METHODS, BEDWEAR AND BEDDING FOR AIDING SLEEP

Abstract

A method of aiding sleep includes a person seeking to sleep using a finger to touch and move the finger over at least part of a tactile region located on bedwear that the person is wearing, or on bedding present on a bed, in a manner that can promote sleep. Bed wear and bedding including such a tactile region is also provided.

Claims

1. A method of aiding sleep; whereby a person seeking to sleep uses a finger to touch and move the finger over at least part of a tactile region located on bedwear that the person is wearing, or on bedding present on a bed, in a manner that can promote sleep.

2. A method according to claim 1; wherein the tactile region comprises one or more of the following: a spiral shape or pattern, a group of nested or concentric shapes or patterns, a series of shapes or patterns that get progressively smaller or larger in a given direction, a series of shapes or patterns that incorporate variation between the elements, a line arranged to provide a repeated motif or pattern, a shape that includes a plurality of branches, a generally fractal shape, a series of shapes or patterns having a common theme.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the tactile region, shape(s) or patterns(s) is/are raised or recessed by at least 0.1 mm (e.g. at least 1 mm 2 mm at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm).

4. A method according to; claim 1 wherein the tactile region comprises one or more shapes or patterns that get progressively smaller and/or more detailed.

5. A method according to claim 4; wherein the tactile region comprises a shape or pattern that is self-similar at a level of at least three repeats or iterations.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the tactile region comprises a simulated fractal shape or pattern.

7. A method according to; claim 1 wherein the person repeatedly moves a finger in a given manner over all or at least part of the tactile region until the person develops focus and concentration on the element being explored, and/or becomes fatigued and/or distracted from thoughts that help keep the person awake, and is thereby more likely to sleep.

8. A method according to; claim 1 wherein the tactile region is located on bedwear worn by the person seeking to sleep.

9. A method according to claim 8; wherein the tactile region is provided at a front, side, arm, leg and and/or torso area of bedwear at a location so as to be easily accessible to a finger of the person wearing the bedwear in bed and seeking to sleep.

10. A method according to claim 1; wherein the method includes the step of a person listens to a sound recording instructing the person to touch the tactile region and move along it in a given manner (e.g. wherein the recording further includes music).

11. A method according to claim 1; wherein the tactile region comprises a path or pathway for the finger to trace.

12. A method according to claim 11; wherein the path or pathway is at least 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm long.

13. A method according to claim 11; wherein the tactile region provides a path or pathway for the finger to trace that is less than 2 cm wide.

14. A method according to claim 11; wherein the tactile region provides a continuous path or pathway for the finger to trace.

15. A method according to claim 1; wherein the tactile region is located only at a discrete region of bedwear or bedding.

16. A method according claim 1; wherein the tactile region represents less than 25%, 10%, less than 5% or less than 1% of the area of a given surface of the bedding or bedwear.

17. A method according to claim 1 when used by a person to get to sleep in less than 60 minutes, less than 30 minutes, less than 15 minutes, less than 10 minutes or less than 5 minutes from the person commencing the method.

18. Bedwear or bedding that comprises a tactile region as described in claim 1.

19. A method comprising modifying existing bedding or bedwear that does not have the tactile region described in claim 11; whereby the method includes adding said region in the form of a patch to said bedding or bedwear.

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. A kit comprising bedding or bedwear according to claim 18, wherein the kit comprises instructions for using the bedding bedwear or patch.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0133] FIG. 1 is a top view of a tactile region made up of a series of concentrically arranged patterns;

[0134] FIG. 2 is a top view of a tactile region having a two-arm spiral arrangement;

[0135] FIG. 3 is a top view of a tactile region having a single-arm spiral arrangement of dots;

[0136] FIG. 4 is a top view of a tactile region formed of a spiral arrangement;

[0137] FIG. 5 is a top view of a tactile region of a further spiral arrangement;

[0138] FIG. 6 is a top view of a tactile region formed of another spiral arrangement;

[0139] FIG. 7 is a top view of a tactile region formed of a nested series of patterns and shapes arranged in successive ring-like structures around a central point;

[0140] FIG. 8 is a top view of a tactile region showing a stylized tree pattern;

[0141] FIG. 9 is a top view of a tactile region of another stylized tree;

[0142] FIG. 10 is a top view of a tactile region having two paths turning toward a central point;

[0143] FIG. 11 is a top view of a tactile region showing a series of stars joined by a line;

[0144] FIG. 12 is a top view of a tactile region showing a series of shapes that progressively diminish in size from right to left;

[0145] FIG. 13 is a top view of a tactile region in the shape of a sheep;

[0146] FIG. 14 is a top view of a tactile region of another representation of a sheep;

[0147] FIG. 15 is a top view of a tactile region of a series of sheep;

[0148] FIG. 16 is a top view of a tactile region of a series of stylized animals;

[0149] FIG. 17 is a top view of a tactile region of a series of stylized animals;

[0150] FIG. 18 is a top view of a tactile region of a series of animals arranged in concentric arrange;

[0151] FIG. 19 is a top view of a tactile region of large cloud images with smaller circular objects;

[0152] FIG. 20 is a top view of a tactile region of a series of clouds;

[0153] FIG. 21 is a top view of a tactile region having nested shapes;

[0154] FIG. 22 is a top view of a tactile region of nested lines;

[0155] FIG. 23 is a top view of a tactile region of a series of concentric circles;

[0156] FIG. 24 is a top view of a tactile region of a series of nested squares;

[0157] FIG. 25 is a top view of a tactile region of another series of nested squares; and

[0158] FIG. 26 is a top view of a tactile region of a further series of nested squares.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0159] The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the associated figures.

[0160] In these examples various shapes and patterns are described. They are provided on bed wear or bedding where the shapes/patterns are either raised/recessed by at least 0.1 mm relative to surrounding material so as to form a tactile region. This therefore aids a user (defined as a wearer of bedwear or a person using bedding) in detecting the configuration by touch.

[0161] FIG. 1 shows a tactile region made up of a series of concentrically arranged patterns.

[0162] The outermost part of the arrangement is provided by a pattern of discontinuous curved elements that follow the circumference of a circle. The circle is centred on a point represented by the central dot (or disk) shown in the figure.

[0163] A user can trace a finger along the circumferentially arranged outermost elements and thus trace a generally circular path along the repeated pattern for as long or as short a time as desired. The path can be traced in a clockwise or anticlockwise manner (or even not at all) if the user chooses to move the finger to another level

[0164] In some cases this repeated generally circular motion may be enough to cause the user to fall asleep. It may distract the user from thoughts that are preventing/reducing the likelihood of sleep for sufficient time for the user to fall asleep.

[0165] The user is free to move the finger inwardly to the next concentric pattern, if desired. This is provided by a series of dots (discs). This provides a slightly different feel that can be detected by the user. Some users may prefer this feel.

[0166] The user is again free to move the finger around in the pattern and in contact with it for as few or as many times as desired (or even not at all and to skip to another level).

[0167] Again this can be done in a forward or reverse direction, which can here be considered as a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

[0168] Again there is a possibility that repeatedly moving the finger over the elements to trace and/or reverse a given path may induce sleep. The path can vary with the nature of the shape or pattern and it should be recalled that the examples are merely illustrative

[0169] In this example the user is also free to move the finger inwardly again to the next concentric pattern that is centred on a common central point. This is an undulating curve that forms a pattern that is generally cog shaped pattern. The finger can move along the wavy lines of the undulating curve for as long or as short a period as desired. This can be done in a generally clockwise and/or generally anticlockwise direction. Again there is a possibility that this will induce sleep. The undulating curve has a different feel from the patterns discussed above and can be distinguished by touch from said patterns. A user may for example prefer the undulating curve from other shapes and may move a finger around it until the user becomes fatigued and falls asleep

[0170] The next pattern shown in this figure is a further series of circumferentially aligned dots. This feels different from the wavy line and again a user can readily detect the difference by touch as the finger moves from the wavy line to the inner series of circumferentially arranged dots. level to another. The finger can move along the pattern of dots for as long or as short a period as desired and again this may help induce sleep.

[0171] At the centre of the arrangement of patterns is a single dot. This is useful aid to help a user identify the centre of the pattern by touch. In practice it is likely that a person seeking to get to sleep will spend the majority of the time moving a finger over one or more of the other patterns shown in this arrangement rather than touching the central dot. Indeed the central dot is a useful guide point, but is optional.

[0172] Thus the user is of course free to touch and/or move along one or more of the patterns or shapes shown in whatever manner the user wishes to and finds useful to induce sleep.

[0173] Preferably a user will start from the outermost pattern and move a finger inwardly to the innermost level However this is not essential and there are many alternatives. A user may skip one or more levels, may move the finger from an inner pattern to an outer pattern, etc

[0174] As discussed earlier a person seeking to sleep can repeat various movements based on touching the shapes or patterns and/or reverse them. It is preferred that there are a plurality of repeats and/or reversals of a given motion traced by a finger (e.g. a circular motion). Such action can aid the user in becoming fatigued getting to sleep. It may also induce a trance-like state that can help sleep.

[0175] Thus a user may move a finger over various shapes and/or patterns (or outlines thereof) in a given order and then repeat and/or reverse the process.

[0176] The variety of possibilities can itself be useful in distracting a person from thoughts that may prevent or delay sleep. The user may try a plurality of different possibilities and may with deeper and deeper focus on the very subtle differences between elements gradually fall asleep

[0177] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 the patterns shown are in a nested series. Here there are five patterns, if the central dot is included, or four if it is not.

[0178] It is of course possible to have fewer or more levels of nesting and also to have different patterns/motifs/shapes than is shown in this non limiting example.

[0179] Furthermore nesting need not use generally circular shapes/patterns that are circumferentially arranged round on a centre point. Any desired shapes or patterns can be nested

[0180] A series of nested generally polygonal shapes or patterns may for example be used. The arrangement may be generally triangular, generally square rectangular generally pentagonal, generally hexagonal, mixtures thereof, etc. The shapes or patterns may be continuous or discontinuous. Thus for example continuous or discontinuous lines (or dots) may be used to follow the outline of a polygon.

[0181] Indeed any nested arrangement can be used whether the shapes or patterns are the same, similar or different. Furthermore, if nesting is used, it is preferred that there be a symmetrical arrangement about a central point (as in FIG. 1), this is not essential.

[0182] FIG. 2 is a two-armed spiral arrangement made up of dots of various sizes. The dots get gradually smaller as a user traces a path of dots from a central point. The pattern shown can be considered to be a simulated fractal arrangement, because in theory if the pattern is repeated indefinitely the dots could get smaller and smaller and the pattern could continue infinitely. However in practice at a given level a user would not be able to distinguish between individual dots and thus at a given point the pattern of dots is stopped. Here there are 17 dots in each spiral that extend beyond the large central dot and get gradually smaller in size whilst still providing a spiral path for a finger to follow.

[0183] FIG. 3 is similar in many respects to FIG. 2, but here there is a single armed spiral arrangement of dots that is used to provide a path for a finger to follow. Furthermore here there are 32 dots. They get progressively smaller as the spiral moves inwards. It is of course possible to use other arrangements of shapes rather than dots to provide the spiral path for the finger to follow. It is also possible for the number of elements to differ.

[0184] FIG. 4 is another spiral arrangement but here the spiral is continuous and has a constant width. The coils of the spiral are spaced apart sufficiently so that the spiral shape and coils within it can be recognised by touch. It is preferred that there is a spacing of at least 2.5 mm, 5 mm, at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm between the coils of the spiral. The greater the spacing, the less likely it is that a finger following the spiral path will contact two adjacent coils at the same time.

[0185] The width of the spiral path is preferably less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm less than 5 mm or less than 2 mm. It may even for example be the width of a single thread of material. It is desired in any event that the that the path not be very wide because it would then be more difficult to detect and follow.

[0186] Thus ideally the width should be less than the width of a finger used to trace along the path.

[0187] Furthermore if the path is relatively narrow, more turns of the spiral can be fitted in a given area.

[0188] The length of the spiral is preferably at least 5 cm at least 10 cm at least 15 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm.

[0189] A long spiral allows a user to move a finger along it for a much longer time in a given direction than a much shorter one and this can help promote sleep. Indeed this applies whether or not the path is a continuous one as shown in this figure or is a discontinuous one (as shown in various other figures).

[0190] For example, FIG. 5 is a further spiral arrangement whereby a finger can follow a long path, but here the spiral is made up of discrete elements that make up the spiral path. Here the elements are rectangular blocks. A finger can trace along the blocks. In this embodiment the blocks form a path that gets gradually narrower as the finger moves from the outermost to innermost part of the spiral. This can add interest to a user who is following the spiral because the blocks are detectably different as the finger moves along the spiral.

[0191] However it is not essential that he blocks get narrower. It is preferred that even the widest block is less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm or less than 5 mm wide. The narrowest block may be 1 mm in width or less as long as it can be detected by touch.

[0192] As with other figures showing spiral arrangements it is preferred that the spacing between adjacent coils/turns of a spiral is at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm

[0193] In FIG. 5 there is a large dot at the centre of the spiral. (as for FIG. 1). This can help a user easily detect the of the spiral shown but is not essential

[0194] FIG. 6 is a yet further spiral arrangement but here the spiral has jagged edges that vary in nature and size along the length of the spiral. A user can trace the spiral path, but will note fairly random variations in the roughness/jaggedness of the spiral as the finger moves along it. Such random variations can be useful in that they can introduce an element of uncertainty as the finger moves along the spiral. This may help in distracting a user from thoughts that may otherwise prevent the user from getting to sleep. In theory such seemingly random variations could continue forever, as a spiral turns and turns (and as would be the case for a random fractal). In FIG. 6 the spiral may be considered as a simulated random fractal, given that manufacturing techniques and the sense of touch limit the number of variations along the spiral that would be provided in practice.

[0195] FIG. 7 is similar in some respects to FIG. 1 in that the is a nested series of patterns/shapes arranged in successive ring like structures around a central point

[0196] The outermost part of FIG. 7 is in the form of a of a meander pattern. Here a finger can trace a continual meandering path as it changes direction. The meander pattern shown is a regular meander pattern. Such patterns have been used to decorate pottery since the time of ancient Greek and Roman empires. They are still used today.

[0197] Meander patterns are very useful in the present invention in that they can provide a long pathway for a finger to trace in a small area. In FIG. 7 the meander pattern is in the form of a Greek key pattern. Other meanders are possible and may be regular or irregular meanders.

[0198] Close to the inside edge of each meander pattern shown in FIG. 7 there is a circle (or ring). This is optional and is not itself a meander. It can be considered to provide an inner border located close to the meander pattern.

[0199] As a user moves a finger inwards two or more meander patterns with borders can be found at increasingly small scales. Thus here there are three patterns that reduce in scale from the outermost to innermost pattern.

[0200] In theory the patterns could be repeated infinitely on a smaller and smaller scale, as is the case for fractals. However as discussed earlier this is not possible in practice, and the practical limit would be what the human fingertip can detect and differentiate. An arrangement shown of increasing small meander patterns nested within each other can be considered a simulated fractal arrangement of patterns. In the embodiment shown there is a central dot that is useful for orientation. However, as discussed earlier, this is optional.

[0201] FIG. 8 shows a stylised tree pattern. A bird is shown in the tree and another is shown next to the tree. The birds provide added elements of interest that can help in distracting a user from thoughts that may prevent sleep. The tree provides a trunk, branches from the trunk, branches of branches etc. This a finger can move along a wide variety of routes provide by the various branch points of the tree. The variety of routes that can be traced can help aid a user in getting to sleep. They can also help keep the user sufficiently interested so that the user does not give up on the task prematurely.

[0202] FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8 in that it is another stylised tree with birds associated with it. Here the tree is shown bent over to one side with a flock of birds shown ascending from the tree at that side. The birds get smaller and smaller as they get further away from the tree. Here a user can trace along branching of the tree and/or can trace the pattern of birds as the birds get smaller and smaller in a given direction. As with the other embodiments of the present invention the user is free to repeat and/or or reverse such actions as desired. This can promote sleep by leading to a state of fatigue whilst distracting the mind from thoughts preventing sleep

[0203] FIG. 10 shows an arrangement whereby two paths are shown with each path turning in on itself towards a central point. Each path can be considered as path that is linear but then turns through 90 degrees at regular intervals and gets narrower with each turn. This both paths converge towards a central point. The paths can be considered as two square spirals (also known as Ulam spirals).

[0204] This can be considered as a fractal arrangement given that in theory the spirals could continue forever at infinitely small scales. In practice, however, the arrangement can be consider as a simulated fractal arrangement, given that that, as discussed earlier, there are limitation on manufacturing techniques, as well as on the sense of touch that would allow a user to detect shapes or patterns at very small scales.

[0205] FIG. 11 shows a series of stars shown joined by lines. Many alternative arrangements could be shown so as to simulate clusters of stars or constellations. A user can use a finger to trace along the lines and stars. As with the other embodiments discussed herein, this can the user in getting to sleep. The arrangement shown include various branch points at which different routes can be taken by a finger.

[0206] FIG. 12 show a series of shapes that get progressively smaller from right to left. The series begins with a filled circle and ends in a thin crescent. The series can be considered to schematically represent what could be seen remaining of one sphere/disc as another sphere/disc passes in front of it. Thus it mimics to some degree certain eclipses, as well as certain phases of the moon. A person moving a finger from right to left can trace the finger over the various shapes and detect the gradual change from a large circle to increasingly small shapes. As with other embodiment of the invention the sense of touch can help the person to get to sleep by helping distract the person's thoughts from those preventing sleep and helping the person become fatigued by performing a task involving moving a finger over all or part of a tactile region. This can be done one or more times. If, as here, a pattern is provided that provides various routes for a finger to trace is can help maintain interest in the task until a stage of deeper focus is reached.

[0207] The shapes can be spaced apart, but should be close enough so that a person having located one of the shapes by touch can easily find and move the finger over the other shapes. (In embodiments where a series of spaced apart shapes are provided, desirably each shape is less than 15 cm, less than 10 com, less than 5 cm or less than 5 cm from an adjacent shape)

[0208] FIGS. 13 to 15 are all schematic representations of a sheep (or ram), as an example of a design comprised of smaller tactile elements. FIGS. 13 and 14 include the common feature of having spiral that a user can trace a finger along (see the earlier discussion regarding spirals). They also include other shapes that help make up a schematic shape and can be detected by touch to provide a mental picture of the animal.

[0209] FIG. 15 show a sheep (or ram) getting smaller and smaller from left to right. A user can trace a pattern of an object getting smaller and smaller with a finger (or vice versa)

[0210] FIG. 16 shows a series of highly stylised animals and objects that vary from right to left. Indeed the images are emoji like in nature and particularly likely to appeal to children, teenagers, or young adults. A user can move a finger from one shape to the next and try to work out by touch what the shape represents. This can help distract the person from thoughts preventing sleep.

[0211] FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 16, but the objects in FIG. 17 get progressively smaller from right to left and are separated by lines.

[0212] FIG. 18 show various schematic animal images being arranged in concentric rings. At the centre is a single animal image. This is to some degree analogous with FIG. 1 but replaces other shaped patterns with animals. This can be particularly useful for a person (especially a child or teenager) who likes animals trying to get to sleep

[0213] FIGS. 19 and 20 show large cloud images with smaller circular objects (that could represent mini-clouds or raindrops) located close to the clouds. The circular objects gradually reduce in size with distance away from the large clouds.

[0214] In FIG. 19 the clouds and circles contain various stitched lines that divide the cloud and circles into numerous generally triangular parts. A finger can be used not only to identify the clouds and circles but also to move over the internal lines, find nodes where lines intersect, identify triangular shapes, etc. Here there is a patchwork-like arrangement of internal lines that provide many possible routes for a finger to move along. Typically the lines would be formed of threads

[0215] In FIG. 20 the clouds and circles are blocks of material. Furthermore there are numerous repetitions of a clouds and associated circles at different relative sizes. Thus a user can move a finger over a tactile region where the images are present and try to identify the different sizes and shapes. Again, this can help aid sleep by distracting the person from thoughts that might present sleep and in providing a task involving the sense of touch that is of sufficient interest for a user to engage in it until the user becomes more and more deeply focused and may fall asleep.

[0216] FIG. 21 to FIG. 26 are similar to some of the earlier figures in that they provide nested shapes/patterns whereby a user can move from an outer level to one or more inner levels. At each level the user can move a finger around a path provided by a given shape or pattern. This can help the user to get to sleep.

[0217] In FIG. 21 square nested patterns based on a series of dots are provided. FIG. 26 is generally similar to FIG. 21, but uses short lines rather than dots. FIGS. 22 to 25 all have nested shapes formed by continuous lines. The shapes vary in nature from nested square shapes (see FIGS. 24 and 25), nested generally square shapes (see FIG. 22, where wavy lines rather than straight lines are used) and nested circles/rings (see FIG. 23)

[0218] A person seeking to fall asleep may optionally listen to a sound recording discussing using the sense of touch to feel and move over/along one or more shapes, configurations or patterns that can help promote sleep.

[0219] Thus, for example, if the tactile region comprises a spiral pathway shaped for a finger to move along, the recording may discuss gradually moving the finger along the spiral. It may also discuss repeating or reversing this action.

[0220] The voice recording may be timed to synchronise with a timing of the movement likely to promote sleep. For example, it may discuss moving a finger along an outer coil of a spiral may then discuss progressively moving it along inner coils in a manner that corresponds with a desired timing for the movement.

[0221] The voice recording may if desired be accompanied by relaxing music or sounds (e.g. the sound of waves, of birds singing, etc.).

[0222] The voice recording may be provided on a data carrier (e.g. in the form of a recording stored by a digital or analogue memory).

[0223] The invention also includes a device set up to transmit such a recording. The device may for example be a mobile phone/or computer that includes the voice recording, or that comprises an app that links to the recording. The device may be any device with a sound input system that is arranged to transmit the recording.

[0224] The invention also includes kits. For example, it includes a kit comprising bedding or bedwear according to the invention and instructions (e.g. voice instructions) for using the bedding bedwear or patch in a method of the invention.

[0225] As explained above, voice instructions may be provided via a data carrier and/or via a device set up to transmit such a recording. Thus the carrier and/or device may be included in the kit.

[0226] Another example of a kit of the present invention is a kit that allows existing bedding or bedwear to be converted to provide bedding or bedwear of the present invention.

[0227] This may include a tactile region (e.g. in the form of a patch) that can be secured to existing bedding or bedwear to transform it to bedding or bedwear of the present invention. If desired, the kit may also include instructions for securing the tactile region to existing bedding or bedwear and/or means for securing the tactile region to existing bedding or bedwear (e.g. adhesive, sewing thread, etc.)