WO2008098882A2

WO2008098882A2 - Stimulator for brain, senses and skills development

Info

Publication number: WO2008098882A2
Application number: PCT/EP2008/051555
Authority: WO
Inventors: Susanne Chishti
Original assignee: Susanne Chishti
Priority date: 2007-02-12
Filing date: 2008-02-08
Publication date: 2008-08-21
Also published as: WO2008098882A3

Abstract

A kit for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs, said kit comprising: a) an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, said article comprising at least one stimulation zone (1-11) for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs; b) directions that the article of clothing or accessory is intended for use to stimulate an infant or an individual with special needs.

Description

STIMULATOR FOR BRAIN, SENSES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention is concerned with articles of clothing and accessories for stimulating the development of an infant's brain, senses and skill development or an individual with special needs. The present invention further is concerned with a method of stimulating the development of an infant's brain, senses and skill development or an individual with special needs using said articles of clothing and accessories .

Background to the Invention

"Brain Facts" , a primer on the brain and nervous system published by the Society for Neuroscience, explains that the brain is what it is because of the structural and functional properties of interconnected neurons (nerve cells) . It is said that a neuron consists of a cell body and an electrically excitable output fiber called the axon. Most axons also give rise to smaller branches before ending at nerve terminals , called synapses . Neurons signal by transmitting electrical impulses along their axons. Upon reaching the end of an axon, the electrical impulse triggers the release of neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers. Neurotransmitters diffuse across the intrasynaptic space and bind to receptors on the surface of the target neuron. These receptors act as on and off switches for the target cell.

According to the "Brain facts" primer, in the development of the brain, neurons are initially produced along the central canal in the neural tube. These neurons migrate from their birthplace to a final destination in the brain. They collect together to form each of the various brain structures and acquire specific ways of transmitting nerve messages. Their axons grow long distances to find and connect with appropriate partners, forming elaborate and specific circuits. Once axons reach their targets they form synapses.

"Brain Facts" further explains that, at first, neurons form too many connections. The network is pared back to create a more sturdy system. Connections that are active and generating electrical currents survive, whereas those with little or no activity are lost . The brain' s refining and building of the network continues after birth. It is said that there are critical periods of time during development when the nervous system must obtain certain critical experiences to develop properly. After a critical period, connections diminish in number and are less subject to change, but the ones that remain are stronger, more reliable, and more precise. Research shows that enriched environments can bolster brain development during post natal life. For example, the primer states that studies show that animals brought up in toy filled surroundings have more branches on their neurons and more connections than isolated animals. Further, the primer states that in one recent study, scientists found that enriched environments resulted in more neurons in a brain area involved in memory.

"Fertile Minds", M Nash, Time Magazine, 3 February 1997 describes that from birth, a baby's brain cells proliferate wildly, making connections that may shape a lifetime of experience. The article states that of all the discoveries that have poured out of neuroscience labs in recent years, the finding that the electrical activity of brain cells changes the physical structure of the brain is perhaps the most breathtaking. According to this article, neuroscientists say that repeated experience wires a child's brain. Each time a baby tries to touch a tantalizing object or gazes intently at a face, tiny bursts of electricity shoot through the brain. Deprived of a stimulating environment, a child's developing brain suffers.

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, for example, have found that children who don't play much or are rarely touched develop brains 20% or 30% smaller than normal for their age ("Fertile Minds", M Nash, Time Magazine, 3 February 1997, p.2) .

As explained above, as a baby has different experiences the sensory receptors transmit this information, which stimulates nerve activity in the relevant part of the brain. When a baby is visually stimulated, for example, a nerve is triggered in the area of the brain that controls vision. This activity fosters development and maturation of the elements of vision, such as the retina, cornea and the muscles of the eye. Infants require normal visual input or they may suffer permanent impairment .

Babies are born auditory dominant. This means that they hear better than they see, touch, feel, or smell. By two months after birth, vision replaces hearing as the dominant sense, 008/051555

and the visual system, begins to develop very quickly. Normal eyesight will develop only if the eye, the nerves between the eye and the brain, and the brain itself are properly stimulated. In this regard, the first two years of life are believed to be the critical period for developing good vision. Certain functions are more at risk when an infant's vision is impaired by eye-crossing or other visual problems, such as the perception of fine detail (acuity) and the coordinated use of both eyes (binocularity) .

The sense of scent is also known to enhance early learning. Dr Alan Hirsch, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation of Chicago stated that "Using scent in toys makes the ultimate sense because the maximum speed and capacity for learning occurs in the first 18 months of a child's life ." (Aromatherapy - enhanced toys help enliven early learning - Toys: What's Hot, What's Happening - Brief Article, DSN Retailing Today, March 11, 2002, M. Prior) . Aromatherapy scents used for infants include lavender and rose (both known for their calming and relaxing qualities) , chamomile, geranium, vanilla, orange bloom and floral scents. Hirsch believes that floral-scented toys can stimulate infants during play and enhance their learning ability by making the child more awake. Hirsch claims in the above mentioned article that "floral scents because they are part of nature, increase the speed of learning in children by 17% by activating a part of the brain that is normally inactive."

Gross motor development involves development of control over the large muscles, in particular the group of large muscles that control the head, shoulders, arms, back, abdomen and feet. In the first three years of life infants progress rapidly from being completely dependent with movements governed by a range of involuntary reflexes to being independent, active children having gained control over their bodies .

The muscles involved in gross motor development enable babies to raise their heads, roll over, crawl, and sit up, for example. The progress and direction of this development is from the neck muscles down and from the center of the body outward.

Fine motor development involves development of control over the group of small muscles, for example in the palm of a hand and in fingers, and surrounding the mouth and eyes, that enable controlled movements such as manipulating objects, coordinating eye and hand movements (hand-eye coordination) , speaking, and moving the eyes.

Gross and fine motor development follows with maturation of the nervous systems and muscle development and, requires an environment conducive to practice and repetitive exercise. This ensures that motor skills are acquired and perfected in parallel with an infant's specific developmental stage and physical maturity. Repetitive practice and exercise strengthens the muscles on the one hand, and contributes to the brain's development, on the other. P2008/051555

Object permanence is the ability to understand that objects still exist after they are no longer in sight. Object permanence is an important element in an infant's intellectual and emotional development. As soon as an infant is able to conjure up an image of a person or object in her mind, she is also capable of cognitive thought: remembering, imagining, deductive reasoning and planning. She is no longer dependent on trial and error to solve problems .

Language is the ability to use a set of symbols to communicate thoughts and emotions. The foundation of an infant's language skills develop from birth until about four years old. Generally after one year, an infant speaks its first word, and understands a number of words and short sentences. By about 18 months, an infant can connect two words together to express an idea, and by age two, can usually compose a sentence. The first four years of life are, therefore, critical in language development .

In summary, the development of the brain, senses and skills can be said to be activity dependent . Every experience of an infant excites certain neural circuits in the brain and leaves others inactive. Those circuits which are excited often will become stronger and those which are excited rarely may be eliminated. Enriched environments bolster brain, senses and skills development in infants.

In view of this, much research has focused on discovering the optimum stimuli for infants during playtime, for example using toys, books, and DVDs, aimed at developing an infant's visual, hearing, listening, motor and cognitive skills. Visual skills of looking and recognizing pictures are the basis to literacy development that eventually lead to reading and writing development. Hearing and listening skills are the basis for language development and communication. All motor skills - both gross and fine - help infants to have more control over objects in their environment. Cognitive skills are the basis for an infant's intellectual abilities including thinking, reasoning, remembering, attention span and imagination.

US 7,013,493 relates to a child's article of clothing, which allows toys and other items to be fastened to it to function as a traveling entertainment center. Further, US 6,105,170 discloses a childcare vest possessing a portable diaper changing facility as well as storage for frequently needed items including toys.

Some research has extended to stimulation other than during playtime, for example, during a car journey. GB 2336323 describes a visual stimulation device for use on a side window of a vehicle to maximize stimulation of a baby seated close to the device.

There have also been some attempts to provide stimulation during feeding times. This is particularly appropriate for an infant during its first few months, when feeding can take place anywhere from 4 to 6 or even 8 times a day, sometimes for an hour each time. GB 2318522 describes a mother's aid for a baby's bottle comprising a mobile luminous visual lamp, which it is said provides a moving luminous visual stimulation to a baby during feeding .

US 5,880,811 describes an infant eye trainer for a baby bottle comprising a structure for gripping the baby bottle. An extension member extends from the gripping structure. A visually attractive ornament on a distal free end of the extension member is said to keep the eyes of an infant focused in a straight manner towards the ornament, thereby preventing the eyes of the infant from crossing when the infant is nursing with the baby bottle.

US 6,666,417 describes a baby bottle attachment for visually engaging a baby during feeding with a bottle .

US 6,827,317 describes a baby bottle accessory and teething device in the form of a stuffed animal having a centrally located aperture for holding a baby bottle.

US 6,960,171 describes an infant eye trainer device that is mountable on a baby bottle for strengthening and developing infant eyesight. The device utilizes interchangeable media producing an image on a display, which may be viewed by the infant while drinking from the bottle.

US 7,012,541 offers a baby bottle combined with a musical teddy bear. The teddy bear is intended to play music and flash its eyes while the bottle is held in a drinking position. All of the above devices are intended to be combined with a baby bottle.

Summary of Invention

The present inventor has identified that the devices for use with a baby bottle suffer from several disadvantages . Importantly, they are not suitable for use with breastfed infants. In this regard, it may be noted that the World Health Organisation now advocates six months as the optimum duration of exclusive breast feeding. This has led to significant increase in breastfeeding rates. A press release from the UK National Health Service published in July 2006 reports that in 2005, 76% of mothers in the UK breastfed their babies.

In view of the above, the present inventor has identified that there is a problem to provide a new method of infant stimulation, which can be used during feeding times for breastfed infants. The present invention aims to at least partially address this problem.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a kit for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs, said kit comprising: a) an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, said article comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs; b) directions that the article of clothing or accessory is intended for use to stimulate an infant or an individual with special needs.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, said article comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs and said article having concealing means positionable between open and closed positions, characterized in that the whole or a part of the at least one stimulation zone is visible when the concealing means are in the open position and concealed when the concealing means are in the closed position.

In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs comprising the step of a care-giver wearing an article of clothing or accessory as defined in relation to the first or second aspects of the invention, particularly while the infant or an individual with special needs is positioned in the arms of, sitting in the lap of or being carried by the care-giver.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides the use of an article of clothing or accessory for the purpose of stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs, said article being for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs and said article comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs. The article of clothing or accessory may be as defined anywhere herein in relation to the first and second aspects of the present invention.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, said article or accessory having at least one stimulator comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs removably attached thereto.

The stimulator may comprise a stimulation zone or element thereof as described anywhere herein. Further features of the article or accessory may be as described anywhere herein.

Said article or accessory according to the fifth aspect may be provided together with directions that said article or accessory is intended for use to stimulate an infant or an individual with special needs. The directions may comprise instructions written or otherwise, for an adult to wear said article of accessory whilst caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, to stimulate said infant or an individual with special needs .

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a stimulator for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs, said stimulator being specifically adapted to be suitable to be removably attached to an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for said infant or an individual with special needs. Said stimulator and said article of clothing or accessory may be provided separately or together as a kit. This aspect of the present invention further provides a kit comprising a stimulator for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs that is specifically adapted to render said stimulator suitable to be removably attached to an article of clothing or accessory, together with directions that the specifically adapted stimulator is intended for use to stimulate an infant or an individual with special needs when attached to an item of clothing or an accessory worn by a care-giver. The stimulator may comprise a stimulation zone or element thereof as described anywhere herein. The directions may comprise instructions, written or otherwise, for attaching the stimulator to an article of clothing or accessory intended to be worn by a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs to stimulate said infant or said individual with special needs, particularly when the infant or individual with special needs is positioned in the arms of, sitting in the lap of or being carried by said person.

A seventh aspect of the present invention provides an article or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, said article or accessory having at least one stimulator permanently attached thereto, said stimulator comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating said infant or an individual with special needs. The article or accessory may be as described anywhere herein, with the proviso that said article or accessory has a stimulator permanently attached thereto. A preferred accessory in this aspect of the invention is an armband, wristband, scarf, neckband, infant carrier (e.g. infant sling, or backpack), or bag suitable for an adult. The stimulator that is permanently attached to the article or accessory may comprise a stimulation zone as described anywhere herein. The article of clothing or accessory per se may comprise at least one stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs. Further, the article or accessory may have one or more further stimulators removably attached thereto. Said further stimulators independently may comprise stimulation zones as described anywhere herein. Said article or accessory according to the seventh aspect may be provided together with directions that said article or accessory is intended for use to stimulate an infant or an individual with special needs . The directions may comprise instructions, written or otherwise, for an adult to wear said article of accessory whilst caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, to stimulate said infant or an individual with special needs .

The articles of clothing and accessories as referred to herein are functional articles of clothing and accessories, which aid the development of an infant's brain through positive stimulation to excite certain neural circuits in the brain. They can be used to stimulate an infant at any time, particularly advantageously when the infant is confined to lying in the arms or sitting in the lap of the care-giver or when being carried by the care giver. This could be, for example, during feeding times or during a flight on an aeroplane or while the care-giver uses a telephone or computer, is resting or carrying the infant.

As part of the daily routine parents carry their infants while at the same time responding to phone calls, checking an email or doing household work. Holding an infant and/or holding a phone, for example, can leave no hands free to provide the infant with a toy. Thus the infant becomes distressed and bored while the parent/carer is on the phone/online or does normal household chores. The invention solves this daily problem since the articles of clothing and accessories according to the invention are playful infant stimulators which are worn by the parent (versus a toy being held by the parent) . Thus the parent has both hands free to hold the child and/or to do something else. In addition, toys which are given to an infant are often dropped on the floor and thus become unusable. Articles of clothing and accessories according to the invention cannot be dropped by the child since they are worn by the care-giver.

They are further advantageous because they can be used to stimulate both breastfed and bottlefed infants during feeding times. It has been hitherto unknown for the clothing or accessory of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs to be used functionally as a tool to stimulate the infant or individual with special needs. This inventive concept is the basis for the present invention. The article of clothing or accessory being worn by the caregiver allows the stimulation zones to be easily viewed and/or touched and/or heard and/or sraelled by the infant or an individual with special needs.

In the present invention, by the term "infant" is meant a child up to 5 years of age, preferably up to 3 years of age.

In the present invention, by the term "individual with special needs" is meant a child or adult who would benefit from positive stimulation to excite certain neural circuits in the brain. This could include children or adults, particularly children, having a neurological impairment or a developmental disability, such as, mental retardation, neurological impairment, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, brain injury, autism or multiple sclerosis, for example. This also could include children or adults, particularly children, having reactive attachment disorder or severe emotional and behavioral disturbances such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder and depression. The present invention is envisaged to be particularly suitable for children up to the age of 18 with special needs. Many of the advantages of the present invention disclosed herein in relation to an infant are also applicable to an individual with special needs.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the directions defined in part b) may comprise instructions, written or otherwise, for wearing the article of clothing or accessory to stimulate the infant or an individual with special needs, particularly when the infant or an individual with special needs, is positioned in the arms, sitting in the lap of or being carried by the person caring for the infant or an individual with special needs .

The article of clothing or accessory may comprise a plurality of stimulation zones.

The article of clothing or accessory may be made from any suitable single material or combination of materials. It is preferred that the article of clothing is made from cotton, optionally in combination with one or more other materials such as elastane. A material comprising about 95% cotton and about 5% elastane is preferred. It is preferred that the accessory is made from fleece/polyester, velvet, plastic, rubber, cotton, velour, satin, cord, or inflatable material. Organic materials are preferred. The accessory might be operated with batteries or without. It might include loudspeakers and connectors to MP3/MP4 players or mobile phones or any other electronic devices which play music, display photos and videos, for example.

The at least one stimulation zone may be made from the same or a different material to the rest of the article of clothing or accessory. The at least one stimulation zone may be made from any suitable single material or combination of materials.

The at least one stimulation zone is primarily envisaged to function by visual stimulation. Visual stimulation can either be achieved by static designs and pictures as described anywhere herein. It may also be achieved by dynamic designs and pictures, such as lights, colours, in battery operated accessories, for example. Battery operated, visual stimulation zones/stimulators include MP4 players and digital photo/video frames, as are known in the art.

Digital photo frames use a colour screen to display digital images and videos, stored using built-in memory or easy to use memory cards. The parent/carer can choose their favourite picture or set up an ever changing photo slide- show of images which stimulate the infant's senses.

However, it will be appreciated that the at least one stimulation zone could have one or more further functions of stimulating by touch, by sound and/or by scent, for example. Stimulation by touch is achievable through choice of static means such as suitable texture (s) of material (s) or dynamic means via the attachment of a suitable stimulator comprising at least one stimulation zone. An attached stimulator can be grasped and manipulated by the infant or an individual with special needs by pushing, pulling, pressing, twisting, and/or moving elements such as a flap, pull-and-release item, sliding bead frame/maze, rotating, movable, vibrating, pop up and pull down items. An attached stimulator can also be mouthed/chewed, stacked, shaken and/or banged.

Stimulation by sound is achievable through the inclusion of a sound device and/or choice of suitable sound making materials and/or the attachment of a suitable stimulator. A sound device may be a bell, whistle, squeaker, horn, or electronic sound device. An electronic sound device may play music, such as nursery rhymes or classical music, and/or recite words or letters, for example numbers, shapes, colours, opposites and/or animal sounds . An electronic sound device may comprise a recording device. The language used might be English and/or any other language. An electronic sound device may comprise an MP3 or MP4 player, a mobile phone, or a dictation machine (particularly a digital dictation machine) . The article of clothing or accessory may further include an integrated connector and/or loudspeakers for use with the electronic sound device.

As known in the art digital dictation machines use built-in memory to store hours of voice or music recordings digitally such as baby's first words. They are shockproof, power- efficient and connect easily to a PC to store recordings permanently. They might be voice activated meaning that the recording automatically starts when it picks up sound. This could also be used as a safety feature when children are supervised by external carers to ensure high quality childcare .

With an MP3 or MP4 player the carer can add background music such as nursery rhymes or even a voice commentary to a slideshow on a digital photo frame, for example. As one possible use the mother might record her own voice so that her child can listen to her voice when she is absent.

As the size of MP3/MP4 players is constantly decreasing, with one being only 4.1cm long and 2.7cm wide and weighing 15 grams, integration of this technology with an article of clothing or accessory will be straightforward.

According to the invention, a battery operated/electronic stimulation zone/stimulator may be permanently or removably attached to an article of clothing or accessory. The battery operated/electronic stimulation zone/stimulator may be permanently or removably housed in a specially designed pocket on the article of clothing or accessory.

Bluetooth technology as known in the art might be integrated to allow the article of clothing or accessory to act as a wireless receiver and loudspeakers when used with a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone, MP3 or MP4 player or any other electronic/digital device. If a wireless headset or loudspeaker is integrated with the article of clothing or accessory, the user can use a mobile phone hands-free. It works by sending a secure signal of up to 10 meters between the Bluetooth headset and a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone, for example. This allows the user to make and receive calls when driving, pushing a buggy or carrying a baby in a baby sling with true hands-free communication, without cables. A voice activated dialling function could also be integrated in the Bluetooth headset within the article of clothing or accessory, as known in the art .

Stimulation by scent is achievable through either a scent releasing device which is attached to the article of clothing or accessory or by instructions, written or otherwise, to add aromatherapy oils, which may be provided separately or as part of a kit, to a stimulation zone and/or an element thereof. Referring to the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one stimulation zone may be completely visible on the article of clothing or accessory at all times when the article is being worn. Alternatively, the whole or a part of the at least one stimulation zone may be concealable from view by any suitable concealing means, for example by means of one or more flaps. The concealing means being positionable between open and closed positions, so that the whole or a part of the at least one stimulation zone for an infant or an individual with special needs is visible when the concealing means are in the open position and concealed when the concealing means are in the closed position. In the second aspect of the present invention, such concealing means are an essential feature of the invention.

Where the whole or a part of at least one stimulation zone is concealable from view by means of a flap, the underside of the flap may comprise the whole or a part of at least one stimulation zone and/or the surface over which the flap lies when the flap is in the closed position may comprise the whole or a part of at least one stimulation zone. The upperside of the flap may comprise the whole or a part of at least one further stimulation zone.

The article of clothing or accessory may comprise fastening means to fasten the concealing means in the open position and/or fastening means to fasten the concealing means in the closed position. The fastening means may comprise one or more buttons, poppers, clips, hook and loop fasteners, links, magnets, press/snap fasteners, D rings, hooks & eyes, cord and cord stops, hooks and bars, eyelets and washers, buckles, laces or zips, for example. The fastening means may be comprised in one or more stimulation zones.

When the article of clothing or accessory comprises more than one stimulation zone, each stimulation zone may be independently selected. A single stimulation zone on an article of clothing or accessory may be the same or different from other stimulation zones present. The stimulation zones may be selected so that the left hand side of the article of clothing or accessory is the same as or the mirror image of the right hand side.

The at least one stimulation zone may comprise a picture, a design or a combination thereof .

A design may comprise an abstract design, one or more letters of the alphabet, one or more digits, or a combination thereof.

A picture may comprise one or more figures depicting a human, animal and/or fictional character.

The at least one stimulation zone may comprise a single element or a plurality of elements.

A stimulation zone or an element thereof may be integral with the article of clothing or accessory, for example printed onto, embroidered, stitched or dyed into the fabric of the article of clothing or accessory. The surface of a stimulation zone or an element thereof that is integral with the article of clothing or accessory may be even or uneven. An even surface may be rough or smooth. A stimulation zone or an element thereof with an uneven surface may comprise one or more sequins, studs and/or beads, for examp1e .

A stimulation zone may comprise a 3-dimensional element, for example a button.

The whole or a part of a stimulation zone or an element thereof may be permanently or removably attached to the article of clothing or accessory, for example stitched to, glued to or removably attached to the article of clothing or accessory. Any suitable means for removably attaching the whole or a part of a stimulation zone or an element thereof to the article of clothing or accessory may be used, including buttons, poppers, clips, hook and loop fasteners, links, magnets, press/snap fasteners, D rings, hooks & eyes, cord and cord stops, hooks and bars, eyelets and washers, buckles, laces, zips, and electronic connectors to attach electronic devices and/or pockets to hold electronic devices. In particular, a curl cord with a split ring at one end and a clip at the other could be used. It is preferred that it is not possible to remove the removably attached stimulation zone or element simply by pulling on the stimulation zone or element . This will avoid the infant or an individual with special needs inadvertently removing the element from the article of clothing or accessory. One or more elements of the at least one stimulation zones may comprise the means for removably attaching a stimulation zone or an element thereof to the article of clothing or accessory.

The means for removably attaching a stimulation zone or an element thereof to the article of clothing or accessory may be positioned anywhere on the article of clothing or accessory. In relation to the second aspect of the invention, the means for removably attaching a stimulation zone or an element thereof to the article of clothing or accessory are preferably concealed by the concealing means when the concealing means are in the closed position. Where possible, another preferred position of the means for removably attaching a stimulation zone or an element thereof to the article of clothing or accessory is under an arm of the article of clothing or accessory, so that the means for removably attaching a stimulation zone or an element thereof to the article of clothing or accessory may be at least partially concealed when the article of clothing or accessory is worn.

A stimulation zone that is removably attached to the article of clothing or accessory may comprise a toy or book. Any suitable toy or book may be attached to the article of clothing or accessory. Many suitable toys will be known in the art and include toys to bat or grasp. Optionally, the toy or book may rattle, squeak, vibrate, or crinkle when grasped appropriately by the infant or an individual with special needs, as is known in the art. A toy may comprise a teether or soother. Optionally, the toy or book may comprise a mirror. Suitable books intended for infants or an individual with special needs also will be well known.

A stimulation zone that is removably attached to the article of clothing or accessory may comprise a mobile phone, MP3/MP4 player, digital dictation machine, digital photo/video frame or any other electronic entertainment device. Any suitable electronic device may be attached to the article of clothing or accessory. Many suitable devices will be known in the art and include players to download and play music, videos and photos .

An element that is removably attached to the article of clothing or accessory may comprise a 3 -dimensional shape, such as a button, in order to stimulate depth perception.

It will be understood that a stimulation zone or an element thereof that is removably attached to the article of clothing or accessory will comprise means for engaging with the means comprised in the article of clothing or accessory for removably attaching the stimulation zone or element thereof. The stimulation zone or element will comprise the male/female counterpart to the female/male means comprised in the article of clothing or accessory for removably attaching the stimulation zone or element.

Attaching one or more stimulation zones or elements thereof to the article of clothing or accessory is particularly advantageous during a flight on an aeroplane with an infant. It can be very inconvenient and unhygienic when an infant's toys fall on the floor in the confined spaces of an aeroplane seat. By attaching a stimulation zone or elements thereof to the article of clothing or accessory, toys and books may be provided for the infant without the risk of them falling on the floor.

An element that is removably attachable to the article of clothing or accessory may or may not be provided with the article of clothing or accessory. In one embodiment, the article of clothing or accessory may have means for removably attaching an element to the article of clothing or accessory, with the element that is removably attachable being provided separately.

An abstract design may comprise a single element, such as a shape filled in with a single colour, or may comprise a plurality of elements .

Preferred pictures comprise a face or face-like image. Infants have a preference for looking at faces or face-like images, such as a pair of circles (two eyes) over a horizontal line (mouth) "Faces of Perception" by Bruce Bower, Science News, July 2001) , p. 2) .

The eyes of the face or face- like image may look to the front or side-ways. However for the care-giver of an infant of 0 to 3 months, it is preferred that the face or face-like image looks to the front. This is in view of a study on "Eye contact detection in humans from birth" that has concluded that from birth, human infants prefer to look at faces that engage them in mutual gaze and that, from an early age, healthy babies show enhanced neural processing of direct gaze (T. Farroni , G. Cslbra, F. Simion, M. Johnson, PNAS, July 2002) .

It is further preferred that the at least one stimulation zone comprises curved lines. It is still further preferred that the at least one stimulation zone comprises a circle. This is in view of a study reported in "Faces of Perception" by Bruce Bower, Science News, July 2001, which found that an infant fixates more readily on curved rather than straight contours.

In a scientific study reported in "Development of visual discrimination (pattern preference) in normal infants" , Vassella F, Giambonini S, Heits B, Kaufmann R, Kehrli P, Walti U, ISJov 1977, Helvetica Paediatrica Acta, infants were exposed to both grey colour stimulation zone and stripes at monthly intervals from 1 to 6 months of age. The results showed a clear preference for stripes. It is reported that a preferential fixation of stripes was already evident at the age of 1 month. As such, in the present invention, it is further preferred that the at least one stimulation zone comprises stripes.

A stimulation zone may comprise colours other than black and white or may comprise black and white only.

For the care-giver of an infant of 0 to 3 months, it is preferred that the at least one stimulation zone only comprises black, white, and optionally one colour other than black and white, such as red. Black and white only are preferred. This is because, although colour can be seen from birth, there is difficulty distinguishing similar tones such as red and orange.

Young babies can see most colours (though not blue) , but they don't see the boundaries between colours very well. At about 4 months, colour differences become clearer, and babies start to distinguish between similar shades. Therefore at about 4 months an infant will begin to show a preference for bright primary colours and more complex designs. Around 4 months an infant will begin to develop depth perception. At 5 months an infant sees all colours and depth perception enables the infant to be able to determine the distance between them self and an object. Thus, for the care-giver of an infant of 3 to 4 months or older, it is preferred that the at least one stimulation zone comprises a colour other than black and white, such as a primary colour. More preferably, the at least one stimulation zone comprises two or more, still more preferably three or more, colours other than black and/or white. More preferably, for the care-giver of an infant of 3 to 4 months or older, the majority of the at least one stimulation zone comprises colours other than black and white, such as primary colours .

For the care-giver of an infant of 3 to 4 months or older, preferably the at least one stimulation zone comprises a 2- dimensional representation of a 3 -dimensional shape, such as a cube in order to stimulate depth perception. In one embodiment, all stimulation zones comprised in the article of clothing or accessory comprise black, white and/or red only, preferably black and white only.

In another embodiment, all stimulation zones comprised in the article of clothing or accessory comprise two or more colours other than black and white.

In still another embodiment, (i) all stimulation zones visible when concealing means are in the closed position comprise black, white and/or red only, preferably black and white only; and (ii) all stimulation zones visible when concealing means are in the open position comprise two or more colours other than black and white.

By measuring heart rate change during sustained attention and the proportion of time spent in each phase of attention, studies have also shown that infants from 3 to 12 months have greater engagement with more complex, patterned stimuli. ("Infants' attention to patterned stimuli: developmental change from 3 to 12 months of age", Courage ML, Reynolds GD, Richards JE, May-June 2006, Child Development) Thus, for the care-giver of an infant of 3 to 4 months or older, it is preferred that the at least one stimulation zone is complex.

A stimulation zone may comprise a number of elements, which constitute the picture, design or combination thereof. It is preferred that there are a greater number of elements in the upper half of the stimulation zone than in the lower half, "upper" and "lower" being defined vertically in the direction of the care-giver's body when wearing the article of clothing or accessory. This is in view of a study reported in "Faces of Perception" by Bruce Bower, Science News, July 2001) , which found that an infant will gaze longer at a T- shape pattern composed of squares than at an upside-down T shape, as well as at head shapes with more squares randomly positioned in the top than in the bottom half.

The features of each stimulation zone that is present on an article of clothing or accessory comprising more than one stimulation zone may be independently selected from all of the features for the at least one stimulation zone described herein.

An article of clothing usually will comprise a sweater/jumper, blouse, shirt, or T-shirt type top. However, the invention is not so limited and the article could comprise a dress, coat, jacket, parka, cardigan, hoodie, poncho, gilet, tie, wrap, vest, tunica, hat, glove, scarf, bib, apron, or protective clothing (e.g. rainwear}, for example. An accessory may comprise an armband, wristband, scarf, neckband, belt, infant carriers (e.g. infant sling or backpack), or a bag {e.g. a nappy changing bag) , for example. The article may be intended for a female adult, a male adult, or may be unisex.

It will be understood that because the article of clothing or accessory is intended for an adult in the present invention, it will be wearable over a number of years because the adult will not be growing. This means that it could be worn by a mother, for example, when caring for successive children. Since the article of clothing or accessory is worn or put on by a care-giver, the care-giver is able to easily retain control over and supervise safe interaction with the stimulation zones.

Where appropriate, the article of clothing or accessory may be sleeveless, short sleeved, three-quarters sleeved or long sleeved.

The shape of armbands and wristbands can be either a complete circle, an incomplete circle or a band with fasteners to create a circle. The care-giver can as a consequence wear the arm/wristband either by moving her hand through the armband in the case of a complete circle, by moving her hand into the armband from the side in the case of an incomplete circle or alternatively closing the armband around her wrist in the case of a band. In case of a complete circle, the band could include an internal elastic or an inflatable ring which allows the arm/band to be worn by care-givers of different sizes. The advantage of an inflatable stimulation zone or elements thereof are that they might be deflated for easy transport and storage .

The article of clothing or accessory, particularly the arm/wrist band, neckband/scarf, belt, infant carrier and bag, preferably includes at least 2, more preferably at least 3, or more stimulation zones which are permanently attached. Preferably, it also includes one or more attachment mechanisms which allow its temporary attachment to any other item, such as the article of clothing of the care-giver and/or to attach further stimulation zones to these accessories .

The advantage of being able to add and/or remove stimulation zones to/from the arm/wristband, neckband/scarf , belt, infant carrier and bag is that a child can play with many different toys, from different manufacturers at the same time and the infant's attention span will be extended by variety.

The resulting benefit to parents and carers is that it frees up one hand which would normally hold the toy. Thus parents/carers can enable infants to play with their clothes and accessories including attached toys and still have the other hand free to also take a phone call, check the email, do something in the home or look after another child. These situations occur on a daily basis and thus the invention will improve daily lives in any setting where adults interact with infants (ie homes, nurseries, playgroups, daily outings, family travelling on airlines, trains, etc.)

The permanent stimulation zones of the arm/wrist band, neckband/scarf, belt, infant carrier and bag may comprise a stimulation zone, as described anywhere herein, for example crinkle paper, a rattle, a squeaker, a bell, a horn, sliding bead frame/maze, a cord, a (split-) ring, a hook, a sound device, vibrating bands with and without fastening mechanisms, a teether, a mirror, a soother, key, ribbon tag, lighting device, knots, vehicle of transport such as a plane and/or components thereof such as a steering wheel, all types of attachment mechanisms, pockets, loudspeakers, photo/video frames/monitors, MP3/MP4 players, Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi technology, connectors to electronic/digital devices and/or a toy, for example.

Visual stimulation via a stimulator that is permanently attached to an accessory can either be achieved by static designs and pictures as described anywhere herein. It may also be achieved by dynamic designs and pictures, such as lights, colours, in battery operated accessories such as MP4 players or digital photo/video frames as known in the art, for example .

Stimulation by touching a stimulator that is permanently attached to an accessory is achievable through choice of static means such as suitable texture (s) of material (s) or dynamic means via a suitable stimulator. An attached stimulator can be grasped and manipulated by pushing, pulling, pressing, twisting, and/or moving elements such as a flap, pull-and-release item, sliding bead frame/maze, rotating, movable, vibrating, pop up and pull down items. An attached stimulator can also be mouthed/chewed, stacked, shaken and/or banged.

Stimulation by sound via a stimulator that is permanently attached to an accessory is achievable through the inclusion of a sound device and/or choice of suitable sound making materials. A sound device may be a bell, whistle, squeaker, horn, or electronic sound device. An electronic sound device may play music, such as nursery rhymes or classical music, and/or recite words, letters, numbers, shapes, colours, opposites and/or animal sounds. An electronic sound device may comprise a recording device. The language used might be English and/or any other language. There is a clear advantage of exposing a child early and regularly to a second or third language as the critical window of language development are believed to be the first four years of life.

An electronic sound device may comprise an MP3 or MP4 player, a mobile phone, or a dictation machine (particularly a digital dictation machine} . The article of clothing or accessory may further include an integrated connector and/or loudspeakers for use with the electronic sound device.

Stimulation by scent is achievable through either a scent releasing device which is permanently attached to the article of clothing or accessory or by instructions, written or otherwise, to add aromatherapy oils such as lavender, rose, chamomile, geranium, vanilla, orange bloom and floral scents, which may be provided separately or as part of a kit, to a stimulation zone and/or an element thereof.

A stimulation zone can also comprise various attachment mechanisms such as bands with press studs, split rings, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, poppers, clips, press/snap fasteners, D rings, hooks & eyes, cord and cord stops, hooks and bars, eyelets and washers, buckles, laces or zips.

The temporary stimulation zones can be removably and flexibly attached via the various fastening mechanisms described herein and may comprise a stimulation zone, as described anywhere herein, for example a toy, as is known in the art. Where appropriate, the article of clothing or accessory may have an opening suitably positioned to enable a mother to breastfeed her infant whilst wearing the article. Suitable openings are generally known. The opening may have closing means for fastening the opening in a closed position, although this is not essential. The closing means may comprise one or more buttons, poppers, clips, hook and loop fasteners, press/snap fasteners, D rings, hooks & eyes, cord and cord stops, hooks and bars, eyelets and washers, buckles, laces or zips .

Where appropriate, preferably the at least one stimulation zone is positioned on or above the chest area or on the sleeves .

Towards the end of the third month, an infant develops a preference for looking straight at something (central vision) and an infant's field of vision expands. The position on the at least one stimulation zone on the article of clothing or accessory may be selected having consideration for this.

Referring to the method of the third aspect of the present invention, the infant or individual with special needs may be male or female.

The infant may be up to 5 years old, preferably up to 3 years old, more preferably up to 2 years old. However, in one aspect it is preferred that the infant is from 0 to 3 months old. In another aspect, it is preferred that the infant is 3 to 4 months old or older, more preferably 3 to 4 months old to 12 months old.

The infant may be breastfed or bottle fed in the method of the third aspect of the present invention.

The care-giver may be male adult or female adult in the method of the third aspect of the present invention. Advantageously, since the article of clothing or accessory is worn by the care-giver, it may be used to stimulate more than one infant at the same time.

Dr. Bruce Perry in the article on Attachment: The First Core Strength (Early Childhood Today Magazine (Scholastic) , October of 2001, pages 28-29) states that attachment is the capacity to form and maintain healthy emotional relationships. An attachment bond has unique properties. The capacity to create these special relationships begins in early childhood.

The article further states that at birth, a baby is essentially emotionally "unattached." Despite the obvious physical connection of the umbilical cord, the newborn does not yet have strong connections to another human. During infancy and early childhood, one form of attachment (socio- emotional) begins to replace the original physical attachment of the cord. As dependent as ever, a baby requires constant attention and care from another human being in order to survive. Calories and a "bath" of physical sensations-sight, sounds, smells, touch, and taste-help the infant survive and grow to meet her potential. This "somatosensory" bath from a loving caregiver is transformed by the infant's sensory systems into patterned neuronal activity that influences the development of the brain in positive ways. It is in this dependent relationship between the primary caregivers and the infant that attachment capacity grows.

Dr Perry further states that "Our brain is designed to promote relationships. Specific parts of the human brain respond to emotional cues (such as facial expressions, touch, scent) and, more important, allow us to get pleasure from positive human interactions. The systems in the brain that mediate pleasure appear to be closely connected to the systems that mediate emotional relationships.

An online helpguide on parenting (Parenting: Attachment, Bonding and reactive attachment disorder; www . helpguide . org) explains how secure attachment is related to optimum development :

"Human beings are highly social creatures . Our brains are designed to be in relationship with other people. Interactive communication shapes both the structure and function of the brain. The technology that brain scans have made available in the past fifteen years proves this point . Attachment experience directly influences the development of children and is directly responsible for activating or not activating their genetic potential . Interpersonal relationships and the patterns of communications that children experience with their caretakers directly influence the development of their mental processes . Dr Perry outlines what happens if attachment goes wrong: "If a child has few positive relationships in early childhood or has had a bad start due to problems with the primary-caregiving experiences of infancy, this child is at risk for a host of problems. In a very real sense, the glue of normal human interactions is gone. A child with poor attachment capacity is much harder to "shape" and teach. This child will feel little pleasure from the teacher's smile or approving words. And he does not feel bad disappointing, angering, or upsetting a parent or teacher. Without the capacity to use human interactions to "reward" and "punish, " the teacher and parent often are confused and frustrated in their attempts to promote appropriate social behavior. In extreme cases, the child with poor attachment capacity demonstrates no remorse when harming others and risk developing further anti-social or even aggressive and violent behaviors. This child needs help. Research and clinical experience show that attachment capacity is easiest to shape if early identification and intervention takes place".

As explained above, the inventive concept of the present invention is that it has been hitherto unknown for the clothing or accessory of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs to be used functionally as a tool to stimulate the infant or individual with special needs. The invention works when the caregiver is in close proximity to the infant or individual with special needs. As a result, bonding is encouraged because the caregiver and care receiver interact with each other using the article of clothing or accessory that is Intended to stimulate the infant or individual with special needs. Thus, the clothing or accessory encourages the caregiver to spend time with the infant or individual with special needs. This deepens the bond and attachment between the care-giver and care-receiver. This can play an important role in the development of the care-receiver either for first developing an infant's attachment capacity or for helping to improve the attachment capacity of a child or adult having poor attachment capacity.

In view of the above, an eighth aspect of the present invention provides the use of an article of clothing or accessory for the purpose of improving the attachment capacity of an individual, said article being for the upper part of the body of the person caring for said individual and said article comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating said individual .

A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a kit for improving the attachment capacity of an individual, said kit comprising : a) a stimulator for stimulating said individual, said stimulator being specifically adapted to be suitable to be removably attached to an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of a body of a person caring for said individual ; b) directions that the specifically adapted stimulator is intended for use to improve the attachment capacity of said individual when attached to an item of clothing or an accessory worn by said care giver. A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a kit for improving the attachment capacity of an individual, said kit comprising : a) an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for said individual, said article comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulation said individual; b) directions that the article of clothing or accessory is intended for use to improve the attachment capacity of said individual .

The individual receiving care from a care giver in the eighth to tenth aspects of the present invention may be an infant or an individual with special needs as defined anywhere herein.

The article of clothing or accessory to be used in the eighth to tenth aspects of the present invention may be as defined anywhere herein.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides an article of clothing or accessory provided with an integrated connector for an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, an MP3/MP4 player, or a digital photo display. The article of clothing or accessory may further be provided with integrated loudspeakers for the electronic device. Typically, the electronic device per se will be removable from the article of clothing or accessory. The article of clothing may comprise a sweater/jumper, blouse, shirt, or T-shirt type top. However, the invention is not so limited and the article could comprise a dress, coat, jacket, parka, cardigan, hoodie, poncho, gilet, tie, wrap, vest, tunica, hat, glove, scarf, bib, apron, or protective clothing (e.g. rainwear), for example. An accessory may comprise an armband, wristband, scarf, neckband, belt, infant carriers (e.g. infant sling or backpack), or a bag (e.g. a nappy changing bag}, for example. The electronic device may be for the benefit of the person wearing the article of clothing or accessory or for someone else e.g. an infant or individual with special needs .

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention now will be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures in which:

Figure 1 shows an example of an article of clothing as defined in relation to any of the first to third aspects of the invention; and

Figure 2 shows an example of an article of clothing according to the second aspect of the invention, with the flap in the open position;

Figure 3 shows a part of the article of clothing of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a part of the article of clothing of Figure 2, with the flap in the open position;

Figure 5 shows a part of the article of clothing of Figure 2, with the flap in the open position.

Figure 6 shows a variation of the stimulation zones 4 and 6 shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a variation of the stimulation zones 4 and 6 shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 shows the embodiment of Figure 7 with the flap in the open position;

Figure 9 shows an arm/wrist band according to the invention;

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of an arm/wrist band according to the invention;

Figure 11 shows an arm/wrist band according to still another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 shows fastening means for securing the flap of

Figures 7 and 8 in the open position.

Figure 13 shows a neckband/scarf according to the invention;

Figure 14 shows an infant carrier according to the invention;

Reference numerals 1 to 11 on Figures 1 to 4 each independently refer to a stimulation zone on the article of clothing. Stimulation zones 1, 3, 7 and 9 each comprise a single element. Stimulation zones 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 11 each comprise a plurality of elements.

Stimulation zones 4, 5, 6 and 11 each comprise a picture comprising a face or face-like image.

Stimulation zones 4, 5, 6, 10, and 11 are complex.

In Figures 2 and 4, stimulation zone 10 constitutes the underside of a flap. Stimulation zone 11 constitutes the surface over which the flap lies when the flap is in the closed position. When the flap is closed, stimulation zone 10 lies face down over stimulation zone 11, thereby concealing both stimulation zones from view. In this case, stimulation zone 5 in Figures 1 and 3 may constitute the upper side of the flap. Stimulation zones 10 and 11 may comprise any combination of colours, while stimulation zone 5 may comprise only black, white and, optionally one colour, such as red. In this sense, the article of clothing may be convertible from one intended when the care-giver is caring for an infant of 0 to 3 months to one intended when the care-giver is caring for an older infant. Alternatively, the upper side of the flap may not comprise a stimulation zone.

For a care-giver who is caring for an infant of 0 to 3 months, stimulation zones 1 to 9 may comprise only black, white and, optionally one colour, such as red.

In Figure 5, the elements of stimulation zone 10 are labeled 10a to 1Oi. Further, the elements of stimulation zone 11 are labeled 11a to Hi.

In Figure 6, elements 4a and 6a of stimulation zones 4 and 6, respectively, each comprise a button.

In Figure 7, elements 4b and 6b of stimulation zones 4 and 6, respectively, each comprise a D ring on a band.

Figure 9 shows an arm/wristband which needs to be put around the wrist and closed with velcro fastening. It consists of the following features: split ring (12a), cord (12b), teether ring (12c) , band (12d) , hook (12e) , flap mirror (12f) , chime bells (12g) , elastic band (12h) , velcro fastening (12i) , band with press studs (12j), toy (12k), area with crinkle paper (121), vibrating elastic band {12m} , rattle (12n) , rubber band (12o) and transparent rattle ring with beads (12p) . All features are permanently attached with the exception of the toy (12j). Elements 12a, 12c, 12e, 12i provide temporary attachment functionality.

Figure 10 shows an arm/wrist band with is made out of a full circle of fleece, an elastic inner band pulls it together. It consists of the following features: bell (13a), hook (13b), band (13c) , pull-and-release ball (13d) , hook (13e) , vibrating, elastic band (13f) , sound device (13g) , scent ball for aromatherapy oil drops (13h) , peek-a-boo flap (13i) , band with press studs (13j) , internal elastic band (13k) . All features are permanently attached with the exception of the toy {13f and 13g) . Elements 13b, 13e and 13j provide temporary attachment functionality.

Figure 11 shows an arm/wrist band with is made out of an incomplete circle of light-weight rubber. It consists of the following features: battery operated light with on/off switch

(14a) , bell (14b) , band (14c) , rubber band (14d) , band with

Velcro fastenings on both sides (14e) , toy (14f) , bi-lingual language stimulator (14g) , hook (14h) , clip (14i) , string

(14j), Lavender scented ball (14k) and animal sounds ball

(141) . All features are permanently attached with the exception of the toy (14f) . Elements 14e, 14h and 14i provide temporary attachment functionality. In figure 12 element 4b engages with element Ilk by passing element Ilk through the d-ring of element 4b and pressing the poppers of element Ilk together.

All these wrist bands can be worn on the wrist (function 1) , be attached to the article of clothing or accessory (function 2) or can be used separately as toys (function 3) .

Figure 13 shows a scarf/neckband which is made out of velour, satin, fleece and plastic. It consists of the following features: split ring (15a), inflatable comic figure with squeaker (15b) , plastic cord (15c) , eyelet (15d) , sliding bead frame (15e) , rotating mirror (15f) , scarf (15g) , rubber ball (15h) , electronic sound device for digits, letters, shapes and classical tunes (15i) , link (15j), squeaker (15k), two triangular fabrics with knots (151) , interlocking, twistable rings (15m) , satin band with press studs (15n) , fabric book with crinkle paper (15o) , clip (15p) , 3 toys (soft animal, chime bell, doll) (15q) , bell (15r) , teether (15s), five ribbon tags (15t) , rattle (15u) , pull-and-release ball (15v) , electronic sound device with 4 tones and colourful flashing lights when pressed (15w) . All features are permanently attached with the exception of the items (15a, 15b, 15c, 15e, 15f, 15q) . Elements 15a, 15d, 15j , 15n and 15p provide temporary attachment functionality.

The neckband/scarf can be used to stimulate an infant at any time, particularly advantageously when the infant is confined to lying in the arms or sitting in the lap of the care-giver. This could be, for example, during a flight on an aeroplane. The above neckband/scarf when worn around the neck provides a portable play and music center which can be used in the following 2 ways, for example: a) For infants of 3-6 months plus by letting the two sides of the scarf hang down along the front of the body and either holding the infant so that she faces the caregiver or and the neckband/scarf. b) For newborn and infants up to 3-6 months by attaching the two sides of the neckband/scarf with an item in front of the care-giver (for example, the table tray on the plane seat in front of the care-giver) using the clips 15p. In this position the infant will lie in the arms and/or lap of the care-giver looking upwards. In this position, the removable elements (15a, 15b, 15c, 15h, 15f and 15q) and the permanent elements (151, 15m and 15n) will turn into vertical position and thus provide a play gym and/or mobile.

Figure 14 shows an infant carrier which is made out of organic cotton, polyester and plastic. It consists of the following features: digital photo/video frame (16a), digital dictation machine incl microphone (16b), pocket for MP4 player (16c), loudspeakers with connector to any electric device (16d) . The features 16c and 16d are permanently attached while the features 16a and 16b are temporarily attached.

The infant carrier can be used to stimulate an infant at any time, particularly advantageously when the infant is confined to lying or sitting in the baby sling. This could be, for example, at home, at outings or during travelling. The digital photo/video frame might show black/white images initially or colourful photos/videos of other babies, or videos of indeed family members who might live further away and thus might not be seen that often otherwise. The dictation device can be used to record the voice of the main caregiver to be played back to stimulate the infant. As an aside it can also be used by the carer to record the precious first words of a baby or the unique baby language which then can be stored electronically and shared with other members of the family who were not present. The pocket can hold a mobile phone or MP3/MP4 player and the integrated connector enables the connection to the integrated loudspeakers in order to to play music, videos and photos. The loudspeaker also include Blue-tooth and Wi-Fi technology for wireless connection as known in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A kit for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs, said kit comprising: a) an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, said article comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs; b) directions that the article of clothing or accessory is intended for use to stimulate an infant or an individual with special needs.

2. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the article of clothing or accessory comprises a plurality of stimulation zones .

3. A kit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the article of clothing or accessory has concealing means positionable between open and closed positions, so that the whole or a part of the at least one stimulation zone is visible when the concealing means are in the open position and concealed when the concealing means are in the closed position.

4. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein said article of clothing or accessory has at least one stimulator comprising at least one further stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs removably attached thereto.

5. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein said article of clothing or accessory has at least one stimulator comprising at least one further stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs permanently attached thereto.

6. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the article of clothing or accessory comprises a sweater, blouse, shirt, vest, gilet or T-shirt type article of clothing or an armband, wristband, neckband or scarf, infant carrier, bag, or protective clothing.

7. A kit according to claim 6, comprising an article of clothing wherein the article of clothing or accessory comprises an opening suitably positioned to enable a mother to breastfeed her infant whilst wearing the article of clothing or accessory.

8. An article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, said article or accessory having at least one stimulator comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs permanently attached thereto.

9. An article of clothing or accessory according to claim 8, comprising an armband, wristband, neckband, gilet or scarf suitable for an adult .

10. An article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, said article or accessory having at least one stimulator comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs removably attached thereto.

11. An article of clothing or accessory according to claim 10, said article further having at least one further stimulator comprising at least one further stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs permanently attached thereto.

12. Use of an article of clothing or accessory for the purpose of improving the attachment capacity of an individual, said article being for the upper part of the body of the person caring for said individual and said article comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating said individual.

13. A kit for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs, said kit comprising: a) a stimulator for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs, said stimulator being specifically adapted to be suitable to be removably attached to an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for said infant or an individual with special needs ; b) directions that the specifically adapted stimulator is intended for use to stimulate an infant or an individual with special needs when attached to an item of clothing or an accessory worn by a care giver.

14. Use of an article of clothing or accessory for the purpose of stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs, said article being for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs and said article comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs .

15. A kit for improving the attachment capacity of an individual, said kit comprising: a) a stimulator for stimulating said individual, said stimulator being specifically adapted to be suitable to be removably attached to an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of a body of a person caring for said individual ; b) directions that the specifically adapted stimulator is intended for use to improve the attachment capacity of said individual when attached to an item of clothing or an accessory worn by said care giver.

16. A kit for improving the attachment capacity of an individual, said kit comprising: a) an article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for said individual, said article comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating said individual; b) directions that the article of clothing or accessory is intended for use to improve the attachment capacity of said individual .

17. An article of clothing or accessory for the upper part of the body of a person caring for an infant or an individual with special needs, said article comprising at least one stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs and said article having concealing means positionable between open and closed positions, characterized in that the whole or a part of the at least one stimulation zone is visible when the concealing means are in the open position and concealed when the concealing means are in the closed position.

18. An article of clothing or accessory according to claim 17, wherein the concealing means comprises a flap and the underside of the flap comprises a whole or a part of at least one stimulation zone and/or the surface over which the flap lies when the flap is in the closed position comprises a whole or a part of at least one stimulation zone.

19. An article of clothing or accessory according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the article of clothing or accessory comprises a plurality of stimulation zones.

20. An article of clothing or accessory according to claim 19, wherein the concealing means comprises a flap and the upperside of the flap comprises a whole or a part of at least one further stimulation zone. EP2008/051555

52

21. An article of clothing or accessory according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the article of clothing or accessory comprises fastening means to fasten the concealing means in the open position and/or fastening means to fasten the concealing means in the closed position.

22. An article of clothing or accessory according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein said article of clothing or accessory has at least one stimulator comprising at least one further stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs removably attached thereto.

23. An article of clothing or accessory according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein said article of clothing or accessory has at least one stimulator comprising at least one further stimulation zone for stimulating an infant or an individual with special needs permanently attached thereto.

24. An article of clothing or accessory according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the article of clothing or accessory comprises a sweater, blouse, shirt, vest, gilet or T-shirt type article of clothing or an armband, wristband, neckband, scarf, infant carrier, bag, or protective clothing.

25. An article of clothing according to claim 24, wherein the article of clothing comprises an opening suitably positioned to enable a mother to breastfeed her infant whilst wearing the article of clothing or accessory.