GB2358076A - Speaking numbers - Google Patents

Abstract

Three dimensional foam and fabric numbers zero to ten and mathematical signs +, - and = which, having clothes pegs attached to the top centre of each, may be hung up. Each number also has its written name and an equivalent number of fruits embroidered on its top and bottom consecutively. Each mathematical sign has its name embroidered on it, and all numbers and signs have the ability to speak their names when squeezed via an internal electronic device.

Description

2358076 Speaking Numbers The invention relates to Three Dimensional foam

numbers zero to ten, and the mathematical signs + (plus), - (minus), and (equals).

Numbers and mathematical signs produced for teaching aids in nurseries and classrooms are relatively common, in both -two and three dimensions; in plastics and fabrics; with velcroe or magnetic backs.

Few if any of these products however, provide children with a full, comprehensive range of interactive possibilities.

The object of this invention then, is to provide parents and teachers with a product which broadens the possibility of sensory interaction with numbers and mathematical signs.

According to the present invention, in conjunction with a simple 'washing line' arrangement (not part of the invention), children will be able to:

see, touch and feel each numeral's shape. arrange the numbers in numerical order on a 'washing line. count each numeral's amount.

read each numeral's name. hear each numeral's name. carry out simple addition and subtraction equations.

2 Being produced from a soft sponge or foam and fabric, and having clothes pegs attached to the top centre point of each by which they can be hung up on a 'washing line', (See fig. 2), each numeral has its written name embroidered at the top (as do the mathematical signs) and a friut or fruits embroidered at the bottom, these relating to each numeral's amount.

Internally, the numbers and mathematical signs each have an electronic devise which, when triggered, say the name of the number or mathematical sign. The trigger is effected when the numerals or mathematical signs are squeezed. The devise, encased in the foam, has a circuit, small speaker and is powered by two watch batteries. It is triggered by a small press button on a spring (see fig. 16) The invention will now be described by way of example.

Figure 1 shows the expected height of each numeral in centimetres.

Figure 2 shows how a clothes peg will be attached to the centre top of the numerals.

Figures 1 to 11 show the front view of each numeral bearing an embroidered written number and fruit or fruits corresponding to the numerals amount.

Figures 12, 13 and 14 show the mathematical signs (front view) with embroidered sign names.

Figure 15 shows the side view (depth) of each number and sign.

(It is expected that the width of each numeral and sign will be proportional to it height and depth.)

Claims (6)

1. Three dimensional foam and fabric numbers zero to ten, and mathematical signs +, - and = each having clothes pegs attached to the top centre by which they may be hung up.

2. Three dimensional foam numbers and mathematical signs as claimed in Claim 1, with embroidered number and mathematical sign names at the top of each.

3. Three dimensional foam numbers as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, with each number having one or more embroidered fruits at its bottom equivalent to its value.

4. Three dimensional foam numbers as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 each with an internal electronic device which when activated says the number name.

5. Three dimensional foam mathematical signs as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, each with an internal electronic device which when activated says the sign name.

6. Three dimensional foam numbers and mathematical signs as claimed in Claim 4 and Claim 5 which when squeezed say the name o,t the number or sign as embroidered on the front.

6. Three dimensional foam numbers and mathematical signs as claimed in Claim 4 and Claim 5 which when squeezed say the name of the number or sign as embroidered on the front.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. Three dimenstonal foam and fabric numbers zero to ten, and mathematical signs +, - and = each having clothes pegs attached to the top centre by which they may be hung up and an internal electronic device which, when triggered, says the name of the number or -sign.

2. Three dimensional foam numbers and mathematical signs as claimed n Claim 1, with embroidered number and mathematical sign names at the top of each.

3. Three dimensional foam numbers as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, with each number having one or more embroidered fruits at its bpttom equivalent to its value.

4. Three dimensional foam numbers as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 each with an internal electronic device which when activated says the number name.

5. Three dimensional foam mathematical signs as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, each with an internal electronic device which when activated says the sign name.