Abstract:
A tactile and sensory pillow structure having an integrated transparent window wherein the interior area contains filler material and a plurality of identifiable objects therein. The pillow can be utilized as a game wherein the user can grasp the pillow structure and manually manipulate the objects therein. There is a timer and a game card wherein the game card contains a list of objects corresponding with the identifiable objects held within the pillow structure. Users are tasked with locating the objects listed on the game card by manipulating the pillow so that said items are viewable through the transparent window. The practice of reading, touching, moving, remembering, locating and identifying the objects improves cognitive abilities, fine motor skills, concentration, memory, manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, object identification, and color identification while strengthening hand muscles.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/907,165 filed on Nov. 21, 2013, entitled “I Spy Bag.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a sensory and tactile game device and method of using the same that provides a pillow apparatus with a transparent window, filler material disposed within the body of the pillow, and various identifiable objects disposed throughout the filler material. The present invention can be manually manipulated by the user to view the objects through the transparent window. 
         [0004]    Autism and autism spectrum disorder are general terms that are general terms that are used to describe a variety of developmental disorders that affect the brain. It is estimated that autism affects over 2 million individuals in the United States and is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders. The symptoms of autism are most readily seen and recognizable in the areas of social interaction, play behavior, communication skills, and cognitive functions. Although there is currently no cure for autism, this disorder is treatable and much progress can be made. Early intervention, therapy and treatment are crucial in advancing through and even overcoming many of the obstacles associated with this disorder. 
         [0005]    Another condition that affects the brain is dementia. Dementia is a general term for progressive brain disorders that cause memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment and can affect one&#39;s ability to think and concentrate. Individuals who suffer from dementia may lose their problem solving abilities and cognitive functions. This condition however, can be treated or even slowed with medications and other therapeutic techniques that engage the brain. 
         [0006]    Many treatment and therapeutic options intended for brain diseases, conditions and disorders focus on engaging one&#39;s mind through activities that are directed to cognitive stimulation such as puzzles, baking, cleaning, word games, reading, arts and crafts projects, listening to music, and engaging in conversation. Still, such activities are not always practical for those having more severe forms of autism, dementia, and the like. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, the present invention relates to a new and improved tactile and sensory pillow game apparatus and method of using the same having a transparent window and interior volume in which a plurality of identifiable objects and filler material is contained therein. The user can employ his or her hands and fingers to grip the invention and manually manipulate the identifiable objects therein in order to direct the objects to the transparent window for identification and viewing thereof. The present invention therefore forces individuals to read, touch, move, remember, locate and identify the objects, thereby improving cognitive abilities, fine motor skills, concentration, memory, manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, object identification, and color identification while strengthening hand muscles. The present invention thereby provides an engaging and effective means to treat individuals with cognitive disabilities, such as autism and dementia. 
         [0008]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0009]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to apparatuses having transparent surfaces for viewing the contents placed therein. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to pillows and bags that include clear and transparent surfaces that allow a user to view the contents that are present within. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
         [0010]    Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,559 to Archbold describes a schoolbag apparatus having a clear plastic window in which an identification card and other compatible items can be placed therein and externally viewed. The device allows a child to gain access to needed items that can be easily dropped or lost. The present invention however, provides an object filled pillow apparatus with a clear plastic window that can be manually manipulated by a child in order to view the objects therein. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,838 to Hollander discloses a pillow that includes a casing with a transparent portion in order to allow visual access to the interior space. This allows a user to easily determine the quality and condition of the fill material contained therein. While this device is helpful in the way of pillow maintenance, this does not disclose a tactile and sensory game apparatus and method of using the same that contains a pillow with various particular objects therein for a user, specifically a child, to identify. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,678 to Chang provides a pillow that includes a transparent pillow case wherein there can be blocks of different shapes contained therein that can be moon-shaped, rectangular, star-shaped and the like. The blocks are intended to change position in response to the user&#39;s sleeping motion and to provide support to the head and neck. The present invention provides a variety of objects located within a pillow apparatus wherein the filler and objects can be manually maneuvered to view the objects through a provided transparent window. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,619,277 to Harold relates to a bag that can be translucent and opaque wherein the device provides a transparent window along the length of the bag. This invention however, does not provide for a pillow apparatus with an interior space where various figures and objects can be held therein for the purpose of providing an interactive identification game for a child or user. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,926,066 to Albert describes a bag having a pair of opposite walls wherein the walls are transparent. This device however, is meant for holding and transporting objects and is not meant to provide a child&#39;s game in the form of a soft pillow wherein the child can use his or her hands and fingers to move the objects and thus view the content of the pillow through a transparent window. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,575 to Spaulding discloses a bag system that includes a clear window in order to allow a user to view the inner contents of the bag. The present invention provides a transparent window for a user to view the content within a pillow apparatus in order to improve motor skills and enhance cognitive abilities. Further, the present invention includes a timer and game card with items in which the user can identify therein the device as an objective. 
         [0016]    These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. The above discussed pillow and bag apparatuses do not provide for a game that incorporates a tactile and sensory pillow structure having a transparent window and objects contained therein wherein the object of the game requires a user to manually manipulate the objects and direct them to the transparent window for viewing and identification thereof. 
         [0017]    It substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing pillow and bag devices having transparent windows or objects wherein the device can be utilized as a game for engaging one&#39;s brain. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of pillow and bag apparatuses now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new tactile and sensory pillow structure and method of using the same wherein the device that can be used as a tactile and sensory game device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user in improving one&#39;s cognitive functions and abilities. 
         [0019]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tactile and sensory pillow structure and method of using the same that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure that can be utilized as a game. 
         [0021]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure that can provide a game card with instructions. 
         [0022]    Another object of the present invention to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure that can be utilized for improving hand-eye coordination. 
         [0023]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure that can be utilized for improving concentration. 
         [0024]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure that can be utilized for identifying colors. 
         [0025]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure that can be utilized for strengthening hand muscles. 
         [0026]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure that can be utilized for improving finger and hand dexterity. 
         [0027]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure that can be utilized for improving fine motor skills. 
         [0028]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure having an integral transparent window for viewing and identifying objects therein. 
         [0029]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure having a timer when utilizing the device as a game. 
         [0030]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure that can be utilized for identifying objects. 
         [0031]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a tactile and sensory pillow structure that can be utilized for improving one&#39;s memory. 
         [0032]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0034]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of the tactile and sensory pillow structure wherein the integrated transparent window, filler material, strap, fastener, attached game card and various identifiable objects therein are shown. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  shows a back view of the tactile and sensory pillow structure having filler material and various objects therein wherein the attached game card, strap and fastener is shown. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the tactile and sensory pillow structure. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for engaging and improving hand-eye coordination, concentration, memory, manual dexterity, fine motor skills, hand muscles, object identification, and color identification through the use of tactile and sensory means. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a front view of the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1 . The tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  comprises a front panel  2  having an exterior side, an interior side, and an outer perimeter edge; and a back panel  3  having an exterior side, an interior side, and an outer perimeter edge wherein the outer perimeter edge of the interior side of the front panel  2  and the outer perimeter edge of the interior side of the back panel  3  are connected to one another, thus forming an enclosed interior volume. The connection means of the outer perimeter edge of the interior side of the front and back panels  2 ,  3  can be accomplished by sewing, as shown in a preferred embodiment, or can be via the use of adhesives, hook and loop fastening means, a zipper closure mechanism, buttons, or any other suitable means. The enclosed interior volume of the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  comprises filler material  5  therein that can include, but is not limited to, beads as shown in a preferred embodiment, pellets, sand, gravel, rice, wood, shredded foam, beans and other suitable materials. 
         [0038]    The front panel  2  of the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  comprises a centrally located integral transparent window  4  wherein the window is substantially planar in structure and has a first side  12  and a second side. The first side  12  of the window is flush with the exterior side  14  of the front panel  2  while the second side of the window is flush with the interior side of the front panel  2 , thus forming a unitary body therewith. The interior volume, in addition to filler material  5 , can contain a plurality of identifiable objects  7  that can be various shapes, characters, and animals that can include, but are not limited to, a butterfly, leaf, a turtle, lizard, volleyball, heart, letter, number, symbol, dolphin, paper clip, alpha block, hockey stick, seahorse, cowry shell, dice, dog, stone, football, baseball, flower, eyelet, bell, lock, clothespin, puzzle piece, key, cork, pig, star, soccer ball, teddy bear, wiggle eye, lemon, LIFESAVERS® candy, telephone and other suitable items. A “suitable item” is an item that has certain maximum dimensions, has a shape such that it can be manipulated into position via an individual manipulating the body of the pillow and can be readily identifiable via a user. The plurality of identifiable objects  7  held within the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  correspond with the game card  10  that is attached thereto by a fastener  13  wherein the fastener is attached to the strap  6 . The game card  10  can have a list of objects to be found by the user written thereon wherein the objects written thereon correspond with the identifiable objects  7  enclosed within the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1 . 
         [0039]    The user can read the list of objects on the attached game card  10  and proceed to search for those specified identifiable objects  7  wherein the list of objects are located within the interior volume. The user can then manually grasp the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  and then manipulate the filler material  5  and identifiable objects  7  therein in order to move the identifiable objects  7  to the transparent window  4  for viewing and identification thereof. Touching, moving, and manipulating the objects  7  using one&#39;s fingers and hands can develop, reform and improve one&#39;s hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, concentration, memory recall, hand and finger dexterity, and object and color identification, while strengthening the user&#39;s hand and finger muscles. 
         [0040]    The outer perimeter edge of the front panel  2  and/or the back panel  3  comprises a strap  6  affixed thereto, such as via sewing as shown in the depicted embodiment; however, the strap  6  can be affixed via adhesives, buttons, hook and loop fastening material, or other suitable means. The strap  8  comprises a first terminal end and a second terminal end, wherein said first terminal end and said second terminal end are attached to the front panel  2  and/or the back panel  3  of the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1 , thus forming a closed loop structure to which the game card  10  can be attached thereto via a fastener  13  as to allow a user to remove the game card therefrom if desired. The fastener  13  can be a split ring as shown in a preferred embodiment, a D-ring, carabiner or other suitable fastening means. The game card  10  can have a front side  8  and a back side  9  wherein the front side  8  provides a phrase disposed thereon that can state “I Spy” in large conspicuous letters followed by an ellipsis and instructions that state “Find the items listed on the other side,” as shown in a preferred embodiment. The back side  9  of the game card  10  can provide a list of objects disposed thereon wherein the list of objects correspond with the identifiable objects  7  held within the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1 . 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a back view of the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1 . The front panel  2  and the back panel  3  of the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  can provide various patterns, colors, scenes, depictions, figures, characters and designs thereon that can include turtles as shown, monkeys, owls, flowers, trees, bicycles and other suitable patterns. The front and back panels  2 ,  3  can be made from flannel, cotton, fleece, silk, wool, rubber, plastic, terrycloth, velvet, nylon, polyester or other suitable materials can be utilized. A flannel material is preferred, since individuals having autism can normally tolerate the texture of flannel and will readily hold such objects covered therein. 
         [0042]    The tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  further provides a game apparatus having a plurality of embodiments wherein a timer (not shown) is used. One embodiment of the present invention comprises twenty eight or more distinct identifiable objects  7  held within the interior volume of the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  wherein each embodiment can include identifiable objects  7  that differ from another embodiment. Each embodiment includes a corresponding game card  10  that lists the identifiable objects  7  held within the particular tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  embodiment for the user or players to find. The game presented can be played individually or with a plurality of individuals. 
         [0043]    The tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  can be used with three players wherein the first player can hold the game card  10  while the second player can hold the timer (not shown). The second player can activate the timer for three minutes in a preferred embodiment, and upon activation thereof, will indicate to the first and third players to begin. The first player with whom the game card  10  is held begins via stating aloud specific items written on the back side  9  of the game card  10  for the third player to find wherein the specified items are the identifiable objects  7  held within the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  and thus correspond with the items listed on the back side  9  of the game card  10 . The third player can find the identifiable objects  7  by gripping the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  and using his or her fingers and hands to feel the identifiable objects  7  therein and move the identifiable objects  7  towards the transparent window  4  to be identified and viewed therethrough. The filler material  5  therein allow the player to readily manipulate the identifiable objects  7  held therein in which the filler material  5  and objects  7  can freely move about while contained inside of the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1 . 
         [0044]    Upon finding the stated identifiable objects  7 , the third player must show the objects  7  to the other players to view and confirm that the third player has in fact found the specifically stated identifiable objects  7 . After the three minutes has passed, the third player&#39;s turn has ended and he or she must pass the tactile and sensory pillow apparatus  1  to another player, such as the first player. The first player can then pass the game card  10  to the second player wherein the second player passes the timer to the third player. In this way, the roles of the players have shifted and the game begins again wherein the third player who now holds the timer can begin the three minute period and the game commences as described above. The game ends when all of the players have had an opportunity to hold the tactile and sensory pillow apparatus  1  and locate, identify and manipulate the identifiable objects  7  therein in which they are moved to the transparent window  4  for identification and viewing. The purpose of the game is to identify as many identifiable objects  7  as one can in the three minute period wherein the method of use described above can improve one&#39;s hand-eye coordination, memory recall, manual dexterity, fine motor skills, concentration, hand and finger muscles, and identification skills. The player to have identified the most objects has won the game. The timer (not shown), in a preferred embodiment is an egg timer wherein the timer can be any other suitable timer such as a stopwatch, sand timer, mechanical timer, computer timer, or electrical timer. 
         [0045]    The tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  can be used by individuals that range from ages three and older having dementia, autism, autism spectrum disorders, cancer and/or other mental or cognitive disorders and disabilities. However, the use of the tactile and sensory pillow structure  1  is not limited to only those having the disorders mentioned above and can further be used for children, teenagers, and adults without such disorders for learning and play via engaging hand eye coordination, finger dexterity, memory recall, communication skills, identification of colors and shapes, and concentration. 
         [0046]    It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0047]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.