Intervention apparatus for inhibiting challenging behaviour, method of use, and fabric material suitable therefor

Abstract

An intervention apparatus 10 that has an inner sac (20 fig 2) containing a filler material (22 fig 3) and an outer fabric cover 12. The outer fabric cover has an internal volume within which the inner

Description

The present invention relates to an intervention apparatus suitable for intervening when an individual exhibits challenging behaviour, particularly but not exclusively for individuals having 5 intellectual and / or developmental disabilities. The invention further relates to a method of using the intervention apparatus, and also to a fabric material which is suitable for use in an intervention apparatus. When caring for individuals having intellectual and / or developmental disabilities, it is common for the carers to experience challenging behaviour, which can be physically aggressive or 10 intimidatory. Challenging or distressed behaviour is often exhibited to communicate unmet support needs for such individuals, since their verbal communication skills are commonly limited. Indeed, there is a direct correlation between the degree of intellectual or developmental disability and the severity of behavioural problems, indicating that communication impairments account for a high degree of the serious behavioural difficulties. 15 Such behaviour can also be self-injurious, not only causing harm to their carers, but also to themselves. It is common for such individuals to have complementary issues such as obesity, which often means that they physically outmatch their carers. Equally, other factors can trigger the individuals, such as noise, inadequate stimulation, routine changes, poor carer communication, and negative interactions with other individuals. As such, carers require 20 mechanisms which can be employed and support de-escalation, such as by making an environment safe by gathering potential projectiles, engaging in positive interactions, creating distractions or alternative stimulation for the individual. Sadly, it is common for physical restraint to be used, incapacitating the individual displaying challenging behaviour. Whilst this protects the carers, it is a traumatic experience for the 25 individual and carers, which may then reinforce the behavioural issues of the individual. Furthermore, there have been many instances of death in care settings where restraint has been used. Physical restraint also potentially requires many carers to be involved; in some instances, up to five may be required. Other possible methods for management of challenging behaviour are equally problematic, 30 including chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, seclusion or isolation. In some scenarios, challenging behaviour may also display as property destruction, which is a different challenge for the carer. Restraint can also be problematic for the individuals, who may become injured, and this is equally applicable to the carers. 31 10 25 Any alternative means for combating challenging behaviour which does not involve physical restraint must consider the challenges of working with such individuals. For instance, there is a need to ensure that there are no additional risks posed to the individuals, by using non-fire-retardant materials, but said materials must also be assessed for toxicity; individuals with 5 intellectual or developmental disabilities are often prone to chewing inedible objects, and anything with coating materials for fire retardancy may prove poisonous. It is an object of the present invention to obviate or overcome the above-referenced problems. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an intervention apparatus for inhibiting challenging behaviour, the intervention apparatus comprising: an inner sac 10 containing a filler material; and an outer fabric cover having an internal volume within which the inner sac is received, the inner sac being freely movable within the internal volume relative to the outer fabric cover. The present invention provides a means for providing intervention by a carer in an instance where an individual is presenting with challenging behaviour, such as hitting, kicking, or 15 throwing of objects. The intervention apparatus is non-restrictive, in that the individual is not constrained or bound in any manner. The intervention apparatus acts as a shield which a trained user can deploy in a manner which makes it exceedingly difficult for the challenging individual to cause harm to themselves or others; self-injurious behaviour, such as head banging, is challenging to deal with, but is most likely to cause harm to the individual 20 themselves. Options for using the intervention apparatus include: ‘rock’, in which the outer fabric cover is partially twisted so that the intervention apparatus forms a solid rock-like ball, which can be used to protect the individual from harm, such as head-banging or against an object. It can also be deployed for inhibiting property destruction; ‘ricochet’, which uses the intervention apparatus as a means of deflecting projectiles; and ‘roll’ in which the outer fabric 25 cover is pulls inwardly using the user’s hands, with the inner sac rolling internally. This would be used if the individual were punching, spitting, kicking, head banging or otherwise attempting harm upon the user, and can also be used to protect or defend property, similar to the ‘rock’ technique. Optionally, the inner sac may have a volume of at least 80% of the internal volume of the outer 30 fabric cover, and more preferably of, close to, or exceeding 90% of the internal volume of the outer fabric cover. The relative size of the inner sac with respect to the outer fabric cover has an effect on the rolling functionality thereof. By making the inner sac to be close to the size of the inner volume 31 10 25 of the outer fabric cover, but not quite there, the inner sac has some room to roll, rotate, or otherwise move within the outer fabric cover, without leaving a large amount of void space in the outer fabric cover which might make the rolling action difficult to perform. Preferably, the inner sac may be formed from a material having a lower coefficient of friction 5 than that of the outer fabric cover. It is advantageous for the outer fabric cover to be readily grippable by the user, which would typically be a high friction material, but to encourage the rolling action of the inner sac, it is preferred that the inner sac be as free to move as possible. Optionally, the outer fabric cover may further comprise an inner lining formed from a low-10 friction material. The inner lining acts as a slide sheet, against which the rolling action of the inner sac can proceed without snagging. 15 The inner lining may be formed from nylon. Nylon is a suitable low-friction material, that is, having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the material of the outer fabric cover. In one preferred embodiment, the inner sac may be formed from polyester. Polyester is a low-friction material which can be readily sewn to size, and therefore polyester 20 is a highly suitable material to use for the inner sac. Polyester is strong, and highly durable, and machine washable at high temperatures. Optionally, the filler material may comprise a plurality of beads. The intervention apparatus is designed to absorb blows received from an individual displaying challenging behaviour, and therefore a filler which is deformable under impact, such as beads, 25 is an ideal bulking agent for the intervention apparatus. In a preferable embodiment, the outer fabric cover may be formed from a fabric material having a textured surface. A textured surface, such as a herringbone weave, on the outer fabric cover has been found to provide excellent grip properties, as well as producing a high tensile strength and resistance 30 to tearing for the outer fabric cover, limiting the likelihood of the individual displaying 31 10 25 challenging behaviour from breaking or damaging the intervention apparatus easily. A herringbone weave in particular has an aesthetically-pleasing texture visually. Optionally the outer fabric cover may be formed from a fabric material comprising a blend of nylon, cotton, and modacrylic fibres. 5 Preferably, the fabric material may comprise less than 10% nylon, and at least 50% modacrylic. More preferably, the fabric material may comprise 8% nylon, 32% cotton, and 60% modacrylic. Desirable properties for the fabric material are that it be laundry washable, making it suitable for use in general care settings, and in particular in care homes and hospitals, but also that it 10 meets the necessary fire regulations. It has been determined that the fire retardancy of the fabric naturally meets British standards BS17177 to CRIB 5 standard, at least. Optionally, the outer fabric cover may be formed from two cover portions which are sewn together. A two-piece outer fabric cover, stitched in the form of a baseball or tennis ball, minimises the 15 stitching required to assemble the outer fabric cover, which in turn, reduces the prospect of the seams splitting or tearing. The outer fabric cover may further comprise an opening having a closeable fastener. The provision of an opening in the outer fabric cover allows for it to be removed separate from the inner sac, allowing it to be machine-washed. This may be highly important for using the 20 intervention apparatus in many care or medical settings. This may also allow for a luggage type lock to be connected, to prevent unauthorised access to the inner sac. Preferably, the outer fabric cover may further comprise a fastener cover positioned to receive the closeable fastener in a closed condition, which may be formed as a fabric material pouch. There are two functions to the fastener cover. Firstly, the fastener cannot snag on anything 25 during use, either other objects which it might tear, or on people who may be injured. Secondly, the concealment of the fastener will generally be sufficient to prevent individuals displaying challenging behaviour from gaining access to the inner sac and thus damaging the intervention apparatus or ingesting the filler material. Preferably, the inner sac may further comprise a funnel portion for receiving filler material 30 therein. 31 10 25 It is common for bean bag cushions to need to be topped up with new beads as they are compressed once sat on, and the same principle applies to the intervention apparatus. A dedicated funnel provided with the inner sac, ideally integral thereto, will assist with filling of the inner sac with additional filler material. Ideally, the beads would be formed from an 5 environmentally-friendly non-plastics material, preferably a non-plastics, compostable, recyclable, and renewable material. The intervention apparatus may preferably have a width of at least 50cm. The dimensions of the intervention apparatus are such that a user can comfortably create the rolling effect, but still have adequate protection from projectiles or an individual displaying 10 challenging behaviour. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using an intervention apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] a user grasping the outer fabric cover of the intervention apparatus with their left and right hands; b] the user drawing one of the left and right hands towards their 15 body; c] the user releasing the outer fabric cover from the said one of the left and right hands; d] the user advancing the said one of the left and right hands away from their body and grasping the outer fabric cover therewith; e] the user drawing the other one of the left and right hands towards their body; f] the user releasing the outer fabric cover from the said other one of the left and right hands; g] the user advancing the said other one of the left and right hands 20 away from their body and grasping the outer fabric cover therewith; and h] repeating steps b] to g] to create a rolling effect for the inner sac within the internal volume of the outer fabric cover to create a barrier between the user and an individual displaying challenging behaviour. The rolling technique, by which the intervention apparatus is moved by a user allowing the inner sac to rotate, provides a defensive technique for a carer or other user for easy use in 25 scenarios in which an individual is physically aggressive, disruptive, or destructive. The individual will find it difficult to disarm the user of the intervention apparatus, and if they are physically aggressive, or throw projectiles, they will quickly exhaust themselves upon the intervention apparatus, whilst maintaining the safety of the individual and allowing the carer to support the distressed behaviour. Both parties are unharmed, and negative behaviour patterns 30 are not reinforced by the trauma of restraint on the individual displaying challenging behaviour. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 31 10 25 Figure 1 shows a pictorial representation of one embodiment of an intervention apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a pictorial representation of an inner sac of the intervention apparatus of Figure 1, with the outer fabric cover being shown in small dashed lines; 5 Figure 3 shows a pictorial representation of a filler material of the inner sac of the intervention apparatus of Figure 2, with the inner sac being shown in large dashed lines; Figure 4 shows a pictorial representation of the intervention apparatus of Figure 1, with the inner sac being shown in large dashed lines; Figures 5A and 5B show pictorial representations of a user using the intervention 10 apparatus of Figure 1 using a method in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; and Figure 6 shows a pictorial representation of a user using the intervention apparatus of Figure 1 in a defensive posture. Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated an intervention apparatus, indicated globally at 10, 15 and which has a structure similar to that of a tennis ball or baseball, having a largely spherical, spheroidal, or rounded cubic shape. The intervention apparatus 10 is dimensioned to act as a protective barrier for a user handling an individual displaying challenging behaviour, typically having a width or diameter of at least 50cm. This allows the user to protect much of their torso and cover their head, when 20 necessary, without obstructing their visual field overly. The intervention apparatus 10 is similar in appearance, though not in internal construction, to a bean bag cushion. The intervention apparatus 10 has an outer fabric cover 12, here formed in two cover portions 12a, 12b which are stitched together to form the distinctive baseball shape. It will be apparent 25 that alternative stitching patterns are feasible. Preferably, the seams interconnecting the cover portions 12a, 12b are double stitched together, in order to provide improved strength to the construction of the intervention apparatus 10. Access to an internal volume of the outer fabric cover 12 is provided through an opening 14, which is shown to be closed by a closeable fastener 16, typically a zip. A fastener cover 18 is 31 10 25 provided, shown in the form of a pouch, which covers the closeable fastener 16, occluding it from view and access during use of the intervention apparatus 10. The outer fabric cover 12 is formed from a fabric material having a herringbone weave, and comprising a blend of nylon, cotton, and modacrylic fibres. The fabric material comprises less 5 than 10% nylon, and at least 50% modacrylic, and in a specific embodiment the fabric material comprises 8% nylon, 32% cotton, and 60% modacrylic. In one embodiment, the warp yarn may comprise the nylon and cotton, and the weft yarn may comprise the modacrylic. The fabric material provides many benefits. It is inherently flame retardant and naturally meets British Standards BS17177 and BS 5852:2006 to CRIB 5 standard, at least; the cotton 10 component forms a char when lit, which limits the spread of fire. This is primarily provided by the presence of the modacrylic. The material is washable to a commercial laundry standard, that is, does not have coatings which might be washed off or otherwise enter solution phase, has high tensile and tear strength, as well as having a natural handle or grip. The cotton component, along with the herringbone weave, assists in providing the expected handle of the 15 intervention apparatus 10, whilst the nylon provides improved abrasion resistance. It will be apparent that the fabric material may have many different uses in different fabricbased products, not least in bean bag products, due to the unexpected properties of the fabric material which have been specifically designed for this purpose. Figure 2 shows inside the intervention apparatus 10, with the outer fabric cover 12 being 20 shown in small dashed lines. There is an inner sac 20 inside the internal volume of the outer fabric cover 12, which is preferably formed from a low-friction fabric material. The inner sac 20 is most preferably formed from a polyester material, or a polyester-based material, since this reduces the risk of snagging on the internal seams of the outer fabric cover 12. In a preferred embodiment, there is a low-friction inner lining 21 provided on the inside of the outer 25 fabric cover 12, thereby providing a surface against which the inner sac 20 can slide. This inner lining 21 may be referred to as a slide sheet, and is preferably formed from nylon or a similar low-friction material. Preferably, the inner lining 21 is quilted to the outer fabric cover 12 to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish, whilst also reducing the likelihood of snagging. The inner sac 20 is preferably dimensioned to have a volume of at least 80% of the internal 30 volume of the outer fabric cover 12, and more preferably to have a volume of approximately 90% of the internal volume of the outer fabric cover 12. The seams of the inner sac 20, where applicable, are sewn onto the interior of the inner sac 20, thereby reducing the risk of snagging on the outer fabric cover 12 further. The inner sac 20 is untethered to the outer fabric cover 12. This permits the rolling action within the internal volume to occur. The relationship between the inner sac 20 and the inner lining 21 is chosen such that rolling is not inhibited, but that the two do not necessarily slide relative to one another if the 5 intervention apparatus 10 is used as a traditional bean bag product. The polyester of the inner sac 20 has a sheen quality which slides relative to the nylon of the inner lining 21 when rotating, but does not slide when sat on. The nylon tested for the inner lining 21 has a fabric weight of 295 g / m3, which meetings the requirements of British Standard 2543:2004 for upholstery fabrics, making it suitable for 10 severe contract use in respect of abrasion resistance, pilling, and tear strength. The polyester tested for the inner sac 20 has a fabric weight of 125 g / m3. Figure 3 shows the content of the inner sac 20, itself shown in large dashed lines, which comprises filler material 22. The filler material 22 here comprises a plurality of rounded filling beads, such as polystyrene or eco-friendly beads, akin to those found in traditional bean bag 15 products. Said filler material 22 is designed to absorb and dissipate kinetic impact, being at least in part deformable or displaceable, and thus forms the core defence of the intervention apparatus 10. It will be apparent that alternative filler materials could be considered, such as foam or cushion padding, though the filling beads may improve the rolling function of the intervention apparatus 10, as they have their own separate momentum. 20 Figure 4 shows the intervention apparatus 10 being topped up with filler material 22. A funnel portion 24, formed as a chute sewn into the inner sac 20, is provided into which filling beads can be poured, to enter into an internal space of the inner sac 20. The funnel portion 24 can then be folded into the internal space, and the inner sac 20 sealed, typically via a zip fastener or similar. The funnel portion 24 is dimensioned to be extendable through the opening 14 of 25 the outer fabric cover 12. Figures 5A and 5B show a typical use case of the intervention apparatus 10, indicating the rolling action which can be performed as a defensive or containment manoeuvre for the user 26. The user 26 grasps the outer fabric cover 12 of the intervention apparatus 14 with their left 30 and right hands 28a, 28b, as per Figure 5A, and then draws one of the left and right hands (n51atowards their body 30. This drags the outer fabric cover 12 towards the body 30; however, the free movement of the inner sac 20 should prevent it from also being drawn 31 10 25 31 10 25 towards the body 30, provided the correct technique is used. This dragging process is illustrated in Figure 5B. The user 26 releases the outer fabric cover from the said one of the left and right hands 28a, 5 and subsequently the user advances the said one of the left and right hands 28a away from their body 30 and grasps the outer fabric cover 12 therewith. The user 26 then draws the other one of the left and right hands 28b towards their body 30, releasing the outer fabric cover 12 from the said other one of the left and right hands 28b once complete. The user 26 can then advance the said other one of the left and right hands 28b away from their body 30 and grasp 10 the outer fabric cover 12 therewith. These steps are repeated to create a rolling effect for the inner sac 20 within the internal volume of the outer fabric cover 12 to create a barrier between the user 26 and an individual displaying challenging behaviour. A single user 26 using one intervention apparatus 10 is able to defend themselves against any assault by an individual displaying challenging behaviour, and eventually tire the individual 15 displaying challenging behaviour. Three users 26, for example, each having intervention apparatuses 10 of their own, can easily de-escalate any situation in a safe manner until the individual becomes calm and the challenging behaviour stops. This allows for de-escalation of events without needing to physically hold down the individual until they stop resisting or become injured. 20 It is noted, however, that the size of the intervention apparatus 10 may allow it to act as a seat, or as a physical barrier between the user and an individual to create space for the user to perform acts without interruption, such as tying shoelaces, or buckling a seatbelt. Generally, neuro-typical individuals will be able to anticipate the next action of individuals having intellectual or developmental disabilities, given that their IQ is often less than 70, and 25 anticipation of their likely actions will be straightforward. Another use of the intervention apparatus 10 is shown in Figure 6, in which the user 26 uses the intervention apparatus 10 as a shield for themselves. This can be used to create a static barrier using the intervention apparatus 10, or can be used reactively to deflect projectiles launched towards the user 26. The intervention apparatus 10 can also be used to protect the 30 individual displaying challenging behaviour from other obstacles, such as sharp edges on furniture, but intervening between the individual and the obstacle with the intervention apparatus 10. It is therefore possible to provide an intervention apparatus which is suitable for inhibiting challenging behaviour in individuals, particularly having intellectual or developmental disabilities. This can be achieved by the use of a rolling action for the intervention apparatus, which makes it difficult for another individual to harm or disarm the user. This can prevent an incident from occurring, allow for intervention during an incident is in progress, thereby potentially preventing higher severity incidents from ever occurring, and can also reduce the 5 duration of the incident if appropriate de-escalation techniques are used. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. 10 It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. 15 The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein. 31 10 25 31 10 25

Claims

1. An intervention apparatus for inhibiting challenging behaviour, the intervention apparatus comprising:an inner sac containing a filler material; and5 an outer fabric cover having an internal volume within which the inner sac isreceived, the inner sac being freely movable within the internal volume relative to the outer fabric cover.

2. An intervention apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner sac has a volume 10 of at least 80% of the internal volume of the outer fabric cover.

3. An intervention apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inner sac is formed from a material having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the outer fabric cover.15 4. An intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein theouter fabric cover further comprises an inner lining formed from a low-friction material.

5. An intervention apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inner lining is formed from nylon.

206. An intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner sac is formed from polyester.

7. An intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 25 filler material comprises a plurality of beads.

8. An intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer fabric cover is formed from a fabric material having a textured surface.30 9. An intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein theouter fabric cover is formed from a fabric material comprising a blend of nylon, cotton, and modacrylic fibres.

10. An intervention apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fabric material comprises 35 less than 10% nylon, and at least 50% modacrylic.

11. An intervention apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fabric material comprises 8% nylon, 32% cotton, and 60% modacrylic.31 10 2512. An intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer fabric cover is formed from two cover portions which are sewn together.5 13. An intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein theouter fabric cover further comprises an opening having a closeable fastener.

14. An intervention apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the outer fabric cover further comprises a fastener cover positioned to receive the closeable fastener in a closed condition.1015. An intervention apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the fastener cover is formed as a fabric material pouch.

16. An intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 15 inner sac further comprises a funnel portion for receiving filler material therein.

17. An intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intervention apparatus has a width of at least 50cm.20 18. An intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein theinner sac is untethered to the outer fabric cover.

19. A method of using an intervention apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:25 a] a user grasping the outer fabric cover of the intervention apparatus with theirleft and right hands;b] the user drawing one of the left and right hands towards their body;c] the user releasing the outer fabric cover from the said one of the left and right hands;30 d] the user advancing the said one of the left and right hands away from theirbody and grasping the outer fabric cover therewith;e] the user drawing the other one of the left and right hands towards their body;f] the user releasing the outer fabric cover from the said other one of the left and right hands;35 g] the user advancing the said other one of the left and right hands away fromtheir body and grasping the outer fabric cover therewith; andh] repeating steps b] to g] to create a rolling effect for the inner sac within the internal volume of the outer fabric cover to create a barrier between the user and an individual displaying challenging behaviour.

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