Device for the prevention of thumb sucking

Abstract

A device for preventing thumb sucking is provided, comprising a glove worn on a hand, wherein the glove includes a first opening for insertion of the hand, a second opening opposite the first opening for permitting uncovered use of the four fingers of the hand; a thumb covering portion for completely covering the thumb of the hand while the glove is worn on the hand; and a fastening device adjacent to the first opening for preventing removal of the glove from the hand; wherein the glove is constructed from a material containing one or more designs which are attractive to a child wearing the glove.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] I. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to devices used to prevent thumb-sucking, and more particularly to such devices which cover the thumb in the form of a glove or mitten on the hand. [0003] II. Background and Prior Art [0004] Thumb sucking and finger sucking are unsightly and unhealthy habits frequently adopted by children. Although these habits are extensions of the child's innate desire to suck, some children carry the habit well beyond the age when the child is weaned from breast or bottle-feeding. Except where the context of usage indicates otherwise, the term “thumb sucking” is hereafter used to denote sucking one's thumb, index finger, or any other manual digit. [0005] In addition to being unsightly, thumb sucking also can have side effects deleterious to a person's health. For instance, any dirt or germs on the thumb sucker's hands becomes ingested into the body. When thumb sucking persists as the child ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a thumb sucking preventative device which effectively covers the thumb and discourages thumb sucking.

[0011] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a thumb sucking preventative device which permits free use of the other fingers.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a thumb sucking preventative device which can be retained on the hand by a fastener not easily removed by the child.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a thumb sucking preventative device which includes an attractive design for the child to encourage consistent wearing during treatment.

Problems solved by technology

Thumb sucking and finger sucking are unsightly and unhealthy habits frequently adopted by children.

In addition to being unsightly, thumb sucking also can have side effects deleterious to a person's health.

When a thumb sucking problem persists through the arrival of permanent teeth, the result is crooked teeth which can be overcome only by expensive and time-consuming orthodontic treatment, e.g. braces.

Persistent thumb sucking at this stage also can abrade the skin on the thumb, leading to infection.

Moreover, thumb sucking can produce emotional discomfort if the child is teased by his or her peers or scolded by adults for the activity.

Such devices affect the speech of the wearer and can be very unpleasant, and the devices consequently are seldom used.

Such hand appliances generally have attempted to inhibit thumb sucking either by causing the wearer discomfort when attempting to insert thumb into mouth, or by preventing the thumb sucker from forming an airtight seal around the thumb and thus thwarting the sucking action craved by the child.

Such devices are rarely appealing to the child or to the parents because of their functional design.

Thus, it is often difficult for a parent to encourage the wearing of these devices by the child.

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