U.S. patent application number 11/731799 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for stimulating and comforting security item for children.
This patent application is currently assigned to Swanky Swaddles, LLC. Invention is credited to Alison Mandell, Leslie Smith.
Application Number | 20080242187 11/731799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39795252 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080242187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Leslie ; et
al. |
October 2, 2008 |
Stimulating and comforting security item for children
Abstract
A child's body of fabric article wherein at least one triangular
shaped attachment is securely sewn into a seam along at least one
edge. In other embodiments the body of fabric article may
optionally include a pocket or a developmental closing mechanism.
The pocket allows a child to safely insert a finger into the
attachment and is further directed to the resulting method of
sensory stimulation for a child. The optional closing mechanism
further serves as a method for developing fine motor skills in
children, ages two and up.
Inventors: |
Smith; Leslie; (Reno,
NV) ; Mandell; Alison; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER, EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Swanky Swaddles, LLC
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
39795252 |
Appl. No.: |
11/731799 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/72 |
International
Class: |
A63H 9/00 20060101
A63H009/00 |
Claims
1. A children's fabric article comprising: a body; a plurality of
triangular attachment pockets wherein said triangular attachment
pockets are arranged in a plurality of patterns and said attachment
pockets are open on one side.
2. A children's fabric article of claim 1 wherein the body is made
of a first material, and wherein the pockets are made of a second
material different from the first material.
3. The children's fabric article of claim 1 further comprising: a
plurality of bonding means opposite to one open side.
4. The children's fabric article of claim 1, wherein the first
material is a cloth material and wherein the second material
includes satin.
5. A method of providing sensory stimulation to a child, the method
comprising: providing a first fabric sheet, said sheet comprising a
first panel of a first material substantially parallel to a second
panel of said first material, wherein the first and second panels
are sewn together to form said fabric sheet; providing a triangular
attachment wherein said attachment includes a panel made of a
second material folded over to form a substantially triangular
portion; and attaching said triangular portion to the first fabric
sheet.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the triangular portion includes an
open pocket, and wherein attaching includes sewing the triangular
portion to the first fabric sheet such that the open pocket is
exposed.
7. A method of providing sensory stimulation to a child, the method
comprising: providing a second fabric; folding the second fabric in
half to form a first rectangular shape; folding the second fabric a
second time thereby creating a second rectangular shape fabric
having one side comprised of the fabric edges and attaching the
folded second fabric into the seam on the diagonal; and trimming
away the remaining square to expose a seamless edge to a first
fabric sheet such that the fabric edges are attached to the first
fabric sheet and the seamless pocket is exposed.
8. A blanket comprising: one or more first bodies of fabric
double-folded into a triangular shape such that one side of the
triangle comprises the edges of the fabric and another side
comprises a seamless pocket; a second body of fabric attached to
the edges of the fabric of the first bodies of fabric, wherein the
seamless pocket is exposed such that a child may place their
fingers in the pocket.
9. The blanket of claim 8 wherein the blanket further comprises:
One or more fasteners attached to each pocket such that the pocket
may be securely closed.
10. The blanket of claim 9 wherein the fasteners are selected from
a group consisting of snaps, buttons, laces and zippers.
11. A doll comprising: a head having on one side a representation
of a face; a first body of fabric attached to the head for
comprising the body of the doll; one or more second bodies of
fabric double-folded into a triangular shape such that one side of
the triangle comprises the edges of the fabric and another side
comprises a seamless pocket, wherein the edges of the fabric of the
second body of fabric are attached to the first body of fabric.
12. A children's fabric article, comprising: a body; at least one
triangular pocket, wherein said at least one triangular pocket is
attached to said body and provides a pocket opening.
13. The children's fabric article of claim 12, wherein the body is
made of a first material, and wherein the pockets are made of a
second material different from the first material.
14. The children's fabric article of claim 12, further comprising:
a plurality of bonding means opposite to one open side.
15. The children's fabric article of claim 12, wherein the first
material is a cloth material and wherein the second material
includes silk.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is in the general field of entertainment,
security, developmental, and comforting items for babies and
children. It is well known that a child will often become attached
to a personal item such as a toy, blanket or other article. Often
this attachment will be a result of visual, oral, tactile or other
forms of developmental stimulation. Such an item can provide such
benefits in a number of ways, particularly in the absence of a
parent or other attractions that may divert the child's attention.
Further, an article constructed of a plurality of shapes, textures
and materials may also be able to provide numerous forms of
stimulation. If the article also includes additional attachments, a
child will have further opportunities to be stimulated as well,
providing important psychological and physiological additional
benefits.
[0002] Fleece baby blankets having loops or "tags" for baby
entertainment are well known in the art. While these blankets have
value and are useful, they cannot provide stimulation and pleasure
in the manner disclosed herein.
[0003] Children are naturally curious and sensitive to items they
touch or otherwise come into contact. Many items have been attached
to blankets and the like to satisfy the natural sensory needs of
children. One such example is a ribbon loop attachment, into which
a child can fully insert a finger. Small children may insert a
finger into the loops and then twist the loops in such a manner
that entanglement and possible loss of circulation can occur. The
present disclosure addresses this and other concerns.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an
article of manufacture, and methods of making the same, that is
made of fabric and incorporates safe and secure triangular
attachments made of a second fabric which is pleasing to one's
hand, folded over and securely attached (e.g. sewn) into the seam
of two pieces of fabric. The attachments may be constructed with an
open side creating a pocket. When constructed with such a pocket,
the design provides children with visual, oral, tactile and
developmental stimulation, while being enclosed to prevent a child
from getting fingers caught or twisted inside the attachment. The
triangular attachments may be sewn into the seam of a blanket, or
any appropriate layered body of fabric in which there is a
seam.
[0005] According to certain aspects, attachments are made by
folding a piece of fabric onto itself, and then folding it over
again. This double-folded piece of fabric is then securely sewn
into the seam of two bodies of fabric, creating a triangular shaped
attachment that has one open side or enclosed "pocket" that is
pleasing to the tactile, ocular and oral senses of a child. Also,
because a child cannot fully "insert" a finger through such a
constructed pocket, possible entanglement of a finger is
avoided.
[0006] The insertion of a finger into the open pocket allows for
intrinsic rubbing of the fabric between the fingers, creating
pleasure and tactile stimulation for the child. Further, the
attachment creates a variation of textural sensations because it is
constructed of a different material from the main body of fabric.
The resulting variation of material is both visually and orally
stimulating to a child. In one embodiment, the triangular
attachment is made of satin. In this embodiment, the attachment is
not only interesting to feel and view but it also provides oral
satiation for the child, an inherent need of developing babies.
There are a plurality of input modes of such sensory integration
that may stimulate a child's development and interaction
experience. Sensory input integration is herein defined as any such
input stimulus wherein a child responds to a first action with a
reaction.
[0007] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of
providing sensory stimulation to a child is disclosed. The method
comprises providing a first material body of fabric sheet. The
sheet comprises a first panel of said first material substantially
parallel to a second panel of said first material. The first and
second panels are sewn together to form the body of fabric sheet.
In addition, the body of fabric sheet is securely sewn together
with one or more triangular attachments constructed of a second
material. Further, the triangular attachment is constructed from a
single sheet of a second material fabric wherein the triangular
attachment is open on one side to provide a way for a child to
obtain visual, oral, tactile and development stimulation. The
triangular attachment is assembled by folding over a single sheet
of a second fabric material in a series of a first fold step and a
second fold step to create one open side of the triangular
attachment. The difference in fabric material textures, coupled
with the one open side construction provides oral, ocular, tactile,
and developmental experience and provides a means for a child to
enhance and develop fine motor skills.
[0008] It is not feasible to list every possible material,
configuration, or shape of the here disclosed subject matter or
shape of the body of fabric to which the present invention may be
directed. Therefore, the term "body of fabric" is used to refer to
every article, shape, material, or combination which may be
included in the illustrations and descriptions that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates one means for creating the triangular
pocket elements according to one embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment including substantially
triangular attachment elements in the corners of a body of fabric
sheet.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment including snaps and
buttons.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment including
triangular pocket elements on a star shaped blanket.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the current
invention wherein a plurality of triangular pocket elements are
attached to a circular blanket.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment as part of a doll.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart detailing a method for
providing sensory stimulation to a child according to one
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Specific examples of components and arrangements are
described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of
course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In
addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals
and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the
purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a
relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations
discussed.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a triangular pocket element 114 and one
means for creating the triangular pocket element 114 according to
one embodiment. A square or oblong piece of fabric sheet 110 is
folded diagonally to create a first triangular shaped piece of
fabric 112. The first triangular-shaped piece of fabric 112 is then
folded a second time along a line to bisect the first
triangular-shaped fabric 112 such that the fold is along the medium
from one of the vertices of the right angle to the midpoint of the
opposite side thus creating a second triangular-shaped of the
fabric 114. The second triangular-shaped fabric 114 is the pocket
element having an open seamless pocket side 116 and a second fabric
end side 118 to be sewn into other fabric. The absence of a sewn
seam along the pocket side 116 of the pocket element provides for a
smoother surface for the infant thus facilitating the tactile
sensation and eliminating the less flexible sewn hem or selvage
that results when multiple fabrics are sewn together.
[0018] Alternatively, a square piece of fabric sheet 110 is folded
in half then folded into itself to obtain a second square fabric
sheet. The second square fabric sheet is then sewn into the seam on
the diagonal and the remaining square is cut off.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a blanket 210 according to one
embodiment. As shown, a blanket 210 includes a body of fabric
having four pocket elements 212, 216, 218 and 220 attached one at
each corner. Each pocket element is attached such that the pocket
or opening is accessible to a child by aligning the pocket opening
along the edge of the blanket 210. Thus, the triangular pocket
elements 212, 216, 218 and 220 are easily accessible to the child
and are located where the child is most likely to grasp the
blanket.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a blanket 310 including snaps and buttons
according to one embodiment. As shown, blanket 310 includes a
fabric material having one or more pocket elements 312, 316
attached at the corners. Each pocket element 312, 316 is attached
such that the pocket or opening is accessible to a child by
aligning the pocket opening along the edge of the blanket 310. In
this embodiment, snaps 314 and buttons 318 are employed to allow
for closing the pockets 312 and 318 respectively. This provides for
enhanced stimulation of a child and as the child grows, provides a
familiarization with common elements of clothing. One having skill
in the art will appreciate that this embodiment can be realized
using other enclosure means besides snaps or buttons. For example,
zippers, laces, or stitching may be employed.
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a star shaped blanket 410 having
triangular pocket elements according to another embodiment. The
triangular elements 412, 414, 416, 418 and 420 are attached to the
blanket 410, in one aspect, by sewing the fabric end side to the
position on the blanket such that they comprise the points of the
star. Thus, the triangular pocket elements 412, 414, 416, 418 and
420 are easily accessible to the child and are located where the
child is most likely to grasp the blanket.
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a circular blanket 510 having a plurality
of triangular pocket elements according to another embodiment. As
shown, a plurality of triangular pocket elements 512 are sewn along
the edge of the blanket 510 such that the fabric end side is sewn
to the blanket 510 leaving the pocket 514 available for the child
to explore. In this embodiment, should the child grasp any position
along the edge of the blanket, they will encounter one of the
triangle pocket elements 512.
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a doll constructed out of fabric 610 and
having a doll's head 612 according to one embodiment. One or more
triangular pocket elements 614 are attached such that the fabric
end is sewn to the doll fabric 610 and the pocket opening 616 is
available to the child.
[0024] One having skill in the art would recognize that a wide
variety of fabrics may be used and that different shapes and sizes
of elements (e.g. corners, fabric, etc.) may be used.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart detailing a method for
creating an object that provides sensory stimulation to a child. To
realize a triangular pocket element, one must first provide a
square piece of a first fabric 710. The fabric is then folded
diagonally to create a first triangular shape 712 and then the
fabric is again added to bisect first triangle creating a second
triangular shape having a fabric end side and a pocket side 714.
Finally, the fabric edges of the second triangular shape are
securely sewn into a seam of a second fabric and lining 716. The
second fabric may include a blanket, doll or other fabric item for
use with a child.
[0026] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of
providing sensory stimulation to a child is disclosed. The method
comprises providing a first material body of fabric sheet. The
sheet comprises a first panel of a first material substantially
parallel to a second panel of said first material or a second
material. The first and second panels are sewn together to form the
body of fabric sheet. In addition, the body of fabric sheet is
securely sewn together with one or more triangular attachments
constructed of a different, second material. Further, the
triangular attachment is constructed from a single sheet of a
second material fabric wherein the triangular attachment is open on
one side to provide a way for a child to obtain visual, oral,
tactile and development stimulation. The triangular attachment is
assembled by folding over a single sheet of a second fabric
material in a series of a first fold step and a second fold step to
create one open side of the triangular attachment. The difference
in fabric material textures, coupled with the one open side
construction provides oral, ocular, tactile, and developmental
experience.
[0027] In yet further embodiments of the invention, a method of
providing visual sensory stimulation to a child wherein a body of
fabric sheet is shaped in a familiar pattern to the child. The
method comprises providing visual sensory stimulation to a child
wherein a body of fabric sheet is shaped in the image of a popular
children shape, said shape selected from the group consisting of a
star, sun, and doll; providing one or more substantially triangular
attachments securely sewn and coupled thereto; and stimulating a
child's sensory input integration.
[0028] According to FIG. 2, the triangular attachment pocket
provides a way to visually stimulate a child because the attachment
is constructed of a second material, which in some embodiments may
be shiny. For example, in one embodiment, the triangular attachment
pocket may be constructed of a satin fabric. In such an embodiment,
the triangular attachment pocket second material will be attractive
to a child because it is shiny and may reflect light differently
than a dissimilar first material. Further, the second material may
also provide a child with oral stimulation due to the differences
in textures between said first and second materials. Other useful
materials might include satin, fleece, corduroy, polyester,
etc.
[0029] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless
not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various
modifications and structural changes may be made therein without
departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and
range of equivalents of the claims. Accordingly, it is appropriate
that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner
consistent with the scope of the invention, as set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *