GB2337631A

GB2337631A - A learning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2337631A
Application number: GB9911983A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian John Spencer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-05-22
Filing date: 1999-05-24
Publication date: 1999-11-24
Also published as: GB9911983D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a learning apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) including a container (101, 201, 301, 401, 501) and at least one information carrying member (40) which, in use, is locatable in the container(101, 201, 301, 401, 501) and is removable therefrom, the information carrying member (40) having at least one side thereof provided with a question portion (58, 44, Figure 16) and its relevant answer portion (57, 42, Figure 9) wherein the container has at least one side wall (3, 5, 51, 52, Figures 8 and 18), a portion of which conceals the answer portion (57, 42) when the information carrying member (40) is located therein such that when the information carrying member (40) is located in the container (101, 201, 301, 401, 501) the question portion (58, 44) of the information carrying member (40) is visible whereas the answer portion (57, 42) is not and the information carrying member (40) has to be moved sufficiently so that the answer portion (57, 42) is no longer concealed by the portion of the side wall (3, 5, 51, 52). The side wall may be provided with a window through which the answer portion is visible. The container may be provided with a divider (41, Figure 11) so shaped as to provide a gap between itself and member (40).

Description

2337631 1 A LEARNING APPARATUS The present invention provides a learning

apparatus, or an apparatus which can assist a person with learning information. Additionally, the present invention provides a plurality of carton blanks, which when assembled, form various parts or components of a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

Whilst learning, revising or memorising information, key points of information are collected together and looked at repeatedly on one or more occasions.

In order to assist with the learning, revising or memorising of information, various types of aids and apparatus have been developed.

One of such apparatus commonly referred to as a spin card or information wheel or dial includes a first card, usually circular in shape, having information displayed on one side thereof, which is rotatably attached to a second card, provided with a window, the second card also usually circular in shape. In use, the second card is rotated relative to the first card such that various portions of the information displayed on the first card is viewable through such window, whereas the rest of the information on the first card is concealed by the second card. By using such an apparatus, the window, provided on the second card, can be moved from a portion of information which presents a question to a portion of the information which presents the relevant answer, thereby enabling a person to test themselves using such apparatus.

Other apparatus and aids include the compilation of information sheets, revision cards and lists.

2 One of the disadvantages associated with such apparatus and aids is that the information displayed thereby is usually fixed in a known location and sequence. Consequently, there is the danger that a person will learn the information in a certain sequence and may not actually know the information when presented out of sequence.

Additionally, and as the information being displayed by such aids and apparatus is fixed in a known location, it can prove difficult to remove any information from such apparatus and aids which have already been learnt to a sufficient standard, thereby enabling a person to concentrate solely on the information with which they are having difficulty with in recollecting or learning.

Furthermore, those in the art will appreciate that the concealment of information to enable self-testing can prove difficult. Some methods currently utilised to conceal information, in particular answers to questions, includes placing the answers to the questions concerned at an inconvenient location on the apparatus or aid, for example, on the reverse side thereof. Other methods include presenting the answer at an inconvenient orientation relative to the question, for example, upside down. Also, the answer may be presented in a different font to that of the question, which may prove disadvantageous to the visually impaired.

According to the present invention there is provided a learning apparatus including a container; and at least one information-carrying member which, in use, is locatable in the container and is removable therefrom, the information carrying member having at least one side thereof provided with a question portion and a corresponding or relevant answer portion wherein the container has at least one side wall, a portion of which conceals the answer portion when the information carrying member is located in the container, such that when the information carrying member is located in the container the question portion of the information carrying member is visible 3 whereas the answer portion is not and the information carrying member has to be moved sufficiently away from the portion of the side wall so that the answer portion is no longer concealed thereby.

It is believed that the present invention provides a learning apparatus that at least addresses the problems associated with the various learning apparatus and aids outlined above.

In particular, and as the learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention can include a plurality of information carrying members, the sequence of which can be changed within the container, the likelihood of a person learning the information by sequence only, is reduced.

Moreover, and as the learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention can include a plurality of information carrying members, each having at least one side thereof provided with a question and answer portion, it is believed that a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention can hold more information than known learning apparatus, in particular, known apparatus of the spin card type.

Additionally, and as the information carrying members of the learning apparatus of the present invention can be readily removed from the container, the user can remove information carrying members, the information on which they have already learnt, thereby enabling them to concentrate solely on the information with which they are having difficulty with in recollecting or learning. Furthermore, it is believed that by using the learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention less time is wasted going over information that is already known.

Furthermore, and as the question portion and answer portion are located on the same side of each information carrying member, in order for the relevant answer portion to be displayed, a person merely has to remove 4 the information carrying member from the container such that the relevant answer portion is no longer concealed by a portion of the sidewall. This dispenses with the need of having to turn the information-carrying member around, or upside down, in order to view the answer portion. It is believed that this may reduce the strain on the wrist of the user, which is particularly advantageous for users with physical impairments.

Moreover, and as the removed information carrying member can be inserted straight back into the container, without having to change the orientation thereof relative to the container, it is believed that the learning apparatus of the present invention is quicker and easier to use than known learning apparatus and aids.

In addition, and as the answer portion on the information carrying member is automatically concealed whilst the information carrying member is located in the container, the answer portion need not be printed upside down or printed using a smaller font. This is believed to be particularly advantageous for persons who may be visually impaired.

Further, it is believed that the learning apparatus of the present invention differs from conventional learning apparatus and aids in that it enables the user to make a decision as to whether they know, or have learnt, the information displayed on each information carrying member well enough. That is, if the user believes they know the information being displayed by an information-carrying member well enough, they can simply remove the information-carrying member concerned from the container. Alternatively, if they don't believe that they have learnt the information that is displayed by the information carrying member sufficiently enough, they can return same to the container. This decision making is believed to assist a person utilising a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention to be able to maintain longer concentration spans.

in a preferred embodiment, a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention is further provided with at least one divider separating the information carrying members located within the container. This has the advantage in that the information carrying members can be sorted or arranged within the container to suit the users learning needs. For example, information carrying members, the information on which is believed to have been sufficiently learnt, can be placed on one side of a divider, and information members, the information on which is not believed to have been sufficiently learnt, can be located on the other or opposite side of the divider. Further preferably, the divider is shaped such that same provides a gap between the upper side of the divider and the upper side of an informationcarrying member adjacent such divider. This has the advantage in that it is easier to reinsert the information- carrying member adjacent the divider and also assists in protecting the information-carrying member from being damaged. Further preferably, the divider is shaped such that same provides a gap on both sides thereof.

in a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two sidewalls, each having a portion that can conceal the answer portion of the information-carrying member. This has the advantage in that by simply rotating the container 180', and then removing the information carrying members and rotating same 180 and replacing same into the container, the question portions on the information carrying members are now answer portions and the answer portions on the information carrying members become the question portions. This is particularly advantageous when the question and answer portions displayed by the information carrying members are interchangeable, for example, the question portion may initially include a word in English and the answer portion the corresponding word in German or any other foreign language, and when rotated, the question portion is now the word in German or any other foreign language and the answer portion is now the corresponding word in English.

6 Various, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a blank for the container of a learning apparatus in accordance a first embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 5 to 8 below; Figure 2 illustrates a further blank for a container of the learning apparatus as shown in Figures 5 to 8 below; Figure 3 illustrates a blank for the container of a learning apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14; Figure 4 illustrates further blank which container of the learning apparatus as shown in Figures 13 and 14; Figures 5-8 illustrate a first embodiment of a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 is a plan view of an information-carrying member suitable for use with a learning apparatus in accordance with the first and second embodiments of a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 10 illustrates a blank for a divider; Figure 11 illustrates a side view of a first divider; Figure 12 illustrates second embodiment of a divider suitable for use with the learning apparatus of the present invention; Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a second embodiment of a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 15 illustrates a preferred shape of a window provided in at least one side wall of a learning apparatus in accordance with the first and second embodiments of the present invention; Figure 16 illustrates an information-carrying member suitabl e for use with a third and fourth embodiment of a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 7 Figure 17 illustrates a blank which when assembled provides a container for a third embodiment of a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention as illustrated in Figures 18-20; Figures 18-20 illustrate a third embodiment of a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figures 21 and 22 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 23 shows an alternative blank to the blank illustrated in Figure 17; Figures 24-25 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 26 is a blank for a container of a first embodiment of a learning apparatus in accordance with the present invention as shown in Figures 5- 8.

As illustrated in Figures 5-8, a first embodiment of a learning apparatus 100 in accordance with the present invention comprises a container 101 having a base 1 and four sidewails 3,5,10,12. A plurality of information carry members in the form of cards 40 are locatable within the container 101. Additionally, the learning apparatus 101 is further provided with a plurality of dividers 41.

As illustrated in Figure 9, a card 40 suitable for use with the learning apparatus 101 includes a question portion 44 and an answer portion 42 located thereabove. Preferably, such portions 44, 42 are interchangeable. That is, the concealment of one portion 44 or 42 makes the other 42 or 44 the question portion.

With further reference to Figures 5 to 8, in particular Figure 7, the question portion 44 of the card 40 adjacent sidewall 3 is visible through window portion 2, provided in sidewall 3. In order to view the answer portion 42, concealed by the upper portion of sidewall 3, the user has to simply lift the 8 card 40 from the container 101, until such time as the answer portion 42 is no longer concealed by the upper portion of the sidewall 3.

As illustrated in Figure 8, if the cards 40 are removed from the container 101 and the container is rotated 180', and the cards 40 are placed back into the container, the answer portion which is now 44 is concealed by sidewall 5, opposite side wall 3, and the question portion, which is now 42, is visible above sidewall 5. Of course, the cards 40 may have answer portions 42 and question portions 44 on both sides thereof such that only the cards 40 or the container 101 need be rotated 1800. It is to be understood that the cards or information carrying members 40 may include different sets of question and answer portions on either side thereof, or the same set of question and answer portions on either side thereof.

As illustrated in Figure 7, a corner of sidewall 3 is removed such that corner 43 of card 40 adjacent the sidewall 3 is easier to remove from the container 101.

As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, a second embodiment of a learning apparatus 200 in accordance with the present invention also includes a container 201 having a plurality of cards 40 located therein. Such apparatus 200 is almost identical to the learning apparatus 100 shown in Figures 5-8, except that the base 1 of the container 201 is narrower in width.

As illustrated in Figure 15, the window 2 in sidewall 3 of learning apparatuses 100 and 200, is preferably shaped such that the edges or corners of same are bevelled or rounded. This has the advantage of reducing the likelihood of tears occurring or starting at the corners of the window 2, that is, windows which are rectangular in shape, or windows having corners of 900, are prone to tearing.

9 As illustrated in Figures 18-20, a third embodiment of a learning apparatus 300 in accordance with the present invention includes a container 301, within which is located a plurality of cards 40, separated by a plurality of dividers 41 (not illustrated). The container 301 includes a front wall 51 and side wail 52, both being provided with a portion which can conceal an answer portion 57of a card 40.

As illustrated in Figure 16, a card 40 suitable for use with the learning apparatus 300, includes a question portion 58 and an answer portion 57 on one side thereof. Preferably, such portions 57, 58 are interchangeable.

As illustrated in Figure 19, when a card 40 of the type shown in Figure 16 is located within the container 301, adjacent front wall 51, question portion 58 is visible and answer portion 57 is concealed by wall 51.

As illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, if the cards 40 are removed from the container 301, and the cards 40 are rotated 9011 and then placed back into the container 301, the answer portion, which is now 58, is concealed by wall 52 and the question portion, which is now 57, is visible. Of course, the cards 40 may have answer portions 57 and question portions 58 on both sides thereof.

As illustrated in Figures 21-22, a fourth embodiment of a leaming apparatus 400 in accordance with the present invention includes a container 401, within which is located a plurality of cards 40, separated by a plurality of dividers 41. The container 401 includes a front wall 51 and back wall 52 and two sidewalls 54.

As illustrated in Figure 21, when a card 40 of the type shown in Figure 16 is located within the container 401, adjacent front wall 51, question portion 58 is visible and answer portion 57 is concealed by wall 51.

As illustrated in Figure 22, if the cards 40 are removed from the container 401 and the container is rotated 18T, and the cards 40 are placed back into the container 401, the answer portion, which is now 58, is concealed by wall 52, opposite wall 51, and the question portion, which is now 57, is visible. Of course, the cards 40 may have answer portions 57 and question portions 58 on both sides thereof such that only the cards 40 or the container 401 need be rotated 1800.

As illustrated in Figures 24 and 25, a fifth embodiment of a learning apparatus 500 in accordance with the present invention comprises a container 501 having two sidewalls 51, 52, within which is located a plurality of cards 40 of the type illustrated in Figure 16. As illustrated in Figure 24, when the cards 40 are placed sideways into the container 501, the question portion 58 is clearly visible and the answer portion is concealed by wall 51.

As illustrated in Figure 25, if the cards 40 are removed from the container 501 and the container 501 is rotated 18T, and the cards are then placed back into the container 501, the answer portion 57, which is now the question portion, is visible and the question portion 58, which is now the answer portion, is concealed by wall 52.

As illustrated in Figure 11, a divider 41 is shaped so that a gap 47 is provided between the upper side of the divider 41 and card 40 adjacent thereto. As illustrated in Figure 10, a blank suitable for constructing the divider 41 of Figure 11 includes a central portion which at one side is foidably connected via fold line 45 to an upper portion of the divider, and at the other side is foldably connected via fold line 46 to a lower portion of the divider.

As illustrated in Figure 12, the divider 41 is shaped such that a gap 47, 47' is provided between the upper side thereof and cards 40 on both sides thereof.

As illustrated in Figure 1, a blank for a container suitable for use with the learning apparatus as illustrated in Figures 5 to 8 includes a base 1 used to form the horizontal base of the container 101 with opposite sides of equal length and where one side of the base 1 is foldably connected via fold line 20 to panel 3. The opposite side of the base 1 is foldably connected via the fold line 20' to panel 5 and one of the sides of the base panel 1 is foldably connected via the fold line 21 to panel 10, whilst the opposite base panel 1 is foidably connected via fold line 21' to panel 12. Panels 3,5,10,12, 7,8,14,15 may be erected vertically to form a 900 angle to the base 1.

Panel 3 contains a window 2 across the half of panel 3 closest to the base 1,and panel 3 is foldably connected via the fold line 22 to panel X. Panel 3' contains a window 2' in the half of panel Yfurthest away from panel 3 and panel 3' is foldably connected to panel 4 via the fold line 23 to form a 2700angle and panel 3' is folded over panel 3 to allow fold lines 23 and 20 to be located adjacent one another and causing the windows 2, 2' to come together, to form one window in the side of the container 101 made by 3,3'and causing the panel 4 to lie horizontally on base 1. Panel 3 is foldably connected via fold line 25 to panel 7 to form a 90 angle and panel 3 is foidably connected via fold line 26 to panel 8 to form a 900 angle and panel 5 is foldably connected via fold line 24 to panel 5', and panel 5' is foldably connected via fold line 38 to panel 6 to form a 270 angle and panel 5, is folded over panel 5 to allow fold lines 20' and 38 to be located adjacent one another and causes the panel 6 to lie horizontally on base 1.

Panel 5 is foldably connected via fold line 36 to panel 14 to form a 900 angle and panel 5 is foldably connected via fold line 37 to panel 15 to form a 90 angle and panel 10 is foldably connected via fold line 31 to panel 10', which in turn is foldably connected via fold line 30 to panel 11 to form a 270 angle and panel 10' is folded over panel 10, so that fold lines 21, 30 are located adjacent one another, with panels 7 and 14 held between panels 10, 10' and causing panel 11 to lie horizontally on base 1 with the edges of 12 panel 11 touching the edges of panels 4 and 6 and the friction between panels 11,4 and panels 11,6 holding panels 4,6,11 in place.

Panel 12 is foldably connected via fold line 34 to panel 17, which in turn is foidably connected via fold line 35 to panel 13 to form a 270 angle and panel 12' is folded over panel 12 so that fold lines 35, 21' are located adjacent one another with panels 8 and 15 held between panels 12, 12' and causing panel 13 to lie hodzontally on base 1 with the edges of panel 13 touching the edges of panels 4 and 6 and the friction between panels 13,4 and panels 13,6 holding panels 4,6,13 in place, and where panels 3, 3' may be glued together and panels 5,5' may be glued together to make the container 101 more rigid.

As illustrated in Figure 2, a blank suitable for the construction of a container 101 of a learning apparatus as shown in Figures 5 to 8, includes a base 1 used to form the hodzontal base of the container 101 with opposite sides of equal length.

One side of the base 1 is foldably connected via fold line 20 to panel 3 and the opposite side of the base 1 is foldably connected via the fold line 20' to panel 5, and one of the sides of the base 1 is foldably connected via the fold fine 21 to panel 10 whilst the opposite side of the base 1 is foldably connected via fold line 21' to panel 12. Panels 3, 5,10,12, 7,8,14,15 may be erected vertically to form a 900 angle to the base 1.

Panel 3 contains a window 2 across the half of panel 3 closest to the base 1. Panel 3 is foldably connected via fold line 25 to panel 7 to form a 90 angle and panel 3 is foldably connected via fold line 26 to panel 8 to form a 900 angle.

Panel 5 is foidably connected via fold line 36 to panel 14 to form a 9Tangle and panel 5 is foldably connected via fold line 37 to panel 15 to form 13 a 90 angle. The following pairs of panels are glued together 7 to 10 and 14 to 10 and 8 to 12 and 15 to 12 in such a way as to make vertical panels 3,5,10,12 become the panels on the outside of the container 101 with glue panels 7,8,14,15 now vertical and against panels 10,12, on the inside of the container 101.

As illustrated in Figure 3, a blank for a container 201 of a learning apparatus 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention includes a base 1 used to form the horizontal base of the container 201 with opposite sides of equal length. One side of the base 1 is foldably connected via fold line 20 to panel 3, the opposite side of the base 1 is foldably connected via the fold line 20' to panel 5, and one of the sides of the base 1 is foldably connected via the fold line 21 to panel 10, whilst the opposite side of the base 1 is foldably connected via fold line 21'to, panel 12 Panels 3, 5, 10, 12, 7, 8, 9 will be erected vertically to form a 90 angle to the base 1.

Panel 5 is foldably connected via fold line 24 to panel 9. Panel 5' is folded over panel 5 to allow one edge of panel Tto touch the base 1.

Panel 3 contains a window 2 across the half of panel 3 closest to the base 1. Panel 3 is foldably connected via the fold line 22 to panel 3' Panel 3' contains a window 2' in the half of panel Xfurthest away from panel 3. Panel 3' is foldably connected to panel 4 via the fold line 23 to form a 2700 angle and panel 3 is foldably connected via fold line 25 to panel 7 to form a 90' angle.

Panel 7 is foldably connected via fold line 27 to panel 9 to form a 90'angle. Panel 3 is foldably connected via fold line 26 to panel 8 to form a 14 angle and panel 8 is foldably connected via fold line 27' to panel 9 to form a 900 angle.

Panel 3' is folded over panel 3 such that fold lines 23 and 20 are located adjacent one another, thereby causing windows 2, 2, to come together to form one window in the side of the container 201 made by 3,3, as well as causing the panel 4 to lie horizontally on base 1,with the edge of panel 4 touching panel 5' and holding panels 5,5' together once panels 5,5' are held vertically in place with the panels 9, and where both panels 9 are inserted between the panels 5,5' at either end of panels 5,5'which causes panels 10, 12, X, 5to be on the inside of the container and panels 3, 5, 7, 8 on the outer side of the container 201.

Panels 3, 3' may be glued together and panels 5,5' may be glued together to make the container 201 more rigid or sturdy.

As illustrated in Figure 4, a blank for a container 201 of a learning apparatus 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention includes a base 1 used to form the horizontal base of the container 201, with opposite sides of equal length.

One side of the base 1 is foldably connected via fold line 20 to panel 3 and the opposite side of the base 1 is foldably connected via the fold line 20' to panel 5. Panels 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 can be erected vertically to form a 900 angle to the base 1.

Panel 3 contains a window 2 across the half of panel 3 closest to the base 1. Panel 3 is foldably connected via fold line 25 to panel 7 to form a 900 angle. Panel 7 is foldably connected via fold line 27 to panel 9 to form a 900 angle. Panel 3 is foldably connected via fold line 26 to panel 8 to form a 901 angle, which in turn is foldabiy connected via fold line 2Tto panel 9 to form a 901 angle. Both panels 9 are glued to panel 5 at either end of panel 5, preferably on the inside of the container.

As illustrated in Figure 23, a blank for a container 301 of a learning apparatus 300 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention includes a base 50 used to form the horizontal base of the container 301 with opposite sides of equal length, where one side of the base is foldably connected via fold line to panel 51 and the opposite side of the base is foldably connected via a fold line to panel 53, and one of the sides of the base- panel 50 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 52, whilst the opposite base panel 50 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 54.

Panels 51, 52, 53, 54 will be erected vertically to form a 90 angle to the base 50.

Panel 54 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 54which in turn is foldably connected to panel 59 via a fold line to form a 27011 angle.

Panel 54' is folded over panel 54 to cause panel 59 to lie horizontally on base 50, and panel 54 is foldably connected to two panels 56 at opposite ends of panel 54 each by its own fold line to panel 56, both panels 56 forming a 901 angle to panel 54.

Panel 51 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 55 to form a 900 angle, and panel 51 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 51' which in turn is foldably connected to panel 59 via a fold line to form a 2700 angle.

Panel 51' is folded over panel 51 holding panel 56 between panels 51, 51' to cause panel 59 to lie horizontally on base 50. Panel 52 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 56 to form a 900 angle and panel 52 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 57. Panel 52' is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 59 to form a 2700 angle, and panel 52' is folded over 16 panel 52 holding panel 55 between panels 52, 52' to cause panel 59 to lie horizontally on base 50.

Panel 53 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 53' and panel 53' is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 59 to form a 2700 angle, and panel 53' is folded over panel 53 holding both panels 56 between panels 53, 53' to cause panel 59 to fie horizontally on base 50 and the edges of each panel 59 touching the edge of each nearest panel 59 and the friction between panels 59 holding the container together. Panels 51, 51' may be glued together and panels 52,52' may be glued

together to make the container 301 more rigid.

As illustrated in Figure 17, a blank for a container 301 of a learning apparatus 300 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention includes a base 50 used to form the horizontal base of the container 301 with opposite sides of equal length. One side of the base 50 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 51 and the opposite side of the base 50 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 53. Another side of the base panel 50 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 52, whilst the dpposite base panel 50 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 54. Panels 51, 52, 53, 54 can be erected vertically to form a 90 angle to the base 50.

Panel 54 is foldably connected to two panels 56 at opposite ends of panel 54, each by its own fold line to panel 56, and both panels 56 forming a 9011 angle to panel 54.

Panel 51 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 55 to form a 900 angle and panel 51 is held vertical to the base 50 by glueing panel 56 to panel 51 and by glueing panel 55 to panel 52.

17 Panel 52 is foldably connected by a fold line to panel 56 to form a 900 angle and panel 53 is held vertical to the base 50 by gluing panels 56 on panel 52 and panel 56 on panel 54 thereto, preferably on the inside thereof.

As illustrated in Figure 26, a blank for a container 101 of a learning apparatus 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, which has a similar construction to that already described in Figure 1, except that where panels 7 and 14 cross over each other on assembly to interlock via the cuts 61, 61' and where the panels 8 and 15 cross over each other on assembly to interlock via the cuts 62, 62' and where panel 11 has a straight edge 63 to help manufacturing equipment move the blank through to the next stage of automatic folding and where panels 14 and 15 have edges 64, 64' which do not cross the fold line 24 and where panel 5' is folded by machines onto panel 5 then panels 14,15 will not interfere in that process.

It is to be understood that the container andlor divider(s) andlor information carrying member(s) may be made of any suitable material, for example, paper card or plastic. It is also to be understood that the container and/or divider(s) need not be made from a blank, for example, they may be made by the moulding or casting of a material, for example, plastic.

It is also to be understood that the learning apparatus of the present invention may also form part of a games apparatus, for example, a game apparatus of the quiz type.

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Claims

A learning apparatus including a container; and at least one information-carrying member which, in use, is locatable in the container and is removable therefrom, the information carrying member having at least one side thereof provided with a question portion and a relevant or corresponding answer portion wherein the container has at least one side wall, a portion of which conceals the answer portion when the information carrying member is located in the container, such that when the information carrying member is located in the container, the question portion of the information carrying member is visible whereas the answer portion is not and the information carrying member has to be moved sufficiently away from the portion of the side wall so that the answer portion is no longer concealed thereby.
2. A learning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the container has two walls, each having a portion which can conceal the answer portion of the information carrying member.
3. A learning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the apparatus is further provided with at least one divider which is locatable within the container.
4. A learning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the divider is shaped to provide a gap at one side thereof between the upper side of same and the upper side of the information carrying member adjacent thereto.
5. A learning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the divider is shaped to provide a gap at both sides thereof.

19
6. A learning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one sidewall is provided with a window through which the answer portion of the information-carrying member adjacent the sidewall is visible.
7. A learning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the corners of the window are bevelled or rounded.
8. A learning apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
9. A blank suitable for assembling the container of a learning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1-4, 17, 23 and 26.
10. A blank suitable for assembling the container of a learning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
11. A blank suitable for assembling a divider of the learning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3-8 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
12. A blank suitable for assembling a divider of the learning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3-8 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 10.