GB2606998A

GB2606998A - Educational toy

Info

Publication number: GB2606998A
Application number: GB2106013.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Johnson Lewis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-04-27
Filing date: 2021-04-27
Publication date: 2022-11-30
Also published as: GB202106013D0

Abstract

An educational toy comprises a plurality of segments 100, assemblable to form a polyhedronal shape. Each segment 100 comprises a base (104, figure 2b), a plurality of tapered side walls (102a,b, figure 2a) and at least one connector (210a,b). When the plurality of segments 100 are assembled to form the polyhedronal shape the base (104) defines an outer face of the polyhedronal shape. The at least one connector (210a,b) is for releasably connecting a side wall of the segment 100 with a side wall of a neighbouring segment 100 in order to form the polyhedral shape. The connector may be a magnet or a mechanical fastener. The polyhedronal shape may be a dodecahedron. Each segment may be pyramidal in shape. The base of each segment may be provided with a user interface (220, figure 2b) including a rotational element (221) and random number generator of the form of a ball (235) which falls into one of a plurality of receptacles (236) following rolling or spinning of toy. The rotational element may be aligned with the ball to present the user with a mathematical problem to solve. A cover (227) may be moved to reveal the answer to the mathematical problem. The toy may be used to teach times tables to a user, where each segment is for teaching a different times table.

Description

TITLE

Educational Toy

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an educational toy. Some relate to an educational toy for teaching times tables to children.

BACKGROUND

A toy is an item that is used in play. Toys can provide entertainment while also fulfilling an educational purpose. One such purpose may be in learning the times tables, which are part of the UK national curriculum for school children.

A known educational toy comprises a series of blocks, where each block has a question on one side and the answer to the question on the opposite side. Users can test themselves by looking at a question on a block and then flipping the block over to see the answer. The blocks do not connect to each other and so it is easy for blocks to be lost. Additionally, the number of ways to play with the blocks is limited and so the toy might not be stimulating for a user and the user may lose interest quickly.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an educational toy. The educational toy comprises a plurality of segments, assemblable to form a polyhedronal shape. Each segment comprises a base, a plurality of tapered side walls and at least one connector. When the plurality of segments are assembled to form the polyhedronal shape the base defines an outer face of the polyhedronal shape. The at least one connector is for releasably connecting a side wall of the segment with a side wall of a neighbouring segment in order to form the polyhedronal shape.

The polyhedronal shape may be a platonic solid. The polyhedronal shape may be a 35 dodecahedron.

Each segment may be substantially pyramidal. Each segment may have a truncated pyramid shape and may further comprise an upper wall. The polyhedronal shape may comprise a cavity at least partially defined by the upper wall of each segment. Each segment may further comprise a handle coupled to the upper wall. The handle may comprise a mechanical fastener.

The at least one connector may comprise at least one magnet. The at least one connector may comprise at least one mechanical fastener. The at least one connector may comprise multiple connectors for releasably connecting each side wall of the segment with a side wall of a different neighbouring segment. The multiple connectors may comprise, for each side wall of the segment, a connector for releasably connecting the side wall of the segment with a side wall of a neighbouring segment.

The base may comprise an interface for revealing information in response to user input. The interface may comprise a rotatable element comprising an upper surface and a lower surface. The rotatable element may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The rotatable element may comprise an opening though which the information is viewable when the opening is aligned with the information.

The interface may comprise a cover configured such that in an initial state the cover covers the opening, and configured such that the cover is actuatable to move to a second state in which the cover does not cover the opening. The cover may be biased from the second state to the initial state. The rotatable element may comprise a groove and the cover may comprise a first portion for covering the opening and a second portion which slides within the groove.

The interface may further comprise means for generating random values. The means for generating random values may comprise a ball and a plurality of receptacles for receiving the ball.

The rotatable element may comprise a plurality of recesses in its lower surface. The interface may further comprise a support comprising a stop member biased to be received in a recess of the plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses may be positioned equidistant from the axis of rotation of the rotatable element, such that as the rotatable element is rotated the stop member is brought into and out of alignment with each of the recesses. The recesses may be substantially semi-spherical in shape. The stop member may comprise a ball and a spring.

The interface may further comprise markings arranged around the perimeter of the rotatable element. The educational toy may be for teaching times tables to users, where each segment is for teaching a different times table.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a rotation apparatus for an educational toy. The rotation apparatus comprises a rotatable element comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of recesses in its lower surface; and a support comprising a stop member biased to be received in a recess of the plurality of recesses.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGs la and lb illustrate orthogonal side and underside views of a first example segment; FIGs 2a and 2b illustrate orthogonal side and underside views of a second example segment; FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded schematic of the second example segment FIGs 4a and 4b illustrate top and underside views of an example lower portion of a

rotatable element;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example rotatable element and a support; FIGs 6 and 7 illustrate underside views of the second example segment; FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an example segment; FIGs 9 and 10 illustrate perspective views of examples segments coupled to different objects; FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of segments; FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an example educational toy; FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an example educational toy; FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an example educational toy; FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded schematic of a third example segment; and FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the third example segment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to an educational toy comprising a plurality of segments, where the segments are assemblable to form a polyhedronal shape. In some examples the educational toy is for teaching times tables to users, where each segment is for teaching a different times table. The polyhedronal shape may be a dodecahedron. The users may be children and their parents or teachers.

FIGs la and lb illustrate orthogonal side and underside views of a first example segment 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The segment 100 comprises a base 104, a plurality of tapered side walls 102a, 102b and at least one connector 110. The base 104 is connected to each of the plurality of tapered side walls 102 at an edge. The connector 110 is for releasably connecting a side wall 102 of the segment 100 with a side wall 102 of a neighbouring segment 100 in order to form the polyhedronal shape. When the plurality of segments 100 are assembled to form the polyhedronal shape, the base 104 defines an outer face of the polyhedronal shape.

The segment 100 may be substantially pyramidal in shape. In the example of FIGs la and lb the segment 100 has a non-truncated pyramid shape. However, in other examples, such as illustrated in FIGs 2a, 2b, 15 and 16, the segment 100 may have a truncated pyramid shape.

The segment 100 as illustrated in FIGs la and lb is a regular pentagonal pyramid and the base 104 is a regular pentagon. The tapered side walls 102 are triangles and are identical to each other. In other examples, however, the segment 100 is a different shape. For example, the segment 100 may be square based pyramid or a triangular based pyramid such as a tetrahedron. The segment 100 can be regular or irregular in shape. The base 104 is a polygon such as a pentagon, square or triangle, and can be regular or irregular in shape.

Coordinate axes 50 are illustrated in FIG. la that include an x axis and a z axis. The coordinate axes 50 as illustrated in FIG. 2 include an x axis and a y axis. The x dimension is aligned with one of the edges of the base 104 of the segment 100, the z dimension is aligned with the height of the segment 100, and the y dimension is orthogonal to the x and z dimensions.

The segment 100 may be formed of any suitable material, for example, a metal such as aluminum or steel, wood, or a plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polyethylene. The segment 100 may be formed or a single material or a range of materials. The segment 100 may be integrally formed or comprise a number of separate pieces. The segment 100 may be formed by any suitable method, for example, casting, injection molding or 3D printing.

FIGs 2a and 2b illustrate orthogonal side and underside views of a second example segment 100 according to embodiments of the invention. In this example the segment has a truncated pyramid / pyramidal frustum shape. The segment 100 comprises an upper wall 206 which is coupled to each of the plurality of tapered side walls 102 at an edge. The upper wall 206 has the same shape as the base 104. This may be a regular pentagon as in the illustrated example, or may be any other suitable shape as described with regard to the base 104. The upper wall 206 has a smaller area than the base 104.

In examples where the segments 100 are truncated pyramids in shape, the polyhedronal shape that is assemblable from the segments 100 comprises a cavity at least partially defined by the upper wall 206 of each segment 100. The cavity may be at or near the centre of the polyhedronal shape. In the illustrated example, the side walls 102 are each isosceles trapezium in shape. In other examples they may have a different shape such as a non-isosceles trapezium or another quadrilateral shape.

The segment 100 may comprise a handle 207 coupled to the upper wall 206. In the illustrated example the handle 207 has a truncated pyramid shape which is inverted compared to the truncated pyramid shape of the segment 100. In other examples the handle 207 may be any suitable shape, such as ring shaped. The handle 207 may be integrally formed with the upper wall 206. In some examples, such as in FIGs 8, 9 and 10, the handle 207 comprises a mechanical fastener.

In the illustrated example, the segment 100 comprises one or more ridges 208. The ridges 208 extend along the side walls 102 of the segment 100, and extend circumferentially around the segment 100. The one or more ridges 208 are parallel to the base 104. The ridges 208 aid in disassembly of the polyhedronal shape. The ridges 208 may be used as finger grips by a user.

In the example illustrated in FIGs 2a and 2b, the segment 100 comprises multiple connectors 210a, 210b for releasably connecting side walls 102 of the segment 100 with side walls 102 of different neighbouring segments 100. The multiple connectors 210 may comprise, for each side wall 102 of the segment 100, one or more connectors 210 for releasably connecting each side wall 102 of the segment 100 with each side wall 102 of a neighbouring segment 100. Alternatively, a segment 100 may merely comprise a single connector 210.

In the example of FIG. 2a the segment 100 comprises a plurality of magnets 210 comprising two magnets 210 for each side wall 102 of the segment 100. The magnets 210 are positioned near to the base 104 of the segment 100. The magnets 210 may be positioned on or beneath the surface of the side wall 102. The magnets 210 can be of any suitable form such as mini magnets or strip magnets. In some examples only a single magnet 210 is present in a segment 100. The single magnet 210 may connect each side wall 102 of the segment 100 with a side wall 102 of a different neighbouring segment 100. Magnets have the advantage that the educational toy may be more easily assembled and disassembled. They can also make it more difficult to lose individual segments 100 of the educational toy 1100.

In some examples the segment 100 may comprise another form of connector 210. For example, the connector 210 may comprise a mechanical fastener, such as a clip, or hook and loop fasteners. The connector 210 may be a snap-fit connector.

In some examples, such as that illustrated in FIG 2b, the base 104 comprises an interface 220 for revealing information/answers in response to user input from a user. In other examples, such as illustrated in FIG. lb, the base 104 does not comprise an interface 220. In such examples the base 104 may display an image or a colour.

The interface 220 comprises a rotatable element 221. The rotatable element 221 comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface may form part of the outer surface of the segment 100. The rotatable element 221 may be a plate. The rotatable element 221 may be a dial. In the illustrated example the rotatable element 221 has a circular cross-sectional shape; however, in other examples the rotatable element 221 may have another cross-sectional shape such as a square. The rotatable element 221 is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation which is aligned with the z dimension, corresponding with the height dimension of the segment 100.

In the illustrated example the rotatable element 221 comprises a grip 223 which allows a user to more easily rotate the rotatable element 221. In this example the grip 223 is cylindrical in shape; however, the grip 223 may be any suitable shape such as cuboid. The grip 223 is spaced from the axis of rotation. That is, it is positioned such that the axis of rotation of the rotatable element 221 does not pass through it.

The rotatable element 221 may comprise an opening 224 though which information is viewable when the opening 224 is aligned with the information. Neither the opening 224 nor the information are visible in FIG. 2b. The opening 224 is visible in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of an exploded view of the second example segment 100 according to embodiments of the invention. In the example of FIG. 3 the rotatable element 221 comprises an upper portion 225 and a lower portion 226. The opening 224 passes through both the upper portion 225 and lower portion 226. The opening 224 is a through hole and passes through the rotatable element 221 from the upper surface of the upper portion 225 to the lower surface of the lower portion 226.

In the example of FIGs 2b and 3 the interface 220 comprises a cover 227. The cover 227 is configured such that in an initial state the cover 227 covers the opening 224. The cover 227 is actuatable to move to a second state in which the cover 227 does not cover the opening 224. The initial state is shown in FIG. 2b and the second state is shown in FIG. 7. The cover 227 may be biased from the second state to the initial state such that, in the absence of a (user) applied force to the cover 227, the cover 227 remains in or is urged back to the initial state. In the illustrated example the cover 227 slides away to reveal the opening 224 and thus the information 700. In other examples the cover 227 may be pivotable about a pivot such as a hinge, and the cover 227 may rotate about the pivot to reveal the information 700.

In the example of FIG. 3 the rotational element 221 comprises a groove 222. The cover 227 comprise a first portion 228 for covering the opening 224 and a second portion 229 which slides within the groove 222. The cover 227 also comprises a resilient bias for biasing the cover 227 from the second state to the initial state. The resilient bias may be a spring.

The illustrated segment 100 comprises a housing 230. The housing 230 forms part of the interface 220. The housing 230 at least partially defines the side walls 102 of the segment 100. The housing 230 encircles the rotatable element 221 and comprises a plurality of projections 231 which may abut the rotatable element 221. The interface 220 comprises a plurality of markings 232 arranged around the perimeter of the rotatable element 221. The housing 230 may comprise the plurality of markings 232.

The illustrated interface 220 also comprises means for generating random values 234.

The means for generating random values 234 comprises a ball 235 and a plurality of receptacles 236 for receiving the ball 235. A receptacle 236 of the plurality of receptacles 236 is at least partially defined by the projections 231 of the housing 230 and by the outer wall of the rotatable element 221. The ball 235 may be a ball bearing.

The means for generating random values 234 may further comprise a track for the ball 235 which may be defined at least partially by the housing 230. The track and plurality of receptacles 236 may form an internal segmented circular track. In other examples the means for generating random values 234 may comprise other suitable means. For example, the means for generating random values 234 may comprise a die or a spinner. Alternatively, the means for generating random values 234 may comprise a computer chipset.

The illustrated segment 100 comprises a covering layer 240. The covering layer 240 is at least partially transparent and covers at least part of the interface 220. The covering layer 240 may at least partially define the track and the receptacles 236.

The illustrated segment 100 comprises a support 241. The illustrated support 241 comprises an upper part 242 and a lower part 243. The support 241 at least partially defines the side walls 102 and upper wall 206 of the segment 100. The support 241 also comprises a stop member 244 which is configured to abut the lower surface of the rotatable element 221 to resist rotation of the rotatable element 221. The stop member 244 may comprise a ball 245, such as a ball bearing, and a resilient member, such as a spring. In FIG. 3 the stop member 244 is not illustrated; however, its position is shown by a circle representing the ball 245, and a rectangular box representing the position of the resilient member.

FIGs 4a and 4b illustrate top and underside views of an example lower portion 226 of a rotatable element 221 according to embodiments of the invention. The lower portion 226 of the rotatable element 221 may be the lower portion 226 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4a illustrates the top view of the lower portion 226 of a rotatable element 221. The illustrated opening 224 is substantially trapezoidal in shape; however, in other examples the opening 224 may take other shapes such as circular or rectangular. The illustrated opening 224 is open in a plane defined by the x and y dimensions. In some examples the opening 224 is also open on at least one side perpendicular to the plane defined by the x and y dimensions.

The illustrated lower portion 226 comprises a groove 222 for receiving the second portion 229 of the cover 227. The rectangular box 400 illustrates a potential position of the resilient bias of the cover 227. The resilient bias of the cover 227 may attach to the lower portion 226 of the rotatable element 221. For example, by a mechanical fastener such as a clip. The illustrated lower portion 226 also comprises a central aperture 401 for receiving a pivot 411, which allows the rotatable element 221 to be pivotally mounted to the support 241.

FIG. 4b illustrates the bottom view of the lower portion 226 of a rotatable element 221. In this example the lower surface of the rotatable element 221 comprises a plurality of recesses 402. The stop member 244 of the support 241 is biased to be received in a recess 402 of the plurality of recesses 402. The plurality of recesses 402 are positioned equidistant from the axis of rotation of the rotatable element 221, such that as the rotatable element 221 is rotated the stop member 244 is brought into and out of alignment with each of the recesses 402. The recesses 402 may be any suitable shape, for example the recesses 402 may be substantially semi-spherical in shape or substantially cylindrical in shape.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example rotatable element 221 and a support 241 according to embodiments of the invention. Together the rotatable element 221 and the support 241 comprise a rotation mechanism / rotation apparatus 500 for an educational toy. The rotation mechanism 500 may form part of the segment 100 described with regard to FIGs 1 to 4. Alternatively, the rotation mechanism 500 can be used in other contexts. For example, in a different educational toy which is not comprised of a plurality of pyramidal segments 100. The rotation mechanism 500 may comprise any of the features regarding the rotatable element 221 and the support 241 described elsewhere in this specification.

The rotation mechanism 500 comprises a rotatable element 221 comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of recesses 402 in its lower surface. The rotation mechanism 500 also comprises a support 241 comprising a stop member 244 biased to be received in a recess 402 of the plurality of recesses 402. The stop member 244 may comprise a ball 245, such as a ball bearing, and a resilient member such as a spring. The stop member 244 may be at least partially positioned in a channel or hole in the support 241. The hole or channel may be parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable element 221.

In an initial state the stop member 244 is received in a recess 402 of the plurality of recesses 402. The stop member 244 resists rotation of the rotatable element 221 relative to the support 241 and acts to lock the rotatable element 221 in place. Wien the rotatable element 221 is rotated the resilient member is compressed, until the stop member 244 aligns with the next recess 402 where the resilient member expands and the stop member 244 is received in this recess 402.

The rotation mechanism 500 produces an auditory click which may be heard by a user as the rotatable element 221 is rotated. The rotation mechanism 500 allows the rotatable element 221 to be easily rotated at discrete intervals defined by the recesses 402. This allows the rotatable element 221 to be easily aligned with another element, for example markings 232 surrounding the rotatable element 221, where the markings 232 correspond to a question such as a times table question. The rotation mechanism 500 allows a user to accurately rotate the rotatable element 221 using only one or two fingers.

FIGs 6 and 7 illustrate underside views of the second example segment 100 according to embodiments of the invention. These figures illustrate the interface 220 of the segment 100 in use by a user.

Initially the user activates the means for generating random values 234. The illustrated means for generating random values 234 comprises a ball 235 and a plurality of receptacles 236 for receiving the ball 235. The user can activate the means by spinning, shaking, twisting or otherwise moving the segment 100. This causes the ball 235 to move and subsequently to come to rest in one of the receptacles 236. Each receptacle 236 corresponds with a value indicated by the marking 232, and so a question is generated. In the example of FIG. 6, the markings 232 indicate the integers from 1 to 12, and the ball 235 has landed in the receptacle 236 marked 3. The cover 227 also contains a further marking indicating an integer from 1 to 12, which in this example is 12. The combination generates a question for a user to attempt to answer, in this case the question asks: what is 12 times 3? Having generated a question, the user then rotates the rotatable element 221, as indicated by the black curved arrow in FIG. 6, until the cover 227 is aligned with the marking 232 corresponding to the value generated by the means for generating random values 234. As the rotatable element 221 is rotated, the rotation mechanism 500 allows the rotatable element 221 to be easily rotated at discrete intervals defined by the recesses 402 and to lock in place at positions where the cover 227 is aligned with the markings 232, and thus positions where the opening 224 is aligned with the relevant information 700. This rotation mechanism 500 also creates an audible clicking sound. The user may rotate the rotatable element 221 using the grip 223.

Once the cover 227 has been aligned with the selected marking 232, the user can actuate the cover 227 such that it moves from an initial state in which the cover 227 covers the opening 224 to a second state in which the cover 227 does not cover the opening 224 and the opening 224 is revealed. This movement is illustrated in FIG. 7 by the large arrow and in this example consists of the cover 227 sliding away from the opening 224. The user can now see through the opening 224 to the information 700 below, revealing the information 700. The illustrated information 700 is the value 36 and so answers the question of what is 12 times 3. By revealing the information 700 the user is able to check if they answered the question correctly. Having revealed the information 700 the user may release the cover 227 which is biased and so moves back to its first position in which the opening 224 is covered.

The illustrated information 700 is positioned on the support 241. The information 700 is positioned such the correct information 700 is fully aligned with the opening 224 when the cover 227 is aligned with the respective marking 232. The information 700 is a plurality of markings. These information markings may be distributed radially and equally spaced on the support 241 around the axis of rotation of the rotatable element 221. The information markings may be printed on the support 241.

It will be apparent to the reader that the user does not need to use the means for generating random values 234 to generate a question but can instead simply manipulate the interface 220 to select a question to reveal the answer to.

Although in the illustrated example the interface 220 is used to teach times tables to a user; specifically, the 12 times table in FIGs 2a, 2b, 6 and 7. The markings 232 and information 700 may relate to different questions and different educational subject matter. In one such example, the marking on the cover 227 depict an image of an animal such as a pig, the markings 232 around the edge of the rotatable element 221 depict questions about the animal such as 'what sound does it make?' and the information 700 reveals the answer to the question, 'oink' in this case. Other examples of educational subject matter may be planets, or geometric shapes.

In some examples of the invention the interface 220 may differ significantly from the interface 220 illustrated in the figures. For example, the interface 220 may not be a mechanical interface and the interface 220 may comprise a display, such as a touch screen display, and a computer chipset. The interface 220 may also comprise a speaker and/or a microphone.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an example segment 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The portion illustrates the upper wall 206 and handle 207. The illustrated handle 207 comprises a mechanical fastener 808 for coupling the segment 100 to another object. The object may, for example, be a bag, a case, a garment, a stand or a wall. The object may comprise a corresponding mechanical fastener. In the illustrated example the mechanical fastener 808 comprises a ring and a carabiner. In other examples other types of mechanical fasteners 808 may be used including, clips, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, keyring and chains.

FIGs 9 and 10 illustrate perspective views of examples segments 100 coupled to different objects according to embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 9 an example segment 100 is coupled to a backpack 810. In FIG. 10 a different example segment 100 is coupled to a pencil case 820. By attaching an individual segment 100 to an object the user can more easily practice the subject material of the segment 100, such as a specific times table, at the user's convenience.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of segments 100a-1001 according to embodiments of the invention. An educational toy 1110 comprises the plurality of segments 100. The plurality of segments 100a-1001 are segments 100 as described regarding FIGs 1 to 10 and comprise the same features. In the illustrated example each segment 100 is for teaching a different times table to a user, from the 1 times table to the 12 times table. In other examples the subject matter of the segments 100 may be different, for example each segment 100 may be for teaching a user about a different animal. In the illustrated example the segments 100 are substantially identical. However, in other examples this may not be the case; for instance, only some of the segments 100 may have an interface 220, or the segments 100 may be different shapes and/or sizes.

The plurality of segments 100 are assemblable to form a polyhedronal shape. FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an example educational toy 1100 according to embodiments of the invention. In the example of FIG. 12 the segments 100 have been assembled to form a partially assembled polyhedronal shape 1200. This partially assembled polyhedronal shape 1200 comprises two halves, each formed of 6 segments 100.

A segment 100 connects to a neighbouring segment 100 by connecting a side wall 102 of the segment 100 to a side wall 102 of the neighboring segment 100 using the at least one connector 110 of each segment 100 (see the segment 100h labeled 8 and the segment 100i labeled 9 in FIG.12). A different side wall 102 of one of two connected segments 100 is then connected with a side wall 102 of a different neighbouring segment 100. This process is repeated until all of the side walls 102 of the plurality of segments 100 are connected to each other and the polyhedronal shape is assembled. The corresponding side walls 102 of neighbouring segments 100 are connected such that these side walls 102 are aligned with each other, and such that they substantially overlap in a plane defined by the side walls 102. Any segment 100 may connect with any other segment 100 in a range of orientations. The segments 100 can be assembled in any order.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an example educational toy 1100 according to embodiments of the invention. In the example of FIG. 13 the segments 100 have been assembled to form a polyhedronal shape 1300.

In the example of FIGs 11 to 14 the polyhedronal shape 1300 is a regular dodecahedron. In other examples the polyhedronal shape 1300 may be a different platonic solid, such as a cube or regular octahedron, or may be a different shape entirely. For example, the polyhedronal shape 1300 may be an irregular shape, such as an irregular dodecahedron or octahedron.

In the illustrated example the segments 100 are truncated pyramids in shape. Therefore, the polyhedronal shape 1300 assemblable from the segments 100, comprises a cavity at least partially defined by the upper wall 206 of each segment 100. This cavity makes it easy to disassemble the polyhedronal shape 1300 as a user pushing a segment 100 can cause the entire the polyhedronal shape 1300 to break apart.

The illustrated educational toy 1100 functions as a die, as such the toy 1100 can be rolled and how the toy 1100 comes to rest can be used by a user to select a face, for example the face facing upwards which in FIG. 13 corresponds to the 2 times table. In some examples rolling of the educational toy 1100 also causes the means for generating random values 234 of the segments 100 to generate values and so a whole question can be generated in a single step. A user may interact with the interface 220 of a segment 100 when the polyhedronal shape 1300 is assembled, when the polyhedronal shape 1300 is partially assembled and when the segments 100 are separate.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an example educational toy 1100 according to embodiments of the invention. In the example of FIG. 14 a segment 100i has been removed from the polyhedronal shape 1300 by a user pulling the segment 100i from the polyhedronal shape 1300 in order to interact with the segment 100i by itself. In doing so different segments 100 of the educational toy 1100 can be interacted with by different users simultaneously. The polyhedronal shape 1300 may be dissembled in a number of different ways including a user pushing on the segments 100 causing the polyhedronal shape 1300 to break apart, a user pulling segments 100 out of the polyhedronal shape 1300, and a user throwing the polyhedronal shape 1300 against a surface. Users are provided with a large number of different ways of interacting/playing with the educational toy 1100. The toy 1100 is, therefore, more likely to be stimulating for users and the users are less likely to lose interest quickly.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded schematic of a third example segment 100 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the third example segment 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The segment 100 may comprise any of the features described regarding the segments 100 as illustrated in the other figures.

In this example the segment 100 has a very truncated pyramid shape, such that the height of the segment 100 is smaller than the length of an edge of the base 204. The illustrated support 241 only comprises a single part, and is integrally formed with the housing 230. The illustrated handle 207 comprises a number of different elements which may be mechanical fasteners 808. The handle 207 comprises a ring 1608 which is separated from the other elements of the handle 207. In FIG. 15 the resilient bias 1527 of the cover 227 and the resilient bias 1544 of the stop member 344 are visible. The illustrated resilient biases 1527, 1544 are both springs.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising merely one..." or by using "consisting".

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'can' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example', 'can' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term 'a' or 'the' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one' or 'one or more' may be used to emphasize an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. An educational toy comprising: a plurality of segments, assemblable to form a polyhedronal shape, each segment comprising: a base that, when the plurality of segments are assembled to form the polyhedronal shape, defines an outer face of the polyhedronal shape; a plurality of tapered side walls; and at least one connector for releasably connecting a side wall of the segment with a side wall of a neighbouring segment in order to form the polyhedronal shape.
2. The educational toy of claim 1, where the polyhedronal shape is a platonic solid.
3. The educational toy of claim 1 or 2, where the polyhedronal shape is a dodecahedron.
4. The educational toy of claim 1, 2 or 3, where each segment is substantially pyramidal.
5. The educational toy of any of the preceding claims, where each segment has a truncated pyramid shape and further comprises an upper wall, and the polyhedronal shape comprises a cavity at least partially defined by the upper wall of each segment.
6. The educational toy of claim 5, where each segment further comprises a handle coupled to the upper wall.
7. The educational toy of claim 6, where the handle comprises a mechanical fastener.
8. The educational toy of any of the preceding claims, where the at least one connector comprises at least one magnet.
9. The educational toy of any of the preceding claims, where the at least one connector comprises at least one mechanical fastener.
10. The educational toy of any of the preceding claims, where the at least one connector comprises multiple connectors for releasably connecting each side wall of the segment with a side wall of a different neighbouring segment.
11. The educational toy of any of the preceding claims, where the multiple connectors comprise, for each side wall of the segment, a connector for releasably connecting the side wall of the segment with a side wall of a neighbouring segment.
12 The educational toy of any of the preceding claims, where the base comprises an interface for revealing information in response to user input.
13. The educational toy of claim 12, where the interface comprises a rotatable element comprising an upper surface and a lower surface.
14. The educational toy of claim 13, where the rotatable element comprises an opening though which the information is viewable when the opening is aligned with the 20 information.
15. The educational toy of claim 14, where the interface comprises a cover configured such that in an initial state the cover covers the opening, and configured such that the cover is actuatable to move to a second state in which the cover does not cover the opening.
16. The educational toy of claim 15, where the cover is biased from the second state to the initial state.
17. The educational toy of claim 15 or 16, where the rotatable element comprises a groove and where the cover comprises a first portion for covering the opening and a second portion which slides within the groove.
18. The educational toy of any of claims 12 to 17, where the interface further comprises means for generating random values.
19. The educational toy of claim 18, where the means for generating random values comprises a ball and a plurality of receptacles for receiving the ball.
20. The educational toy of any of claims 13 to 19, where the rotatable element comprises a plurality of recesses in its lower surface, and the interface further comprises a support comprising a stop member biased to be received in a recess of the plurality of recesses.
21. The educational toy of claim 20, where the plurality of recesses are positioned equidistant from the axis of rotation of the rotatable element, such that as the rotatable element is rotated the stop member is brought into and out of alignment with each of the recesses.
22. The educational toy of claim 20 01 21, where the recesses are substantially semi-spherical in shape.
23. The educational toy of any of claims 20 to 22, where the stop member comprises a ball and a spring.
24. The educational toy of any of claims 13 to 23, where the interface further comprises markings arranged around the perimeter of the rotatable element.
25. The educational toy of any of the preceding claims, where the educational toy is for teaching times tables to users, where each segment is for teaching a differenttimes table.