Sensory development device

Abstract

An infant sensory stimulation device for suspension above an infant has a flexible panel from which a set of parallel-extending sensory development fingers hang, the set of sensory development fingers comprising at least three fingers with different surface textures. The flexible panel partially defines a pocket in which selected sensory development fingers can be stored, such that the stored fingers are concealed from the field of vision of a supine infant located below the infant sensory stimulation device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to baby play mats and devices for presenting selectable objects of focus and / or interactive objects to an infant. Background Technology

[0002] Play mats provide a soft surface for infants to rest on, typically located on the floor, as a safe and clean environment, usually used during the pre-crawl developmental stage. Some mats are used with an upper structure extending above the infant from which play, educational, and / or interactive objects can be suspended to stimulate the infant while lying on their back. Improvements in the design and configuration of such play, educational, and / or interactive objects benefit both the infant and their caregivers. Summary of the Invention Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the first side of a sensory development device according to various embodiments; Figure 2 This is an image of the first side of a sensory development device according to various embodiments; Figure 3 This is an image of the second side of a sensory development device according to various embodiments; Figure 4 This is an image of the lower side of a sensory development device according to various embodiments; Figure 5 These are images of the attachments of sensory development devices according to various embodiments; Figure 6 This is an image of a portion of the sensory development apparatus according to various embodiments; Figure 7 This is an image of the first side of a sensory development device according to various embodiments; Figure 8 This is an image of the second side of a sensory development device according to various embodiments; Figure 9 Images are of sensory development devices attached to the superstructure according to various embodiments; and Figure 10 Images are of an infant play mat and its superstructure, including a sensory development device, according to various embodiments.

[0005] The same reference numerals in the various figures indicate the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0006] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The sensory development device 10 may include one or more sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. More than one sensory development finger 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may be referred to as a “group” of the sensory development fingers. In various embodiments, the outer surfaces of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may be made of natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, organic fabrics, various suitable plastics or polymers, or other materials generally considered safe and suitable for the manufacture of infants or baby toys.

[0007] Each of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may have external or internal sensory developmental characteristics, such as various textures, colors, or vocalizations that stimulate an infant's sensory development. The outer surfaces of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may be made of the same or different materials. In various embodiments, the materials selected for the outer surfaces of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may be chosen to stimulate the infant's sense of touch when interacting with one or more of the fingers. For example, in some embodiments, the outer surfaces of the sensory development fingers may have different textures; for example, the outer surface of development finger 12 may be a cotton corduroy material, the outer surface of development finger 14 may be a textured knitted material, and the outer surfaces of sensory development fingers 16 and 22 may be cotton fabrics. In various embodiments, the outer surface of sensory development finger 18 may be a textured bubble minky material, and / or the outer surface of sensory development finger 20 may be a polyester satin material. In some embodiments, the outer surface may also have a velvety texture or a glossy texture.

[0008] In some embodiments, the outer surfaces of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may have one or more bright / vibrant colors or visually interesting patterns to stimulate the infant's visual senses. For example, the outer surfaces of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may be orange, red, yellow, or blue, and / or may have repeating patterns, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the embodiments. For example, in various embodiments, at least three of the developmental fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may have different textures, colors, and / or patterns. In some embodiments, five or a group of the developmental fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may have different textures, colors, and / or patterns.

[0009] In various embodiments, one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may further include an internal material to stimulate the infant's sense of touch or hearing. For example, sensory development finger 12 may include a paper or plastic film that produces an auditory effect, such as a crinkling sound, when manipulated by a child. Sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may also include polyester filling material, wadding material, or other suitable forms of filling. In some embodiments, one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may include a mechanical or electrical auditory device, such as a bell, rattle, buzzer, or speaker. For example, sensory development finger 16 may include a cylindrical bell, and / or sensory development finger 14 may include a spherical rattle. In some embodiments, one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 may have an internal storage location adapted for a parent or caregiver to place a sensory development feature or other object within one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22.

[0010] The sensory development device 10 may further include one or more attachments 24 and 26. Attachments 24 and 26 may be made of various suitable attachment materials, such as fabrics, like cotton fabrics or mesh materials. Attachments 24 and 26 may be configured such that the sensory development device 10 can be attached to or suspended from one or more legs of the superstructure, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown. Attachments 24 and 26 may include suspension elements. In some embodiments, attachments 24 and 26 may include two flaps configured to wrap around either side of the upper structure leg. For example, flap 25 may wrap around one side of the leg and connect to flap 42 (…). Figure 3 (as shown), and flap 27 can also be wrapped around the support leg and connected to flap 40 (as shown). Figure 3 (As shown). The two flaps constituting attachments 24 and 26 can be connected together by hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, or any other suitable type of fabric fastener. Attachments 24 and 26 can also be a single, generally cylindrical or tubular material piece that slides around the legs of the superstructure. In some embodiments, there may be a single attachment or more than two attachments. The one or more attachments can be used to attach the sensory development device 10 to other suitable suspension locations besides the superstructure.

[0011] The sensory development device 10 may also include a flexible panel 28. One or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may be attached to the flexible panel 28. In various embodiments, three to six of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 are attached to the flexible panel 28. The flexible panel 28 may be made of fabric, such as cotton, mesh, or other suitable flexible material. In some embodiments, the flexible panel 28 comprises a fabric material having a pattern that provides visual stimulation to an infant using the sensory development device 10. The flexible panel 28 may comprise two pieces of fabric, wherein the edges of one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 are pressed between the two pieces of fabric and sewn together. The flexible panel 28 may also be coupled to attachments 24 and 26, for example, by means of stitching. Figure 1 As shown, attachments 24 and 26 can each be attached to a non-parallel edge of the flexible panel 28. In some embodiments, sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 can be attached to an edge of the flexible panel 28 opposite to one or more edges of the flexible panel 28 that are stitched to attachments 24 and 26.

[0012] As described above, one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 can be attached to the flexible panel 28. In some embodiments, each of the one or more sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 is sutured to a single edge of the flexible panel 28 along a generally continuous suture line 30. The suture line 30 allows the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 to extend parallel to the flexible panel 28 and allows one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 to fold uniformly. The sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 have a width measured along the suture line 30, a thickness perpendicular to the width, and a length measured from the suture line 30 to the distal end of the finger, the length being greater than the thickness and the width. In some embodiments, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, each of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 has a similar length, such that in the suspension configuration, each of them hangs downwards from the flexible panel 28 by a substantially uniform distance. In some embodiments, one or more sensory development fingers may have substantially equal thickness and width, which can (e.g.) Figure 2 The finger 16 shown in the figure is advantageous for including a cylindrical finger, such as a cylindrical bell or other sound-producing device as described above.

[0013] The sensory development device 10 may also include a pocket panel 32. The pocket panel may be attached to the flexible panel 28 to form an internal pocket suitable for storing one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. The pocket panel 32 may be made of the same material as the flexible panel or a different material. The pocket panel 32 may be attached to the flexible panel 28 by stitching along all sides of the pocket panel 32 except one side. In other embodiments, other suitable attachment methods may be used, including stitching on fewer sides or using fasteners.

[0014] In some embodiments, the releasable closure 34 allows a portion of the pocket panel 32 to be releasably attached to the flexible panel 28. The releasable closure 34 allows for closure or partial closure of the pocket formed between the flexible panel 28 and the pocket panel 32. In some embodiments, the releasable closure may include a hook-and-loop fastener. The releasable closure may be aligned with the space between the fingers to be secured and hold the pocket panel 32 closed, wherein two adjacent sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 fold into the inner pocket on either side of the releasable closure.

[0015] Next, refer to Figure 3 An image of the second side of the sensory development device 10 according to various embodiments is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the second side of the sensory development device 10 may also include a flexible panel 28, and may include patterns that provide visual stimulation to an infant using the sensory development device 10. In some embodiments, the flexible panel 28 may be a single piece of fabric with patterns on both sides. In some embodiments, the flexible panel 28 may include multiple pieces of fabric. Figure 3 Also shown are the flip plates 40 and 42 mentioned above.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an image of the lower side of the sensory development device 10 according to various embodiments. (e.g.) Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 may have substantially different cross-sectional areas depending on the internal material within each sensory development finger 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. For example, sensory development finger 12 may be generally flat, while sensory development finger 16 may include a bell and have a generally circular cross-section.

[0017] Figure 5This is an image of the attachment 24 of the sensory development device 10 according to various embodiments. As shown, the attachment 24 may include flaps 25 and 42, each including a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener. In operation, parents or other caregivers can wrap flaps 25 and 42 around the legs of the upper structure to suspend the sensory development device 10 within the infant's field of vision, grasping range, or both.

[0018] Figure 6 This is an image of a portion of a sensory development device 10 according to various embodiments. (e.g.) Figure 6 As shown, the flexible panel 28 and the pocket panel 32 can form a pocket 44, which is configured to accommodate one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22. Figure 6 Sensory development finger 18 is shown folded over suture 30 and placed inside pocket 44. Sensory development fingers 14, 16, and 20 are shown outside pocket 44. The opening of pocket 44 may be spaced apart from suture 30 of flexible panel 28 by a distance less than half the length of the shortest sensory development finger among sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22.

[0019] Figure 7 This is another image of the first side of a sensory development device according to various embodiments. Figure 7 Sensory development fingers 18 and 20 are shown located within pocket 44, with releasable closure 44 in a closed position connecting flexible panel 28 to pocket panel 32. In some embodiments, when fingers 18 and 20 are folded over seam 30, first finger portions 50 of sensory development fingers 18 and 20 are exposed outside pocket 44, while second finger portions 52 of fingers 18 and 20 are located inside pocket 44. Figure 8 This is an image of a second side of the sensory development device according to various embodiments, wherein sensory development fingers 18 and 20 are folded over suture line 30. The length of the exposed first finger portion may be greater than 15% of the total length of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 to facilitate removal of fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 from the pocket.

[0020] Next, refer to Figure 9Images are provided of a sensory development device 10 attached to a first upper structural leg 60 according to various embodiments. As shown, attachments 24 and 26 can be connected at two locations along the length of the leg 60. In some embodiments, attachment 24 can be attached to the lower portion of the leg 60 after a bend in the leg 60, while attachment 26 is attached to the upper portion of the leg 60. Positioning attachments 24 and 26 on either side of the bend in the leg 60 may be advantageous to facilitate proper placement of the sensory development device 10, thereby allowing one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 to suspend from the device 10 at a height suitable for contact with a supine infant (e.g., Figure 10 (As shown).

[0021] like Figure 9 As shown, the sensory development device 10 allows a parent or caregiver to place one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 into the pocket 44 while the device 10 is in use. This feature allows the parent or caregiver to adjust the level of sensory stimulation provided by the sensory development device 10 to suit the infant's current developmental level. Overstimulation can be a significant problem in early childhood development. Infants may be overstimulated when they receive more sensory stimulation than appropriate for their developmental stage. Overstimulated infants may exhibit fatigue, crying, irritability, tantrums, or refusal to cooperate with caregivers. Overstimulation can hinder infant development and frustrate parents and caregivers.

[0022] The pocket 44 on the sensory development device 10 allows a parent or caregiver to select one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 to present to the infant or child, thus suited to the child's current developmental stage. For example, a younger infant might be overstimulated by presenting all six sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22, while presenting two sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 (e.g., 12 and 14) might be appropriately suited to the child's developmental stage. As the infant grows, the parent or caregiver can select to present fingers 12, 14, 16, and 22 (e.g., 12 and 14). Figure 9 (As shown), while keeping fingers 18 and 20 within pocket 44. When the infant reaches the appropriate stage, all sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 can be presented at once. In this way, the sensory development device 10 allows parents or caregivers to cover multiple stages of infant development with a single device 10 without having to purchase separate sensory development fingers for each stage of infant development.

[0023] Furthermore, the sensory development device 10 enables parents or caregivers to use one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 to cultivate an infant's focus or concentration. For example, by placing all but one of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 into pocket 44, parents or caregivers can force the infant to focus their attention on a specific location, or, as the infant grows, practice reaching for a specific location. This ability may be lost if a particular finger overstimulates the infant or distracts the infant's attention among too many objects. Similarly, the sensory development device 10 enables parents or caregivers to selectively present fingers that emphasize specific sensory attributes while keeping others unpresented. For example, a caregiver may present only fingers with a specific color, or only fingers with specific tactile properties (e.g., smooth surfaces, such as exemplary finger 20), to promote the development of a particular sensory organ. Therefore, the sensory development device 10 can provide a degree of customization of the child development experience that is lacking in other objects of infant entertainment, education and / or interaction, while also being able to be used more effectively over a longer period of child development.

[0024] Finally refer to Figure 10 Images are shown of an infant play mat 68 and an upper structure 100 including a sensory development device 10, according to various embodiments. As shown, the upper structure 100 may include legs 60, a second upper structure leg 62, and a third upper structure leg 64. Legs 60, 62, and 64 may converge at a central position above the play mat 68, allowing the infant to lie supine on the play mat 68 located below the sensory development device 10. Figure 10 As shown, attachments 24 and 26 can be attached to the support leg 60 to mount the sensory development device 10, such that one or more of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 can be within the grasping range of the infant on the play mat 68. Advantageously, any one of the sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22, folded along the seam 30 and at least partially placed in the pocket 44, can be outside the grasping range of the infant on the play mat 68 because the seam 30 can be arranged parallel to the play mat 68, such that the fingers fold away from the infant's grasping range.

[0025] In operation, parents or caregivers can lay the play mat 68 on the ground and set up the legs 60, 62, and 64 to form a superstructure, which can then be erected and / or attached to the play mat 68. Then, parents or caregivers can attach attachments 24 and 26 to the legs 60 (e.g., Figure 9(As shown), the sensory development device 10 is positioned in its operating position. Depending on the age of the infant using the device 10 or other educational or developmental goals of the infant, the parent or caregiver can then select a subset from a set of sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22, fold it over the seam 30, and place it in the pocket 44. The releasable closure 34 can then be closed to secure the selected subset of sensory development fingers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 in the pocket 44. The parent or caregiver can then place the infant on the play mat 68 and near the sensory development device 10 so that the infant can interact with the device 10 at a level of sensory stimulation appropriate to the specific needs of the infant.

Claims

1. An infant sensory stimulation device, comprising: A flexible panel having at least one suspension member located on one side and an opposite side; as well as A set of sensory development fingers extending parallel to the opposite side, each sensory development finger having a width measured along the opposite side, a thickness perpendicular to the width, and a length measured from the opposite side to the distal end of the finger, the length being greater than the thickness and the width, the fingers being arranged to hang from the opposite side when the fabric panel is suspended from the hanger; The set of sensory developmental fingers includes at least three fingers with different surface textures; and The flexible panel partially defines a pocket that opens near the opposite side, into which the selected sensory development finger can be stored, so that the stored finger is hidden from the field of vision of the lying infant located below the infant sensory stimulation device.

2. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes a second panel that cooperates with the flexible panel to define the pocket.

3. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 2, wherein, The pocket includes a releasable closure configured to secure the second panel to the flexible panel.

4. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 3, wherein, The releasable closure includes a hook-and-loop closure.

5. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein, The pocket is elongated near one side of the flexible panel.

6. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein, The infant sensory stimulation device also includes two attachments with associated releasable closures, wherein the attachments are coupled to non-parallel edges of the flexible panel.

7. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein, The infant sensory stimulation device includes at least five sensory development fingers.

8. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 7, wherein the at least five sensory development fingers each have different sensory characteristics.

9. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the sensory development fingers include cylindrical fingers with approximately equal thickness and width.

10. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 9, wherein, The cylindrical finger includes a bell that is configured to make a sound when operated by an infant.

11. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 9, wherein, One or more of the sensory development digits include generally flat digits, the thickness of which is less than its width.

12. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the sensory development fingers include an outer surface, the outer surface comprising at least three materials selected from the group consisting of cotton, corduroy, waffle knit, textured minky, polyester satin, and polyester stretch knit.

13. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the sensory development fingertip includes a rustling material that makes a sound when manipulated by an infant.

14. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein, The pocket defines an opening facing the sensory development finger.

15. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 14, wherein, The opening is spaced apart from the opposite edge of the panel by a distance less than half the length of the shortest of the sensory development fingers.

16. The infant sensory stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein, The pocket includes a releasable closure aligned with the space between the fingers so as to be secured to keep the pocket closed, wherein two adjacent sensory development fingers are folded into the pocket on both sides of the releasable closure.

17. A sensory development device, comprising: Flexible panels; An attachment portion, connected to the flexible panel, is configured to allow the sensory development device to be suspended from a structure; One or more sensory development fingers are attached to the flexible panel; as well as A pocket panel, also attached to the flexible panel to form a pocket, is sized to hold the one or more sensory development fingers such that when the sensory development device is suspended from the structure, the pocket is configured to hold at least one of the sensory development fingers within the pocket, while the other sensory development fingers are suspended below the flexible panel.

18. A method for deploying an infant play system, comprising: Lay the play mat on a flat surface; An upper structure is deployed above the game pad; The sensory development device is attached to the outrigger or the upper structure, wherein the sensory development device includes: Flexible components; Three or more sensory developmental fingers connected to the flexible portion; and A pocket portion connected to the flexible portion, the pocket portion forming a pocket capable of holding the three or more sensory development fingers; and Place at least one of the sensory development fingers inside the pocket such that the at least one sensory development finger does not hang downward from the flexible portion.

19. A sensory development device, comprising: Flexible components; Three or more sensory developmental fingers are connected to the flexible portion; as well as A pocket portion connected to the flexible portion, the pocket portion forming a pocket capable of holding the three or more sensory development fingers; The pocket is designed to hold at least one of the sensory development fingers within the pocket such that when the sensory development device is in the operating position, the at least one sensory development finger does not dangle downward from the flexible portion.

20. A method for manufacturing sensory development finger-like components, comprising: One or more pieces of fabric are formed into a flexible portion, the flexible portion having multiple sides; Attach three or more sensory development fingers to one side of the flexible portion; At least one additional piece of fabric is attached to the flexible portion to form a pocket, wherein the opening of the pocket faces the three or more sensory development fingers, and wherein the pocket is configured to hold less than all of the three or more sensory development fingers when the sensory development fingers are in an operational use state.

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