EP3793658A1 - Aid for stimulating a user - Google Patents

Aid for stimulating a user

Info

Publication number
EP3793658A1
EP3793658A1 EP19803597.4A EP19803597A EP3793658A1 EP 3793658 A1 EP3793658 A1 EP 3793658A1 EP 19803597 A EP19803597 A EP 19803597A EP 3793658 A1 EP3793658 A1 EP 3793658A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
aid
centrepiece
wings
user
aid according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP19803597.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3793658A4 (en
Inventor
Jeannette Buchard DENKER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Zibocare Denmark ApS
Original Assignee
Zibocare AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zibocare AS filed Critical Zibocare AS
Publication of EP3793658A1 publication Critical patent/EP3793658A1/en
Publication of EP3793658A4 publication Critical patent/EP3793658A4/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/02—Bed linen; Blankets; Counterpanes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
    • A61M21/02—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis for inducing sleep or relaxation, e.g. by direct nerve stimulation, hypnosis, analgesia
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/02—Bed linen; Blankets; Counterpanes
    • A47G9/0207—Blankets; Duvets
    • A47G9/0223—Blankets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G9/06—Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs
    • A47G9/066—Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs for covering a sitting user, e.g. with foot pocket
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
    • A61M2021/0005—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus
    • A61M2021/0022—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus by the tactile sense, e.g. vibrations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
    • A61M2021/0005—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus
    • A61M2021/0066—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus with heating or cooling
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
    • A61M21/0094—Isolation chambers used therewith, i.e. for isolating individuals from external stimuli
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2210/00—Anatomical parts of the body
    • A61M2210/06—Head
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2210/00—Anatomical parts of the body
    • A61M2210/10—Trunk

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an aid for stimulating a user. More specifically, the invention relates to an aid comprising weight fillings for stimulating a user.
  • a well-known sensory stimulus is the use of weighted blankets. Once exposed to a weighted blanket, or a similar sensory stimulus, the body of the user secretes different hormones, including oxytocin.
  • Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter and a hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus. From there, it is transported to and secreted by the pituitary gland, at the base of the brain.
  • Oxytocin has important physical and psychological effects, including influencing social behaviour and emotion. For example, oxytocin affects bonding behaviour, the creation of group memories, and social recognition. Oxytocin may be released simply through hugs and cuddling, and as such is known as“the cuddle hormone” or the“love hormone”.
  • a weighted blanket simulates such actions, and it has been proven useful in the relief of several of the above-listed conditions.
  • a weighted blanket is a blanket being heavier than a traditional blanket, e.g. used for heating purposes.
  • the blankets weighs anything between 3 and 11 kg, depending on the size of the user, i.e. a child or an adult.
  • the blanket is similar in shape to traditional blankets, and as such should be used so.
  • Another, similar product is weighted vests, which may be worn while moving.
  • An aid for stimulating a user comprises an elongated centrepiece for positioning adjacent to the torso of a person and wherein said centre piece comprises a top and bottom edge as well as two opposite side edges, at least three of said edges being connected to at least one wing with a weight filling, whereby said wings when unfolded extend away from said centre piece in at least three different directions and whereby they point towards each other when folded towards the centre of the centrepiece and thereby enclose a person positioned adjacent to said centre piece.
  • an aid for stimulating a user may be meant an aid capable of giving the user a sensory or tactile stimulus.
  • a tactile stimulus is meant a stimulus pertaining to the sense of touch.
  • Such stimuli may initiate secretion of oxytocin, which may reduce multiple conditions of the user, including restlessness and related conditions.
  • the aid may be particularly useful for people suffering from psychiatric conditions such as ADHD, but may just as well be used by others, as the secretion of oxytocin has an effect in all humans.
  • an elongated centrepiece is in certain embodiments meant an element having a substantially quadrangular shape, e.g. a rectangular shape.
  • the centrepiece is shaped to correspond a torso of the user.
  • the centrepiece attains a geometry, which may be described by a top edge, a bottom edge, and two opposite- arranged side edges.
  • the size of the centrepiece is chosen such that is may substantially cover the torso of the user.
  • the size of the centrepiece may vary depending on whether the aid is designed for children or adults.
  • the length for an adult may be between 60 cm and 120 cm, and the width may be between 40 cm and 60 cm.
  • the length refers to the greatest distance of the centrepiece, whereas the width refers to the greatest distance being perpendicular to said length.
  • the length may be a distance being parallel to opposing sides, such that the length equals the length of a rectangle.
  • the centrepiece may be designed for being positioned adjacent to the front of a torso of a person or adjacent to the back of the torso of a person.
  • the centrepiece is made of a flexible material, e.g. a textile or plastic member or a foam material, to make it comfortable.
  • the material is silent/quiet during use, such that it does not affect the comfort.
  • the thickness of the centrepiece may be negligible, or may be made of a material being compressible, e.g.
  • the centrepiece may comprise a weight filling too.
  • the centrepiece comprises a front material and back material, between which the padding material is sandwiched.
  • the back and front material might be made of a plastic material such as polyurethane making the centrepiece water resistant and easy to clean with ex. a disinfection agent.
  • the centrepiece including the front and back material might be covered by a removable cover made of a textile member to improve the comfort of the user.
  • a wing with weight fillings is meant a substantially elongated structure.
  • the wing may be a tube filled with weights.
  • the wing is flexible in order to make it comfortable and versatile.
  • the wing is made of a textile or plastic member.
  • the wing is made of a material being quiet when buckling, such that said wings do not stimulate the user with unpleasant noises during movement.
  • the wings and the centrepiece are made in one piece, such that the wings comprise the same front and back material as the centrepiece, and between which a weight filling is sandwiched.
  • the weight filling may be sewed into the front and/or back material.
  • the back material may be polyester or polyurethane or Polyamid nylon or any combination.
  • the wings may be attached to the centrepiece by means of sewing, hook- and-loop fasteners, or by zippers.
  • a pocket may be embodied in one or more of the wings, making the aid a versatile tool and less stigmatising.
  • the front and back material of the wings might, as the centrepiece, be made of water resistant polyurethane surrounded by a removable cover made of a textile member. This enables the user to remove and wash the cover.
  • the removable cover might be made in one piece covering the whole aid.
  • the removable textile cover is made of polyester.
  • the removable cover is made of a textile member.
  • the removable cover is washable.
  • the front and back material is water resistant
  • the front and back material is made of Polyamid nylon
  • the front and back material is made of polyurethane
  • the back and front material is made of a combination of polyamide nylon and polyurethane
  • the back and front material might have the following composition and properties:
  • the weight filling adds a certain amount of mass to the wing.
  • the weight filling is the main stimulant of the aid, due to its imitation of a hug or physical interaction once arranged on the body of the user.
  • the weight is felt by means of gravity.
  • the weight filling may be made of plastic or polymer granules, glass beads, sand, calcium carbonate, and/or grains of rice.
  • the weight filling may comprise metal objects covered in a softer material for protection.
  • the weights may be three dimensionally shaped individual objects, such as balls or tetrapods for stimulating the user in certain ways.
  • the weight filling may be disposed in pouches sewed into the front and/or back material.
  • the wings may be arranged in two main positions and in intermediate positions there between.
  • the attachment may be considered a hinge allowing the wings to move between said main positions while fixed to the centrepiece.
  • the nature of the hinge merely relies on the flexible material of both the centrepiece and the wings, and as such is not a hinge restricting movement to a single direction.
  • the first main position is the position wherein the wings are unfolded, and as such extend away from the centrepiece.
  • the aid comprises at least three wings, where said wings extend away from the centrepiece in at least three different directions.
  • six wings are arranged in the aid, with two wings on each of the side edges and two wings on the top edge.
  • the wings arranged on the side edge and closest to the bottom edge may be considered part of said bottom edge in certain embodiments.
  • the wings are angled relative to the centrepiece, e.g. allowing for a certain arrangement of said wings in a folded state.
  • a body In the unfolded state, a body may be arranged/positioned adjacent to the centrepiece, such that said body may be enclosed by the wings in the folded state.
  • By being enclosed is meant that the body is arranged between a portion of the wings and the centrepiece.
  • the second main position is the position wherein the wings are folded. In such a position, said wings point towards each other and towards the centre of the centrepiece.
  • the wings are arranged in a folded state once the hinge established between said wings and the centrepiece has been engaged.
  • both the centrepiece and the wings may be made of a flexible material, the nature of the hinge is somewhat fluent and flexible.
  • the folded state allows the user of the aid to be enclosed by the wings and the centrepiece. In other words, once a body has been arranged adjacent to the centrepiece and the wings have been engaged, i.e. swung about said body, said body is enclosed by said wings and said centrepiece.
  • the user of the aid is stimulated by the weight filling arranged in the wings, said stimulation imitating the nature of a hug or similar physical human interaction stimulating the secretion of hormones affecting the well-being of said user.
  • the build of the aid allows for a versatile use, e.g. in chairs or while laying down.
  • the aid may be used in versatile environments, including at home, in institutions, during transportation, during therapy, and the like.
  • the aid is easy to use, easy to clean and easy to handle.
  • the aid is less stigmatising due to its design, which better simulates the arms and legs of another human being than a weighted blanket or vest, the latter two being specifically designed with the weight filling in mind, rather than a resemblance of a human body.
  • the aid is a soothing, sensory stimulating multifunctional body rug, designed to bring anywhere needed.
  • the weighted wings/areas stimulate the touch and muscle joint senses and can be applied over legs, arms, shoulders, hands, and head as needed.
  • the gentle weight and embrace of the aid gives the body a pressure, which contributes to the delimitation of the body and body awareness.
  • the aid contributes to create well-being, de stressing, as well as calming.
  • the shape of the centrepiece may correspond to the shape of a torso.
  • a shape of a torso is meant the shape of a human torso, i.e. a cross section of a human being along a plane diving said human into a front and a back.
  • the size of the centrepiece may correspond to anthropometric measures, e.g. designed specifically for each user, or resembling the shape of a human in different sizes, e.g. child and adult versions.
  • the centrepiece may comprise a bottom edge, corresponding to a bottom part of a human torso, e.g. hip height, a top edge resembling the shoulders/neck, and two side edges resembling the waist and rib cage/chest.
  • the centrepiece readily resembles another human being, which better stimulates the user of the aid, since said user may better feel the presence of another human, if the aid is shaped accordingly, while at the same time providing the weight stimulus.
  • the aid may comprise at least six wings.
  • the wings may be attached on various positions on the centrepiece.
  • the side edges may be equipped with two wings, each, and two wings on the top edge.
  • the bottom edge may be equipped with two wings, thereby resembling the two legs of a human.
  • the remaining four wings may be distributed with one wing on each side edge and two wings along the top edge.
  • At least one zipper may be arranged in the centrepiece.
  • the aid may be installed adjacent to immobilised users with ease.
  • the zipper may extend from an edge of the centrepiece and extend towards the centre of said centrepiece, the edge being either the top edge, the side edges, or the bottom edge. More than one zipper may be arranged in the centrepiece.
  • the wings may be attached to the centrepiece using zippers for easy installation or carrying.
  • the aid may be adapted to receive a hood.
  • the hood may be attached to the centrepiece by means of a zipper, buttons, or hook-and- loop fasteners, or similar attachment means.
  • the aid may be made in one piece with a hood, in addition to the centrepiece and the wings.
  • the user may easily attach a hood allowing for an additional stimulus of the head, in conjunction with the stimulus generated by the weighted wings.
  • the hood comprises a weight filling. In another embodiment, the hood does not contain a weight filling.
  • the weight filling may be similar to the weight filling used in the wings.
  • a weighted hood may boost or enhance the secretion of hormones affecting the well-being of the user.
  • the hood may reduce auditory and/or visual stimuli by means of material choice and/or design choice.
  • the hood may be made of a soundproof material, e.g. a textile member, which, in combination with a covering of the ears, reduces the sounds (auditory stimuli) experienced by the user.
  • a soundproof material e.g. a textile member
  • visual stimuli may likewise be reduced.
  • a hood reducing the auditory and/or visual stimuli enhances the sense of the tactile stimulus provided by a possibly weighted nature of said hood and the weighted wings attached to/integrated in the centrepiece.
  • the weight filling may be made of plastic, polymer, glass, sand, calcium carbonate, metal, granulate and/or rice.
  • the weight filling may be distributed in pouches, which may be sewed into a sandwiched/layered structure further comprising a front material and a back material.
  • the weight filling may be distributed in tubes attached to the outer part of the wings.
  • the tubes might be attached to the wings by means of a zipper, buttons, or hook-and-loop fasteners, or similar attachment means.
  • a harmless and easy to use weight filling having the desired density may be added to the wings and/or weighted hood in order to provide a filling of desired mass and fill factor/density.
  • the weight filling may comprise a plurality of individual weight elements.
  • Such individual weight elements may for example be plastic/polymer granules, grains of sand or rice, glass beads, and/or balls.
  • the size of the individual weight elements may vary from a size of a grain a sand, i.e. below 1 , to larger beads, granules or balls, e.g. up to 8 cm.
  • the weight filling may adapt to the shape of the body.
  • the individual weight elements may provide a second sense of tactile stimulus by providing a touch at certain spots.
  • the wings may comprise different filling elements or have different densities.
  • the individual weight elements may be three-dimensionally shaped.
  • the individual weight elements may be shaped as cubes, spheres/balls, pyramids (e.g. square- or triangular-based), prisms, or tetrapods. Different shapes may be mixed in the wings, or the same shape may be used throughout the aid.
  • the elements may have a size between 2 and 8 cm, thereby providing different senses of touch.
  • the individual weight elements may provide the feel of a“passive” massage, i.e. through the touch at certain spots on the skin, in combination with the weight of said elements.
  • the individual weight elements may be balls having a diameter between 2 and 8 cm. Thereby, a certain embodiment of the individual weight elements is provided.
  • the balls are easy to produce and embody in the wings. Further, by using different sizes of balls within the same wing, said wing may be filled with a high fill factor (occupied space relative to free space), while at the same time provided the previously disclosed sense of touch.
  • buttons may be provided in the wings and/or the centrepiece to fasten said wings to each other and/or the centrepiece in a folded state.
  • buttons are magnetic snap buttons for easy handling.
  • the wings are held in place in the folded state, where the aid is enclosing a user, or when the aid is folded into a bag for easy transportation.
  • the versatility of the aid is increased, as the wings are less likely to become unfolded when moving.
  • the wings may be provided with a reversibly closable opening, allowing for the adjustment of the weight filling.
  • a reversibly closable opening is meant an opening being closable, such that the content (weight filling) of the wings cannot escape, but that said opening may be opened, allowing for the adjustment or customisation of the content, i.e. the weight filling.
  • the opening may be closed by means of a zipper, hook-and-loop fasteners, or buttons.
  • the weight filling may be provided in pouches, such that the individual weight elements are less likely to escape the wings having a reversibly closable opening.
  • the user may adjust or customise the weight of the wing(s), or change the shape of said wing(s) for reasons disclosed above.
  • the customisation of the weight may be particularly relevant in case the aid is to be used by different users desiring different weights or shapes of individual weight elements.
  • the aid may be foldable, rendering said aid transportable.
  • the wings and/or centrepiece may be provided with hook-and-loop fasteners, strings, or magnetic snap buttons, allowing fixation of said wings to each other or to the centrepiece.
  • fixation may allow for a collapse of the aid, such that said aid is easy to transport or store.
  • the ability to be folded partly relies on the dimensioning of the wings, partly on the provision of fastening means.
  • the aid is easy to transport and store, such that the wings do not flutter.
  • the user may want to use the aid during transportation, e.g. by train or plane, whereby he/she wants to keep the aid collapsed until use.
  • the wings may be provided with pockets, such that the aid may be used to store minor things.
  • the invention further relates to a hood for attachment to an aid according to previous disclosures.
  • the hood may comprise a weight filling.
  • the hood may be of a size capable of covering the eyes of the user, whereby visual stimulus is hindered, such that the tactile stimulus provided by the weight filling is enhanced by the senses of the user.
  • the hood may be made of a soundproof material for hindering audible stimulus.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an aid according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an aid according to the invention
  • Fig. 3a-c illustrates the process of enclosing a user with an aid according to the invention
  • Fig. 4a-b illustrates a side view of an aid according to the invention
  • Fig. 5a-e illustrates the process of folding an aid according to the invention into an easy- to-carry bag.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an aid 100 according to the invention in an unfolded state.
  • the aid 100 comprises a centrepiece 101 (outlined by means of the dashed box) and six wings 110, each of said wings 110 being connected to the centrepiece 101 by means of integration, i.e. the wings 1 10 and the centrepiece 101 are made in one piece.
  • the centrepiece 101 comprises a top edge 101 a, bottom edge 101 b, and two side edges 101 c.
  • the centrepiece 101 may resemble a quadrangle or the shape of a torso, making it an elongate piece of material.
  • the top and bottom refer to a preferred use of the aid 100, wherein the centrepiece 101 is arranged adjacent to the torso of a user.
  • the centrepiece 101 may be shaped to resemble the shape of a torso.
  • a zipper 102 has been included in the centrepiece 101 , the zipper 102 easing the instalment/positioning of the aid 100 adjacent to immobilised users.
  • the zipper 102 is protected by means of a textile cover.
  • Buttons 130 are distributed in the centrepiece 101 and the wings 1 10, said buttons 130 being for easy attachment of the wings 110 and centrepiece 101 to each other.
  • the specific length, shape, orientation, and angle of each wing 110 relative to the centrepiece 101 vary.
  • the wings 110 attached to the top edge 101 a of the centrepiece 101 are angled and symmetrically distributed, in order to enclose the chest and shoulders of the user.
  • the bottom set of wings of the side edges 101c arranged closest to the bottom edge 101 b, is shaped to better cover a large portion of the legs of the user.
  • the wings 110 each comprises a weight filling 120, as highlighted by the exposed section.
  • the weight filling 120 is granules of plastic.
  • the weight filling 120 may be a planar piece of material, where said granules are bonded together, e.g. melted, or a pouch comprising said granules. Said planar piece is sandwiched between the front material 105, as highlighted in the exposed section, and the back material of the aid 100. Access to the weight filling 120 is provided through the provision of a zipper 1 11. The whole blanket is surrounded by a removable textile cover 131.
  • the centrepiece 101 and the wings 1 10 are made of a flexible and water resistant material, e.g. a textile or plastic member such as polyurethane or polyester or polyamide nylon or any combination, which is additionally covered by a removable cover 131 made of a textile member.
  • a flexible and water resistant material e.g. a textile or plastic member such as polyurethane or polyester or polyamide nylon or any combination
  • the aid 100 may easily adapt to the shape of the body of the user.
  • the centrepiece 101 does not comprise a weight filling, whereas the wings 1 10 do so. Thereby, unnecessary weight filling is avoided, i.e. weight filling not stimulating the user due to the common positions of use of the aid 100, e.g. while laying down or sitting on a chair.
  • the user When in the unfolded state, the user may easily position himself/herself adjacent to the centrepiece 101.
  • the wings 110 extend away from the centrepiece 101 in six different directions according to the present embodiment, as illustrated.
  • the wings 1 10 are folded towards the centre of the centrepiece 101 , i.e. the wings 1 10 point towards each other (not shown).
  • the skilled person acknowledges that the orientation of the wings 110 in the folded state depends on whether a user is enclosed or not.
  • the wings 1 10 are capable of enclosing a user positioned adjacent to the centrepiece 101.
  • the user may feel the weight of the wings 1 10, said weight imitating the nature of a hug or similar physical human interaction stimulating the secretion of hormones affecting the well-being of said user.
  • Incisions 112 provided in the aid 100, especially in the wings 110, provide an increased flexibility of the aid, allowing said aid 100 to better adapt to the shape of the user, thereby reducing the tendency to buckling.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an aid 200 according to the invention without the removable cover.
  • the centrepiece 201 (as indicated by the dashed lines) extends into the bottom wings 210, the centrepiece 201 delimiting the area wherein no weight filling is disposed. Nonetheless, the centrepiece 201 may be considered elongated.
  • the top edge 201a is now divided into two sections, just as the bottom edge 201 b is divided into three sections, two of which being integrated with the wings.
  • the centrepiece 201 comprises six wings 210 distributed along some of the edges (top edges 201a, side edges 201c, and bottom edges 201 b) of said centrepiece 201. The number of wings 210 increases the versatility of the aid 200.
  • the six wings 210 may be distributed according to the present embodiment, or they may be distributed in other ways, e.g. by having the additional wings added to the top 201 a or bottom edges 201 b.
  • Different preferred dimensions of the aid have been indicated.
  • the aid has an overall length L of 175 cm, a minor width V of 50 cm, a major width W of 148 cm, and an intermediate length K of 150 cm, for the adult version.
  • the skilled person acknowledges that the disclosed measures may easily be changed depending on the specific embodiments, and whether the aid is for a child or an adult.
  • Buttons 230 are distributed at certain spots on the aid 200, said buttons easing the positioning of the aid relative to the user, i.e. ensure that said aid is kept in place once folded and secured using said buttons 230.
  • the buttons are engagable with each other.
  • Fig. 2 further illustrates a hood 250 adapted to be attached the aid 200 by means of buttons 230.
  • the hood 250 comprises a weight filling similar to the one in the wings 210, such that said hood 250, once enclosing the head of a user, stimulates said user by the same means as the wings 210 of the aid.
  • the hood 250 may limit audible stimulus, i.e. provide a soundproof experience to the user.
  • the hood 250 may be of a size or have a specific design limiting the visual stimulus of the user, i.e. by covering his/her eyes.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates the process of enclosing a user 340 with an aid 300 according to the invention.
  • Fig. 3a illustrates the process of positioning the centrepiece 301 of the aid 300 adjacent to the torso 341 of the user 340.
  • the aid 300 is shown in the unfolded state/configuration.
  • Fig. 3b illustrates an intermediate step in the abovementioned process.
  • the central set of wings 310” has been swung about the user 340, and the bottom set of wings 310’ are indicated to be swung about said user 340.
  • the bottom set of wings 310’ are shaped to cover a large portion of the legs of the user 340, despite being attached to the centrepiece 301 covering the torso 341 of said user 340 only.
  • Fig. 3c illustrates the final step in the above-mentioned process.
  • the bottom set of wings 310’ has been swung about the user 340, and the top set of wings 310”’ is in the process of being so too.
  • the user 340 is enclosed by the aid 300 according to the invention.
  • the weight filling disposed in the wings 310’-310’” ensures that the user is stimulated.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of an aid according to the invention.
  • the side view of Fig. 4a illustrates how the weight filling 120 in a wing 110 is sandwiched between a front material 105 and a back material 106 of the aid, and how the centrepiece 101 comprises a padding 121. Additionally, a removable cover (131) is placed as an outside layer of the front 105 and back material 106. Thus, the side view illustrates a transition from a wing 1 10 to the centrepiece 101.
  • the front material 105 and the back material 106 are made of polyester or polyurethane or polyamide nylon or any combination and the removable cover is made of textile.
  • the weight filling 120 is attached, e.g. by means of sewing, to the front material 105 or the back material 106.
  • the padding 121 increases the softness and thus the comfort of the aid.
  • the padding 121 has a thickness of 1-2 cm.
  • the padding 121 is likewise encapsulated by the front material 105, the back material 106 and the removable cover 131.
  • the side view illustrates how the wings 110 and the centrepiece 101 may be made in one piece.
  • Fig. 4b illustrates an embodiment, wherein padding 121 is likewise distributed within the wing 110 for increased comfort.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates the process (Figs. 5a-e) of folding the aid 100 into an easy-to-carry bag 190.
  • the ability to be folded according to the embodiment relies on the geometry of the aid 100 in the unfolded state.
  • the size, length, and angle of the wings are chosen such that they are symmetrically arranged along the symmetry axis S.
  • the wings when folded, align in such a way, that the bag 190 ends up being likewise symmetrically arranged along the same symmetry axis S.
  • Buttons 130 allow the wings to be attached to each other, such that the shape of the bag 190 is preserved during handling.

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Abstract

An aid comprising an elongated centrepiece for positioning adjacent to the torso of a person and wherein said centre piece comprises a top and bottom edge as well as two opposite side edges, each of said edges is connected to at least one wing with a weight fillings, whereby said wings when unfolded extend away from said centre piece in four different directions and whereby they point towards each other when folded towards the centre of the centrepiece and thereby enclose a person positioned adjacent to said centre piece. Thereby, the user of the aid is stimulated by the weight filling arranged in the wings, said stimulation imitating the nature of a hug or similar physical human interaction stimulating the secretion of hormones affecting the well-being of said user. The build of the aid allows for a versatile use, e.g. in chairs or while laying down. The aid may be used in versatile environments, including at home, in institutions, during transportation, during therapy, and the like. Further, the aid is easy to use, easy to clean and easy to handle. Further, the aid is less stigmatising due to its design, which better simulates the arms and legs of another human being than a weighted blanket or vest, the latter two being specifically designed with the weight filling in mind, rather than a resemblance of a human body.

Description

TITLE
Aid for stimulating a user
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an aid for stimulating a user. More specifically, the invention relates to an aid comprising weight fillings for stimulating a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
People suffering from psychiatric diseases, as well as non-psychiatric people, may feel restless from time to time, suffer from racing thoughts, motor restlessness, or the like conditions, where external stimuli may be employed to offer relieve effectively. Such external stimuli may be sensory stimuli.
A well-known sensory stimulus is the use of weighted blankets. Once exposed to a weighted blanket, or a similar sensory stimulus, the body of the user secretes different hormones, including oxytocin. Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter and a hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus. From there, it is transported to and secreted by the pituitary gland, at the base of the brain. Oxytocin has important physical and psychological effects, including influencing social behaviour and emotion. For example, oxytocin affects bonding behaviour, the creation of group memories, and social recognition. Oxytocin may be released simply through hugs and cuddling, and as such is known as“the cuddle hormone” or the“love hormone”. A weighted blanket simulates such actions, and it has been proven useful in the relief of several of the above-listed conditions.
As the name suggests, a weighted blanket is a blanket being heavier than a traditional blanket, e.g. used for heating purposes. Typically, the blankets weighs anything between 3 and 11 kg, depending on the size of the user, i.e. a child or an adult. Typically, the blanket is similar in shape to traditional blankets, and as such should be used so. Another, similar product is weighted vests, which may be worn while moving.
However, the shape of both weighted blankets and weighted vests hinders the versatility, and in turn does not provide a sense of human interaction or touch. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The object of the invention is to solve some of the above-mentioned problems. An aid for stimulating a user is proposed, wherein said aid comprises an elongated centrepiece for positioning adjacent to the torso of a person and wherein said centre piece comprises a top and bottom edge as well as two opposite side edges, at least three of said edges being connected to at least one wing with a weight filling, whereby said wings when unfolded extend away from said centre piece in at least three different directions and whereby they point towards each other when folded towards the centre of the centrepiece and thereby enclose a person positioned adjacent to said centre piece.
By an aid for stimulating a user may be meant an aid capable of giving the user a sensory or tactile stimulus. By a tactile stimulus is meant a stimulus pertaining to the sense of touch. Such stimuli may initiate secretion of oxytocin, which may reduce multiple conditions of the user, including restlessness and related conditions. The aid may be particularly useful for people suffering from psychiatric conditions such as ADHD, but may just as well be used by others, as the secretion of oxytocin has an effect in all humans.
By an elongated centrepiece is in certain embodiments meant an element having a substantially quadrangular shape, e.g. a rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the centrepiece is shaped to correspond a torso of the user. Thereby, the centrepiece attains a geometry, which may be described by a top edge, a bottom edge, and two opposite- arranged side edges. The size of the centrepiece is chosen such that is may substantially cover the torso of the user. For example, the size of the centrepiece may vary depending on whether the aid is designed for children or adults. For example, the length for an adult may be between 60 cm and 120 cm, and the width may be between 40 cm and 60 cm. Here, the length refers to the greatest distance of the centrepiece, whereas the width refers to the greatest distance being perpendicular to said length. The length may be a distance being parallel to opposing sides, such that the length equals the length of a rectangle. The centrepiece may be designed for being positioned adjacent to the front of a torso of a person or adjacent to the back of the torso of a person. Preferably, the centrepiece is made of a flexible material, e.g. a textile or plastic member or a foam material, to make it comfortable. Preferably, the material is silent/quiet during use, such that it does not affect the comfort. The thickness of the centrepiece may be negligible, or may be made of a material being compressible, e.g. foam for providing a comfortable padding. However, in certain embodiments, the centrepiece may comprise a weight filling too. Preferably, the centrepiece comprises a front material and back material, between which the padding material is sandwiched. In certain embodiments, the back and front material might be made of a plastic material such as polyurethane making the centrepiece water resistant and easy to clean with ex. a disinfection agent. Additionally, the centrepiece including the front and back material might be covered by a removable cover made of a textile member to improve the comfort of the user.
By a wing with weight fillings is meant a substantially elongated structure. For example, the wing may be a tube filled with weights. Preferably, the wing is flexible in order to make it comfortable and versatile. Preferably, the wing is made of a textile or plastic member. Even more preferably, the wing is made of a material being quiet when buckling, such that said wings do not stimulate the user with unpleasant noises during movement. Preferably, the wings and the centrepiece are made in one piece, such that the wings comprise the same front and back material as the centrepiece, and between which a weight filling is sandwiched. The weight filling may be sewed into the front and/or back material. The back material may be polyester or polyurethane or Polyamid nylon or any combination. Alternatively, the wings may be attached to the centrepiece by means of sewing, hook- and-loop fasteners, or by zippers. A pocket may be embodied in one or more of the wings, making the aid a versatile tool and less stigmatising. Additionally, in a certain embodiment the front and back material of the wings might, as the centrepiece, be made of water resistant polyurethane surrounded by a removable cover made of a textile member. This enables the user to remove and wash the cover. In a certain embodiment, the removable cover might be made in one piece covering the whole aid. The removable textile cover is made of polyester. In a certain embodiment, the removable cover is made of a textile member. In another embodiment, the removable cover is washable.
In an embodiment, the front and back material is water resistant
In an embodiment, the front and back material is made of Polyamid nylon
In another embodiment, the front and back material is made of polyurethane
In another embodiment, the back and front material is made of a combination of polyamide nylon and polyurethane In another embodiment, the back and front material might have the following composition and properties:
The weight filling adds a certain amount of mass to the wing. The weight filling is the main stimulant of the aid, due to its imitation of a hug or physical interaction once arranged on the body of the user. The weight is felt by means of gravity. Depending on the location of the wing relative to the body of the user, the mass and size/length of said wing may vary. The weight filling may be made of plastic or polymer granules, glass beads, sand, calcium carbonate, and/or grains of rice. Alternatively, the weight filling may comprise metal objects covered in a softer material for protection. The weights may be three dimensionally shaped individual objects, such as balls or tetrapods for stimulating the user in certain ways. The weight filling may be disposed in pouches sewed into the front and/or back material.
Once attached to or integrated in the centrepiece, the wings may be arranged in two main positions and in intermediate positions there between. The attachment may be considered a hinge allowing the wings to move between said main positions while fixed to the centrepiece. However, the nature of the hinge merely relies on the flexible material of both the centrepiece and the wings, and as such is not a hinge restricting movement to a single direction. The first main position is the position wherein the wings are unfolded, and as such extend away from the centrepiece. According to the invention, the aid comprises at least three wings, where said wings extend away from the centrepiece in at least three different directions. Preferably, six wings are arranged in the aid, with two wings on each of the side edges and two wings on the top edge. The wings arranged on the side edge and closest to the bottom edge may be considered part of said bottom edge in certain embodiments. In similar embodiments, the wings are angled relative to the centrepiece, e.g. allowing for a certain arrangement of said wings in a folded state. In the unfolded state, a body may be arranged/positioned adjacent to the centrepiece, such that said body may be enclosed by the wings in the folded state. By being enclosed is meant that the body is arranged between a portion of the wings and the centrepiece.
The second main position is the position wherein the wings are folded. In such a position, said wings point towards each other and towards the centre of the centrepiece. Thus, the wings are arranged in a folded state once the hinge established between said wings and the centrepiece has been engaged. However, it should be understood, that since both the centrepiece and the wings may be made of a flexible material, the nature of the hinge is somewhat fluent and flexible. The folded state allows the user of the aid to be enclosed by the wings and the centrepiece. In other words, once a body has been arranged adjacent to the centrepiece and the wings have been engaged, i.e. swung about said body, said body is enclosed by said wings and said centrepiece. Thereby, the user of the aid is stimulated by the weight filling arranged in the wings, said stimulation imitating the nature of a hug or similar physical human interaction stimulating the secretion of hormones affecting the well-being of said user. The build of the aid allows for a versatile use, e.g. in chairs or while laying down. The aid may be used in versatile environments, including at home, in institutions, during transportation, during therapy, and the like. Further, the aid is easy to use, easy to clean and easy to handle. Further, the aid is less stigmatising due to its design, which better simulates the arms and legs of another human being than a weighted blanket or vest, the latter two being specifically designed with the weight filling in mind, rather than a resemblance of a human body.
Thus, the aid is a soothing, sensory stimulating multifunctional body rug, designed to bring anywhere needed. The weighted wings/areas stimulate the touch and muscle joint senses and can be applied over legs, arms, shoulders, hands, and head as needed. The gentle weight and embrace of the aid gives the body a pressure, which contributes to the delimitation of the body and body awareness. The aid contributes to create well-being, de stressing, as well as calming.
In an embodiment, the shape of the centrepiece may correspond to the shape of a torso.
By a shape of a torso is meant the shape of a human torso, i.e. a cross section of a human being along a plane diving said human into a front and a back. Thus, the size of the centrepiece may correspond to anthropometric measures, e.g. designed specifically for each user, or resembling the shape of a human in different sizes, e.g. child and adult versions. In other words, the centrepiece may comprise a bottom edge, corresponding to a bottom part of a human torso, e.g. hip height, a top edge resembling the shoulders/neck, and two side edges resembling the waist and rib cage/chest.
Thereby, the centrepiece readily resembles another human being, which better stimulates the user of the aid, since said user may better feel the presence of another human, if the aid is shaped accordingly, while at the same time providing the weight stimulus.
In an embodiment, the aid may comprise at least six wings.
The wings may be attached on various positions on the centrepiece. For example, the side edges may be equipped with two wings, each, and two wings on the top edge. In another embodiment, the bottom edge may be equipped with two wings, thereby resembling the two legs of a human. The remaining four wings may be distributed with one wing on each side edge and two wings along the top edge.
Thereby, more options and a broader coverage of the user enclosed by the wings are achieved. The added options and broader coverage better stimulate the user, prompting the secretion of hormones affecting the well-being of said user.
In an embodiment, at least one zipper may be arranged in the centrepiece.
Thereby, the aid may be installed adjacent to immobilised users with ease. For example, the zipper may extend from an edge of the centrepiece and extend towards the centre of said centrepiece, the edge being either the top edge, the side edges, or the bottom edge. More than one zipper may be arranged in the centrepiece. For example, the wings may be attached to the centrepiece using zippers for easy installation or carrying.
In an embodiment, the aid may be adapted to receive a hood.
The hood may be attached to the centrepiece by means of a zipper, buttons, or hook-and- loop fasteners, or similar attachment means. Alternatively, the aid may be made in one piece with a hood, in addition to the centrepiece and the wings.
Thereby, the user may easily attach a hood allowing for an additional stimulus of the head, in conjunction with the stimulus generated by the weighted wings.
In an embodiment, the hood comprises a weight filling. In another embodiment, the hood does not contain a weight filling.
The weight filling may be similar to the weight filling used in the wings.
Thereby, the user may experience a similar tactile stimulus of the head as is experienced by being enclosed by the wings attached to/integrated in the centrepiece. Thus, a weighted hood may boost or enhance the secretion of hormones affecting the well-being of the user. In an embodiment, the hood may reduce auditory and/or visual stimuli by means of material choice and/or design choice.
For example, the hood may be made of a soundproof material, e.g. a textile member, which, in combination with a covering of the ears, reduces the sounds (auditory stimuli) experienced by the user. By designing the hood to cover the eyes, visual stimuli may likewise be reduced.
By reducing the auditory and/or visual stimuli, the brain of the user automatically increases its response to tactile stimuli. Thereby, a hood reducing the auditory and/or visual stimuli enhances the sense of the tactile stimulus provided by a possibly weighted nature of said hood and the weighted wings attached to/integrated in the centrepiece.
In an embodiment, the weight filling may be made of plastic, polymer, glass, sand, calcium carbonate, metal, granulate and/or rice.
Said materials are all considered safe, should they escape the interior of the wings and/or weighted hood. Further, the density of the materials allows for a certain fill factor of the wings. The density may correspond to the density of a human arm/leg, as such density correspondence increases the feel of a real human being. The weight filling may be distributed in pouches, which may be sewed into a sandwiched/layered structure further comprising a front material and a back material. In another embodiment, the weight filling may be distributed in tubes attached to the outer part of the wings. In one embodiment, the tubes might be attached to the wings by means of a zipper, buttons, or hook-and-loop fasteners, or similar attachment means.
Thereby, a harmless and easy to use weight filling having the desired density may be added to the wings and/or weighted hood in order to provide a filling of desired mass and fill factor/density.
In an embodiment, the weight filling may comprise a plurality of individual weight elements.
Such individual weight elements may for example be plastic/polymer granules, grains of sand or rice, glass beads, and/or balls. The size of the individual weight elements may vary from a size of a grain a sand, i.e. below 1 , to larger beads, granules or balls, e.g. up to 8 cm.
Thereby, the weight filling may adapt to the shape of the body. Further, the individual weight elements may provide a second sense of tactile stimulus by providing a touch at certain spots. The wings may comprise different filling elements or have different densities.
In an embodiment, the individual weight elements may be three-dimensionally shaped.
For example, the individual weight elements may be shaped as cubes, spheres/balls, pyramids (e.g. square- or triangular-based), prisms, or tetrapods. Different shapes may be mixed in the wings, or the same shape may be used throughout the aid. The elements may have a size between 2 and 8 cm, thereby providing different senses of touch.
Thereby, the individual weight elements may provide the feel of a“passive” massage, i.e. through the touch at certain spots on the skin, in combination with the weight of said elements.
The individual weight elements may be balls having a diameter between 2 and 8 cm. Thereby, a certain embodiment of the individual weight elements is provided. The balls are easy to produce and embody in the wings. Further, by using different sizes of balls within the same wing, said wing may be filled with a high fill factor (occupied space relative to free space), while at the same time provided the previously disclosed sense of touch.
In an embodiment, buttons may be provided in the wings and/or the centrepiece to fasten said wings to each other and/or the centrepiece in a folded state.
Preferably, the buttons are magnetic snap buttons for easy handling.
Thereby, the wings are held in place in the folded state, where the aid is enclosing a user, or when the aid is folded into a bag for easy transportation. Thereby, the versatility of the aid is increased, as the wings are less likely to become unfolded when moving.
In an embodiment, the wings may be provided with a reversibly closable opening, allowing for the adjustment of the weight filling. By a reversibly closable opening is meant an opening being closable, such that the content (weight filling) of the wings cannot escape, but that said opening may be opened, allowing for the adjustment or customisation of the content, i.e. the weight filling. For example, the opening may be closed by means of a zipper, hook-and-loop fasteners, or buttons. The weight filling may be provided in pouches, such that the individual weight elements are less likely to escape the wings having a reversibly closable opening.
Thereby, the user may adjust or customise the weight of the wing(s), or change the shape of said wing(s) for reasons disclosed above. The customisation of the weight may be particularly relevant in case the aid is to be used by different users desiring different weights or shapes of individual weight elements.
In an embodiment, the aid may be foldable, rendering said aid transportable.
For example, the wings and/or centrepiece may be provided with hook-and-loop fasteners, strings, or magnetic snap buttons, allowing fixation of said wings to each other or to the centrepiece. Such fixation may allow for a collapse of the aid, such that said aid is easy to transport or store. The ability to be folded partly relies on the dimensioning of the wings, partly on the provision of fastening means.
Thereby, the aid is easy to transport and store, such that the wings do not flutter. For example, the user may want to use the aid during transportation, e.g. by train or plane, whereby he/she wants to keep the aid collapsed until use. The wings may be provided with pockets, such that the aid may be used to store minor things.
The invention further relates to a hood for attachment to an aid according to previous disclosures.
The features and advantages of a hood have been described previously. The hood may comprise a weight filling. The hood may be of a size capable of covering the eyes of the user, whereby visual stimulus is hindered, such that the tactile stimulus provided by the weight filling is enhanced by the senses of the user. Likewise, the hood may be made of a soundproof material for hindering audible stimulus. SHORT LIST OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following, example embodiments are described according to the invention, where
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an aid according to the invention,
Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an aid according to the invention,
Fig. 3a-c illustrates the process of enclosing a user with an aid according to the invention,
Fig. 4a-b illustrates a side view of an aid according to the invention,
Fig. 5a-e illustrates the process of folding an aid according to the invention into an easy- to-carry bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
In the following the invention is described in detail through embodiments hereof that should not be thought of as limiting to the scope of the invention.
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an aid 100 according to the invention in an unfolded state. The aid 100 comprises a centrepiece 101 (outlined by means of the dashed box) and six wings 110, each of said wings 110 being connected to the centrepiece 101 by means of integration, i.e. the wings 1 10 and the centrepiece 101 are made in one piece. The centrepiece 101 comprises a top edge 101 a, bottom edge 101 b, and two side edges 101 c. Thus, the centrepiece 101 may resemble a quadrangle or the shape of a torso, making it an elongate piece of material. The top and bottom refer to a preferred use of the aid 100, wherein the centrepiece 101 is arranged adjacent to the torso of a user. By that reason, the centrepiece 101 may be shaped to resemble the shape of a torso. A zipper 102 has been included in the centrepiece 101 , the zipper 102 easing the instalment/positioning of the aid 100 adjacent to immobilised users. The zipper 102 is protected by means of a textile cover. Buttons 130 are distributed in the centrepiece 101 and the wings 1 10, said buttons 130 being for easy attachment of the wings 110 and centrepiece 101 to each other. The specific length, shape, orientation, and angle of each wing 110 relative to the centrepiece 101 vary. For example, the wings 110 attached to the top edge 101 a of the centrepiece 101 are angled and symmetrically distributed, in order to enclose the chest and shoulders of the user. Likewise, the bottom set of wings of the side edges 101c, arranged closest to the bottom edge 101 b, is shaped to better cover a large portion of the legs of the user.
The wings 110 each comprises a weight filling 120, as highlighted by the exposed section. In the shown embodiment, the weight filling 120 is granules of plastic. The weight filling 120 may be a planar piece of material, where said granules are bonded together, e.g. melted, or a pouch comprising said granules. Said planar piece is sandwiched between the front material 105, as highlighted in the exposed section, and the back material of the aid 100. Access to the weight filling 120 is provided through the provision of a zipper 1 11. The whole blanket is surrounded by a removable textile cover 131.
The centrepiece 101 and the wings 1 10 are made of a flexible and water resistant material, e.g. a textile or plastic member such as polyurethane or polyester or polyamide nylon or any combination, which is additionally covered by a removable cover 131 made of a textile member. By being flexible, the aid 100 may easily adapt to the shape of the body of the user. The centrepiece 101 does not comprise a weight filling, whereas the wings 1 10 do so. Thereby, unnecessary weight filling is avoided, i.e. weight filling not stimulating the user due to the common positions of use of the aid 100, e.g. while laying down or sitting on a chair.
When in the unfolded state, the user may easily position himself/herself adjacent to the centrepiece 101. In such a state, the wings 110 extend away from the centrepiece 101 in six different directions according to the present embodiment, as illustrated.
Once folded, the wings 1 10 are folded towards the centre of the centrepiece 101 , i.e. the wings 1 10 point towards each other (not shown). However, the skilled person acknowledges that the orientation of the wings 110 in the folded state depends on whether a user is enclosed or not. In such a folded state, the wings 1 10 are capable of enclosing a user positioned adjacent to the centrepiece 101. Thereby, the user may feel the weight of the wings 1 10, said weight imitating the nature of a hug or similar physical human interaction stimulating the secretion of hormones affecting the well-being of said user. Incisions 112 provided in the aid 100, especially in the wings 110, provide an increased flexibility of the aid, allowing said aid 100 to better adapt to the shape of the user, thereby reducing the tendency to buckling.
Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an aid 200 according to the invention without the removable cover. In the present embodiment, the centrepiece 201 (as indicated by the dashed lines) extends into the bottom wings 210, the centrepiece 201 delimiting the area wherein no weight filling is disposed. Nonetheless, the centrepiece 201 may be considered elongated. Likewise, it is noted that the top edge 201a is now divided into two sections, just as the bottom edge 201 b is divided into three sections, two of which being integrated with the wings. The centrepiece 201 comprises six wings 210 distributed along some of the edges (top edges 201a, side edges 201c, and bottom edges 201 b) of said centrepiece 201. The number of wings 210 increases the versatility of the aid 200. The six wings 210 may be distributed according to the present embodiment, or they may be distributed in other ways, e.g. by having the additional wings added to the top 201 a or bottom edges 201 b. Different preferred dimensions of the aid have been indicated. Preferably, the aid has an overall length L of 175 cm, a minor width V of 50 cm, a major width W of 148 cm, and an intermediate length K of 150 cm, for the adult version. The skilled person acknowledges that the disclosed measures may easily be changed depending on the specific embodiments, and whether the aid is for a child or an adult.
Buttons 230, preferably being magnetic snap buttons, are distributed at certain spots on the aid 200, said buttons easing the positioning of the aid relative to the user, i.e. ensure that said aid is kept in place once folded and secured using said buttons 230. Thus, the buttons are engagable with each other.
Fig. 2 further illustrates a hood 250 adapted to be attached the aid 200 by means of buttons 230. By being attachable, the user may choose to customise the aid 200 according to his/her (present) need. The hood 250 comprises a weight filling similar to the one in the wings 210, such that said hood 250, once enclosing the head of a user, stimulates said user by the same means as the wings 210 of the aid. Depending on the material choice, the hood 250 may limit audible stimulus, i.e. provide a soundproof experience to the user. Likewise, the hood 250 may be of a size or have a specific design limiting the visual stimulus of the user, i.e. by covering his/her eyes. Fig. 3 illustrates the process of enclosing a user 340 with an aid 300 according to the invention.
Fig. 3a illustrates the process of positioning the centrepiece 301 of the aid 300 adjacent to the torso 341 of the user 340. In Fig. 3a, the aid 300 is shown in the unfolded state/configuration.
Fig. 3b illustrates an intermediate step in the abovementioned process. In this step, the central set of wings 310” has been swung about the user 340, and the bottom set of wings 310’ are indicated to be swung about said user 340. The bottom set of wings 310’ are shaped to cover a large portion of the legs of the user 340, despite being attached to the centrepiece 301 covering the torso 341 of said user 340 only.
Fig. 3c illustrates the final step in the above-mentioned process. Here, the bottom set of wings 310’ has been swung about the user 340, and the top set of wings 310”’ is in the process of being so too. Thus, once the top set of wings 310”’ is folded, the user 340 is enclosed by the aid 300 according to the invention. The weight filling disposed in the wings 310’-310’” ensures that the user is stimulated.
Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of an aid according to the invention.
The side view of Fig. 4a illustrates how the weight filling 120 in a wing 110 is sandwiched between a front material 105 and a back material 106 of the aid, and how the centrepiece 101 comprises a padding 121. Additionally, a removable cover (131) is placed as an outside layer of the front 105 and back material 106. Thus, the side view illustrates a transition from a wing 1 10 to the centrepiece 101. Preferably, the front material 105 and the back material 106 are made of polyester or polyurethane or polyamide nylon or any combination and the removable cover is made of textile. The weight filling 120is attached, e.g. by means of sewing, to the front material 105 or the back material 106. The padding 121 increases the softness and thus the comfort of the aid. The padding 121 has a thickness of 1-2 cm. The padding 121 is likewise encapsulated by the front material 105, the back material 106 and the removable cover 131. Thus, the side view illustrates how the wings 110 and the centrepiece 101 may be made in one piece. Fig. 4b illustrates an embodiment, wherein padding 121 is likewise distributed within the wing 110 for increased comfort.
Fig. 5 illustrates the process (Figs. 5a-e) of folding the aid 100 into an easy-to-carry bag 190. The ability to be folded according to the embodiment relies on the geometry of the aid 100 in the unfolded state. For example, the size, length, and angle of the wings are chosen such that they are symmetrically arranged along the symmetry axis S. Thereby, the wings, when folded, align in such a way, that the bag 190 ends up being likewise symmetrically arranged along the same symmetry axis S. Buttons 130 allow the wings to be attached to each other, such that the shape of the bag 190 is preserved during handling.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
K Intermediate length
L Overall length
S Sy etry axis
V Minor width
W Major width
100 Aid
101 Centrepiece
101a Top edge of Centrepiece 101 101b Bottom edge of Centrepiece 101 101c Side edge of Centrepiece 101
102 Zipper in Centrepiece 101
105 Front material
106 Back material
110 Wing
111 Zipper in Wng 110
112 Incision
120 Weight filling
121 Padding
130 Button
131 Removable cover
190 Bag
200 Aid
201 Centrepiece
201a Top edge of Centrepiece 201 201b Bottom edge of Centrepiece 201 201c Side edge of Centrepiece 201 210 Wng
210’ Bottom set of Wngs 210
230 Button Hood
Aid
Centrepiece’ Bottom set of Wings” Central set of Wings’” Top set of Wings User
Torso of User 340

Claims

1. An aid (100, 200, 300) for stimulating a user (340), wherein said aid comprises an elongated centrepiece (101 , 201 , 301) for positioning adjacent to the torso (341) of the user (340) and wherein said centrepiece (101 , 201 , 301) comprises a top (101a, 201b) and bottom edge (101b, 201b) as well as two opposite side edges (101c, 201c), at least three of said edges being connected to at least one wing (110, 210, 310’, 310”, 310’”) with a weight filling (120), whereby said wings (110, 210, 310’, 310”, 310”’) when unfolded extend away from said centrepiece (101 , 201 , 301) in three different directions and whereby they point towards each other when folded towards the centre of the centrepiece (101 , 201 , 301) and thereby enclose the user (340) positioned adjacent to said centrepiece (101 , 201 , 301).
2. An aid according to claim 1 , wherein the shape of the centrepiece corresponds to the shape of a torso.
3. An aid according to claims 1-2, wherein the aid comprises at least six wings.
4. An aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one zipper is arranged in the centrepiece.
5. An aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aid is adapted to receive a hood.
6. An aid according to claim 5, wherein the hood comprises a weight filling.
7. An aid according to claims 5-6, wherein the hood reduces auditory and/or visual stimuli by means of material choice and/or design choice.
8. An aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight filling is made of plastic granules, polymer granules, glass beads, sand, calcium carbonate, metal, and/or grains of rice.
9. An aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight filling comprises a plurality of individual weight elements.
10. An aid according to claim 9, wherein the individual weight elements are three- dimensionally shaped.
11. An aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein buttons are provided in the wings and the centrepiece to fasten said wings to each other and/or the centrepiece in a folded state.
12. An aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wings are provided with a reversibly closable opening, allowing for the adjustment of the weight filling.
13. An aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aid is foldable, rendering said aid transportable.
14. A hood (250) for attachment to an aid (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1.
EP19803597.4A 2018-05-16 2019-05-16 Aid for stimulating a user Pending EP3793658A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA201870300A DK180112B1 (en) 2018-05-16 2018-05-16 Aid for stimulating a user
PCT/DK2019/050162 WO2019219152A1 (en) 2018-05-16 2019-05-16 Aid for stimulating a user

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3793658A1 true EP3793658A1 (en) 2021-03-24
EP3793658A4 EP3793658A4 (en) 2022-04-27

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19803597.4A Pending EP3793658A4 (en) 2018-05-16 2019-05-16 Aid for stimulating a user

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3793658A4 (en)
DK (1) DK180112B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2019219152A1 (en)

Citations (2)

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US5044031A (en) * 1986-08-12 1991-09-03 Philip R. Foster Passive rewarming articles
US20180000171A1 (en) * 2014-05-21 2018-01-04 Capeable Sensory Products, Llc Therapeutic fabric article

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE532402C2 (en) * 2008-04-02 2010-01-12 Macori Ab weight Blanket
DK201300055U4 (en) * 2013-04-09 2014-07-25 Protac As Carpet with channels filled with essentially spherical objects for therapeutic treatment
DE202013006879U1 (en) * 2013-07-29 2013-10-11 Astrid Iggesen Blanket for wrapping
US20150237934A1 (en) * 2014-02-21 2015-08-27 Lauren M. Kirkland Apparatus for Neonatal Medical Treatment

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5044031A (en) * 1986-08-12 1991-09-03 Philip R. Foster Passive rewarming articles
US20180000171A1 (en) * 2014-05-21 2018-01-04 Capeable Sensory Products, Llc Therapeutic fabric article

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2019219152A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK201870300A1 (en) 2019-12-10
WO2019219152A1 (en) 2019-11-21
DK180112B1 (en) 2020-05-06
EP3793658A4 (en) 2022-04-27

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