EP3952812A2

EP3952812A2 - Sensory object

Info

Publication number: EP3952812A2
Application number: EP20730346.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tomasz BERGMANN
Original assignee: Chlewinska Izabela; Kopec Marcin
Current assignee: Chlewinska Izabela; Kopec Marcin
Priority date: 2019-04-11
Filing date: 2020-04-11
Publication date: 2022-02-16
Also published as: WO2020209737A2; WO2020209737A3

Abstract

The invention covers a sensory object for active rehabiltation of children, youth and adults having psycho-motoric disfunctions in the course of mitigation of the effects of injuries and handicaps. Not being garments, they will not serve for covering (they are not quilts or blankets) but will constitute a kind of combination of a rehabilitation appliance with a multi-function piece of furniture for everyday use at home and during the physiotherapy and tributary exercises easing the effects of deficits, and using of which shall provide hitherto unattainable: - emotional benefits, - physio-therapeutical benefits, - neurologic benefits. The sensory object being a stretchable sleeve (1) enabling its filling with the loose material (2) in volume at least twice that of the volume of the sleeve in its non¬ stretch ed state. There are tunnels (3) formed in the stretchable sleeve (1), prepared for inserting - through one hole (5) - of a string (4) or an adequate ribbon, or a tie wrap with metal teeth. Sometimes the tunnel (3) is reinforced with a seam, always parallel to the tunnel (3), and only made along the tunnels (3) - solely for the reason of its strengthening. Additionally, it is an advantage if the weave of the fabric the stretchable sleeve (1) is made of, is thickened along the area the edge of the stretchable sleeve (1) is made (or shall be made).

Description

Sensory object

[0001] The object of the invention is a sensory object - a sensory piece of furniture, for instance (especially applied as an undercoat for sitting and lying on}, suspended seat or a textile tunnel.

[0002] The developed sensory object, in any of its forms, is used for exercises developing the optical and motorial coordination, body awareness, and for enhancing the SI (Sensory Integration) therapy, the therapy for persons with autism spectrum (ASD) including these with Asperger Syndrome, and the therapy of persons with psychomotor hyperactivity (ADHD; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

[0003] The developed sensory object proved extremely helpful for a correct organization of reading and processing of sensual impressions taking place in the nervous system. The sensual impressions reach the brain from the external environment through receptors (senses): sight, hearing, sense of equilibrium, smell, touch, feeling of motion - kinaesthesia, which are all read by the brain, segregated, interpreted and confronted with earlier experiences and signals which had been transferred to the brain.

[0004] The sensory object - the subject matter of the invention also serves for therapies in which pressure of the body is used, and the balancing exercises are induced. In result, the stimulation of vestibular and proprioceptive systems is achieved as well as mitigation of disturbances resulting from malfunctioning of above systems in cases when callousness/low sensibility is spotted in a given person (children with low sensitivity of the proprioceptive system are assessed as clumsy, they often have problems with determining the distance, they fear going down and up the stairs, they poorly cope with sitting down on a chair or with dressing themselves).

[0005] The developed sensory object has the muscle memory and morphs (adapts to the body shape), it affects the non-sight senses, delivers tactile sensations and calms down, which results in helping the relaxation and falling asleep.

[0006] Presently during the SI therapy, gravity blankets and quilts are used as well as other gravity objects, inclusive with garments (gravity vests, jackets, collars and hoses) with weight suited to the user's body weight; the contact with such objects properly models the perception and processing of the stimuli (too week or too strong reactions to the body- originated stimuli or these coming from outside). The use of these elements also helps calm down the overly excited nervous system and positively affects the sense of balance.

[0007] As accepted in the source literature, gravity vests exert deep pressure on the body which mitigates the hyper-responsiveness (or small reactiveness). The scientists studying the impact of load (pressure) on the organism (S.D. Farber, T. Grandin) indicate that the use of such vests results in relaxation, decline of arousal and anxiety and better organization of the patient, and an augmentation of concentration. It is also indicated that the use of gravity vest may increase the serotonin and neuro-relays level, the deficit of which is usually associated with the development disorders (Gainetdinov R.R, Wetsel W.C., Jones S.R., Levin E.D. Jaber M., Caron M.G. 1999 - Role of serotonin in the paradoxical calming effect of psychostimulants on hyperactivity. Science).

[0008] Similar effects are achieved by using the well-known pillows, poufs, seats, mattresses

(mats) for yoga exercises, and pouches for creative playing and for therapeutic rehabilitation, which are filled with granular material, usually placed in a cotton case and then in an outer linen casing.

[0009] Buckwheat or spelt husks have for ages been highly valued as natural stuffing of linen sacks used as seats and 'mattresses'.

[00010] Husks or peels of the buckwheat fruit have many valuable features. They are hard but flexible, light and friable, so they adapt perfectly to the shape of the body. They contain tannins (compounds having anti-inflammatory properties, mitigating the development of bacteria and saprophytes), rutoside (natural compound enhancing the immune system), cellulose-lignin compounds (maintaining the low humidity level of the filling), organic acids and mineral salts.

[00011] Cherry kernels are another stuffing loose material (they do not rub off).

[00012] Presently bags are used as furniture for sitting (usually shaped as balls or cones) filled with granular non-natural filling material, as polystyrene pellets; such seats easily adapt their shape to the body of a person who sits on them. However, they are not durable.

[00013] The bags used in this type of furniture are usually quite rigid and non-stretchable, they are made of thick fabric, natural or synthetic leather. They are usually fitted with a zip closing.

[00014] Till now it was not anticipated that these objects might be bigger. In fact, Sako poufs are known, but these, being big, are filled solely with artificial filling.

[00015] Presently swings (hanged over the floor) of numerous types are known, destined for inside use, which have pillows filled with granular material.

[00016] SI therapists and physiotherapists use sensory paths created in different techniques and of different materials (tiles, boards, surfaces made of diverse materials differing in structure, texture and substance the are made of).

[00017] Playthings for children are also known, in form of textile tunnels open on both ends during use, made of non-stretchable fabric with a spirally sewn-in wire. Because such tunnels are usually made of low permeability fabric it is important that they maintain their stable shape when a child is inside it, to ensure an uniterrupted air availability.

[00018] Other type of textile tunnels are also known, made as longitudinal bags made of stretchable fabric. They are sensory tunnels for SI therapy, when the task of a patient is to squeeze through the tunnel. During implementation of the task the patient feels the touch on his skin and calms down concentrating on his movement. The tunnel remains open from both ends, the down-force acting on the patient inside the tunnel is however limited, as the tunnel must be slack to enable the squeezing through it of a person inside, and to allow her easy breathing. The tunnel is made of a relatively thick knitted or woven fabric.

[00019] The working of all sensory tunnels consists in the user entering the stretchable sleeve and his closing in it, sensing the touch/pressure of the stretchable sleeve on the body. Till now such tunnels were made of Lycra-type fabric sheets sewn together. Tunnels of such type are prone to damage within the seams, the seams themselves are also less stretchy.

[00020] Tunnels allowing longer stay inside are also known, having the gauze sewn in, letting air supply. This design however makes it impossible to exercise an even pressure on the user's body.

[00021] There are also overalls similar to a great envelope, e.g. so-called "flexible ghost".

[00022] The user places his limbs in the corners of the overalls and - straightening them - influences to a certain degree the pressure force of the garment. However, in such overalls it is not possible that the fabric evenly presses his entire body. He must also consider the strength of the seams of the garment. The known overalls are sewn at the leg end; the user's head may be covered with the hood. The dense knitted fabrics which are used do not allow however the longer stay in the position described above because of inadequate air supply. It is also important for the comfort of the user of the garment that his sight cannot embrace his entire body.

[00023] The solution in which en effort was made to stimulate the pressure points of the human body was described in the Japanese application of the invention, No JP21260599A filed for protection with primacy, dated 1999-06-22, _«Natural pressure type pillow and mat with mixture of small kind bamboo and buckwheat husks". The solution described there was meant to encourage the patient to sleep and to effectively prevent headache, shoulder rigidity, to lead to lumbago or blood pressure regulation by contact with the small lengthes of bamboo of specific thickness and length (sawn off the cut bamboo), mixed with buckwheat husks and used as material for pillow or mat.

[00024] In another Japanese solution, No JP2001385284A applied for protection on 2001-11-13 and named _«Compound pillow for generating synergistic effect a pillow was described meeting the conditions for pleasant sleep in an infinite variety of ways, according to the construction, preferences, environment etc., and suitable for everyone. It is filled with material consisting of buckwheat husks, panja fibres, woodchips, plastic tubes, urethane foam, feathers, magnets, charcoal, pebbles, cold gels etc, which are separately, or as a mixture, put into single pillows which are then united as parts of multi-part pillows, and - uniting single bodies having different effects - synergistic effect is achieved.

[00025] Next, in a British solution number GB8925078A applied for protection on 1989-07-11 and named "Occasional furniture" a piece of furniture is described, in form of a pouf or a bean bag, containing a bag and a sleeve provided for inserting a coercible material, as polystyrene pellets or foam chips. The opening in the bag allows access to the sleeve made of stretchable fabric and fastened (sewn, for instance) to the bag far from the opening. Advantageously, the bag contains a circular part of the base and part of the casing including the single piece of the sheet which is connected to a part of the base at one end whilst the other end is squeezed together and fastened (sewn together, by instance) in order to ensure the closing of the top of the bag. The sleeve may be made of cotton net, knitted nylon net or synthetic fabric.

[00026] A Japanese solution is also known, No JP2010092104A applied for protection on 2010- 04-13 under the name _«Auxiliary chair for sitting straight". The solution describes the seat having its upper and lower surfaces connected with an internal hollow suspension, and the storing part which should be stored in the outer part is situated on the inner part of the upper surface, in an internal ossel. The body of the seat is put into the transportation bag having a closed mouthpiece and a string locking it. The close mouthpiece and the locking string are contained inside the storing part. The seat designed in such a way ensure its convenient use, and it may be considerably reduced in size when not in use.

[00027] Next, the international application is known, No IB2008001030W applied for protection on 2008-02-11, named "System for transferring fill material", in which a system is presented consisting of two parts and destined for transferring fill material to and from soft furniture as bean bags. The system contains of a bag for transport and a tube funnel attached to the bag, plus another tube funnel attached to the inside of the soft furniture which is to be filled with the material.

[00028] The objective of the invention is to meet the emerging need to create a new, more universal category of sensory objects, having below attributes:

a) a durable and damage-resistant construction, and, at the same time

b) easy to use,

c) made of an adequately breathable material (not generating a hazard of suffocating), d) allowing for an even pressure on the body and exercising a proper impact on proprioception, properly stimulating the proprioceptive system, and not just weakly pressing the skin on a small area,

e) creating a space which gives the user a feeling of a considerable isolation from external stimuli and enabling to build a different feeling of his relations to the surrounding world, including the sense of agency,

f) affecting both the proprioception and the sense of balance, depending on the appliance,

g) enabling a better pressure, and developing the motor functions,

h) enabling the user to watch his whole body inside the tunnel and at the same time to watch the world outside, through a transparent knitted fabric,

i) developing the motor functions by enforcing a resilient movement of the user by the stretchable fabric of the developed sensory object,

[00029] and, in effect, providing the hitherto unachievable comfort of using the object in the active rehabilitation of children, youth and adults with psycho-motoric disfunctions in course of mitigation the effects of injuries and handicaps; the object not being a garment, not serving for covering (it is not a quilt or a blanket) but constituting a kind of combination of a rehabilitation appliance with a multi-function piece of furniture for everyday use at home and during the physiotherapy, and during the tributary exercises easing the effects of deficits, and using of which shall provide hitherto unattainable:

- emotional benefits,

- physio-therapeutical benefits,

- neurologic benefits.

[00030] This effect was achieved by developing sensory objects made of flexible breathable (sometimes transparent) material, stretchable and often filled with a granular material, in quantity at least twice bigger than the rated (nominal, typical) volume of the objects; the objects are in principle formed by a seamless method.

[00031] The essence of the developed sensory object is that it constitutes a stretchable sleeve made of a yarn containing an elastic yam, enabling its filling with a granulate in the volume at least twice that of its non-stretched state. Usually at at least one end of the stretchable sleeve a tunnel is formed prepared for inserting (through one hole) a string or a ribbon (preferably - a tie wrap with metal teeth). Sometimes the tunnel - but the tunnel only - is reinforced with a seam, always parallel to the tunnel itself. An additional advantage may be a thickening of the stretchable sleeve along the area where the edge of the stretchable sleeve is made (or shall be made).

[00032] Some sensory objects - stretchable sleeves, are made of the material with breathability according to PN-EN ISO 9237:1998 standard, for fall of the air 100 Pa, equaling at least 100 mm/s (better, 150 mm/s minimum) in a free state (non-stretched) and equaling at least 2000 mm/s (better, 3000 mm/s minimum) in the stretched state (after stretching by 50% of the original length along and across).

[00033] Sometimes the stretchable sleeve is made of a transparent material, or material which becomes transparent after having been tensed.

[00034] Relative elongation of the material the stretchable sleeve is made from, both along and across, amounts to 100% to 300%, as measured according to PN-EN 14704-1:2006 standard, method A, for load of 4N/cm of the strip width.

[00035] The sensory object is most commonly filled with the loose material, a natural one as buckwheat or mustard husks or oats or spelt or millet or cherry kernels with invariant mass of 100 to 300 kg/m³, or glass marbles or plastic loose material with invariant mass of 30 to 60 kg/m³.

[00036] The loose material is locked in the stretchable sleeve with the plug having flexible walls, placed in the aperture formed in effect of filling the stretchable sleeve with the loose material.

[00037] The sensory object filled with the loose material in the form of a zoned object is clenched transversely in at least one point, and has chambers of the same, or different, size; advantageously all its chambers are covered with at least one, of at least one ply cover.

[00038] The sensory objects filled with loose material are placed side by side and covered with at least one, of at least one ply cover. [00039] The sensory object has sometimes the form of a suspended seat, with the slid ing band around the stretchable sleeve, over the entry formed in it. There usually is a pillow placed on the bottom of the object.

[00040] Sometimes the sensory object constitutes a textile tunnel, of 1 to 4 m in length (L) - when not stretched and flat - and 0.3 to 0.6 m in width (D); it usually has, on one end at least, an incision (neckline) and ledges on its sides.

[00041] The beneficial effect of the developed sensory object stems from the _«attention shift" phenomenon and from creation of the situation when some senses sharpen while other calm down. The attention shift develops the ability to concentrate which is indispensable, among others, in the learning process or developing the body awareness. The valuable effects have been achieved also because the sensory objects behaves - in a way - as a high density liquid (thoroughly spilled on a big part of the body surface it has contact with) affecting the body receptors.

[00042] The value of the developed objects lies in emotional benefits they bring:

calming down of the excessively activated nervous system,

enhancement of the well-being and feeling of safety,

mitigation of fear,

possibility to shift negative emotions on the object and working out difficult emotions, induction of the sense of agency, positive appraisal of patient's qualifications, capabilities and skills as well as his influence on the external world.

[00043] Sensory objects are the source of therapeutic advantages. It has been established that following profits are obtained due to the contact with the objects of the invention:

strengthening and activation of postural muscles

formation of visual-motoric coordination

development of body awareness

formation of gross motor skills

[00044] Due to the user's contact with developed sensory objects his organism receives valuable stimuli; their decoding brings neurologic benefits:

stimulation of the sense of balance (of the vestibular system consisting of: labyrinth and vestibular nuclei in the brain stem; it is located in the inner ear, and, according to the principles of "sensory integration", is a frame for stimulation of other senses, as other kinds of sensations are processed with reference to the vestibular system), stimulation of proprioception (proprioceptive system, termed also as proprioception, kinaesthesia, kinaesthetic sense, "deep muscular sense", is a sense of orientation of arrangement of parts of one's own body, the receptors of this sense - proprio- receptors are located in muscles, tendons and joints, they feed the brain with information on muscle torus. It is thanks to this sense that we know how our limbs are arranged without the need to look at them),

supplying the tactile, visual and hearing stimuli, and

figuration of visual and motoric coordination, development of the ability to concentrate on a single activity

[00045] In the organism of a person working with the sensory object - object of the invention, processes are initiated which integrate emotions, mind and body. This comes through the activation the pineal gland - an endocrine gland located inside the brain which produces (among others) the serotonin called the happiness hormone participating in the control of the daily rhythm of the organism, enhancing the feeling of pleasure, willingness to act and the well-being. The pineal gland also produces melatonin - the sleep hormone which strengthens the organism's immunity. The observation of the work with the objects proves that both children and adults become aroused (they roll, push, pull, press, popple, jump, climb) and rest (they lie, rub, stretch, hide, huddle, fall asleep) alternately, so the pineal gland is activated for production of both serotonin and melatonin. The effect of such alternateness is regulation of emotions, relaxed body and peace of mind; in such state the human organism is much more immune to stress and pain.

[00046] The object of the invention is presented in more detail, in an exemplary form of execution, on the drawings. They present:

fig.l - a non-filled stretchable sleeve shown from one side, lying flat,

fig.2 - a single-ply sensory object, not zoned (used as a single independent object, as a pouf giving biggest sensory stimuli, but also as the insertion into two- or three- layer sensory objects) when filled and shaped as a piece of furniture,

fig. 3 - a sensory object when filled and shaped as a piece of furniture, with an unveiled fragment showing the loose material inside,

fig. 4 - a sensory object in form of a short, seamless stretchable sleeve with a tunnel formed at one end and a ribbon inserted therein, through one opening; when it is pulled, the tunnel will form a cuff,

fig. 5 - a sensory object formed as a long seamless, stretchable sleeve, with tunnels on its both ends, and a ribbon inserted therein, through one opening on each end; when it is pulled the tunnels will form cuffs,

fig. 6 - a sensory object in form of a long seamless, stretchable sleeve, with tunnels on its both ends. This object is squeezed in half of its length and is prepared for rolling up one half and slipping it over the other half,

fig. 7 - a sensory object in form of the long seamless, stretchable sleeve, squeezed in half of its length and one part is being slipped over the other,

fig. 8 — a sensory object being a multi-chamber zoned object,

fig. 9 - a sensory object being a multi-chamber zoned object with an external sheet - 'a pillow sheet' on,

fig. 10 - a sensory object being a multi-chamber zoned object with an external sheet - 'a pillow sheet' on, with an unveiled - through all the plies - fragment showing the loose material inside,

fig. 11 - a sensory object being a seat fastened to the ceiling, formed from a stretchable sleeve, with a user inside it, fig. 12 - a sensory object being a seat fastened to the ceiling, formed from a stretchable sleeve, with a child inside it; the child slides the sliding band adjusting the width and size of the longitudinal entry,

fig. 13 - a sensory object being an empty seat seen from the side; the entry is visible, there is no pillow insert for sitting on, the object is not stretched,

fig. 14 - a sensory object being a textile tunnel open from both sides, the neckline and ledges on its sides are visible,

fig. 15 - a spool-shape plug, usually a silicon one; it may be thicker than the hole in the sensory object which it plugs, and it also helps refilling the loose material in the course of using the object,

fig. 16 - a plug closing and locking the opening in the sensory object filled up, formed in shape of the piece of furniture.

[00047] Fig. 1 shows a basic sensory object being a stretchable sleeve 1; the objects described below are then formed of it:

a pouf for pressing and massaging (so-called„rolling bag"),

• a pouf for propping up the body (a harder one) (so-called Jiving bag"),

• a sensory pouf - a multi-function couch/seat (so-called„human bag")

a sensory, suspended pigeonhole (so-called„hollow bag"),

a sensory sleeve being a sensory tunnel (so-called intimate bag).

[00048] Fig. 2 shows a sensory object in the first exemplary form of a piece of furniture. It is made from the stretchable sleeve (1), filled with the loose material (2), with specific mass for natural stuffing of 100 to 300 kg/m³.

[00049] Artificial stuffing having electro-static properties may also be used as the loose material (2), with much smaller specific mass (for instance: granulated polypropylene, at best of 30 to 60 kg/m3. It retains the function of changing the shape of the object and the memory of the shape of the user's body, as it 'cooperates' with the stretchable materials not only because of the pressure of the body, but also due to the forces joining the electrified light granules).

[00050] Glass pellets may also be used as the loose material (2), its specific mass is much bigger.

[00051] The dimensions of the non-stretched stretchable sleeve (1) allow filling it with loose material (2) of 7.5 dm³ volume, or 7.5 liter (I), (1 1 = 1 dm³ = 0,001 m³).

[00052] Flowever, according to the idea of the developed invention, the volume of the loose material (2) stuffed in the stretchable sleeve (1), is at least twice that, and amounts to at least 15 dm³. In effect, the loose material fills the stretchable sleeve (1) with at least double of the rated (nominal, typical) volume of the stretchable sleeve (1), so it becomes distended and its stretched form is achieved.

[00053] By the rated volume of the stretchable sleeve (1) such volume is understood which may be filled into the sleeve without its stretching. [00054] To achieve additional health effects of the filled sensory object natural materials are used as loose material (2), as buckwheat, mustard, oats, spelt or millet. Sometimes glass marbles or cherry kernels are used for filling.

[00055] The stretchable sleeve (1) may have the usual, standard dimensions, or it may be much bigger -then it is extended in length.

[00056] For instance, the stretchable sleeve (1) may be 1.1 m long, and 0,4 m in diameter, in the non-stretched state as shown on the drawings - e.g. fig. 1. It then serves as a pre-form for a zoned sensory object - a so-called„human bag" (5), fig. 8, fig. 9 (in the order of formation). Hugging to such object imitates the feeling of hugging to a human or to an animal.

[00057] The material the stretchable sleeve (1) is made of is a knitted or woven fabric. Securing it against tear is quite demanding, as in any case the edges are vulnerable to barking and shredding.

[00058] In the developed solution these adverse effects of use were avoided by specific design and execution of the weave of the knitted or woven fabric it is made from, in the peripherical areas of the stretchable sleeve (1).

[00059] To make a congested weave or parallelly placed congestions only requires that a cut be made between these two weaves, or cutting off of the parts of material being divided to allow the slit be made for the below described entry (13) opening in the exemplary object - the sensory pouf (hollow bag).

[00060] Both ends of the stretchable sleeve (1) are shaped in such a way that on each end of the stretchable sleeve (1) tunnels (3) are prepared, for inserting the string (4) or an adequate ribbon, or - best - a tie wrap with metal teeth. In each case it is important that this element (string, tape) is inserted into the given tunnel (3) through one hole (5) - as shown on drawings, fig. 4 and 5.

[00061] Similarly difficult as protecting the edge of the basic, unfilled sensory object against barking, is the sealing of the knitted or woven fabric the sensory object is made of, and in which the loose material (2) is placed.

[00062] This task is perfectly effected by a specially designed seal - a plug (6) with flexible walls. Not only does it seal but also decorates the object. It also allows, after the plug is removed, to easily insert a funnel enabling the filling of the object with the loose material (2), through a channel formed after the plug (6) has been removed, through the opening (7).

[00063] The tests proved that the seemingly obvious solution for sealing of the object - tie wrap - did not ensure the invention's premises which include that the developed sensory object is durable, solid and damage resistant, but also safe and easy to use. So the tie wrap with metal teeth was used; after it is properly clenched an opening (7) is obtained, which is additionally secured with a plug (6).

[00064] In one of the sensory objects, to obtain its higher resilience it is shaped by division in its middle part and squeezing (binding) of the long, stretchable sleeve (1), in which the insert containing the loose material (2) is placed. [00065] After the stretchable sleeve (1) is squeezed, one of its halves is rolled over and becomes an external/outer part, slipped over the other half which thus becomes the internal/inner part. In this way the developed sensory object becomes an object with a double outer layer (fig-7).

[00066] During use, the loose material (2) placed inside the object will become minced and in the course of time will need refilling. It may be easily effected thanks to the plug (6) referred to above, shaped as spool and usually made of silicon. It effectively clogs the opening (7) and, as indicated, helps refilling the loose material (2) during the exploitation of the sensory object.

[00067] Advantageously (but not necessarily) the material the stretchable sleeve (1) is made of, has the feature of elongation/extension, both in length and in width; it is measured according to PN-EN 14704-1:2006 standard, method A, for load amounting to 4N/cm of the belt's width, within the limits of 100% to 300%.

[00068] The yarn which is used contains approx. 92-98 % of polyamides (the yarn is wrapped around - as a string of a musical instrument, or woven into, or implanted into, the supplementing elastic - rubber - fiber, of elastane (Lycra) which constitutes 2 to 8 % of the yarn.

[00069] The developed sensory object in the version where thinner, stretchable, seamless knitted fabric is used, enables the massage by rolling it over the body, wrapping the body with it, and pressure. Thanks to the similar features and ability to roll and fill, the stimuli it delivers to the user remind these when the body is burdened with the liquid contained in a rubber balloon. At the same time the touch gives the impression of a contact with an organic, body-like matter.

[00070] The developed object in the version where knitted fabric with bigger resiliency force or version where several layers of fabric were used, also adapts its shape to the user's body and constitutes an ideal support for the body - this is proved by the imprinted shape of the user's body remaining on the pouf after the user rose from it.

[00071] Rolling bags for lying and sitting on, when hugged, evoke the feeling of well-being and make the user calm down. Not only they show plastic properties of adopting to the body, but also reduce fear and sense of loneliness.

[00072] At the same time they feature expansibility and their specific gravity is big enough to affect the proprioception. They cooperate with the body and change their shape according to the body movement.

[00073] The stretchable sleeve (1) may be formed in a number of ways. For instance, it may have the form of a small pillow for yoga exercises, a smaller or bigger pouf, an armchair, a pillow or a bolster on which the user may lean when sitting, reclining (on the side or on the back), lying, etc. This object may also be used as a body massaging element (moved over the recumbent patient's body). It may be used as a support for shoulder or arm when playing on the floor with a child (a situation usually enforcing a uncomfortable position - half-lying, for instance - difficult to maintain for a longer time without additional support). The sensory object may then become a sort of prosthesis helping to stay on the floor and filling the empty space between the man's body propped on his arm or shoulder and the floor, filling ("flooding") up this space.

[00074] An exemplary realization of a sensory object is shown on fig. 8 and fig. 9 - they present a model of so-called zoned object, a„human bag", also made of a knitted, nearly seamless fabric (the seams appear only in the lowermost and uppermost parts and solely for strengthening of the tunnels (3) and forming the cuff of the tunnel (3) after inserting a string (4) or a tie wrap (preferably - with metal teeth).

[00075] In effect they keep an even profile on the entire surface; the seam does not weaken or modify the characteristic of the stretchable sleeve (1) shaped as shown on fig. 1, and especially on fig. 8, fig. 9 and fig. 10. The key factor is that the external tunnels (3) are formed during the knitting of the entire element - they are not sewn to it, but only strengthened with an additional seam. A properly programmed machine makes the whole seamless element with proper structures and thicknesses of particular parts.

[00076] So, the zoned object (8) has no seam along its entire length and the stretchable sleeve

(1) during filling up and use stretches evenly, is not prone to rupture. Thanks to its dimensions and to the filling which 'cooperates' with the resilient material, and to the pressing force exerted by the user, the hugging of the human bag gives the impression of hugging a human or an animal.

[00077] Fig. 8 and 9 show the zoned object (8) with its outer layer - a pillowcase (9) on.

[00078] The stretchable sleeve (1) may be tied on one end with a string (4) or a tape, or clamped with a tie wrap inserted into the tunnel (3).

[00079] The zoned object (8) made of the stretchable sleeve (1) may be covered with a pillowcase (9), which may be changed (according to user's colour fancy, for instance) or removed for washing. The pillowcase (the outer cover) also strengthens the sensory object and gives it additional parameters of the memory function resulting from the chosen resilience of the layers in relation to the weight of the filling.

[00080] Two or more outer covers (pillowcases) (9) may be used.

[00081] It is also possible that several - three, for instance - tie wraps are used in one stretchable sleeve (1), inserted into adequate tunnels (3), or ties applied directly on the fabric without inserting them into tunnels. In this way the application of three tie wraps (or tapes, or strings), four parts - chambers (10) - will be separated of the stretchable sleeve (1); they will be then filled with the loose material (2).

[00082] The chambers (10) shown on fig 8 may be of the same, or different, volume.

[00083] Another example of use of the stretchable sleeve (1) is shown on drawings - fig. 11, 12 and 13, they present a suspended seat. On drawings - fig 11 and 12, the seat is shown with a user sitting inside (it is often a child), with an open entry. On the bottom of the tied or squeezed stretchable sleeve (1) usually a pillow (11) is placed, being a sensory object shown on drawings fig 2 fig 3.

[00084] On the drawing, fig. 12, a hand is seen of a child located inside the stretchable sleeve (1); it moves a sliding band (12) adjusting the width of the opening and the size of the longitudinal entry (13) which allows the user to get inside the stretchable sleeve (1). [00085] The configuration (open/shut) of the entry (13), and the extent of the opening of the aperture is adjusted with the use of the sliding band (12) referred to above, fastened to the upper part of the stretchable sleeve (1) along the entry (13).

[00086] It is an advantage that the fabric the stretchable sleeve (1) is made of, is highly breathable so that the person inside might breathe freely even when the sleeve is shut.

[00087] Advantageously the fabric's breathability measured according to PN-EN ISO 9237:1998 standard, for fall of the air 100 Pa, amounts to at least 100 mm/s (better, 150 mm/s minimum) in a free state (not stretched) and to at least 2000 mm/s (better, 3000 mm/s minimum) in the stretched state (after stretching by 50% of the original length along and across).

[00088] Further, it is an advantage when the stretchable sleeve (1) is made of a transparent material (also: transparent when stretched) so that the user inside the seat receives additional visual stimuli.

[00089] When using the seat formed from the stretchable sleeve (1) its upper part is fastened to a fixture in the ceiling in order to stretch the stretchable sleeve (1) to such an extent that its bottom part (in which an additional pillow (11) is placed) rests on the floor and its upper part (on which the sliding band (12) is located) is tightened upwards and shaped in a way enabling the sliding of the sliding band (12) on the stretchable sleeve (1) and on the remaining section of the fabric (which is basically straight) over the sliding band (12).

[00090] The appliance of the sliding band (12) allows the adjustment of the size of the entry (13) aperture in a simple and fast way. The sliding band (12) is moved up and the size of the entry (13) increases, its move down reduces the entry (13) size and it keeps the user inside, surrounded by the material of the stretchable sleeve (1) (fig. 11 and 12).

[00091] It is of special importance when the sensory object is used for playing or for therapy with small children; it is important that the child does not fall out and the access to the patient is easy and immediate.

[00092] Closing of the entry (13) aperture causes the person inside be surrounded by the stretchable material from all sides; this gives her a feeling of safety allowing also to watch the images projected on the transparent fabric.

[00093] Another example of use of the stretchable sleeve (1) is shown on drawing, fig. 14, where the sensory object is shown, being a textile tunnel (14). The textile tunnel (14) is open from both ends.

[00094] The stretchable sleeve (1) from which the textile tunnel (14) is formed, is made from a breathable fabric so that a person remaining inside it can breathe freely. Advantageously, but not necessarily, the stretchable knitted fabric the tunnel is made from, is breathable to the extent set forth by PN-EN ISO 9237:1998 standard, for fall of the air 100 Pa, equaling at least 100 mm/s (better, 150 mm/s minimum) in a free state (not stretched) and equaling at least 2000 mm/s (better, 3000 mm/s minimum) in the stretched state (after stretching by 50% of the original length along and across).

[00095] Exemplary values of breathability of the fabric the tunnel (14) may be made of, are given in the table below:

[00096] and in the following table:

[00097] The textile tunnel (14) is breathable, so that the person staying inside it might breathe freely. Advantageously, but not necessarily, the stretchable knitted fabric the tunnel is made from, is breathable to the extent set forth by PN-EN ISO 9237:1998 standard, for fall of the air 100 Pa, equaling at least 100 mm/s (better, 150 mm/s minimum) in a free state (not stretched) and equaling at least 2000 mm/s (better, 3000 mm/s minimum) in the stretched state (after stretching by 50% of the original length along and across). High breathability allows for comfortable stay in the tunnel for a longer time - up to several hours - so the user may evem sleep in the tunnel.

[00098] High breathability allows for comfortable stay in the textile tunnel (14) for a longer time - up to several hours - so the user may even sleep in the textile tunnel (14).

[00099] The textile tunnel (14) in its non-stretched state may be 1 to 4 m long (L) and 0.3 to 0.6 m wide (D) - when placed flat, depending on the height of the user it is destined for. It allows the person to place his entire body in the textile tunnel (14) in such a way that it is close - for instance by it's lower part being knotted. The knot enables additionally the adjustment of the tunnel's length, to adapt it to the user's height, and to adjust the pressing force. [000100] One of the openings of the textile tunnel (14) may be knotted or closed permanently (sewn, for instance). The expansibility of the textile tunnel makes it then a sort of stretchable bag and enables the user to move freely, with the textile tunnel (14) all over his body. The user then creates his own internal space inside the textile tunnel (14) and may shape it himself at his own choice.

[000101] Optionally, the textile tunnel (14) may have incision (neckline) (15) on one or both of its ends. The ends may be knotted by the ledges (16) situated at the sides of the necklines (15). This kind of closing is advantageous for unaided use by the user who may close - tie and untie the ledges (16) (after knotting, the ends of the ledges remain inside the tunnel).

[000102] The textile tunnel (14) may also be so narrow that it tightly clings to the user. Then the person inside it gets the impression of a confined space, even if the textile tunnel (14) is not closed.

[000103] The textile tunnel (14) is especially useful in the SI (sensory integration) therapy when the patient puts on a textile tunnel (14) closed on one end, and ties its other end from inside, using ledges (16) - or another person ties it from outside. The person inside the textile tunnel (14) may basically maintain the lying or standing position; the stretchiness of the textile tunnel (14) allows a free changing of the position and user's movement both inside the textile tunnel (14) and with the tunnel on him.

The list of elements:

1. stretchable sleeve,

2. loose material,

3. tunnel (integrated with the total of the fabric),

4. string,

5. hole (with seam 'bolts' around it for strengthening),

6. plug,

7. opening,

8. zoned object,

9. pillowcase/cover,

10. chamber,

11. pillow,

12. sliding band,

13. entry,

14. textile tunnel,

5. incision (neckline),

6. ledges.

Claims

Patent claims

1. The sensory object being the stretchable sleeve made of the fabric knitted or woven from yarn containing elastic yarn, characterized in that the stretchable sleeve (1) allows its filling with the loose material (2) of the volume twice that of the volume of non-stretched sleeve; advantageously on at least one end of the stretchable sleeve (1) a tunnel (3) is formed ready for inserting - through one hole (5) - of a string (4) or an adequate ribbon, at best - a tie wrap with metal teeth; only sometimes the tunnel (3) - and solely the tunnel (3), is strengthened with a seam, always made parallelly to the tunnel (3); additional advantage is the thickening of the weave of the fabric the stretchable sleeve (1) is made from in the area along which the edge of the stretchable sleeve (1) is made (or is to be made).

2. The sensory object, as per claim 1, characterized in that the fabric the stretchable sleeve (1) is made from, features breathability according to PN-EN ISO 9237:1998 standard, for fall of the air 100 Pa, equaling at least 100 mm/s (better, 150 mm/s minimum) in a free state (not stretched) and equaling at least 2000 mm/s (better, 3000 mm/s minimum) in the stretched state (after stretching by 50% of the original length along and across).

3. The sensory object, as per claim 1, characterized in that the stretchable sleeve (1) is made of transparent material.

4. The sensory object, as per claim 1, characterized in that the relative elongation of the fabric the stretchable sleeve (1) is made of, amounts to 100% to 300% - both along and across - as measured according to PN-EN 14704-1:2006 standard, method A, for load of 4N/cm of the strip width.

5. The sensory object, as per claim 1, characterized in that it is filled with the loose material (2) being a natural material, as buckwheat or mustard husks or oats or spelt or millet or cherry kernels with invariant mass of 100 to 300 kg/m³.

6. The sensory object, as per claim 1, characterized in that it is filled with the loose material (2) being a material other than natural, as glass marbles or plastic loose material with invariant mass of 30 to 60 kg/m³.

7. The sensory object, as per claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the loose material (2) is locked in the stretchable sleeve (1) with a plug (6) having flexible walls, placed in an opening (7) formed in the effect of filling the stretchable material (1) with the loose material (2).

8. The sensory object, as per claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the sensory object filled with the loose material (2), in the form as a zoned object, transversely squeezed in at least one place, has chambers (10); it is an advantage if all its chambers (10) are covered with at least one, at least one-ply pillowcase (9).

9. The sensory object, as per claim 8, characterized in that the chambers (10) formed in the sensory object are of the same, or different, size.

10. The sensory object, as per claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the sensory objects filled with the loose material (2) are covered with at least one, at least one-ply pillowcase (9).

11. The sensory object, as per claim 2, characterized in that it has the form of a suspended seat, and a sliding band (12) is placed on the stretchable sleeve (1) - over the entry (13) formed in it.

12. The sensory object, as per claim 11, characterized in that a pillow (11) is placed on the bottom of the suspended seat.

13. The sensory object, as per claim 2, characterized in that it constitutes a textile tunnel (14).

14. The sensory object, as per claim 13, characterized in that the textile tunnel (14) - in a non-stretched form and lying flat - is 1 to 4 m long (L) and 0.3 to 0.6 m wide (D).

15. The sensory object, as per claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the textile tunnel (14) has, on one end at least, an incision (neckline) (15) and ledges (16) on its sides.