AU2378399A - Education device - Google Patents

Description

1

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicants: Actual Inventors: Address for Service: Invention Title: JONATHON STANLEY FREDERICK DENMAN and SHARON ANN DENMAN JONATHON STANLEY FREDERICK DENMAN and SHARON ANN DENMAN CULLEN CO., Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, 240 Queen Street, Brisbane, Qld. 4000, Australia.

EDUCATIONAL DEVICE

S*

Details of Associated Provisional Applications: Nos. PP2995 17.04.98 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: The present invention relates to a device which may be used as an educational tool and in particular a device for teaching mathematics and numerical relationships to children.

Visual display boards which consist of consecutive numbers are known. Displays can range from a simple linear display of 1 to 10 to a 10 x 10 array displaying numbers from 1 to 100. Such displays are typically used for teaching children how to count. A disadvantage of a static display is that they have limited applications other than simply illustrating consecutive numbering.

Display boards which have numbered tags suspended by hooks are also known. The tags have two 15 sides and bear identical but differently coloured numbers on either side. The tags may be removed from the hook and reversed such that the colour of the numbers may be changed. In this way, for example, the numbers may be arranged such that even and odd numbers are displayed in 20 different colours.

However, there are also a number of disadvantages associated with these boards. First, they suffer from a lack of versatility in that only numerals of different colours can be represented. This severely limits what can be taught using the boards. Also, because the tags are loose and have protruding, sharp- S"edged hooks, the boards present a safety hazard to children. This prevents the boards from any "hands on" use by children. In a classroom situation, the boards can only be operated by a teacher. Further, it is a slow procedure to remove, reverse and replace the tags on the hooks. This delay may cause a child to lose interest.

Further still, the individual tags are subject to damage and loss. Loss of one tag can render a part of the board inoperable.

Display boards which have an array of rotatable blocks have also been proposed. The blocks have a number of different faces and the blocks are rotated to display the different faces. However, there are a number of particular difficulties with such boards. First it is easy, and especially so for children, to inadvertently rotate a block past a desired position such that the incorrect face is displayed. Further, unless the axis of rotation of a square prismatic block is precisely along the block's centre of gravity, the block at the resting display position will not present a vertical face on the display surface. Blocks, in the shape of a triangular prism, will typically present an angled display surface, regardless of the location of the axis of rotation.

Attempts have been made to provide devices which overcome such disadvantages. GB 1282209 describes a device having square prismatic blocks having an off "15 centre axis of rotation through which a rod passes.

9o*o Support pins are provided upon which the blocks rest so that the front face presents a vertical display surface.

S"However, these blocks can not be rotated in any direction from all positions. GB 1191718 attempts to solve the aforementioned problems by avoiding using a rod which ""0"passes through the block and about which the block rotates. Instead, individual blocks are mounted between pairs of opposed discs which are mounted on vertical a e0o partitions.

However, both the devices described above have large numbers of parts and are complicated and expensive to manufacture.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an educational device which may at least partially overcome the above disadvantages or provide the public with a useful choice.

According to a first broad form of the invention there is provided an educational device having a display surface composed of a plurality of faces, at least two rods with at least two members mounted on each rod for rotation thereon, each member having at least two said faces, such that rotation of a said member about a respective rod can move a said face between a display position on the display surface and a non-display position, wherein the device further includes means for providing a bias against rotation of the member away from a display position.

The display surface of the device of the present invention is composed of a number of individual faces. There may be any number of faces on the display surface which may vary depending on the subject matter to be taught. Preferably, the display surface has a 10 x array such that numerals from 1 to 100 can be represented.

The faces are located on a member which is mounted for rotation. The member can be any suitable shape having at least two faces. Typically the member is 15 cubic or rectangular parallelepiped and has four faces for display. The member may also be a prism which would S"typically be mounted for rotation along its longitudinal S"axis. The number of faces for display may be varied by using prisms having different cross sections including 20 triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal.

The faces may display indicia including numerical values, mathematical signs and symbols or lettering. The indicia may be permanently affixed to the face. Alternatively the face may be adapted for temporarily writing indicia thereon. For example the face may have a surface consisting of materials known for constructing blackboards and whiteboards. A face may also be adapted for having articles mounted thereon. For example a face may be provided with a segment of a hook and loop type fastener available under the trade name velcro. The faces themselves may also be either permanently or removably attached to the member. For example, the face may be in the form of a plastic insert which is held in place by retaining means on the member.

In this way, the device may be modified to represent different numbering systems by simply replacing the display faces. For example, a 1 to 100 array may be changed to a 101 to 200 array by replacing the inserts as desired.

The members are mounted for rotation such that each face may be moved between a display position on the display surface and a non-display position. Typically, when a member is rotated such that a first face is moved from a display position on the display surface to a nondisplay position, a second face is concurrently moved to the display surface. This enables a relatively rapid change of the display, which assists in maintaining a child's interest.

The members may be mounted for rotation about any suitable axis and preferably are mounted for rotation S•about a horizontal axis. The members are mounted on a b~e C 15 rod. In the preferred embodiment in which the display *Oob** Ssurface represents a mathematical array, the device includes a plurality of spaced horizontal rods upon which the members are mounted.

Typically, the rods are supported between 20 opposing frame members. Preferably, the rods are removably mounted to the frame members such that a rod and the mounted members can be removed from the frame as a unit. This allows a display to be changed if desired.

e Means is provided to bias or retain a member at an angle of rotation in which a face is in the display position. This minimises the likelihood of rotating the member too far and past the display position. Preferably the member can snap or click into place when a face is in the display position. This facilitates rapid changing of display faces and also avoids rotating the member past a desired degree of rotation.

Biasing means can include leaf springs, deformable members or the like which bias the member in a display position. The springs, members or the like typically extend from an inner face of the member.

According to a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a member for use in the device of the first broad form, the member being a prism having at least two display faces, the member having at least one resilient leaf member extending from an internal surface of the member towards the axis of rotation of the member.

Typically the device includes one or more deformable leaves which extend from an inner face of the member. In a preferred form of the invention in which the member is a square prism, the rod has a square crosssection, the leaves are arranged such that they are deformed by the corners of the rod during rotation. In this way, the one or more leaves provide a bias against rotation.

In an embodiment in which the member is a *e.triangular prism, the rod would typically be of S- 15 triangular cross-section.

Alternatively, the retaining means may include a projection or leaf member extending from the rod. This rod extension may engage with a portion of the member mounted thereon.

20 Generally, when a display face is to be changed the member is initially rotated against the bias. After reaching a half way point, the bias may assist the member in rotating to the next display position.

*a Typically, the device has a rod with a crosssection of the same shape as the cross-section of the member.

By way of example only, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a preferred device of the present invention; Figures la and lb are detailed side and plan views of a component of the device of Figure 1; Figure 2 is an end view of a preferred block member of the device illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross section of the block member illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a front view of the block member illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 5 is a cross section of a further preferred block member of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross section of yet a further preferred block member of the present invention; Figure 7 is an end view of the block member of Figure 5 on Figure 6; and Figure 8 is an end cap for the block member of Figure 5 on Figure 6.

Figure 1 illustrates the first view of a preferred device 11 of the present invention. The device has a surround frame 12 which rests on support legs 13.

The device has ten equally spaced horizontal rods (not visible). The rods are attached to opposed sleeves 15 which are located on legs 13. The Sleeve 10 also acts as Oa spacer for the rods. Each rod has ten block members 14 *o.rotatably mounted thereon. Only one rod is illustrated.

o *.Each member is rectangular parallelepiped in shape and is mounted on the rod through its longitudinal axis.

20 Each member 14 has four faces. Two faces have numeric o indicia of different colours. A third face is adapted for writing on and typically has a surface similar to .t°O known whiteboards. The fourth face has a portion of a hook and loop type fastener attached thereto.

25 Figures 1A and lB illustrate detailed front and S plan views of sleeves 10 in detail. Each sleeve 10 has a 4555.5 body portion 9 which has a bore 8 through which a respective log 13 can pass. The sleeve 10 has a threaded projection 7. The projection 7 receives an open end of a rod.

The device 11 as illustrated in Figure 1 can be readily assembled by providing a rod and mounting members 14 thereon. The ends of the rods are then sealed by placing a sleeve at each end. The sleeves 10 are then simply placed over the upper ends 12a of support frame 12 and slide down over the frame to the position illustrated in Figure 1 in which the sleeves 10 rest against stops 12b. Further rod, sleeve and member units are placed over support frame 12 in a similar manner. If desired, assembly may be completed by placement of an upper horizontal frame member 6 above the final rod, sleeve and member unit. The frame member 6 also has sleeves 10a at either end. These sleeves are similar to those illustrated in Figures la and Ib except that the upper end 5 is sealed.

Figure 2 illustrates an end view of a member 14. The block member 14 has a circular portion 15 which receives rod 16 which has a square cross section. The block member 14 is rotatable about rod 16.

Figure 3 is a front elevational cross section *of block member 14. The member has a pair of flexible **plastic leaves 17, 18. The leaves are spaced apart, 15 parallel and extend between opposing inner faces 1, 2 of member 14. The centre portions of the leaves are adjacent opposing sides 3, 4 of rod 16. The leaves are held in place by pairs of fingers 19 which protrude from the inner faces 1, 2 of member 14. Because the leaves are adjacent edges of rod 16, the leaves hold the member in position relative to rod 16. When the block member is rotated about rod 16, the flexible leaves are deformed as they ride past the respective corners of rod 16. As rotation of member 14 passes 450, the resilience of the 25 leaves assists in rotating the member through to 900 such that it effectively "clicks" into the 900 position.

Although two leaves are illustrated it can be appreciated that only one leaf is necessary. The plastic leaves could also be replaced with leaf springs or other resilient material.

Preferably the numerical display faces are removable from the block member. The display face may comprise a segment of a flexible plastics material which is held in place by retaining means on the member 14.

Figure 4 illustrates a front view of member 14 in which a display face has been removed. The member 14 has L shaped retaining members 20 extending along the upper and lower edges. A side view of the retaining members is marked 20a. The display faces are inserted into retaining members 20 by simply flexing the plastic and placing within shoulders 21 of the retaining members.

Figure 5 illustrates a cross section of a further preferred block member 30 of the present invention. The block member 30 has form resilient L shaped plastic leaves 31, 32, 33, 34 extending from the corners of the block member 30. The leaves 31, 32, 33, 34 assist in retaining the block member at a desired degree of rotation in a manner similar to that described above with reference to Figure 2. As the block member is rotated about rod 16, the leaves are deformed as they :....slide past the corners of the rod. As the member rotates past 450, the resilience of the leaves assists in pushing 15 the rotation through to 900 such that the bock member snaps or clicks into position.

.0 Figure 6 illustrates a cross section of a further preferred block member 40 of the present .'.invention. In this embodiment, the block member has four 20 linear resilient leaves, 41, 42, 43, 44 extending from the internal side walls thereof.

Figure 7 illustrates an end view of the block member of Figure 5 or Figure 6. The block member has an end cap 50 located on each end. The end cap is shown in 25 detail in Figure 8. The end cap 50 has a rim 53 and is held in place by frictional engagement of the rim with the inner walls of the block member. When the end cap is in place, the rim 53 abuts leaves 41, 42, 43, 44. The end cap 50 has a circular aperture 51 through the centre position thereof. In use, the rod 16 passes through the respective end caps. The block members contact and rest on the rod 16 through this aperture 51.

The aperture is sized and positioned such that in the display position, the relative location of the rod 16 and leaves is as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.

The end cap 51 has an outwardly extending collar 52 which defines aperture 51. This collar 52 functions as a spacer between adjacent block members.

It can be seen that the block members 14 of the device 11 can be easily rotated to present different display faces. The rotation is step wise through 900.

This enables rotation of the member to be easily and quickly accomplished. This speed and accuracy in changing the display faces appeals to children. The speed, ease and accuracy of rotation through 900 in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions enables children to be able to operate the device themselves.

Another advantage of the device 11 is that numbers in the array can be vertically aligned in an accurate manner. This allows the concept of place value to be taught. For example the numbers 1, 11, 21, 31 and so on are vertically aligned. In order to assist teaching place value a teacher may block out the other vertical columns using a ruler, card or the like. This is not possible with the known boards having the projecting hooks as the hooks may interfere with any objects placed in front of the board. Also, because the 20 tags are suspended from the hooks they can be easily bumped or knocked sideways during use. This does not occur with the present device.

The device is also extremely versatile in view of the number of different display surfaces and the 25 ability to vary the display surfaces. Existing blocks can easily be replaced by blocks having different faces and even blocks of different sizes and shapes. Where different sizes and shapes are used, the size and arrangement of the internal leaves may be modified accordingly. This variety appeals to children as it enables them to create their own games and activities.

The versatility and flexibility can also be used to advantage by teachers and parents as numerous teaching methods may be developed.

It will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the invention as described and claimed therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

1. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the biasing means is in the form of one or more resilient leaf .*.members located with a space defined by a said member.
2. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the biasing *...means is attached to and extends from an inner surface of a said member.
3. 4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the said members and said rods have a cross section of 20 the same shape. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, which includes a frame having two upstanding frame members, opposing pairs of sleeve members slidably mounted on the frame members and each rod is supported between a 25 respective pair of sleeve members. S6. A member for use in the device of any one of claims 1 to 5, the member being a prism having at least two display faces, the member having at least one resilient leaf member extending from an internal surface of the member towards the axis of rotation of the member.
4. 7. The member of claim 6, which is a square prism and has at least two leaves extending from the inner surface of the member.
5. 8. The member of claim 6 or claim 7 which has an end cap at each end, the end cap having a collar which defines an aperture through which a rod may extend.
6. 9. The member of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one of said faces can be replaced with a further face. An educational device, substantially as hereinbefore defined with reference to Figure 1 and any one of Figures 2 to 8.
7. 11. A member for use with an educational device, substantially as hereinbefore described with references to Figures 2 to 8. DATED this 1 5 t h day of April 1999 JONATHON STANLEY FREDERICK DENMAN and SHARON ANN DENMAN By their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO. S *o oo ot f