SOOTHING SENSORY SQUARE

Abstract

A therapeutic devices targeted towards children and adults with developmental conditions. The present invention invention provides for a sensory device that provides visual and tactile stimulation to individuals who have autism and related conditions. The device has a shape and size suited to being hand-held by a user. The device contains within the body of the device channels containing spheres that move within the channels, providing sensory and visual stimulation.

Claims

1. A sensory device that provides visual and tactile stimulation to individuals who have autism and related conditions, the sensory device comprising: A solid shape; Disposed within the solid shape channels, the channels having lips at the openings of the channels; and Disposed within the channels are inserts, the inserts being of a smaller diameter than the channels and the inserts being capable of movement within the channels.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the inserts are chosen from a group of materials that are transparent or semi-transparent.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the inserts are chosen from a group of materials that contains clear and other colors available in the group of materials that are transparent or semi-transparent.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other embodiments are described by the following figures and detailed description.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a view of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an interior structural detail of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an oblique view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a view of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Referring now to FIG. 1, a view of a device in accordance with an embodiment of this invention is shown. The sensory device 101 is generally a solid in shape. As shown, the device 101 is a cuboid, with a first face 105 and a second face, the first and second faces being equal. The device 101 as shown further has four sides 102 with the depth of the device 101 being determined by the width of the sides 102 between the first face 105 and the second face. As will be apparent from this description, various shapes may be utilized for the device 101 without deviating from the scope and intent of the invention.

[0015] Disposed within the device 101 are channels 103, the channels 103 being generally tubular in shape. Contained within the channels 103 are generally spherical inserts 104. The inserts 104 are chosen of a size such that the diameter of the inserts 104 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the channels 103, allowing the inserts 104 to move back and forth within the channels 103, providing movement and thereby visual stimulation to the user. The inserts 104 may be of various materials. In a preferred embodiment, the inserts 104 are formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material such that light may partially or completely pass through the inserts 104, being distorted in the process. This movement and distortion creates visual stimulation for a user. The inserts 104 may be constructed of materials that are any possible color and design. A preferred embodiment utilizes clear inserts 104, but it will be understood that various colors may be utilized without deviating from the scope of the invention. The device 101 may be constructed of any rigid or semi-rigid material that may be shaped and/or constructed to accommodate the channels 103 and the inserts 104.

[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cutaway is shown of an embodiment of the present invention. The device 101 contains channels 103, in which the inserts 104 are disposed. The inserts 104 are free to move back and forth within the channel 103 as described above. To retain the inserts 104 within the channels 103, the channels have lips 201 that are formed from the body of the device 101. The lips 102 are larger than the diameter of the channels 103, thereby allowing the inserts 104 to move freely within the channels 103 without falling out.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows an oblique view of an embodiment of the present invention with the channels 103 and the inserts 104 shown as disposed within the body of the device 101.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows an oblique view of an embodiment of the present invention with additional channels 103 disposed within the device 101, and inserts 104 disposed within the channels 103.

[0019] These embodiments have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be understood that changes may be made without deviating from the scope of the invention described herein. It will also be understood that, although specific embodiments are shown herein, the body of the device may be of any shape chosen that provides acceptable tactile and visual sensations for a user.