MULTISENSORY BENCH FOR SPECIALLY-ABLED CHILDREN WITH INTEGRATED LEARNING AND SENSORY STIMULATION FEATURES

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multisensory bench designed specifically for children with special needs, including those with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down syndrome, who experience challenges with sensory processing. The bench integrates multiple sensory inputs—tactile, auditory, visual, and olfactory—into a single unit to promote neuroplastic changes and adaptive behaviors through guided sensorimotor activities. The multisensory bench features adjustable height settings to accommodate various body sizes, an integrated desk with educational tools such as a writing slate and a tactile tray, and a convenient storage basket. Additionally, it includes a removable textured cloth on the backrest and headrest for tactile stimulation, chest straps to promote trunk stability, an AI assistant for learning support, and built-in speakers to play calming music. The bench also provides an alarm system for children to alert caregivers. This invention aims to enhance focus, fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and emotional regulation in school settings, contributing to the inclusivity and comfort of specially-abled children.

Specification

Description:[0021].The following description provides specific details of certain aspects of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those aspects. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional aspects and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
[0022].The various aspects including the example aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various aspects of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0023].It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0024].The subject matter of example aspects, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies.
[0025].The Multisensory Bench described in this invention is designed to address the multifaceted needs of children with special needs, specifically those who struggle with sensory processing disorders and physical mobility challenges. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and other similar conditions often have difficulties in processing sensory inputs such as tactile, auditory, vestibular (balance), and proprioceptive (body awareness) stimuli. These challenges can make it difficult for them to function effectively in school or social environments. The present invention seeks to provide a comprehensive solution by integrating multiple sensory inputs, ergonomic support, and educational tools into a single, child-friendly piece of furniture.
[0026].The core feature of the multisensory bench is its adjustable height mechanism, which allows the bench to adapt to children of various ages, sizes, and postural needs. This feature ensures that children of different body types, from smaller children to taller preteens, can comfortably use the bench. The height adjustment mechanism is simple to operate, allowing caregivers or teachers to quickly modify the bench to suit each child's requirements. This flexibility also accommodates children who require different seating positions due to mobility challenges or who use assistive devices, making the bench an inclusive tool for a wide range of special needs.
[0027].Attached to the bench is an integrated desk, which includes both educational and sensory elements. The writing slate and chalk on the desk provide a classic educational tool that promotes fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive development through writing practice. This feature is essential for children who are working to develop their pre-writing or writing skills in a controlled, supported environment. Additionally, the desk includes a tray filled with sand, which allows for tactile sensory exploration. Children can use their hands to touch and manipulate the sand, providing them with a soothing, calming activity that helps them focus while also engaging their sense of touch. The combination of educational and sensory tools in the desk encourages multisensory learning, a proven method for enhancing focus and retention in children with learning difficulties.
[0028].One of the key innovative aspects of the invention is the tactile stimulation offered by the backrest and headrest. Both of these surfaces are equipped with removable and interchangeable textured cloths that are attached via Velcro. This feature allows for the easy customization of tactile experiences, enabling caregivers or teachers to swap out cloths to suit a child's specific sensory preferences. Textures may include soft, rough, bumpy, or smooth surfaces, providing a variety of tactile inputs that children can explore while seated. This feature promotes sensory integration by helping children become more comfortable with different textures, which is particularly beneficial for those who have heightened sensitivity to tactile stimuli or who avoid certain textures. It also provides opportunities for sensory desensitization, which can be a part of therapeutic interventions for sensory processing disorders.
[0029].Another important sensory feature integrated into the bench is auditory stimulation. The bench is equipped with built-in speakers that can play calming music, which has been shown to reduce anxiety, increase focus, and provide a soothing environment for children who are easily overstimulated by noise or chaotic surroundings. The music can be customized based on the child's needs-whether it's instrumental, nature sounds, or other calming tracks-ensuring that the auditory input is beneficial without becoming overwhelming. This feature helps regulate sensory input and creates a calming atmosphere that encourages children to engage in learning activities without distraction or distress.
[0030].The multisensory bench also incorporates ergonomic features designed to improve postural stability and comfort for children who may have difficulties maintaining a seated position. For children with low muscle tone or physical disabilities, maintaining a stable and upright posture can be challenging. To address this, the bench includes adjustable chest straps, which help stabilize the child's trunk and prevent slouching or slipping. These straps provide necessary physical support, enabling children to sit for extended periods without discomfort or fatigue. This is particularly important in school settings, where children are often required to sit for prolonged periods of time. By promoting a proper seated posture, the bench enhances the child's ability to focus on tasks and participate in classroom activities more effectively.
[0031].For additional functionality and convenience, the bench includes a storage basket located behind the seat. This basket provides space for essential items such as books, water bottles, sensory tools, or personal belongings, helping children stay organized and reducing clutter in their environment. By minimizing distractions and providing easy access to their belongings, the storage basket encourages independence and helps children manage their materials during class or therapy sessions.
[0032].A particularly unique and forward-thinking feature of the multisensory bench is the integration of an AI assistant, such as Amazon Alexa, which is built into the bench for interactive learning support. The AI assistant can be used to guide children through educational activities, offer responses to verbal questions, and even facilitate games or exercises tailored to their learning needs. This interactive feature promotes engagement and helps children develop communication skills in a safe, supervised manner. The AI assistant is equipped with parental controls, ensuring that the content and interactions remain appropriate and beneficial for the child's learning environment. This feature adds a modern, tech-driven element to the bench, transforming it from a traditional piece of furniture into an interactive learning platform.
[0033].Another crucial safety feature is the alarm switch, designed for children who may have limited verbal communication abilities. The alarm allows the child to quickly and easily notify teachers or caregivers if assistance is needed. This feature is particularly valuable in special education settings where children may require immediate attention but are unable to communicate their needs effectively.
[0034].The materials used in the construction of the multisensory bench are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and recyclable, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This ensures that the bench is safe for children, particularly those who may have heightened sensitivities to chemicals or allergens. The use of durable, sustainable materials also makes the bench long-lasting and easy to maintain, which is a critical consideration for schools and therapy centers with high usage demands.
[0035].Overall, the Multisensory Bench is a comprehensive solution that addresses the physical, sensory, and cognitive needs of children with special needs. Its innovative design combines multiple sensory inputs, ergonomic support, and educational tools into a versatile, child-friendly unit that enhances both learning and therapy. This bench is not only a practical tool for schools and therapy centers but also a significant contribution to the development of inclusive, supportive educational environments for children with diverse abilities.
[0036].The Multisensory Bench for specially-abled children represents a significant innovation in the field of assistive furniture and educational tools. By integrating multiple sensory stimuli-including tactile, auditory, and visual elements-along with ergonomic and educational features, the bench offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by children with sensory processing difficulties and physical disabilities. The adjustable height mechanism, interchangeable textured surfaces, built-in speakers, and integrated AI assistant create an engaging and supportive environment for children, helping them to improve focus, fine motor skills, and sensory integration while fostering emotional regulation.
[0037].This invention not only enhances the learning experience for children with special needs but also promotes inclusivity within school and therapy settings. By providing a versatile, all-in-one solution, the Multisensory Bench allows specially-abled children to participate more fully in academic activities and social interactions, contributing to their overall development and well-being. Furthermore, the use of eco-friendly, non-toxic materials ensures that the product is safe and sustainable, meeting the demands of modern educational environments.
[0038].In conclusion, the Multisensory Bench addresses the crucial need for furniture that supports both sensory and educational needs, creating an adaptive, child-friendly space where specially-abled children can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. This invention has the potential to transform special education settings, making learning more accessible and enjoyable for children with diverse sensory and motor challenges. , Claims:1.A multisensory bench comprising:
a) An adjustable height mechanism allowing for customizable seating positions to accommodate various body sizes and postures.
b) An integrated desk with educational tools including a writing slate, chalk, and a tray for tactile stimulation with materials such as sand.
c) Sensory inputs distributed throughout the bench including tactile, auditory, visual, and olfactory stimuli.
2.The multisensory bench as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a backrest and headrest with removable textured cloths attached via Velcro, allowing for the exploration of different tactile sensations, with cloth textures ranging from smooth, soft, bumpy, and rough.
3.The multisensory bench as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat includes chest straps to support the child's trunk stability and maintain a safe, ergonomic seating posture.
4.The multisensory bench as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an integrated storage basket located behind the seat for the convenient storage of essential items, such as books, water bottles, and sensory tools.
5.The multisensory bench as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an integrated sound system capable of playing calming music to promote focus and reduce sensory overload.
6.The multisensory bench as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an integrated AI assistant device configured to assist with learning activities, with parental controls for safe usage.
7.The multisensory bench as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bench includes an alarm switch that allows the child to notify a caregiver or teacher when assistance is needed.
8.The multisensory bench as claimed in claim 1, wherein the materials used in construction are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and recyclable, contributing to sustainability. The bench promotes the integration of sensory stimuli and learning activities designed to improve concentration, attention, fine motor skills, and emotional self-regulation for specially-abled children.

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