Abstract:
A weighted garment including a fabric shell having a quilted pattern in the form of a plurality of quilted squares. The weighted garment further includes a weighted filling housed and substantially evenly distributed within each of the plurality of quilted squares. The weighted garment applies deep pressure and tactile inputs for utilization of the proprioceptive and tactile systems to assist individuals with identified challenges of the nervous system and neurologically typical individuals with situational anxiety and related conditions.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/001,445 entitled “THERAPEUTIC FABRIC ARTICLE”, filed May 21, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a therapeutic fabric article, and, more particularly, to weighted garments and accessories therefor. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The tactile system provides input to the brain for interpretation of various types of touch, pressure, temperature and pain through receptors in the skin. For example, deep pressure touch can be very calming. This type of input facilitates the release of dopamine, also known as the “pleasure chemical”, in the brain that helps people maintain emotional neutrality. Dopamine activates the parasympathetic nervous system for a relaxed, neutral and balanced homeostatic state. Dopamine may neutralize cortisol and adrenaline, which contribute to the fight or flight response of the autonomic nervous system. Conversely, an excess of dopamine may increase hyperactivity, which may then be regulated by increasing serotonin levels via the proprioceptive system. Proprioception refers to the information gathered by the nervous system from one&#39;s muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. It is also known as the “position sense”, which offers a sense of grounding that is interpreted by the emotional state as perceived security and/or safety. Proprioceptive input facilitates the release of serotonin, the master regulator of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), as well as dopamine. Valued as the “coping chemical”, serotonin breaks up dopamine thereby preventing hyperactivity and over-processing of information, resulting in a neutral state of arousal. Persons having difficulty processing information from one or both of these systems will demonstrate behaviors that impede function. Poor sensory modulation leads to a compromised body system that is interpreted by the central nervous system as being “in pieces”. The brain and the body will focus on keeping the individual&#39;s self together, thereby rendering the individual substantially incapable of efficient higher cortical function. The basic sub-cortical needs must first be met before focus can be diverted to higher cortical function. Maintaining the nervous system at a calm and alert state is imperative for cognitive functions and learning. 
         [0006]    Persons affected by impaired function of the nervous system can include those with developmental disabilities, Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders. Individuals with these conditions have difficulty maintaining homeostasis within the nervous system, thereby inhibiting their ability to participate in effective learning and sometimes causing behaviors incongruent with social norms. Such identifiable behaviors can include constant movement, impulsivity, decreased attention span, inability to focus on a particular task and seeking of heavy-pressure related tasks. 
         [0007]    Current treatments for persons affected by an impaired function of the nervous system can include pharmaceutical products, behavioral therapy, speech-language therapy, physical therapy, play-based therapy, situational therapy and nutritional therapy. Often in combination, these forms of treatment can be a tremendous benefit; yet, they are not without their own shortcomings. For instance, pharmaceuticals may elicit irresponsive results, or worse they may cause adverse side effects for a particular individual. Results from treatment in general can vary greatly from one individual to another. Therefore, partially due to the individualistic nature of conventional treatment methods, alternative additional forms of treatment were developed, including types of treatments utilizing deep pressure and tactile input therapy. 
         [0008]    Some applications of deep pressure therapy in the prior art include use of squeeze machines, weighted blankets, and various weighted articles such as gloves or vests. These deep pressure devices have been known to release serotonin, which helps an individual feel calm and secure. However, the problem with many of these forms of deep pressure therapy is that they are restrictive and can keep the user from fully engaging in daily activities such as routine tasks, learning, common social interactions and play. 
         [0009]    What is needed in the art is an ergonomic and discreet therapeutic garment that serves a dual sensory function with reference to the proprioception and tactile systems without sacrificing mobility and aesthetics, which thereby enables the wearer to more fully participate in daily routines and the enjoyments of life. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention relates to weighted apparel and its function within the sensory processing realm. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the utilization of the proprioceptive (body position) and tactile (touch) systems to assist individuals with identified challenges of the nervous system and those neurologically typical (NT) individuals with anxiety and related conditions. 
         [0011]    The present invention provides therapeutic garments and accessories therefor which are configured to serve a dual sensory function with reference to the proprioception and tactile systems, thereby increasing the wearer&#39;s functional attention and enabling the wearer to participate more fully in the activities making up his or her daily routine. The present invention is beneficial in home, school and community settings, as well as therapeutic institutional mental health settings and inpatient and outpatient medical surgery settings. The present invention is beneficial for treatments throughout the lifespan, from birth through hospice care, of persons either having neurological disabilities or being neurologically typical (NT) but demonstrating anxiety and related conditions. More specifically, the garment according to the present invention is a discreet and aesthetically pleasing intervention aimed at the neurological/sensory underpinnings contributing to unacceptable sensory-seeking behaviors in children and adults with disabilities, and neurologically typical individuals with situational anxiety. 
         [0012]    The invention in one form is directed to a weighted garment including a fabric shell having a quilted pattern in the form of a plurality of quilted squares. The garment further includes a weighted filling housed and substantially evenly distributed within each of the plurality of quilted squares. 
         [0013]    The invention in another form is directed to a weighted garment configured as a stand-alone hood to be worn about a user&#39;s head. The weighted garment includes a fabric shell with a chinstrap applying a predetermined amount of pressure to a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of a user. The weighted garment further includes a fastener securing the chinstrap. 
         [0014]    The invention in still another form is directed to a method for treating a user with an identified challenge of their nervous system or a neurologically typical user with anxiety by using a weighted garment for utilization of a user&#39;s proprioceptive and tactile system. The weighted garment includes a fabric shell having a quilted pattern in the form of a plurality of quilted squares. The garment further includes a weighted filling housed and substantially evenly distributed within each of the plurality of quilted squares. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an embodiment of the inventive garment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a diagram that illustrates the fabric pattern of the inventive garment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a diagram that illustrates the distribution of a weighted material inside the fabric shell of the inventive garment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a posterior view that illustrates an integrated hood attached to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a second embodiment of the inventive garment, which is in the form of an endless loop of fabric. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view that illustrates a third embodiment of the inventive garment in the form of a stand-alone hood. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view that illustrates a fourth embodiment of the inventive garment in the form of a hooded wrap garment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a lap pad. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a diagram that illustrates a sixth embodiment of the inventive garment in the form of a perimeter blanket. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view that illustrates a seventh embodiment of the inventive garment in the form of proprioceptive and tactile input bands. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  illustrates an additional accessory of the present invention in the form of a normalized and fashionable purse. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a diagram that illustrates another additional accessory of the present invention in the form of a therapeutic fidget. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view that illustrates an optional additional accessory of the present invention of in the form of a crown headband. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIGS. 1-3 , there is shown an embodiment of the inventive garment  10 , which is generally constructed of a fabric shell  12  that has a quilted pattern in the form of a plurality of quilted squares  16  for securing a weighted filling  14  therein. The garment  10  further includes a pair of curved shoulder panels  11  and at least one fastener  18 . 
         [0030]    The garment  10  is generally configured such that there is a substantially even weight distribution within the quilted squares  16  from an anterior side, shown in  FIG. 1 , to a posterior side (not shown) of the garment  10 . According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the garment  10  encompasses the shoulder girdles of a wearer, and it has a contour in the likeness of a shoulder cape. The curved shoulder panels  11  allow a clear, defined fit, which in combination with the elastic character of the fabric shell  12  maintains the placement of the garment  10  without inhibiting functional upper-body use of the wearer. Additionally, due to the snug fit of the garment  10  around the shoulder girdle, there is a greater surface contact area for sensory input. This design ensures accurate and consistent pressure to the body via the peripheral nervous system. This even weight distribution provides necessary input to the surface area of the mid chest region, shoulder girdle (both anterior and posterior) and upper back region. Further, the dermatomes are activated with constant and repeated stimulus each time the garment is applied or worn while providing the user with a secure fit that provides a “hugging” or compression fit of comfort. 
         [0031]    Fabric shell  12  of the present embodiment is a plush material with a slight elasticity, which adds both to the tactile and proprioceptive benefit of the garment  10 , while providing a comfortable compression fit. The fabric shell  12  houses the weighted filling  14 , which can be in the form of a polymer pellet filling  15  as in the present embodiment, or in the form of any other suitable filling that is durable and washable. The fabric shell  12  of the present embodiment has a quilted pattern in the form of a plurality of quilted squares  16 . However, the fabric shell  12  may have any geometric pattern that equally distributes the weighted filling  14  throughout the garment  10 , including a quilted triangular pattern or a diamond pattern. Each quilted square  16  is designed to be substantially the same size and to contain substantially the same amount of the weighted filling  14 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , each quilted square  16  is 2½ square inches; however, the size of each quilted square  16  is not limited to 2½ square inches. The quilted squares  16  could be sized in a range from 1 to 3 square inches. Further, the quilted geometric pattern may be comprised of various shapes that are not of equal size. 
         [0032]    The fastener  18  is positioned at the anterior side of the garment  10  such that the wearer can easily don and doff the garment  10 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  has a fastener  18  in the form of two magnetic fasteners (not shown). Additional possible fasteners include buttons, snaps, clasps, laces, Velcro® or any other suitable fastener for securing the garment about the body of the user. Magnetic fasteners provide simplicity in fastening and they eliminate the potential for startling the wearer due to a sudden auditory stimulus, as would snaps or hook and loop fasteners. Additionally, magnetic fasteners allow for the garment  10  to be readily reversible. The magnetic fasteners are housed within the fabric shell  12 , in other words they are sewn into the interior of the garment  10 , and they do not extend to the exterior of the garment  10 . Therefore, the wearer&#39;s temptation to fidget with the fastener  18  in the present embodiment is reduced, allowing the wearer to more easily focus on the task at hand. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the garment  10  may further include an integrated hood  20 , which also is constructed of the same plush fabric shell  12  shown in  FIG. 3 . The integrated hood  20  includes the weighted filling  14 , which is substantially evenly distributed throughout the fabric shell  12  of the hood  20 . The integrated hood  20  provides an additional dimension of sensory input, while maintaining the quilted configuration and cohesive appearance. It is also feasible for the integrated hood  20  to be formed as a separate unit, which can be coupled with the garment  10  by using an additional fastener or a set of additional fasteners (not shown). The additional fasteners may be in the form of magnetics, buttons, snaps, clasps, Velcro® or any other fastener capable of securing the garment  10  to the hood  20 . 
         [0034]    Additionally, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a loop  24  may be provided on the posterior, bottom edge of the garment. This facilitates a greater sense of independence because when the integrated hood  20  is not in use the wearer can easily hang it in his or her “cubby”, locker at school, or on a hook in a social atmosphere or at home. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a second embodiment of the inventive garment  10  according to the present invention in the form of an endless loop of fabric  30 , which may be draped about the head, shoulders and neck of the wearer. Garment  30  includes the fabric shell  12 , shown in  FIG. 3 , which is constructed with a plurality of quilted squares  16 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The quilted squares  16  include a weighted filling  14 , which can be in the form of a plurality of polymer pellets (not shown) therein. According to this second embodiment of the present invention, the weight of the weighted material  14  is distributed substantially evenly across the entirety of the garment  30 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a third embodiment of the inventive garment is provided in the form of a stand-alone hood  40 . The hood  40  includes a chinstrap  42  and at least one fastener  18 . Hood  40  provides proprioceptive input at the crown of the head of a user, via even disbursement of weight to the frontal and parietal portions of the cranium. The chinstrap  42  is configured for applying a predetermined amount of pressure to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when the chinstrap  42  is fastened under the chin of a user. The TMJ is a site for sensory stimulation and organization. A pressure input by the chinstrap  42  advantageously reduces the quantity and intensity of maladaptive oral habits, for example, excessive mouthing, teeth grinding and chewing on clothing and/or fingers. The fastener  18  can include magnets, buttons, snaps, clasps, laces, Velcro® or any other suitable fastener for securing the chinstrap  42 . Exemplary uses for the stand-alone hood  40  may include: (1) Use in transition prior to getting a child&#39;s hair cut; (2) Calming an otherwise over-stimulated child in a loud, bright community setting, such as a grocery store, department store or restaurant; (3) Minimizing environmental input (i.e., light, noise and movement of peers) from the classroom in a school setting; and (4) Calming an overwhelmed child in a social setting with a number of different people and activities going on around the user. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a fourth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a hooded wrap garment  50 , constructed of the same fabric shell  12  described above and having an even distribution of the weighted filling  14 . The weighted filling  14  can be, for example, a polymer pellet filling (not shown) encapsulated within the fabric shell  12  for even weight distribution across the area of the garment  50 . The garment  50  further includes a hood portion  52  and a pair of symmetrical, elongate structural members  54  that extend outwardly from the hood portion  52 . The extended length of the elongate structural members  54  provides additional versatility in how the hooded warp garment  50  is worn because the elongate structural members  54  can be extended up to 4 or more feet (ft.). For example, depending upon the input desired, the length of the hooded wrap garment  50  may be wrapped or draped unilaterally or bilaterally over the shoulders of the user, or may be draped comfortably on the lap or about the waist of the wearer when in a seated or reclining position. Upon standing, the hooded wrap garment  50  is configured to drape downwardly to the top of the knees of a wearer, thereby eliciting a greater pressure input through the shoulders as is promoted by gravitational effects. Advantageously, the hooded wrap garment  50  provides flexibility in use and directed input to the proprioceptive and tactile sensory systems. 
         [0038]    The hooded wrap garment  50  according to the present invention may also be configured without the hood portion as a simple wrap or scarf (not shown). Such a wrap or scarf can be wrapped over one or both shoulders, or it may be draped about the neck of the user to extend down the back or the front of the body. Reverse wear of such a wrap or scarf, in other words with opposing ends extending down the back of the wearer, would elicit a calming sense due to the selected proprioceptive and tactile input on the user&#39;s nervous system via providing substantially uniform weight distribution across the chest and the sternum. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a fifth embodiment of the present invention configured as a lap pad  60 . The lap pad  60  is formed of the same plush, quilted fabric shell  12  with the weighted filling  14  therein, which is substantially evenly distributed across the area of the lap pad  60  for maximum proprioceptive input. The lap pad  60  may be used simply as a weighted lap pad or folded in half to increase the weight distribution over a smaller area, for example, at the center of the lap of a user. Additionally or alternatively, the lap pad  60  may be utilized as a muff when a user&#39;s hands are placed between the layers of the folded lap pad  60 , offering additional proprioceptive and tactile input to the hands, thereby calming the user. Also, by positioning the hands of a user within the folds of the lap pad  60 , the upper extremity tremoring of a user may be dampened, thereby soothing the user through the enhanced proprioceptive and tactile inputs on the nervous system. 
         [0040]    Optionally, a plurality of magnetic fasteners (not shown) may be provided at the corners of the lap pad  60 , affixed within the fabric shell  12 . This would allow the user to secure the lap pad  60  along a longitudinal axis L or a lateral axis M for increased versatility in use, as shown in  FIG. 8 . For example, the lap pad  60  may be secured around the neck of a user for targeted proprioceptive and tactile input to the neck and/or shoulders for a more proximal proprioceptive experience. Alternatively, the lap pad  60  may be worn around the hips as a belt for proximal stability and input at the pelvic girdle. This is particularly advantageous for providing body-awareness for ambulation and gait training. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a sixth embodiment of the present invention provides a perimeter blanket  70 , which includes a central panel  71  and a perimeter area  72  formed by the fabric shell  12 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The perimeter area  72  further includes a plurality of quilted squares  74  that house the weighted filling  14 , which is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the fabric shell  12 . Perimeter area  72  outlines the central panel  71 , which is also formed of the same plush fabric as perimeter area  72 , for a calming input into the tactile sensory system. Advantageously, since the quilted squares  74  are positioned about the perimeter it allows the user to selectively distribute the weight to provide a desired amount of pressure and tension across selected areas of the body, thereby allowing the user to define the desired proprioceptive input into the nervous system. The perimeter blanket  70  thereby provides both weight and compression when draped and/or wrapped about the body with varying degrees of tension. Further, because of the unique design and weight distribution, the perimeter blanket  70  will not shift off of a user&#39;s lap or body, despite active movement. 
         [0042]    The perimeter blanket  70  may further optionally include, encased within the fabric shell  12 , a plurality of magnetic inserts  76  having respective alternating polarities positioned around the periphery of the perimeter blanket  70  such it may be gathered up into a sack or a bag for a variety of uses. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a seventh embodiment in the form of proprioceptive and tactile input bands  80 , which may be positioned about the wrists or ankles of a user. The bands  80  include the plush fabric shell  12 , the weighted filling  14  and a fastener configured as a plurality of magnets  82 . Provided in varying widths and lengths, the bands  80  offer proprioceptive input for a number of functional activities, for example, handwriting and fine-motor activities when positioned about the wrists. The magnets  82  are hidden within the fabric shell  12  and are positioned at opposing ends within contiguous quilted squares (not shown), such that bands  80  may be folded lengthwise for a greater intensity of weight distribution. The plush fabric shell  12  has a slight elasticity that offers an additional sensory component of compression, depending upon the tension applied to bands  80  in positioning them about the body. 
         [0044]    According to the present invention, additional optional accessories may be utilized in association with any of the above-referenced embodiments of the present invention. For example, magnetic patches  90  (see  FIG. 11 ) may be secured to any of the above-identified embodiments using a fastener  18 . Such magnetic patches  90  may be used to provide visual or tangible recognition of tasks accomplished throughout the user&#39;s day. These tasks may include visual presentations of information such as emotional status, functional prompts for visual sequencing, self-help and/or daily skills and routines, sports, therapy sessions, etc. 
         [0045]    Also, an additional accessory in the form of a purse  92  (see  FIG. 11 ), bag or backpack (not shown) may be provided in a matching fabric pattern to be utilized in association with the above-identified inventive garments, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing, socially acceptable or normalized and fashionable set, while also meeting the specialized neurologic needs of the user. Selective weighting of the purse  92 , bag or backpack may be provided such that the fashionable accessory can be converted for purposes of selective proprioceptive input at predetermined points across and around the user&#39;s body. The purse  92 , bag or backpack may also be provided with overlapping magnets (not shown) on the straps to offer a safety release feature. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , another accessory is shown as an inventive therapeutic fidget  100 . The fidget  100  includes a plurality of square linear magnets  102  positioned within a plurality of quilted fabric squares  104 , which aid in self-regulation of a user to calm and organize the nervous system. By actively grasping and pulling the magnetic strips  102  apart, tensile qualities of the fidget  100  engage receptors of the nervous system and thereby provide the desired proprioceptive, auditory and tactile inputs. Likewise, the alternating alignment of the magnets  102  piques the interest of the user by experiencing proprioceptive input via the “repelling/oppositional” forces. 
         [0047]    Also along these lines,  FIG. 13  illustrates another inventive accessory in the configuration of a crown headband  110 . The crown headband  110  provides selective pressure at a plurality of points around the head, giving the wearer a fitted, compression-like feel. Circumferential input to the area just above the supra-orbital processes provides direct neurological benefits. These benefits can include activation of the body&#39;s Labyrinthine righting reflex and proprioceptive balancing. With such neuromuscular re-education, postural alignment can be obtained via activation of the spinal nerves, enhancing the body&#39;s capacity for higher cortical learning. 
         [0048]    In addition, according to the present invention, there is provided a magnetic book (not shown) that includes a plurality of magnets positioned at a perimeter of a plurality of pages to provide positive intensity resistance, while fostering literacy and functional communication skills. The magnetic book of the present invention may be utilized to provide the user with visual clues to allow the user to participate in their day with greater independence. Visual supports are graphic clues that can be used to aid communication between the caregiver and the patient or user of the book. The inventive magnetic book may also be used as an environmental prompt that aids a child in remembering what is expected of them in a certain activity or routine. The invention may be modified to meet the needs of (1) Social stories in the form of a personalized reference to daily routines and activities, providing comfort and assistance in memory and self-regulation; (2) Visual schedules by laying out the events of a day or routine, one-by-one, and by giving a clear sense of the sequence and expectations of the day; (3) First-Then Boards which show the sequence of events and teach that in order to get a reward the child or patient must sometimes perform a less favorable activity first; and (4) Choice Boards which provide different options of what a child would like to do within activities and routines, thereby helping a user to focus on appropriate options and efficient communication of desires. 
         [0049]    While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.