GB2489669A

GB2489669A - Stimulatory strip comprising an odour

Info

Publication number: GB2489669A
Application number: GB1105140.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lin Pong
Original assignee: Flexion Optical Fibre Ltd
Current assignee: Flexion Optical Fibre Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-28
Filing date: 2011-03-28
Publication date: 2012-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2031-03-28
Also published as: GB2489669B; GB201105140D0

Abstract

Provided is an elongate flexible strip 300 which comprises a non-hazardous olfactory component, which is intended to be a stimulatory strip. The strip 300 may comprise a sheath 302 containing a bundle of optical fibres 301 to provide visual stimulation, and may comprise an ultra-violet absorptive, reflective or radiative component. The scent may be provided by a coating or incorporated into the sheath itself, and may be fragrant or non-fragrant. The fragrant component may smell of fruits, grasses, shrubs, flowers, trees, herbs or other plants, in particular lavender, linalool or benzyle benzoate. There may be an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer carrier. The outer sheath 302 may have raised protrusions 303 to provide tactile stimulation. In particular, the device is intended for stimulating individuals with under-developed cognitive or sensory capabilities, special needs, a handicap, stress or dementia, in multi-sensory environments or similar. The device provides a therapeutic, calming effect.

Description

IMPROVED STIMULATORY DEVICE

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to stimulatory strips.

Background to the Invention

[0002] It is known to provide elongate light guides comprising one or a plurality of optical fibers surrounded by a flexible plastic casing, to provide a decorative effect lighting system.

[0003] Referring to Figure 1 herein, a typical light guide installation may comprise an electric lighting unit 100, having a casing and an internal light source such as an incandescent lamp or a metal halide light source, and a bundle of plastic coated optical fibers, which plugs into a socket on the casing, such that light is transmitted along the lengths of the optical fibers.

[0004] The optical fibre has been modified with incisions to create light leakage points along the length of the fibre, resulting in light escaping from these points, to give a pleasing decorative effect.

[0005] The known optical fiber harnesses are used as decorative backdrops in bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Known fiber optic decorative harnesses can also be used in environments to stimulate special needs, handicapped, stressed or disturbed individuals, and individuals suffering from dementia, since their pleasing decorative effect exerts a calming influence on such individuals.

[0006] However, special needs, handicapped, stressed or disturbed individuals, or individuals suffering from dementia may become accustomed to the fiber optic harnesses, with the result that after some time the harnesses have reduced therapeutic effect. Individuals with different needs will use the fibre optic harnesses in different ways. For example some visually impaired individuals gain therapy from using the fibre to track the light or changing light colours. On the other hand, severely physically disabled individuals may be unable to touch the fiber optic harness, but rather only to benefit visually.

[0007] For disabilities involving loss of vision, the decorative effect of known fiber optic harnesses is lost on individuals, since primarily, fibre optic harnesses provide visual stimulation. In particular, there is an ongoing problem of how to provide an interesting and stimulating environment for blind or partially sighted individuals.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] Current stimulatory strips may provide visual and tactile stimulation.

However, individuals with a visual impairment may only gain stimulation of one is sense, for example touch. There is a problem that existing stimulatory products appeal to a limited range of senses, and therefore result in a limited range of human responses.

[0009] The inventors have realised an ongoing need to provide a more interesting and stimulating environment to interact with handicapped, stressed or disturbed individuals.

[0010] In the general case, the inventors have realised an improved product which gives sensory stimulation to at least two senses simultaneously, one of which is the sense of smell. Ideally the improved stimulatory product stimulates as many senses as possible in a single product at the same time, in order to elicit different and! or more complex responses from individuals encountering the product. There is an additional problem in how to effect the requirement for multiple sensory stimulation, including at least olfactory stimulation in a manner which is safe, non toxic, convenient and affordable.

[0011] According to a first aspect there of the present invention, there is provided a stimulatory strip comprising an elongate flexible strip, characterised by comprising a non-hazardous olfactory component.

[0012] The embodiments may provide a stimulating environment for individuals with under developed cognitive or sensory capabilities, by provision of olfactory stimulation. The combination of olfactory stimulation with visual and! or tactile stimulation may help develop cognitive, sensory or motor functions in under developed, or developing individuals.

[0013] Embodiments include both light transmitting and light non transmitting products, that is, both with and without fiber optic guides within the sheathing. In particular, tactile and olfactory non light transmitting products, such as twister rope, may provide enhanced stimulation for blind or visually impaired persons.

[0014] The olfactory component may provide a calming effect on an individual, for example where the olfactory component is a fragrant component.

[0015] In other instances, the olfactory component may be a non fragrant or pungent component, which may result in a different kind of stimulation of the individual, leading to a different behavioral reaction of the individual, thereby exercising and developing a range of different cognitive functions and movement behaviors of an individual.

[0016] Particularly for persons with extreme disability, it can be difficult to apply therapeutic techniques because the persons are anxious. By providing a separate stimulation in accordance with the above aspect, the stimulation may have a calming effect on such persons, which then puts the person in a calm condition more conducive to apply therapeutic techniques.

[0017] Other aspects are as recited in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates schematically, a known light guide installation; Figure 2 illustrates schematically a stimulatory installation according a first specific embodiment; Figure 3 illustrates schematically a first stimulatory strip embodiment; Figure 4 illustrates schematically a second stimulatory strip embodiment; Figure 5 illustrates schematically a third embodiment stimulatory strip; Figure 6 illustrates schematically a fourth stimulatory strip embodiment; Figure 7 illustrates schematically a fifth stimulatory strip embodiment; Figure 8 illustrates schematically a sixth embodiment stimulatory strip; Figure 9 illustrates schematically a seventh embodiment stimulatory strip; Figure 10 illustrates schematically in view from one side a section of an eighth embodiment stimulatory strip; Figure 11 illustrates schematically in view from one end, the eighth embodiment stimulatory strip of Figure 10; and Figure 12 illustrates schematically in view from above a section of the eighth embodiment stimulatory strip of Figures 10 and 11 herein.

Detailed Description

[0019] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0020] In this specification, the term "olfactory" is used to mean a substance, material or compound which simulates the olfactory senses of a human being. It includes substances which give both pleasant smells or odours and unpleasant smells or odours.

[0021] The embodiments shown herein include both light transmitting, and non light transmitting variations. The light transmitting variations comprise light guides, for example fibre optic cables, which are capable of carrying or transmitting light along the strip from a light source at one end of the light guide.

Non light transmitting variants may omit the light guides and omit a light source.

[0022] In this specification, the term "fragrant" is used to mean a material, compound or substance which produces a pleasant olfactory stimulation to a human being.

[0023] In this specification the term "optically active" is used to describe embodiments which glow with visible light, when placed in the vicinity of an ultra violet light.

[0024] Referring to Figure 2 herein, there is illustrated schematically a stimulatory strip installation according to a first specific embodiment. In the first embodiment there is shown as an example a light transmitting variant, which is illuminated by a light source directing light along the strips, although in the general case, the stimulatory strip installation need not include light guides, and need not include a light source to direct light along the lengths of the strips.

[0025] The stimulatory strip installation comprises a lighting unit 200 comprising an outer casing, a light source, a plurality of elongate light guides 201 each comprising a plurality of flexible optical fiber strands, and each having a flexible outer coating; and a connector for connecting for the light source to the plurality of light guides.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the installation is arranged as a curtain, hanging from an elongate horizontally extended bracket 202, to produce a visual effect of a downwardly hanging light curtain, as the light is conducted along the lengths of the stimulatory strips. This installation provides a combined olfactory, tactile and visual stimulation. Additionally there may be an incidental or secondary effect of aural stimulation where, for example the noise of the stimulatory strips brushing against each other can be heard.

[0027] In a variation of the first embodiment, an ultra violet reactive component may be added to the strip, so that the effect is that light emits from the fibre optic inside the sheath, and the material of the sheath itself glows, under externally applied ultra violet light.

[0028] In another embodiment installation, the end illuminating light source is omitted, and the curtain comprises a plurality of stimulatory strips which need not necessarily include light guides directing light along the lengths of the strips, in this case, the installation provides a tactile and an olfactory stimulation, and as a secondary or incidental effect may also provide an aural stimulation.

The strips may be optically active, and may glow under ultra violet light from an external ultra violet light source positioned in the same room as the installation.

[0029] The stimulatory strips provide an olfactory stimulation combined with one or more other sensual stimulations. For example the strips may provide a combined tactile, visual and olfactory stimulating environment for disabled or partially disabled persons. The visual stimulation may be an active visual stimulation provided by a light source which directs light in a direction along a length of the strip, via one or more light guides, or it may be a passive visual stimulation, where a person can see a pattern or surface texture of the strip, but where there is no active light source which supplies light to travel along the strip.

In the variations where there is no light transmitted along the strip, the strips may reflect visible light, or may luminesce under external illumination from, for example, an ultra violet light positioned outside and away from the strip.

[0030] The installation may provide a tactile sensation due to the presence of multiple flexible elongate strips, each elongate strip having an outer surface with features of a dimension relatively similar to the dimension of a human finger, which can be touched and differentiated by a sense of touch present in a human hand. Typically, the width or diameter dimension of the strips may be in the range 2mm to 8mm.

[0031] In the installation, one or more of the elongate strips is provided with an olfactory component to provide olfactory sensual stimulation to a human.

A partially sighted or blind person, in addition to having a tactile experience with the elongate strips, can experience olfactory sensation stimulating their olfactory senses. The olfactory experience is provided by a non hazardous olfactory substance introduced to the strip either as a constituent component of the basic material of the strip, or as an externally applied coating.

[0032] The olfactory component may be applied to one or more strips in the installation by including an olfactory component in an extruded material of the strip. Alternatively and! or additionally, the olfactory material may be applied as a coating to the body of the strip. Where a stimulatory strip has an olfactory component included in the compound of the material used to fabricate the body of the stimulatory strip, the strip may also be coated with an olfactory component at the time of manufacture, or retrospectively, either to amend or change the type of smell used by the strip, or simply to strengthen the above olfactory stimulation (smell) the strip.

[0033] In the embodiments shown herein, each of the elongate strips may also act as light guides, by introducing fibre optics into the strip, with light travelling along a length of the strip. In the case of fiber optics, these may be modified by inclusion of incisions which create light leakage points along the length of the fibre, resulting in light escaping at points along the length of the fibre, giving a pleasing decorative effect.

[0034] Preferably each elongate strip is manufactured from a non-hazardous material such as a plastics material, which is not harmful to humans if touched or swallowed, is tough and resilient to handling, and will not break or shatter into sharp pieces. The stimulatory strips may be produced using non toxic (PVC) materials, meeting current European Union directives on phthalates, meeting the relevant European Union Reach Regulations, and the European Union R0HS directive.

[0035] Referring to Figure 3 herein, there is illustrated schematically a cut away view, a section of a first embodiment stimulatory strip 300. The first strip comprises a plurality of optical fibers 301 arranged in a bundle and passing centrally through a substantially cylindrical tubular flexible outer sheath 302. The outer sheath 302 is formed of a translucent or transparent flexible plastics material, for example polyurethane. The generally tubular cylindrical outer sheath 301 has an outer surface comprising a plurality of raised protrusions 303. The raised protrusions are of a size and dimension such that they can be individually distinguished from each other by touching with a human hand, such that a person grasping the outer sheath can distinguish each of the protrusions individually.

[0036] In the best mode, the raised protrusions 303 have dimensions in the range width: 2mm to 5mm; length 2mm to 15mm; height 1mm to 5mm.

[0037] Referring to Figure 4 herein, there is illustrated a second embodiment stimulatory strip light guide 400 comprising a plurality of a bundle of fiber optic light guides 401 arranged centrally as a core through a hollow tubular flexible outer sheath 402. In this embodiment, the outer sheath 402 is formed having an external surface comprising a plurality of bulges 403, 404 arranged end to end sequentially along a length of the light guide. The bulges may have an outer surface which in a single plane extend in the axial direction, is substantially sinusoidal. The undulations are provided on a scale and dimension such that an is individual person touching the outer surface of the sheath can feel the individual protruding undulations 403, 404 using their fingers. Each undulation extends around a circumference of the outer sheath, and in cross sectional view perpendicular to a direction along the main axis of the sheath, each undulation is substantially annular. Similarly, each valley or trough 405, 406, between the protruding undulations, in cross sectional view perpendicular to a direction along a main length axis of the sheath, is also annular.

[0038] A person touching the outer surface of the sheath may be able to distinguish each undulation separately, by running the sheath through their fingers. Touching the sheath in this way may help develop fine motor control, spatial awareness, and improve the tactile recognition functions of the individual person. From a tactile point of view, patients with dementia may find it therapeutic to touch the strips. Repetitive stroking of the surface may have a calming and relaxing effect on these individuals.

[0039] The outer sheath comprises an olfactory substance, which can be embedded in the plastics material of the outer sheath as an additive during manufacture, or which can be added to the outer sheath as a separate external coating.

[0040] Referring to Figure 5 herein, there is illustrated schematically a third embodiment stimulatory strip.

[0041] The third strip 500 comprises a bundle of a plurality of fiber optic cables 501 extending centrally and coaxially along a hollow tubular outer sheath 502. The outer sheath is substantially cylindrical and is made of a flexible material such as polyurethane. The outer sheath may be transparent or semi-transparent, so as to allow the passage of emitted light from the optical fibers through the outer sheath, to be viewable externally from the outer sheath.

[0042] An outer surface of the flexible outer sheath has formed therein one is or more protruding helical ridges 503 which appear to wrap around the outer surface of the sheath in a snake-like manner.

[0043] The helical ridge(s) provide a protruding feature, projecting from the otherwise substantially cylindrical flexible outer surface, which may act as a stimulating tactile surface for interacting with a person. The dimensions of the helical ridge(s) are such that each ridge can be distinguished by a normal size hand of a human child or adult, when such a person grasps the strip and runs it through their fingers.

[0044] The material of the flexible outer sheath comprises an olfactory material, such that a person handling the strip can smell the strip and gain olfactory stimulation, which may help to develop their olfactory senses and enable the person to distinguish different smells.

[0045] Referring to Figure 6 herein, there is illustrated schematically a section of a fourth elongate stimulatory strip light guide according to a fourth specific embodiment. The fourth strip 600 comprises a fiber optic bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers 601, surrounded by a flexible substantially cylindrical tubular outer sheath 602. In this embodiment, the outer sheath is formed of a flexible plastics material which is transparent or translucent, and to which has been added a coloring agent to give the outer sheath a specific colour, such as purple, green, yellow, red, pink or the like to provide additional visual stimulation to a person interacting with the light guide.

[0046] The embodiment of Figure 6 may be further modified by including an ultraviolet light reactive material added to the plastic sheathing material of the strip. This results in a coloured sheathing which reacts to externally applied ultraviolet light by glowing intensely, to provide an enhanced visual stimulation.

Where the modified fourth stimulatory strip is used without any external ultraviolet light, then the product will simply appear to be coloured, and illuminated internally from the fibre optic bundle passing along the strip.

[0047] It will be appreciated that any of the other embodiments described herein having external tactile features, protrusions or recesses may also be formed of a coloured plastics material, to provide a combination of visual, olfactory and tactile stimulation to a person interacting with the light guide.

[0048] As with other embodiments described herein, the fourth strip comprises an olfactory component, to provide a fragrant olfactory experience to a person handling the fourth embodiment strip. Whilst the first, second, third and fourth stimulatory strip embodiments as described with reference to Figures 3 to 6 herein have been described including an optical light guide, for example in the form of one or more fibre optic cables, it would be appreciated that those embodiments may be varied, to produce similar embodiments, but without a fibre optic light guide. Those embodiments may be non light transmitting, in that they are not illuminated internally by a light source carrying light along the length of the strip.

[0049] Referring to Figure 7 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view, a fifth embodiment stimulatory strip. The fifth strip 700 comprises a hollow passage of a tubular substantially cylindrical flexible plastics outer sheath 701. In this embodiment, the flexible plastics outer sheath is formed of a moldable or extrudable plastics material, to which has been added during forming, an odourous, or perfumed chemical agent, in order to provide a distinctive smell to the outer casing.

[0050] The embodiment of Figure 7 may be varied, producing a solid variant, by making the fifth strip a solid substantially cylindrical flexible plastics sheath, to which has been added during forming an odorous or perfumed chemical agent in order to provide a distinctive smell.

[0051] In each of the elongate strip embodiments disclosed herein, is preferably the odourous or scented chemical agent is selected to provide a pleasant smell to give a pleasant sensation to the user. In the best mode, the chemical agent may be selected from agents which produce smells or scents similar to fruits, flowers, grasses, or the like, including but not limited to apple, pear, orange, lemon, cinnamon, roses, lilies, daffodils or the like.

[0052] In other embodiments, fragrances or odours from woodland, bark, herbs or the like may be used. Where a plurality of strips are provided in a curtain or a whip type arrangement, individual ones of the strips may have different impregnated or coated fragrances, so as to give a person encountering the plurality of strips a variety of interesting tactile and olfactory stimulations.

[0053] Referring to Figure 8 herein, there is illustrated schematically a sixth stimulatory strip according to a sixth specific embodiment. The sixth strip light guide 800 comprises a plurality of optical fibers 801 arranged in parallel and extending as a core through the centre of a tubular outer sheath 802. The outer sheath 802 is formed of a flexible plastics material, and has an outer surface which comprises a substantially, double, triple or quadruple helix formation 803 having a plurality of troughs and ridges which spiral around the outside of the outer casing.

[0054] The sixth strip comprises an olfactory fragrant component, either formed into the flexible outer sheath 802 during manufacture as an additive, or as a coating applied externally to the outer sheath 802.

[0055] As with other strip embodiments, the outer sheath 802 of the sixth strip may be provided in a range of bright or primary colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue or violet or in an intermediate color within a visual range of said plurality of colors.

[0056] The ridged helix formation has ridges and troughs which are of a scale which can be distinguished by touch using feel and fingers. Typically, the is ridges may be spaced apart by two 2mm to 20mm, and similarly for the troughs.

The peak to trough height of the ridges in a direction radially may be in the range 1mm to 5mm.

[0057] Referring to Figure 9 herein, there is illustrated schematically a seventh stimulatory strip according a seventh specific embodiment. The seventh strip 900 comprises a cylindrical solid inner plastics core 901 which is transparent or translucent, and which is extruded as a one piece solid. The strip is non light transmitting in that it does not have an internal optical fibre. The solid plastics material is made reactive to ultra violet light by adding ultra violet agents to the plastic. This results in coloured strips which glow under ultra violet light. Under normal white light, the strips also appear coloured, but do not glow.

[0058] The outer surface of the strip 902 may be shaped in the form of a spiral or "twist" having peaks and valleys, which may have a spacing along the length of the light guide in the region 2mm to 15mm peak to peak. The scale of the twist surface is such that it can be distinguished by the touch sense of a human finger. In Figure 9, the outer spiral or twist has a rounded outer surface, such as would be found on the external surface of a piece of rope.

[0059] The strip is manufactured in one single extrusion as a solid piece from a polymer. During manufacture, a granular or powder additive may be mixed in with the polymer such that the resulting light guide has a fragrance as described herein before.

[0060] In the stimulatory strip embodiments herein, the olfactory component may comprise a fragrant or a non fragrant component. Fragrant components include pleasant smells which may give a calming effect to individuals. On the other hand, unpleasant smells include pungent smelling substances which may be for example acidic, or have other unpleasant smells such as amides, ammonia, weak bases, or rotten smelling components which may provide a different type of stimulation to a person, and br elicit a different reaction from the person, compared to a fragrance.

[0061] In the stimulatory strip embodiments herein, the olfactory component is introduced during extrusion of either the solid strip or the outer shroud or casing as appropriate depending on the embodiment, as an additive during production, so that the additive is blended in to the material of the strip or the outer sheath of the strip as appropriate.

[0062] Alternatively and! or additionally, the olfactory component may be applied to the material of the shroud or casing itself, or as a coating applied to the outside of the shroud or casing.

[0063] In the case of solid body strips, the olfactory component may be introduced as an additive to the material which forms the solid body, or as an external coating.

[0064] In one embodiment, a fragrant lavender smell additive may be added to a plastics or polymer material, the additive comprising benzyle benzoate, lavendula angustifolia oil, and linalool, where those components are present in the additive in the ratio 55%! 15%! 10% respectively. Preferably, the additive is added to the polymer in a concentration relative to the polymer, that if a small section of the polymer is swallowed by a human, the additive would be non-toxic or minimally (insignificantly) toxic to a normal human child or adult.

[0065] The olfactory additive is designed so that it complies with EU regulations on Pthalates, the EU Reach directive (EU Regulation 1907/2006 on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (EU 2002/95/EC).

[0066] Another specific example of an alternative odour additive is an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, which is impregnated with fragrance oils.

The impregnated EVA copolymer is added to a plastics material during an extrusion process. Preferably the EVA additive has: -a melting in the range 35°C to 110°C; -a molecular weight of between 700 and 50,000; -relativedensityat 15°Cof 0.91 to 0.97; -a bulk density: 0.4g!cc at 20°C to lg!cc at 20°C; -a density at 15°C of 910 kg/m3 to 970 kg/m3; -negligible solubility in water.

[0067] Preferably, the fragrant component is applied in a quantity which is selected according to the strength of smell required and the length of time over which the plastics material is to remain fragrant.

[0068] Referring to Figure 10 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view from one side, an eighth stimulatory strip according to an eighth specific embodiment. The eighth strip comprises a solid elongate strip having a width greater than its thickness and having first and second sides with a plurality of spaced apart bumps on the upper surface and the under surface. The strip may be formed from a polymer material. A fragrant component may be added either as an additive to the polymer during extrusion, or as an external coating.

[0069] The scale of the bumps and undulations are such that they are distinguishable by the fingers of a human adult or child. Typically the undulations may be in the range 5mm to 15mm in length and in the range 1mm to 4mm in height. The strip may resemble or remind a person of a shape similar to a pea pod or a runner bean.

[0070] Referring to Figure 11 herein, there is shown in view from one end, the strip of Figure 10 herein; [0071] Referring to Figure 12 herein, there is shown in view from above, a section of the strip shown in Figures 10 and 11 herein.

[0072] In the above embodiments in Figures 3 to 12 herein, a plurality of light guides may be collected together at their respective first ends into a cylindrical shroud connector, for connection into a light box as described with reference to Figure 2 herein. The plurality of light guides may be arranged loosely, as a brush or a multi strand whip type of arrangement, and may be arranged to hang from a horizontal or inclined support, for example a horizontal beam or arm, so that the individual light guides are spaced apart to provide a curtain effect. Similarly, solid non-light conducting strips, which are not internally illuminated may be hung in a curtain, or arranged as a brush or multi-strand whip.

[0073] The above embodiments can either have optical fibres incorporated into them if there is a hollow centre, or may be used as non light transmitting strips with no optical fibre. Where individual ones of the above embodiments are described having a solid body, those types are non light transmitting, which means that light does not travel along their length from a light source positioned at one at one end of the strip. Where the embodiments include an optic fibre, the optic fibre can be a single optic fibre or a plurality of optic fibres. Only the embodiments which are light transmitting, having one or more optical fibres may be connected to a light source for operation where light is transmitted along the length of the fibre, and therefore along the length of the strip. The fibre is modified to allow light to escape from the fibre along the length of the fibre. In the above embodiments, the optically active embodiments may have an ultraviolet light reactive element in order to provide a visual stimulus, under ultraviolet light illumination.

[0074] In each of the embodiments described herein which use glass core is optical fibers, the optical fibers used may have a multi mode core. The individual optical fibers may have intrusions which provide localized leakage of light outside the outer glass core of each fiber, resulting in specific light points along the length of the fibers, at randomized distances along the length of the fibers, giving an interesting visual effect of individual light spots emitting from along the length of each individual light guide. The optical fibres may be glass or polymer. For sensory applications, polymer optical fibres are safer.

[0075] Any one or more of the stimulatory strip embodiments disclosed herein may additionally be provided with an ultra violet light reflective or radiating additive or coating, such that when the strip is subjected to an external ultra violet light, or an internally carried ultra violet light along the length of the strip, the strip tends to glow in the dark, providing an additional visual stimulation. The ultra violet reactive performance is achieved by adding an ultra violet reactive additive to the material of the strip at the extrusion stage, or during the processing of the sheathing or PVC. Where an ultra violet reactive agent is added to a plastics material comprising the strip, this results in a coloured sheathing which reacts to externally applied ultra violet light to produce a glowing visual effect.

[0076] These specific embodiments described herein may assist in helping motor control and sensory development for disabled individuals in response to olfactory sensory stimulation in combination with tactile stimulation, with the optional visual stimulation, helping the human brain to form connections between smell, touch and visual stimulus, especially in the severely disabled, minimal physical movement is possible, and such persons can be apprehensive and do not wish to touch the strips. However the inclusion of an olfactory component may encourage such persons to touch the strips.

Claims

Claims 1. A stimulatory strip comprising an elongate flexible strip, characterized by comprising a non-hazardous olfactory component.
2. The stimulatory strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein said olfactory component comprises an additive to a material of said flexible strip.
3. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said olfactory component comprises an external coating applied to an outer surface of said flexible strip.
4. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said olfactory component comprises a component producing an odour of a plant.
5. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising wherein said olfactory component is non fragrant.
6. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said olfactory component is fragrant.
7. The stimulatoty strip as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fragrant component has an odour selected from the set; fruits; grasses; shrubs; flowers; trees; herbs.
8. The stimulatory strip as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein said fragrant component comprises the following: benzyle benzoate lavendula angustifolia oil linalool.
9. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of claims 6, 7 or 8, wherein said fragrant component comprises an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer used as a carrier for an olfactory oil.
10. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said olfactory component complies with: EU regulations on Pthalates; EU Regulation 1907/2006 on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals); and EU Directive (EU 2002/95/EC) on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances.
11. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having a cross sectional shape viewed in a direction along a main length axis of the strip, selected from the following set: circular; rectangular; annular; elliptical; square; and ovoid.
12. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having an external outer shape selected from the set: rectangular strip; solid cylindrical; tubular cylindrical; spiral; substantially runner-bean shaped; substantially pea-pod shaped.
13. The stimulatory strip as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein said elongate flexible strip acts as a light guide.
14. The stimulatory strip as claimed in claim 11, comprising: a tubular outer casing; and one or a plurality of optical fiber light guides extending within said tubular outer casing.
15. The stimulatory strip as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein individual said light guides are arranged to emit light at positions along their lengths.is 16. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising an ultra violet light absorptive, reflective and/or radiative component.17. An assembly comprising a plurality of stimulatory strips as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.18. An illuminated installation comprising: a light source; one or a plurality of stimulatory strips as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSClaims 1. A therapeutic stimulatory strip for stimulating a plurality of senses of a person, said strip comprising: an elongate flexible strip,; at least one light guide for stimulating a visual sense of said person; and a non-hazardous olfactory component for stimulating a sense of smell of said person.2. The stimulatory strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein said olfactory component comprises an additive to a material of said flexible strip.3. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said olfactory component comprises an external coating applied to an outer surface of said flexible strip.4. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said olfactory component comprises a component producing an odour of a plant.S * * SS5. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising wherein said olfactory component is non fragrant.S6. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, S. ** * wherein said olfactory component is fragrant.S7. The stimulatory strip as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fragrant component has an odour selected from the set: C 24 fruits; grasses; s shrubs; flowers; trees; herbs.8. The stimulatory strip as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein said fragrant component comprises the following: benzyle benzoate; lavendula angustifolia oil; and linalool.9. The stirnulatory strip as claimed in any one of claims 6, 7 or 8, wherein said fragrant component comprises an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer used as a carrier for an olfactory oil. * * * St.* 10. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, *** wherein the elongate flexible strip has a cross sectional shape viewed in a St ** : ** direction along a main length axis of the strip, selected from the following set:SStS t*Scircu)ar; rectangular;Iannular; elliptical; square; and ovoid.11. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein elongate flexible strip has an external outer shape selected from the set: rectangular strip; is solid cylindrical; tubular cylindrical; spiral; substantially runner-bean shaped; substantially pea-pod shaped. * * *12. The stimulatory strip as claimed any one of the preceding claims, * wherein said elongate flexible strip acts as the light guide. *..S13. The stimulatory strip as claimed in claim 4, wherein the elongate flexible strip has a tubular outer casing and wherein the light guide comprises one or a plurality of optical fiber light guides extending within said tubular outer casing. /14. The stimulatory strip as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein individual said light guides are arranged to emit light at positions along their lengths.15. The stimulatory strip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising an ultra violet light absorptive, reflective andlor radiative component.
16. An Hluminated installation comprising: a light source; one or a plurality of stimulatory strips as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. ** * * S S * 5.S* 55555S * S *S **eS S. ** S S *SS**S*.* S *