured silicone 402, that can be used to make an embodiment of the neck gaiter 104.

[0051] FIG. 4B shows the typical size of textured silicone chew surface 404 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. Elastic material 408 may preferably be integrated into the gaiter material 410, underlying said gaiter material 410, such that when the neck gaiter 114 is fastened around a neck, the neck gaiter 114 may be stretched by a wearer. Similarly, various different first fastening elements 112 and second fastening elements 114 can be used to secure the neck gaiter 104 around the individual's neck.

[0052] FIGS. 5A and B illustrate the construction and typical positioning of the neck gaiter 104 in position on the neck of a wearer.

[0053] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the construction of a prototype neck gaiter 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the chewing surface 116 is formed from a silicone barbecue glove 406 to form a textured silicone chew surface 404. 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 an outer surface 102 and an inner surface 106. A first fastening element 112 and a co-operating second fastening element 114 are attached respectively at the first end 118 and second end 120 of the neck gaiter 104. Elastic material 408 (not shown) may preferably be integrated into the gaiter material 410, generally underlying said gaiter material 410, along the upper edge 108, such that the neck gaiter 104 may fit snugly around a user's neck, with the chewing surface 116 in close proximity to a wearer's chin and mouth. A section of the textured silicone 404 is then attached horizontally along the center of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104 to form the chewing surface 116.

[0054] FIG. 5B shows the relative positioning of the neck gaiter 104 on the neck of a wearer. The first fastening elements 112 and second fastening elements 114 (not shown) are positioned such that, when engaged, the neck gaiter 104 may preferably wrap around the neck 502 of the wearer, with the textured silicone chew surface 404 resting directly under the chin 504 of the wearer, in close horizontal proximity to the mouth 506 of the wearer. It may be best appreciated from FIG. 5B that, should there be multiple first and second fastening elements 112 and 114, the length of the neck gaiter 104, when it is around the neck of a wearer, may be adjusted. This may also be achieved by stretching the elastic material 408.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows the relative dimensions of an embodiment of the invention that is suitably sized to fit 3 to 5 year old individuals.

[0056] Dimension A is 6.5″

[0057] Dimension B is 6.0″

[0058] Dimension C is 6.0″

[0059] Dimension D is 3.2″

[0060] Dimension E is 1.5″

[0061] Dimension F is 4.7″

[0062] Dimension G is 12.0″

[0063] Dimension H is 0.9″

[0064] Angle J is 170°

[0065] Angle K is 100°

[0066] The above dimensions and angles are merely intended as a guide a representative example of an embodiment of the invention. The length of dimensions A-D, which defines the length of the upper edge 108 of the neck gaiter 104, may vary in accordance with the extent of the stretch of elastic material 408, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0067] The gaiter material 410 is an essentially rectangular piece of material; although the dimensions may vary, the length of the neck gaiter 104 is typically greater than the width of the neck gaiter 104. In light of the example in FIG. 6, it should be evident that the length of dimensions A-D are typically greater than dimension E. Similarly, the length spanning between the two K angles is greater than dimension E.

[0068] FIGS. 7A and B illustrate a prototype of an embodiment of neck gaiter 104 in position on the neck of a wearer.

[0069] FIG. 7A illustrates a first fastening element 112 in cooperation with a second fastening element 114. The neck gaiter 104 may be releasably fastened by connecting the first and second fastening elements 112 and 114. The elastic material 408 allows the neck gaiter 104 to be positioned snugly around a user's neck 502 (not shown) with the chewing surface 116 positioned in close horizontal proximity to the user's mouth 506 (not shown). The gaiter material 410 may comprise a variety of patterns. It is typically a soft, washable material.

[0070] FIG. 7B illustrates a first fastening element 112 being separated from a second fastening element 114 such that the neck gaiter 104 may be removed from around the neck 502 of a user.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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. The soft and absorbent material is used in conjunction with an elastic material, such that the gaiter may stretch.

[0073] 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 elements, can be selected from, but are not limited to, hook and loop-type fasteners such as Velcro™, poppers, hook and loop attachments, or elastic or fabric ties. For younger wearers, the fastening elements must be easily releasable to prevent the risk of choking.

[0074] The chewing surface can be fabricated from a non-toxic, 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 order to provide the wearer with a therapeutic or calming chewing surface. In some embodiments of the invention the chewing or textured edge or surface may comprise a zipper, for chewing or playing with. The zipper is typically plastic and may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface.

[0075] 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. The gaiter may comprise elastic materials such that it may be stretched outwards from the neck 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.

[0076] 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.