Patent Application
20160232804
BACKGROUND
(1) Technical Field
The disclosure relates to sensory manipulative tools, and more particularly, to a sleeve for mounting sensory manipulative tools onto an elongated base structure.
(2) Description of the Related Art
It has been discovered that people having issues such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can benefit in a school setting when they have a way to release their energy while engaged in the learning process. For example, if these students can keep their hands busy, they may be able to pay better attention to lectures or other learning situations than if their hands are not kept busy.
A variety of products are available for keeping hands busy, including stress balls, rubber bracelets, Silly Putty®, or the like. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,361,075 (Krull) discloses a hand-held amusement device. US Patent Application 2011/0281688 (Harris, Jr. et al) describes a manipulative device that is attached to a user's fingers and also can be attached to a pencil. US Patent Application 2009/0149698 (Tastard) shows a variety of sensory tools that can be removably attached to a weighted lap pillow.
A principal object of the present disclosure is to provide a sleeve that can slip over an elongated base structure, such as a standard pencil, wherein the sleeve comprises a variety of fidgets.
Another object is to provide a fidget sleeve having a variety of textures and manipulative actions thereon.
In accordance with the objects of this disclosure there is provided a sleeve having a variety of fidgets thereon wherein the sleeve can be slipped on and off an elongated base structure.
In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this description, there is shown:
The present disclosure provides a sleeve comprising a variety of fidgets or manipulatives. The sleeve is adapted to receive an elongate writing implement such as a pencil, including a wooden pencil or a mechanical pencil, or alternately, a pen, a stylus, or a non-writing implement having a similar elongated base shape of small diameter.
Arranged on the sleeve are two or more different types of fidgets. Students can manipulate the fidgets on the sleeve, expending energy by this constant movement, thus freeing their minds to concentrate on schoolwork.
Preferably, the fidgets can provide positive sensory feedback to the students. This can be useful for students with ADHD or other issues. The material of the fidgets can be such as to provide positive tactile and sensory input and may also provide a soothing or calming effect. Preferably, the material of the fidgets will be non-toxic, latex-free, and hypoallergenic. The fidgets may be formed in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors and may be opaque or transparent. Any of the fidgets could be scented, for example, with a light fruity scent or peppermint or other herbal scent. Preferably, the fidgets will not make noise so as to not be distracting to other students in the classroom. The fidgets can relieve stress and promote attention to task.
Referring now to the drawing
For example, the sleeve can be a tube 10 that can slip over a smooth elongated base structure (not shown) and remain in place, as shown in
Some aspects of certain fidgets can improve hand and finger function. For example, one of the fidgets may have a weighted component that provides sensory feedback in the writing process, such as 18 in
The fidgets must be durable enough so that they cannot be picked apart. Preferably, the fidgets can be molded into the sleeve in the manufacturing process. A variety of different types of fidgets having different textures and manipulative actions should be included on each sleeve. Also, since the sleeve can be easily slipped onto a pencil or similar base structure, one sleeve can be interchanged for another when a student tires of the first sleeve or as a reward for good work.
Some of the fidgets could be of fabric having textures such as smooth like satin or ridged like corduroy or any other pleasing texture. The fabric could be made in a tube shape to fit over the sleeve, such as 18 in
Another type of fidget could be a clear plastic material, such as 32 in
A further type of fidget could be one that moves such as a ring (38 in
A chewable fidget could be attached to or molded onto the top of the sleeve, such as 42 in
If the sleeve is used on a writing implement, it may be desirable to provide a pencil grip on the lower end of the sleeve. The grip, shown for example as 46 in
A wide variety of fidgets can be provided in any combination on several sleeves. as many as six or even more different fidgets can be provided on each sleeve. The sleeve can be removed easily for cleaning, sharpening the pencil, or changing to a different sleeve. The design includes a wide variety of textures, colors, shapes, and manipulations. The fidgets are designed so as not to make noise that would distract other students.
Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been illustrated, and that form has been described in detail, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the disclosure and the scope of the appended claims.
