Multi-sensory backpack system for people with special needs

Abstract

A backpack system specifically designed for people with special needs such as those with ADD/ADHD, SPD, autism, anxiety disorder, etc., is disclosed. The backpack system comprises: a backpack comprising a bag body having a plurality of compartments, a pair of shoulder straps including a plurality of receiving portions of fasteners, and a wide belt attached to the bag body to encircle and cover a large portion of an abdominal area of a user; and a plurality of accessories configured to be attached to and detached from the shoulder straps, each accessory having a mounting portion of the fastener corresponding to the receiving portion of the fastener and an item that provides at least one sensory input for soothing and comforting.

1 . A backpack system for people with special needs, the backpack system comprising:
 a backpack comprising a bag body having a plurality of compartments for storing and carrying articles, a pair of shoulder straps including a plurality of receiving portions of fasteners, each strap having two ends attached to one side of the bag body and disposed in a generally longitudinal orientation, and a belt attached to the one side of the bag body and disposed in a generally lateral orientation, the belt being configured to have a width dimensioned to cover at least 50% in height of an abdominal section of a user's trunk and encircle the abdominal section for providing a proprioceptive sensory input; and   a plurality of accessories configured to be attached to and detached from the shoulder straps, each accessory having a mounting portion of the fastener corresponding to the receiving portion of the fastener and an item that provides at least one sensory input.   
     
     
         2 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the width of the belt is a value in the range of 5-10 inches.   
     
     
         3 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the width of the belt is a value in the range of 7-12 inches.   
     
     
         4 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a sternum strap for securing a placement of the pair of shoulder straps worn over the user's shoulders by generally laterally connecting the pair of shoulder straps on an upper portion of the user's chest surface.   
     
     
         5 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the bag body has a pass-through opening for a wire connecting a mobile device stored in one of the plurality of compartments to a headphone or earphone.   
     
     
         6 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 at least one of the compartments is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a mobile device including a vibration pack.   
     
     
         7 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 a circumference of the belt is adjustable to fit around the abdominal section of the user's trunk to provide deep pressure and compression for optimizing the proprioceptive sensory input.   
     
     
         8 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the plurality of accessories include at least one material or object configured to engage the user's fingers or hand with a repetitive motion to relieve fidgeting via fumbling.   
     
     
         9 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the plurality of accessories include at least one textured fabric for providing a tactile sensory input.   
     
     
         10 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the plurality of accessories include at least one chewable stick for providing an oral sensory input.   
     
     
         11 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the plurality of accessories include at least one material or object configured to generate sounds or vibrations for providing an auditory sensory input.   
     
     
         12 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the plurality of accessories include at least one material or object configured to show colors, shininess or both for providing a visual sensory input.   
     
     
         13 . The backpack system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the plurality of accessories include at least one scent diffuser for providing an olfactory sensory input.