GB2560054A

GB2560054A - A visual aid for learning

Info

Publication number: GB2560054A
Application number: GB1706456.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Farquharson Denise; Farquharson Louis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-27
Filing date: 2017-04-24
Publication date: 2018-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-24
Also published as: GB201706456D0; GB201703124D0; GB2560054B

Abstract

A visual aid 1 comprising a plurality of frame portions 7 upstanding from a surface 4, each frame portion having an arrangement of apertures 10 formed therein, the frame portions being displaceable with respect to one another. Preferably the frames comprise rectilinear planar bodies, slidably received in a base 4 to allow displacement (along channels 5) relative to one another. Preferably the apertures may be of different shapes or sizes and plugs 9 (see figures 7, 8a) may be included to fill the apertures. In use the device may be used to teach people about the Swiss Cheese model for managing risk; the apertures and plugs might represent states, events or conditions and actions are modelled by passing an item such as a nylon cord or a rod through the apertures of adjacent frame portions.

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

EP 0711585 A2 US 8317564 B1

WO 2004/067865 A2 US 5487690 A (71) Applicant(s):

Denise Farquharson

58-60 Sydnall Road, Longford Village, Coventry, CV6 6BW, United Kingdom

Louis Farquharson

58-60 Sydnall Road, Longford Village, Coventry, CV6 6BW, United Kingdom http://kodokids.com/kodo-classics/discovery-ramps [Accessed 5/9/2017, Available since at least 13/10/2016 according to archive.org] (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA63H, G09B

Other: EPODOC, WPI, Internet (72) Inventor(s):

Denise Farquharson Louis Farquharson (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

ipconsult

21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE, Dorset, BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A visual aid for learning

Abstract Title: Visual aid for demonstrating the Swiss Cheese model of risk management (57) A visual aid 1 comprising a plurality of frame portions 7 upstanding from a surface 4, each frame portion having an arrangement of apertures 10 formed therein, the frame portions being displaceable with respect to one another. Preferably the frames comprise rectilinear planar bodies, slidably received in a base 4 to allow displacement (along channels 5) relative to one another. Preferably the apertures may be of different shapes or sizes and plugs 9 (see figures 7, 8a) may be included to fill the apertures. In use the device may be used to teach people about the Swiss Cheese model for managing risk; the apertures and plugs might represent states, events or conditions and actions are modelled by passing an item such as a nylon cord or a rod through the apertures of adjacent frame portions.

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A VISUAL AID FOR LEARNING

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a visual aid for learning, in particular for theoretical learning and/or experiential learning. The visual aid may be used for demonstration of the ‘Swiss cheese’ theory.

Background

Increasing emphasis on understanding theories or models of behaviour and action is pervasive across many societies and work-places in particular.

Various methods may be utilised in presentation of theoretical or experiential models in training situations.

However often these methods are easily forgotten and training time wasted. Physical objects can often reinforce training methods and provide a visual memory aid.

The Swiss Cheese model of accident causation is a model used in risk analysis and risk management, including aviation, engineering, healthcare, and as the principle behind layered security, as used in computer security and defence in depth. The theory likens human systems to multiple slices of Swiss cheese, stacked side by side, in which the risk of a threat becoming a reality is mitigated by the differing layers and types of defences which are layered behind each other. Therefore, in theory, lapses and weaknesses in one defence do not allow a risk to materialise, since other defences also exist so as to prevent a single point of weakness.

Prior Art

KR 2010 0 081 518 (KWON) discloses a fault model for learning with a number of rubber magnetic bands that are shaped to naturally reveal a forming process of fault, wherein a first landmass model has a number of rubber bands arranged in a parallel direction to which faults cross a fault surface. A second landmass model has a rubber magnetic band shaped to align with a fault surface. The polarity of the rubber magnetic bands of the second landmass model is different to the polarity of the first magnetic band.

US 5 558 331 (ZLOTSKY) discloses a logical puzzle which includes a plurality of elements that are stackable atop one another. Each element comprises pegs of varied lengths and apertures dimensioned to receive pegs therethrough. When all elements are properly stacked and oriented relative to one another, the apertures form passages permitting the reception of pegs, thus forming a substantially solid structure. By lifting elements and placing them in a random order a state of disorder is produced. The objective is to restore the original state of order by stacking elements atop one another and by their suitable relative orientation in order to form a substantially solid structure. Although there is a multitude of incorrect ways to arrange puzzle elements only one correct arrangement allows them to form a substantially solid structure.

WO 8 203 563 (MARTIN) discloses a toy comprising a number of discs arranged on and rotating about an axis. Each disc has holes arranged in at least one circle, and in at least two of those holes of any disc, a pin may be driven in. In order to make the location of holes difficult, there are provided other holes which are traversing as the others or which have a shape preventing the passage of the pin. It is difficult to pass pins into corresponding holes of the discs.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a visual aid comprising: a plurality of frame portions that are adapted to be upstanding from a surface, each frame portion has an arrangement of apertures formed therein, an aperture is representative of an event, state or condition, the frame portions are displaceable with respect one to another; whereby a set of actions are modelled by passing an item through apertures of adjacent frame portions.

In this way the frame portions or portions may be rearranged to form different patterns of sequential or non-sequential apertures or perforations. Such rearrangements and/or patterns may be used as demonstrative of theoretical models, such as the so-called Swiss cheese theoretical model.

Typically the visual aid may be used for theoretical or experiential learning, thereby giving a means to consider and use theory based decision making and/or experience based decision making to reach, analyse and manage different outcomes.

The visual aid can be arranged in plural configurations to represent steps made during a learning process to reflect the multiple options available and the resulting, various outcomes. For example the steps may represent events, states or conditions. The visual aid enables the steps actions and outcomes to be modelled.

The faces of the frame portions or portions may comprise a writeable surface, for example a rewriteable surface such as a glossy whiteboard surface.

In some embodiments the visual aid comprises a base, which base provides a basal part into or onto which the frame portions are connected in use, the base and portions connected using a connection means.

In some embodiments the base may comprise a connection means, so that, for example the base is arranged to receive and hold one or more edges of the bodies. The base and frame portions may be connected to and share the connection means. The connection means may therefore comprise a portion connection part on the portion and/or a base connection part on the base. In some embodiments the base may be provided with a plurality of connection parts, wherein the portions may be connected to a plurality of these parts in an identical manner. Such base connection parts may comprise slots, wherein an edge of the portion may be slotted thereinto with minimal fuss.

The portions may be arranged in a substantially or wholly parallel sequence on the base in use, wherein the bodies are arranged substantially parallel one to another.

In some embodiments the portions may be displaced from and replaced by different positions on the base.

In other embodiments the visual aid comprises a unitary device wherein the portions are interconnected. For example in some embodiments the portions may comprise a connection mechanism. For example such connection mechanism may comprise hinges which hingeably connect the sides of the portions together.

In some embodiments the portions may comprise substantially identical dimensions and materials.

In some embodiments all the portions may be identical. In other embodiments the portions may differ in size as well as the arrangement of apertures thereon. In yet further embodiments the portions may differ in colouring or surface decoration.

In some embodiments the device may further comprise displaceable rods or members. Rods or members may be arranged to be placed in use into a aperture.

In some embodiments, patterns or arrangements of the portions, the members are capable of passing through two or more apertures. Such plurality may be through plural portions, so as to provide a passage or lacunae.

Where single portions have a plurality of apertures formed therein, the arrangement of the portions on the base ideally also provides a plurality of passages.

This arrangement of passages in turn may be used to demonstrate theoretical models such as the ‘Swiss cheese model’, or experiential learning. For example the theory behind unpredictability, wherein random arrangements of the layered portions on the base demonstrate unpredictable passage outcomes, and/or the predictability of lacunae.

Ideally the arrangement of the portions on the base may be liable to provide at least one passage for an item such as a peg, ball, or rod as it passes through substantially all the portions.

In order to provide such passages it may be envisaged that in some embodiments the portions may be provided with a large number of apertures.

The portions may be formed from substantially planar plates, which may in turn be formed from rigid material such as a thermo plastics material, a metal or a metal alloy.

In some embodiments the apertures may be rearranged on the portions. For example apertures may include independent means that open and close each aperture, so opening or closing a particular passage. In some embodiments, for example at least one aperture may have a lid, which lid may be closed over the aperture, for example by way of a hinge or sliding mechanism.

In a further embodiment the apertures may be closed by displaceable plugs, which are inserted into the apertures as required to demonstrate variant paths. In some embodiments the plugs may be formed with an exterior surface which has a wipeable or rewriteable material.

In some embodiments the visual aid optionally includes a length of rigid, for example 9mm diameter, rod which is used to pass through the portions provided they are lined up. In other embodiments of the visual aid a thin for example Nylon (RTM) rope may be used to enable travel in a non linear direction. In other embodiments an extruded flexible rubber cord may be provided so as to give an opportunity to pass through the panels even if the apertures or panels do not line up directly with one another.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the visual aid according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in figure 1;

Figure 5 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiments shown in Figure 1;

Figures 8 show isometric sketches of a second embodiment of the visual aid according to the present invention;

Figure 9 shows an isometric sketch of a third embodiment of the visual aid according to the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, arranged for transport and storage; and

Figure 12 shows an isometric sketch of a fourth embodiment of the visual aid according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the embodiment pictured in Figures 1 to 6 there is shown an example of a visually representative visual aid for learning comprising a base 2 and a plurality of frame portions 1 outstanding in use from the base 2.

The outstanding discrete frame portions 1 each have a body with two faces 7 joined by a four sides 8, formed by a channel edge protector, with four corner protectors 11. The sides 8 and corner protectors 11 may be formed from a synthetic thermoplastics material.

The frame portions 1 are arranged sequentially in use; and are displaceable with respect one to another, being positioned as shown in Figure 2 in use such that the frame portions 1 interfit into a channel 5 in the base 2 and engage with raised and lowered internal ribs 12 and 13 and each of the frame portions 1 has apertures 10 passing through the faces of its respective body 7.

Each frame portion 1 is formed of a body 7 and the frame portions 1 are arranged sequentially in parallel on the base 2.

The frame portions 1 are displaceable on the base 2 and each comprises a plurality of apertures 10 through its body.

The embodiment of the visual aid shown in Figures 1 to 11 further includes a 10mm diameter flexible rubber cord 3 to be threaded through the apertures to show when an incident occurs and how the passage of the cord 3, through variable apertures 10, matches the theory of unpredictability.

The frame portions 1 have a total thickness of 30mm comprised by 23mm thick polyvinylchloride (PVC) foam board inner, a 15mm vinyl edge 8 and corners 11, making two faces 7 of 2mm thick white acrylic sheet of approximate dimensions of 594mm width and 840mm depth.

To keep cost down, frame portions may be made from a cutting tool which cuts in rectangular form and/or acrylic faces and foam board inners may be glued together and then die cut to ensure that apertures in each lie in register one with another.

The visual aid further includes displaceable plugs 9 which are received by the apertures 10. As shown in Figure 7, the plugs 9 comprise resiliently deformable material extending rearwards, formed in either in an annular form 93 or of a tapered form with a smaller diameter rearward circular projection 92, which optionally deforms, enabling insertion of the plug 9 into the aperture 10.

Preferably the material from which plugs are made is resiliently deformable so that after compressing prior to insertion of the plug 9 into a aperture the annular projection 93 or circular projection 92 recovers so as to hold the plug 9 in place.

The plugs 9 increase in size incrementally. This means that waste material from the largest plug can be used to make smaller plugs. Layers are formed wherein an annular outer layer 15 provides a coloured overlap around the perimeter of the apertures, and deformable layer 92, 93 extends in use into the aperture 9.

The bodies 7 of the frame portions are 930mm by 680mm, and the sides of the body 7 are surrounded by edge protecting strips 8 and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) corner protectors 11.

The base 4 is constructed from a 2mm thick layer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) vacuum formed thermoplastic material. The underside of the vacuum forming is hollow and its sides are splayed outwards

The base 4 comprises raised and lowered parts, namely intermediate sections 14 and slot channels 5 for receipt of the frame portions, wherein such channels provide internal ribbing to overall provide rigidity to the base.

The ribbing comprises raised and lowered parts, namely intermediate sections 12 and intermediate indentations 13.

The ribbing inside the channels 5 improves the frame portions’ support by creating an interference fit with the face and bodies 7 of the frame portions 1.

The base further includes indentations 6 providing storage for dry wipe marker pens 16.

A fabric bag (not shown) may be provided with the visual aid to aid transportation, and made from panels of synthetic polyester and straps of Nylon (RTM) webbing. Two straps may be provided so that the bag can be carried over the shoulder or by hand, and the frame portions and base may be stacked together for storing within the bag. A pocket on the front of the bag may be used for storing pens and other smaller items and the bag is closed using Velcro (RTM) tabs.

With reference to the embodiment pictured in Figures 8 there is shown an embodiment of the visual aid comprising a plurality of upstanding frame portions 1 each having a discrete body 17 having two faces joined by one continuous side 105. In this embodiment of the visual aid the frame portions 1 may be arranged sequentially in use, as they are discrete units.

In this way the frame portions are displaceable with reference to one another so as to provide different arrangements of the apertures 10 that pass through the faces of the bodies forming the frame portions 1

The frame portions comprise unitary bodies 17 and sides 105, formed in a single material and/or process, each with four apertures 10 arranged across the faces and passing entirely through.

The bodies 17 comprise solid material with a wipeable outer surface to make it possible to use dry wipe markers on both the surface of boards.

The visual aid further includes legs 36, two sets for each frame portion, comprising two vertical clip parts 35 to sandwich the body 17, and two horizontal feet 34 extending to either side of the body 17.

The visual aid further includes a displaceable independent cord 3 for threading through the apertures 10.

The frame portions and plugs are lightweight and made using a closed cell foam.

The frame portions 1 are square with radiused corners, being 4 identical 600mm x 600mm bodies 17, such that being square allows rotation to create different configurations of apertures.

There are 3 different diameters of plug 20; 200mm, 150mm and 100mm. In some embodiments there may be one size of plug, which plug may deform to be accepted in a plurality of differing diameter apertures.

A foam ring 19 mounted on the back of the plug 20 corresponds to the aperture in the board. A disc 18 of white acrylic provides a surface to write on whilst acting as a stop for the plug and a thin vinyl ring is used to highlight the location of the plug.

The spacing between each frame portion 1 may be adjustable so that the frame portions may be approximated or spaced apart wherein the frame portions 1 are free standing in use.

With reference to the embodiment pictured in Figures 9 to 11, the embodiment uses transparent frame portions 1 formed of acrylic bodies 77 which are hinged together to reduce set up time and remove need for a base.

Bodies 77 are typically 930mm by 680mm (that is approximately the size of an A1 sheet) and formed in clear material such as acrylic enabling users to see the plugs 50 from either side and wherein dry wipe markers could be used on this surface. Optionally red vinyl is formed or placed around the apertures 10 as this allows the apertures to be discerned from either side of the frame portion 1.

Plug 50 is made from a ring of clear, colourless or coloured acrylic with a white disc bonded to one side to allow the plugs to be written on, and contrast with the transparency of the panel.

The plug and aperture may be ferro-magnetically attracted one to another. The bodies 77 have two edging strips 79 to left and right and are connected by a connection mechanism 80 comprising three vertically spaced hinges 81 joining the edging strips 79.

With reference to Figure 11 the visual aid comprises a harness comprising two straps 92 to hold the stacked frame portions, and loops 91, for a single carriage strap 90.

With reference to Figure 12 there is shown an embodiment of the visual aid shown with plural deformable plugs 33, a rectangular base 2 and upstanding frame portions 1, placed in indentations 32 in the base 2.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A visual aid comprising: a plurality of frame portions that are adapted to be upstanding from a surface, each frame portion has an arrangement of apertures formed therein, an aperture is representative of an event, state or condition, the frame portions are displaceable with respect one to another; whereby a set of actions are modelled by passing an item through apertures of adjacent frame portions.

2. A visual aid according to claim 1 wherein the item is a piece of cord.

3. A visual aid according to claim 1 wherein the item is a rod.

4. A visual aid according to any preceding claim wherein the frame portions are adapted to be connected one to another.

5. A visual aid according to any preceding claim wherein the frame portions comprise substantially planar bodies.

6. A visual aid according to any preceding claim wherein the frame portions are substantially rectilinear bodies.

7. A visual aid according to any preceding claim wherein the frame portions are adapted to be upstanding by means of a support is a base with a plurality of channels that slidably receive the frame portions.

8. A visual aid according to any preceding claim wherein apertures are of different sizes and/or shapes apertures are representative of different events, states or conditions.

9. A visual aid according to any preceding claim including at least one plug for closing an aperture.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1706456.9 Examiner: Mr Chris Morris