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.

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 blanket...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

Problems solved by technology

While these blankets have value and are useful, they cannot provide stimulation and pleasure in the manner disclosed herein.

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.

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