GB2418053A

GB2418053A - Educational scratch card container

Info

Publication number: GB2418053A
Application number: GB0420330A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cheryl Innes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-09-13
Filing date: 2004-09-13
Publication date: 2006-03-15
Also published as: GB0420330D0

Abstract

A product for furthering an educational process includes a container (1) having a removable and replaceable lid (2). The container contains a number of items which act together to further an educational process, to include at least learning materials such as writing or drawing instruments, removable and replaceable adhesive images, articles on which to place the removable and replaceable adhesive images, a game such as a jigsaw puzzle and audio data storage devices, instructions for use of the learning materials (8) and a reward item (9) . In a preferred embodiment, the reward item is a scratchcard (1a, 1b, 1c). Preferably, the scratchcard (1a, 1b. 1c) is reversibly attached to the lid (2) of the container (1).

Description

A PRODUCT FOR FURTHERING AN EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a product comprising a container which contains various educational resource materials and which is suitable for use by a child in the absence of, or with minimal, adult supervision.

Background to the invention

Supplementing a child's education when they are not in school can be a difficult and time consuming practice. This is especially so in the current social, political and economic climate where in many households a parent or both parents or another carer for a child are employed in full time jobs during their child's education. Many parents and caters do not have the time to follow the curriculum being learned by their child in order to provide suitable focussed tuition outside school hours.

There is, therefore, a requirement for a suitable home learning apparatus or device which can follow a child's curriculum and which can be utilised by the child without, or with minimal, parental or carer supervision.

Description of the invention and definition of terms The present invention seeks to overcome the problems outlined above. Accordingly, there is provided a product for furthering an educational process comprising a container having a removable and replaceable lid, wherein the container contains at least the following; learning materials, instructions for use of the learning materials; and - 2 - a reward item.

The container may be any suitable container which can store therein the appropriate learning materials, instructions and reward item. The container must be safe for use by a child. The container is composed of a suitable material, such as a synthetic polymer. Most commonly, the container will be composed of a plastics material, such as a thermosetting plastic or thermoplastic for example.

Suitable examples, which are not intended to be limiting with respect to the present invention, include Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), Poly(styrene), Polyethylene, ABS, etc. If the container is comprised of a material which may be unsuitable for use by a child in an untreated form, it may be treated, such as by coating, or otherwise modified to ensure it is safe for a child to use unsupervised (or with minimal supervision). For example, if the container is formed from a metal, such as stainless steel or aluminium for example, it may be appropriate to cover or round the edges of the container in order to prevent injury to a child when using the container.

In a most preferred embodiment the container is a cylindrical container. However, other shapes of container, including but not limited to those having a triangular or square cross section etc. are included within the scope of the invention.

The container generally comprises a suitable label attached on the outer surface. The label will generally be permanently adhered to the outer surface of the container.

However, in one embodiment, the label may be wrapped around the container but only fixed at the ends. Thus, the label may be removed from the container. In this embodiment, the instructions may be provided on the front and/or reverse side of the label. By removing the label from the container, the instructions can be easily viewed by the user.

The lid is such that it may be removed from the container and is also capable of being replaced on the container. Any lid which enables this function is included within the scope of the invention.

It is also important that the lid remains securely attached to the container prior to use and, if the container is to be used more than once, also following replacement of the lid. Any suitable attachment mechanism which achieves this function is included within the scope of the present invention.

The lid may contain a suitable lip or equivalent that overlaps the outer diameter of the container in order to ensure that the lid is secure when placed on the container and also is readily removable. The lid may also be attached to and removed from the container via a screw and thread mechanism for example. Alternatively, a simple "lock and key" mechanism may be used to ensure that the lid is removable and replaceable but does not become detached from the container when this is not the intention of the user. A further embodiment is described with respect to figure 1, although of course any appropriate number of lugs and recesses may be utilised. - 4 -

The lid is composed of a suitable material which is complementary to that utilised for the rest of the container. In some cases the material used for the lid and the rest of the container will comprise the same material.

Thus, the materials referred to above may equally be used in the manufacture of the lid of the container.

The items, as described in more detail below, which are contained within the container may be individually packaged within the container. Alternatively, one or more of the learning materials, instructions and reward item may be packaged separately. This may be useful, for example, to ensure that the user does not access the reward item until the instructions have been carried out with the aid of the learning materials (see below).

"Learning materials" is defined herein to include any items or articles or the like which are required in order to complete the tasks set out in the instructions (which are also included in the container). These may include, by way of example and not limitation; writing or drawing instruments, removable and replaceable adhesive images, articles on which to place said removable and replaceable adhesive images, a game such as a jigsaw puzzle, audio data storage devices such as audio tapes, and electronic data storage devices such as compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD) or magnetizable media.

Thus, in one embodiment there is provided a container having a removable and replaceable lid, wherein the container contains at least the following; - 5 - learning materials, instructions for use of the learning materials; and a reward items wherein the learning materials include at least one of the following: writing or drawing instrument or instruments, removable and replaceable adhesive images, article on which to place said removable and replaceable adhesive images, a game such as a jigsaw puzzle, audio data storage devices such as audio tapes; and electronic data storage devices such as compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD) or magnetizable media.

Writing or drawing instruments include, for example, pens, pencils, crayons, highlighters, templates, compasses etc. There may also be included suitable erasers which are capable of removing any marks left by said writing or drawing instruments. A suitable surface, such as paper or card, in the form of a pad of sheets or individual sheets for example, may also be provided in conjunction with which the writing or drawing instruments may be utilised. These surfaces may be reversibly rolled or folded to allow repeated use (in the unrolled or unfolded state) and storage. The surface does not necessarily have to be blank.

It may contain suitable visual pointers which are used in conjunction with the instructions to determine where on the surface the user should mark.

Removable and replaceable adhesive images are well known and are commercially available. For example, popular cartoon characters may be portrayed on suitable plastic - 6 - images which may be reversibly adhered to a suitable background image. Such images may be utilised in order to carry out the instructions found within the container. In this embodiment, there may also be provided a suitable article on which to place said removable and replaceable adhesive images. This may be a suitably laminated sheet for example. The sheet may contain a suitable scene or image which is determined by the instructions and which directs the placement of the images in accordance with the instructions.

In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive images may be utilised in order to add labels to a completed game in accordance with the instructions (see below).

A game may be any game which can be carried out in accordance with the instructions. The game may be used in conjunction with other items in the container. For example, in one embodiment a jigsaw puzzle may be included in the container. The term "jigsaw puzzle" is a well defined term referring to a puzzle in which a user has to reassemble an image, such as a picture, that has been cut into irregularly shaped interlocking pieces. Upon completion of the jigsaw puzzle, the completed image may then be suitably labelled by the user, in accordance with the instructions, by utilising one or more adhesive labels (such as those described above

for example).

Other games which may be included in the container include, but are not limited to, a crossword puzzle, a word search, a spot the difference game, a question and answer game, a board game etc. For "paper based" games the games - 7 may be rolled or folded when in storage and unrolled or unfolded when in use.

The instructions direct the use of the learning materials by the user. In most cases the instructions are printed on a sheet, usually a single printed sheet. The sheet may be composed of paper or card for example. The sheet may be laminated with a suitable plastic coating in order to prevent damage and allow repeated use of the instructions. The instructions may comprise of typed step by step instructions or may additionally or alternatively include pictorial representation to direct how the learning materials should be utilised. The instructions may be rolled or folded when in storage and unrolled or unfolded when in use. This process is, of course, reversible and may be carried out as and when required. The instructions may be provided on an audio tape or CD.

A reward item is defined herein to include any suitable item which will fit into the container and acts as a prize for successful completion of the tasks set out by using the learning materials in conjunction with, and as directed by, the instructions. Examples include a toy, confectionery, a voucher redeemable against a suitable product such as a meal or soft drink etc. In a most preferred embodiment the reward item comprises or consists of a scratchcard.

"Scratchcard" is a well known term. A dictionary definition thereof is provided in the Collins Concise Dictionary (21st Century Edition) as "a ticket that reveals whether or not the holder is eligible for a prize when the surface is removed by scratching". - 8

The scratchcard has a number of panels corresponding to various outcomes of utilising the learning materials in accordance with the instructions. Each of the panels may be scratched individually in order to determine whether the user has carried out the instructions correctly in conjunction with the learning materials. Thus, in one embodiment, upon completing the tasks as set out in the instructions, a panel is chosen by the user according to the result they have obtained by use of the learning materials in conjunction with the instructions. Depending upon whether the instructions have been carried out correctly this determines whether the user is entitled to the reward item.

In this embodiment, the scratchcard is only valid in terms of redeeming the card against the described prize if only a single panel has been removed. If more than one panel has been removed the scratchcard is void.

In one embodiment the scratchcard comprises two panels.

One panel is representative of the entirely correct or successful use of the learning materials according to the instructions. Thus, if this panel is chosen by the user they will receive the prize as described under the panel.

The panels are labelled such that each is represented by a different potential outcome of the use of the learning materials with the aid of the instructions. If, however, the user chooses the other panel, no prize will be revealed and described thereunder. Rather, a suitable message such as, for example, "no prize this time", will be displayed. - 9

In a further embodiment, the scratchcard comprises at least three, and preferably three, panels. One panel is representative of the completely correct or successful use of the learning materials according to the instructions and provides details of a prize under said panel. Another panel represents a partially correct or partially successful use of the learning materials according to the instructions and provides details of a lesser prize under said panel. The lesser prize may be of a lower financial or aesthetic value for example. The third panel represents an incorrect or unsuccessful use of the learning materials according to the instructions. Therefore, if this panel is chosen and is removed no prize will be detailed thereunder. Rather, a suitable message such as, for example, "no prize this time", will be displayed.

In an alternative embodiment the scratchcard is more complex and contains many more panels, preferably at least eight panels. Here, the instructions require a choice to be made of which panel to scratch for a number of separate scenarios or questions. Thus, there is the opportunity to obtain a correct or incorrect result independently a number of times on the same scratchcard. A number of examples of this type of scratchcard are provided in figure 2.

Each correctly chosen panel may lead to the user claiming a different prize. Alternatively, an increasing number of correct answers may lead to the reward to the user of a more valuable prize (in terms of financial or aesthetic

value, for example). - 10

The prize for a completely correct or successful outcome of using the learning materials as directed by the instructions may be any suitable prize. Examples include cinema tickets, fast food meals, tickets for a museum or fairground attraction of themepark etc. The scratchcard represents a voucher which is redeemable in order to obtain the prize.

The scratchcard may be attached to the underside of the lid in one preferred embodiment of the invention. Thus, in use, the parent or supervisor of the user, normally a child, may remove the lid before the child begins using the container together with its contents. This effectively removes any temptation for the child to attempt to obtain the reward before completing the tasks described in the instructions with the aid of the learning materials. Once the child has completed the tasks as set by the instructions, the parent of the child may return the lid, to which is attached the scratchcard, in order to allow the child to receive their reward.

The reward item, preferably the scratchcard, may be rolled or folded when in storage inside the container. The reward item may be unrolled or unfolded when in use. This process is reversible so that, if the use of the learning materials in accordance with the instructions has not been completed and it is desired by the user to return to this task at a later time, the reward item may be unrolled or unfolded to allow storage within the container. When the user comes to finish the task the reward item may be unrolled or unfolded as appropriate.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing(s) in which: Figure 1 represents a preferred container in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 represents examples of scratchcards which may be utilised in specific embodiments of the invention.

Detailed description

As shown in Figure 1, a (single use) container (1) is provided which is cylindrical in shape. The lid (2) is provided with two lugs (3 and 4) which can be pushed through the recesses (5 and 6). This feature ensures that the lid is capable of removal and replacement and also ensures that the lid remains securely in place when the container is closed (by turning the lid once the lugs have passed beyond the recesses into the container the lid is effectively locked in place).

The container (1) carries a suitable label (7) which is brightly coloured in order to appeal to a child.

Inside the container is found a sheet of instructions (8). The instructions are rolled into a cylindrical shape when stored within the container and can be opened out to lay on a flat surface when in use (for ease of reading).

The instructions comprise a single sheet of card, printed on both sides, which is laminated with a suitable transparent plastic. 12

Also stored within the container is a jigsaw puzzle (not shown). The jigsaw puzzle is separately packaged in a cellophane wrapping in order to keep the individual pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together prior to use and to prevent loss of the individual pieces. In this instance the pieces when assembled recreate an image of a plant.

Also found within the container are suitable adhesive labels (not shown). Again, the labels are separately packaged in a cellophane wrapping in order to keep the individual labels together prior to use and to prevent loss of the individual labels. The labels in this example can be adhered to the completed jigsaw puzzle by following the instructions in order to correctly label the various parts of the plant.

Also found within the container is a scratchcard (9).

The scratchcard (9) contains a choice of three panels which can be scratched off depending upon how the user has labelled the jigsaw puzzle with the adhesive labels. If the correct panel is chosen the user will receive a prize which is identified under the panel. In this example the prize is a voucher which can be redeemed in order to obtain a free cinema ticket. If the panel is chosen which represents a not entirely correct, but neither entirely incorrect, labelling of the jigsaw puzzle with the adhesive labels, then the user may reveal a lesser prize which can be redeemed, such as a voucher for a free soft drink for example. If the panel is chosen which represents an entirely incorrect solution, there will be the words "no prize" revealed under the panel. The validity of the scratchcard in terms of redeeming the voucher for the - 13 appropriate prize depends upon only a single panel having been removed by the user. If more than one panel is removed, the entire scratchcard becomes invalid and is no longer redeemable.

As shown in figure 2, a scratchcard (la, lb, lo) is provided having a number of panels (2a, 2b, 2c) which can be scratched depending upon the selection made by the user following or in conjunction with use of the learning materials as directed by the instructions.

In part A the panels are chosen in order to complete three different sentences (3a). Only one panel out of three can correctly be chosen to begin and end each sentence.

In part B there are three separate questions asked of the user (3b). The user must choose one of four panels to answer each question. Here only one out of each set of four panels is the correct answer and thus if this panel is revealed a prize will be earned by the user.

In part C there are four separate statements made (3c).

In each case, the user must make a choice as to whether each statement is true or false and scratch the appropriate panel accordingly. Depending on whether the correct choice is made the user will receive a prize or prizes accordingly. - 14

Claims

Claims 1. A product for furthering an educational process comprising a

container having a removable and replaceable lid, wherein the container contains at least the following; learning materials, instructions for use of the learning materials; and a reward item.
2. The product according to claim 1 wherein the container is cylindrical.
3. The product according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the reward item is reversibly attached to the lid of the container.
4. The product according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the reward item is a scratchcard.
5. The product according to claim 4 wherein the scratchcard has a number of panels corresponding to various outcomes of utilising the learning materials in conjunction with the instructions.
6. The product according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the scratchcard has at least two different sets of panels which relate to at least two independent outcomes of use of the learning materials in conjunction with the instructions.
7. The product according to claim 6 wherein one panel in each set of panels represents the correct outcome of the use - 15 of the learning materials in conjunction with the instructions.
8. The product according to claim 4 or 5 wherein a single panel on the scratchcard represents the correct outcome of utilising the learning materials in conjunction with the instructions.
9. The product according to claim 5 or 8 wherein the number of panels on the scratchcard is at least two.
10. The product according to claim 9 wherein the number of panels on the scratchcard is three.
11. The product according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the learning materials include at least one of the following: writing or drawing instrument, removable and replaceable adhesive images, article on which to place said removable and replaceable adhesive images, a game such as a jigsaw puzzle, audio data storage devices such as audio tapes; and electronic data storage devices such as compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD) or magnetizable media.
12. The product according any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the instructions comprise a printed sheet. - 16
13. The product according to any preceding claim wherein the instructions are rolled or folded when in storage inside the container.
14. The product according to any preceding claim wherein the reward item is rolled or folded when in storage inside the container.
15. The product according to any preceding claim wherein the learning materials, instructions and reward are removed from the container during use and can be replaced and stored in the container when not in use.