GB2428824A - Event clock with magnetic pictorial elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A clock for use in teaching a child the concept of time has a battery-operated clock mechanism and a circular metal face to which pictorial elements representing events which occur at particular times in a child's day can be attached by means of magnetic attraction between the pictorial element and the clock face. Three hands are provided to indicate the hour, minute and second, the hour hand having a circular aperture at its free end which aligns fully with a pictorial element at the time when the event depicted by the pictorial element is scheduled to occur. The clock may be wall-mounted and the face may bear the numbers 1 to 12.

Description

1 2428824

DESCRIPTION

Children's picture clock The invention is a clock which aims to introduce children to the concept of time by using easily recognisable pictures that represent different key events in a day. It could also be adapted (by changing the images used) for use with children at school or nursery and would be a good tool for children with learning difficulties such as autism who benefit from being able to see the structure of the day ahead.

The idea for this clock came from attempting to help young children understand the concept of time.

The clock achieves this aim as it clearly shows that an event is getting gradually nearer and then taking place. Once the idea of waiting, and time passing is established, the child can then move on to using the numbers to tell the time.

The clock face is circular and made of metal allowing the images to be attached magnetically in the appropriate places. It can be wall mounted for visibility and to keep out of reach of children once times are decided, but it is sturdy enough to allow children to help attach the magnets when events are discussed.

There are three hands - all easily distinguished from each other using colour and size. The hour hand has a circular end which fits exactly over an image when it reaches the correct time so that there is no doubt that the event is taking place NOW. As the time gets nearer, the picture will start to fill the circular hand thus indicating to the child that the event is coming soon.

The 12 images represent the following activities: Getting up, having breakfast, washing, reading a book/quiet time, watching tv, having a snack, lunch/tea, an outing, seeing friends/nursery, going to the park, a reward, going to bed.

Figure 1 shows the face of the clock.

Figure 2 is an exploded diagram of how the clock is put together As shown in Figure 1, the clock is comprised of the following: - a battery operated clock mechanism (4) consisting of 3 hands - (1) hour hand, (2) minute hand and (3) second hand.

- 12 magnetic images of typical key events in a child's day (5).

- a clock face with numbers 1 - 12 on a colourful background (6).

As shown in Figure 2, the clock is put together as follows: - the clock mechanism is attached to the rear of the clock (4).

- the clock face is made of metal (6).

Claims (5)

1. Children's picture clock 1. A wall-mounted clock with a circular face which allows images of key events in a child's day to be attached.
2. 2. A clock as claimed in Claim I where the face is metallic.
3. 3. A clock as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 to which magnetic images can be attached.
4. 4. A clock as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 with 3 hands - second hand, minute hand and an hour hand which is circular in shape and the same diameter as each magnetic image.
5. 5. A clock substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.