Sensory chewing neck gaiter

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a neck gaiter having a chewing surface attached to a part of the neck gaiter. The gaiter is designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum who chew objects to satisfy their self-stimulatory behavior needs. This is a form of self-stimulation can relieve anxiety, reduce fear and combat sensory overload. The gaiter is sized and proportioned to encompass the neck of the individual who will be wearing the gaiter. A chewing surface is attached to a central region of the gaiter. The chewing surface is made of non-toxic, tasteless material that does not erode during the chewing process, such rubber, plastic, silicone, a combination thereof. The chewing surface may comprise a plurality of indentations or protrusions to produce a textured surface.

1 . A neck gaiter comprising:
 a supporting body section, said body section consisting of an essentially rectangular piece of material having a back surface, a front surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and opposing first and second ends;   a first fastening means attached to said first end of said body section;   a second fastening means attached to said second end of said body section; and   a chewing surface attached to said upper edge of said body section,   wherein positioning of the neck gaiter on a neck of a wearer is such that, the chewing surface is in close proximity to the wearer's mouth.   
     
     
         2 . The neck gaiter of  claim 1 , wherein said first fastening means is attached to said front surface of said first end of said body section and said second fastening means is attached to said back surface of said second end of said body section. 
     
     
         3 . The neck gaiter of  claim 2 , wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means are co-operating pieces of hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         4 . The neck gaiter of  claim 2 , wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means are co-operating pieces of a popper mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The neck gaiter of  claim 2 , wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means are co-operating pieces of a hook and eye mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The neck gaiter of  claim 1 , wherein said essentially rectangular piece of material is hydrophilic and selected from the group consisting of: linen; cotton; rayon; wool; terry toweling; fleece, bamboo fabric; microfiber; plush fabric; hemp; flannel; and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The neck gaiter of  claim 1 , wherein said chewing surface is selected from the group consisting of: rubber; plastic; silicone; and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The neck gaiter of  claim 1 , wherein said chewing surface is smooth. 
     
     
         9 . The neck gaiter of  claim 1 , wherein said chewing surface is textured. 
     
     
         10 . The neck gaiter of  claim 9 , wherein said textured surface comprised a plurality of indentations. 
     
     
         11 . The neck gaiter of  claim 9 , wherein said textured surface comprised a plurality of protrusions. 
     
     
         12 . The neck gaiter of  claim 1 , wherein said chewing surface comprises a zipper, said zipper may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface. 
     
     
         13 . A method of making a neck gaiter, said method comprising the steps:
 cutting an essentially rectangular piece of fabric, said rectangle having opposing edges and opposing ends;   attaching a chewing surface to an upper edge of one of said opposing edges; and   attaching a means of fastening to said opposing ends,   wherein said opposing edges of said rectangular piece of fabric is sized and proportioned to accommodate a neck of a wearer and such that the chewing surface is positioned in close proximity to the wearer's mouth.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said step of attaching said chewing surface comprises stitching said chewing surface to one of said opposing edges. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said step of attaching said means of fastening to said opposing ends comprises stitching or gluing cooperating pieces of hook and loop fastener onto said opposing ends. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said step of attaching said means of fastening to said opposing ends comprises stitching cooperating poppers, or cooperating hooks and loops, onto said opposing ends. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said step of attaching said means of fastening to said opposing ends comprises stitching or tying cooperating pieces fabric or elastic onto said opposing ends. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , comprising the additional step of attaching a zipper to said chewing surface, said zipper may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said chewing surface is a zipper, said zipper may be in the form of a single exposed surface, or a combined double or zipped surface. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said chewing surface is selected from the group consisting of: rubber; plastic; silicone; and combinations thereof.