WO2010136991A1

WO2010136991A1 - Kit for educational, recreational or therapeutic use and method for personalizing an apparatus for this use

Info

Publication number: WO2010136991A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/052360
Authority: WO
Inventors: Junior Venturi
Original assignee: Idea System S.R.L.
Priority date: 2009-05-27
Filing date: 2010-05-27
Publication date: 2010-12-02
Also published as: IT1395685B1; ITVR20090072A1

Abstract

A kit for educational, recreational or therapeutic use, comprising a plurality of types of operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) which differ from each other, and a supporting structure (12) which is table-shaped and includes a seat (30) for housing or supporting one type of said operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414). Each type of said types of operating equipment can be removably associated with the supporting structure (12) so as to obtain an apparatus (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for educational, recreational or therapeutic use. The types of operating equipment are interchangeable with each other on said supporting structure (12). A method for personalizing an apparatus (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for educational, recreational or therapeutic use is also disclosed.

Description

KIT FOR EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL OR THERAPEUTIC USE AND METHOD FOR PERSONALIZING AN APPARATUS FOR THIS USE

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates in general to the sectors of education, recreation and/or therapeutic assistance intended, for example, for persons with difficulties of a psychological, social and/or mental nature, such as persons with physical and/or neurological handicaps, elderly people and similar persons who require assistance. In particular, in the abovementioned sector of therapeutic assistance it is known that there exists the need to provide apparatus which help induce so-called "cognitive stimuli" in persons with said difficulties, for example by allowing them to perform a working or creative activity (such as drawing, art work or gardening) or an activity involving their own person, for example personal hygiene. Basically these are apparatus which favour and stimulate in such persons a sense of independence and a capacity for action, namely which stimulate in said persons the will and desire to look after themselves or devote their attention to an object or a project or the like or perform a particular activity with care.

In other words, these are apparatus which are used in an attempt to induce such persons to perform, as far as possible in an independent manner, a working activity or an activity of a private/personal nature. One drawback of the known apparatus is that they offer a limited versatility in terms of use and a limited possibility for adaptation over time to a given course of therapeutic treatment or therapeutic programme intended for a person. One technical problem forming the basis of the present disclosure is that of providing an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use, having a structure which allows a greater functional and operational versatility, for example with the possibility of adaptation over time to a given therapeutic treatment course or programme, both in the case of prevention and when dealing with degenerative situations, or with the possibility of adaptation to multiple educational, recreational or therapeutic activities, and/or which is able to achieve further advantages. In particular, a kit for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to claim 1 is provided. The abovementioned technical problem is also coped with by a method for personalizing an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to claim 15. Secondary characteristic features of the subject of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

With the subject of the present disclosure it is possible to achieve a number of significant advantages. One advantage of the kit according to the present disclosure consists in the provision of an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use offering a high degree of versatility during use since, in the apparatus according to the present disclosure, the operating equipment may be replaced at any time by another type of operating equipment depending on needs, for example depending on the educational and/or therapeutic programme followed by a person. Basically, the apparatus is an aid for multiple educational, recreational or therapeutic activities, which each require a specific type of operating equipment; a single supporting structure is compatible with a plurality of types of operating equipment, advantageously resulting in greater versatility during use and a reduction in both the overall space occupied and costs.

Moreover, the use of a table-shaped supporting structure results in the apparatus being easy to use also for persons with motor or mental difficulties, since the person is able to sit easily at the table and operate directly using the operating equipment associated with the table.

Furthermore, the use of a table-shaped supporting structure allows a plurality of supporting structures to be grouped together in a simple and practical manner within one same room and subsequently a suitable type of operating equipment to be associated with each supporting structure. For example, the operating equipment may consist of equipment for performing artistic and creative work of any kind, drawing equipment, electronic equipment, such as computers, interactive games, and the like, sewing equipment, toiletry or personal care or hygiene equipment, gardening equipment, recreational equipment for leisure time (for example a game or playing board) or other equipment which may stimulate and induce a cognitive improvement in persons with psychological, neurological, social and/or mental difficulties.

Owing to the possibility of grouping together a plurality of table-shaped supporting structures within the same room, several persons are able to perform one or more activities at the same time, said persons, since they are present within the same room, being stimulated to relate to each other, socialize and perform the activity thanks to the possibility of observing the activities performed by other persons. Moreover, the duties of a teacher or educator are made easier since he/she is able to monitor simultaneously the activities of a certain number of persons. Moreover, owing to the possibility of changing the operating equipment, choosing it from among the types of equipment present in the kit, it is possible to prepare a programme for development and psychological and mental improvement of a person and combine in each case a different type of operating equipment with the supporting structure, depending on the programme, so as to induce different cognitive stimuli in the person. Basically, it is possible to perform personalization of the apparatus in accordance with the specific needs of the person. This is particularly advantageous in the case of occupational therapy which envisages multiple activities associated with the development and maintenance of practical and social abilities for increasing the well-being and autonomy of a person. The apparatus, in addition to helping induce a cognitive stimulus, allows volumetric personalization of the physical space where the person is present. The successive use of different types of operating equipment allows conversion of the physical space, also at the same time as modification of the person's behaviour, so as to generate sensorial stimuli in the person aimed at modifying the behaviour of said person.

An apparatus according to the present disclosure can be used also in the educational sector, in this case, too, so as to help induce a cognitive stimulus. An example which may be cited is that of a school classroom in which the students are involved in multiple educational activities (for example writing, drawing, painting, technical activities or other manual activities involving the use of tools) which require different means and instruments. With the apparatus according to the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain a same supporting structure, for example in the form of a desk, and change only the operating equipment depending on the educational activity. This enables a great saving in terms of costs and space, compared to providing a different desk for each activity.

Moreover, the various types of operating equipment occupy a small amount of space and therefore, when not required, may be easily stored, for example inside a cabinet, on shelving or generally inside a furniture unit.

A kit according to the present disclosure may also be used for carrying out a manual DIY activity or for performing a hobby or recreational activity. An example is the case of a person who performs DIY activities or performs multiple manual activities (drawing, painting, modelling or the like) within a small-size room. In this case, in fact, a kit according to the present disclosure would allow said person to have a plurality of types of operating equipment for said activities and at the same time to limit the overall amount of space occupied. According to one embodiment, each type of operating equipment includes a panel or a peripheral chassis which is able to be arranged in the seat; in other words, all the types of operating equipment have a peripheral chassis with a form and dimensions suitable for the seat on the table-shaped supporting structure so as to allow all types of operating equipment to be combined (and easily interchanged) with the same supporting structure.

According to one embodiment, the supporting structure includes a frame, i.e. a closed-ring body, preferably a flat frame, which frame defines the seat, for example formed as a cavity or inner hole. The flat frame basically forms a portion of the support surface of the table.

In this embodiment, operating equipment, in particular said panel or peripheral chassis, is able to be housed inside the cavity defined by the frame. One advantage is that a large number of different types of operating equipment may be combined with the supporting structure. In fact, the cavity defined by the frame provides or defines a space which is sufficiently large to receive operating equipment of different volume and size. It is pointed out in particular that the use of operating equipment of different volume and size represents per se a cognitive stimulus, stimulating the growth and development of a person. In other words, the frame defines internally a "visual field", i.e. a spatial area which may be perceived by an observer/person and inside which it is possible to vary a volumetric dimension using different types of operating equipment characterized by different spaces, different objects or different functions and activities. In fact, each activity is characterized by the use of an associated volumetric dimension within the visual field, so as to stimulate the person in a selective and varied manner.

In one embodiment, the frame includes, along an internal perimeter facing the cavity, a recess which defines a support for the operating equipment. This embodiment has the advantage that it allows a stable support for the operating equipment and at the same time is easy to manufacture and allows easy replacement of the operating equipment.

It is in fact sufficient to form the recess along the internal perimeter of the frame using known methods, for example moulding, should the frame be made of plastic, or carving, should the frame be made of wood. In some embodiments, the operating equipment includes a panel which is able to be arranged inside said cavity and positioned so as to rest on said recess. This embodiment has the advantage that the panel, which is suitably shaped so as to form a surface continuity with the frame, completely closes the cavity, forming with the frame a continuous surface and therefore a convenient support and work surface for the person or for the user. In one embodiment, the supporting structure comprises at least one supporting leg for the frame, where said frame and said at least one supporting leg are arranged substantially in a T-like shape so as to form said table-shaped configuration. In one embodiment, the supporting leg for the frame is extensible so as to allow a height adjustment of the frame. This embodiment has the advantage of being able to adapt the apparatus to persons who are of different height or who operate in different conditions, for example sat on a normal chair or on a wheelchair, or using a stool as support, or standing.

In one embodiment, the frame is translatable with respect to the supporting leg in a direction transverse to the supporting leg, for example a horizontal direction. This embodiment has the advantage that the position of the frame, and therefore of the operating equipment associated with it, may be modified towards or away from a user situated in the vicinity of the operating equipment.

The combination of the height adjustment of the frame and the possibility for translating it with respect to the supporting leg is particularly advantageous since there is the possibility for a high degree of adaptation to suit the user's needs and position. An apparatus according to the present disclosure is also easy to assemble.

Further advantages, characteristic features and the modes of use of the subject of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, provided by way of non-limiting examples. It is clear, however, that each embodiment may have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case it is not required that each embodiment should have simultaneously all the advantages listed. Reference shall be made to the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to the present disclosure; - Figure 1A shows a perspective view of operating equipment for the apparatus according to Figure 1 ;

- Figure 1 B shows a perspective view of a variant of the operating equipment according to Figure 1A;

- Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 2A shows a perspective view of operating equipment for the apparatus according to Figure 2;

- Figure 3 shows a perspective view, from below, of a detail according to Figure 2;

- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 4A shows a perspective view of operating equipment for the apparatus according to Figure 4; - Figure 4B shows a perspective view of a variation of embodiment of operating equipment for the apparatus according to Figure 4;

- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to the present disclosure; - Figure 5A shows a perspective view of operating equipment for the apparatus according to Figure 5;

- Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 6A shows a perspective view of operating equipment for the apparatus according to Figure 6;

- Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a supporting structure of an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 8 shows a perspective exploded view of the supporting structure according to Figure 7; - Figure 9 shows a perspective view, from above, of a detail of the supporting structure according to Figure 7;

- Figure 10 shows another perspective view, from above, of a detail of the supporting structure according to Figure 7;

- Figures 11 , 12 and 13 show side views of apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to the present disclosure, in different operating positions;

- Figure 14 shows a plan view of a detail of the supporting structure according to Figure 7;

- Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line XV-XV of Figure 14;

- Figure 16 shows a side view of an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 17 shows a perspective view, from above, of a set of apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to the present disclosure; - Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a furniture unit for stowing away a plurality of operating equipment according to the present disclosure, where the furniture unit is in a closed condition;

- Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the furniture unit according to Figure 18, in an open condition; With reference to the accompanying figures, the reference numbers 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 denote different embodiments of an apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use. The apparatus 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 comprises a supporting structure 12 which is table-shaped, i.e. in the form of a desk, and operating equipment, denoted in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 17 by the reference numbers 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414, intended for performing a specific activity, in particular able to foster a cognitive stimulus in persons with social, psychological and/or neurological difficulties.

Basically, the supporting structure 12 acts as a support for the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414, the latter being housed and/or supported in a special seat 30 in the supporting structure 12. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 is structurally independent of said supporting structure 12, i.e. is a part or body which is removable from the supporting structure 12 and may be removed as required, for example in order to be replaced by other operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414. In particular, said operating equipment is chosen from a plurality of types of operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 which are different from each other. Each of said equipment is intended for performing a respective specific activity able to foster a cognitive stimulus in persons with social, psychological and/or neurological difficulties. Basically, owing to the fact that the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 is removably associated with the supporting structure 12, the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 is interchangeable, i.e. any one of said types of equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 may be associated with the supporting structure 12 according to needs.

In particular, in Figure 1 the operating equipment 14 (shown in detail in Figure 1A and in a variant in Figure 1 B) is an accessory for personal toiletry, i.e. for personal care or hygiene, including a mirror 38; in Figure 2 the equipment 114 (shown in Figure 2A in a variation of embodiment) is intended for carrying out artistic activities; in Figure 4 the equipment 214 (shown in detail in Figure 4A) is a simple work surface which may be provided with terminals for connection to an Internet network; in Figure 5 the equipment 314 (shown in detail in Figure 5A) includes accessories 315 for performing gardening activities; in Figure 6 the equipment 414 (shown in detail in Figure 6A) includes instruments and accessories 415, 416 for a painting and drawing activity.

In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 6, the supporting structure 12 remains the same, i.e. does not change when there is a change in the type of operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 associated with it.

In other words, a kit for educational, recreational or therapeutic use according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of types of operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 different from each other and a table-shaped supporting structure 12 which is able to house or support alternately (i.e. one at a time) each type of operating equipment of said plurality. The types of operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 are mutually interchangeable on the same supporting structure 12; the chosen type of operating equipment is associated removably with the supporting structure 12 so as to obtain an apparatus 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 for a given activity and may be replaced with different type of operating equipment when it is required to perform a different activity. It is therefore possible to obtain, by replacing only the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414, multiple apparatus 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 for educational, recreational or therapeutic use, allowing different activities to be performed and/or different cognitive stimuli to be produced.

In particular, in the examples shown, the supporting structure 12 includes two supporting legs 21 , 22 and a flat frame 25 fastened to the supporting legs 21, 22. In particular, the frame 25 has a substantially rectangular shape and the supporting legs 21 , 22 are arranged along the short sides 25a, 25b of the frame 25. In the embodiment shown, the frame 25 is a single closed-ring part which is obtained, for example, by means of pantograph shaping. Alternatively, the frame 25 is formed by four parts arranged joined together so as to form a ring and corresponding respectively to the short sides 25a, 25b and to the long sides 25c, 25d of the rectangle.

The frame 25 is made of a material of suitable mechanical strength such as wood, metal, Corian, high-density laminate or a combination of these materials. The supporting structure 12 also includes resting feet 23, 24, each fixed to the end of a respective supporting leg 21 , 22, and a cross-piece 26 for connecting together the two supporting legs 21 , 22.

In one embodiment, the supporting legs 21 , 22 and the resting feet 23, 24 are made of wood and the cross-piece 26 is made of metal; in particular, the cross-piece 26 is welded to end parts 27 which are also made of metal and associated, for example by means of an engaging joint, with the top of a respective supporting leg 21 , 22. Even more particularly, the frame 25 is a chassis which defines internally a seat 30, in the example a cavity, for receiving respective operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414. Basically, the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 consists of an insert which is housed inside the seat 30 of the frame 25. In particular, the frame 25 has along the internal perimeter a peripheral indentation or recess 31 which forms a rest surface for the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414. Basically, the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 rests on the recess 31 , which is formed along the inner edge of the frame 25 and creates a shelf-like projection inside the seat 30.

In the example according to Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 4, said recess 31 may conveniently house a corresponding panel 33, 133, 233 of the respective operating equipment 14, 114, 214. The panel 33, 133, 233 has preferably a thickness corresponding to the depth of the recess 31 so that, once positioned inside the cavity 30, the panel forms a surface continuity with the frame 25 and its surface, without any stepped zones. Along the short sides 25a, 25b of the frame 25, in the vicinity of the recess 31 , the supporting structure 12 comprises receiving notches 34, 35 allowing gripping of the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414, in particular of the respective panel 33, 123, 233, so as to facilitate positioning or removal of the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 onto or from the supporting structure 12. In the example according to Figures 1 and 1A, the operating equipment 14 comprises, in addition to the panel 33, a toiletry mirror 38 which is directly fixed onto the panel 33, preferably with an adjustable inclination. As shown in the variant according to Figure 1 B, the operating equipment 14 may also comprise sliding drawers 331 arranged underneath the work surface 33 for stowing away the objects used for personal care and hygiene. In the example according to Figure 2, the operating equipment 114 comprises, in addition to the respective panel 133, a framework or gantry or turret 140 formed by two parallel bars 141 , 142. The gantry 146 is fixed to the frame 25 by means of corresponding uprights 143, 144 provided with L-shaped brackets 145 and bolts 146 of the known type. The parallel bars 141 , 142 are able to support for example pots or containers 148 for containing paints or other decorative materials, to be used for artistic activities, or for containing material for performing an artistic pottery activity. Basically, the gantry 140 is an elevated framework or structure which allows one to have, in addition to the surface of the panel 133, a further work or support region, for example a raised surface, defined by the bars 141 , 142. The panel 133 (for example made of pRaL® laminate) is a work surface which is easy to clean and water-resistant.

In one variation of embodiment, shown in Figure 2A, the operating equipment 114 comprises a gantry or turret 140 which is fixed directly to the panel 133 instead of to the frame 25, using methods similar to those described above. In this case the gantry 140 is removable together with the panel 133.

In these cases also, as well as in those described below, drawers 331 may be provided. In the example according to Figures 4 and 4A, the operating equipment 214 includes only the panel 233 and the abovementioned terminals for connection to the network (not shown in the drawings).

In the example of embodiment, shown in Figure 4A for the operating equipment 214 and applicable also to other operating equipment, the operating equipment 214 comprises four uprights 240 or feet which extend perpendicularly from the panel 233 on the opposite side to the work surface and are fixed in the region of the corners of said panel 233. A second flat panel 241 or bottom base, which is substantially parallel to the panel 233 of the work surface, is fixed to said uprights 240, at the opposite end to the panel 233.

The bottom base 241 has dimensions smaller than those of the panel 233 and also the uprights 240 are fixed at a certain distance from the peripheral edges of the panel 233 so that the operating equipment 214 may be inserted into the cavity 30 of the frame 25 and the peripheral edges of the panel 233, projecting laterally from the uprights 240, rest on the recess 31.

An advantage of this embodiment is to provide operating equipment with a rigid structure which has a certain thickness in the direction perpendicular to the panel 233 (for example, the uprights 240 have a length of 10 cm) so that it may be joined to the supporting structure 12 with a greater stability (almost in the manner of an engaging joint) when inserted into the cavity 30.

In another example of embodiment, denoted by the reference number 214a in Figure 4B and applicable also to other operating equipment, the operating equipment 214a defines a container recess 215 which may be used to stow away objects, such as material for a sewing or painting activity. The container recess 215 extends inside the seat 30, i.e. underneath the plane defined by the frame 25.

In the example, the operating equipment 214a comprises a peripheral chassis or flat perimetral frame 216, side walls 217 which extend perpendicularly from the perimetral frame 216, and a bottom wall 218 or bottom base which is fixed to the side walls 217 in an opposite position to the perimetral frame 216. In a similar manner to that described above, the peripheral edges of the perimetral frame 216 project laterally from the side walls 217 so as to rest on the recess 31 when the operating equipment 241a is inserted inside the cavity 30.

The panel 233, which acts as a cover for the container recess 215, is pivoted on one side of the perimetral frame 216: when the panel 233 is closed in abutment against the perimetral frame 216 it closes the recess 215 and acts as a work surface, for example forming a surface continuity with the frame 25 of the supporting structure 12; when the panel 233 is open or raised, it allows access to the recess 215.

In other words, the operating equipment 214a combines the function of the work surface 233 with that of a container 215.

In variations of embodiment, the work surface 233 may comprise a board for playing draughts or chess or a board for snakes and ladders or other party games. The objects needed for the game may be put away inside drawers 331 or inside the container 215. The operating equipment 214, 214a may be used also for cooking therapy (using a surface 233 which is made of impermeable material and easy to clean and suitable for cooking and food preparation activities, with possible drawers 331 or a container 215 for storing the implements) or for music therapy (with drawers 331 or a container 215 for storing the musical instruments provided). In the example according to Figure 5, the operating equipment 314 comprises a plurality of vases 315 or tray-like containers (for example made of PVC) which are inserted alongside each other inside the cavity 30 and have edges 316 resting on the recess 31 of the frame 25. The vases 315 are suitable for the aforementioned gardening or cultivation therapy activity. The vases or trays 315 are preferably stackable and easy to extract from the operating equipment 314, in addition to being water-resistant and easy to clean. As shown in Figure 5A, in an alternative embodiment, the operating equipment 314 comprises tray-like containers 315 which are joined together to form a single body, for example are associated with the same peripheral chassis or frame 316 able to be positioned so as to rest on said peripheral recess 31. In a similar manner to that mentioned above, in a variation of embodiment not shown, the perimetral frame 316 is provided with uprights 240 and a bottom base 241 or comprises a recess 215 formed as described above.

In the example according to Figure 6, the operating equipment 414 comprises a table 415 for drawing, having one side resting on the recess 31 along a long side 25c of the frame 25, and a rear support, or strut, (not visible in the drawings) resting on the recess 31 along the opposite long side 25d of the frame 25. The table 415 is inclinable and adjustable to different heights, so as to adapt to the different reading, writing, drawing, painting and other activities.

The operating equipment 414 is completed by a paint palette 416 situated alongside the table 415 and also seated inside the cavity 30 resting on the recess 31. As shown in Figure 6A, in an alternative embodiment, the operating equipment 414 comprises a drawing table 415 and a paint palette 416 which are combined with each other, in particular are associated with the same peripheral chassis or frame 417 able to be positioned so as to rest on said peripheral recess 31. In this case also, in a variation of embodiment not shown, the perimetral frame 417 is provided with uprights 240 and bottom base 241 or comprises a recess 215 formed as described above, so as to allow the instruments and the materials used for painting and drawing to be stowed away. It should be noted that, by using a chassis comprising a perimetral frame 216, 316, 417 to which uprights 240 and a bottom base 241 are fixed, or a perimetral frame 216, 316, 417 to which side walls 240 and a bottom wall 218 are fixed, it is possible to provide an operating equipment supporting frame or structure which may be mass-produced and then supplemented with accessories such as a surface 33, 133, 233, tray-like containers 315, drawing accessories 415, 416, or other accessories for providing a specific type of operating equipment. Preferably, a kit according to the present disclosure comprises at least two types of operating equipment which are different from each other and are chosen from a group which comprises equipment for personal care 14, equipment for performing artistic and/or creative activities 114, equipment for connection to an Internet network 214, 214a, gardening equipment 314, drawing and/or painting equipment 414, equipment which includes a combination of the preceding types of equipment (and therefore incorporates several functions). With the kit it is therefore possible to personalize an apparatus 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 for educational, recreational or therapeutic use.

In fact, by providing a supporting structure 12 which is free-standing (i.e. without operating equipment), the user may select the desired operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414, choosing it from the plurality of types of operating equipment available and associating the chosen equipment with the supporting structure 12: he/she therefore obtains an apparatus which allows the chosen activity to be performed.

When it is required to perform a different activity, the user replaces the operating equipment with a different type of operating equipment also chosen from the plurality of types of operating equipment available, thus providing a different apparatus. The replacement step involves removal of the previous type of operating equipment from the supporting structure 12 and combining the new type of operating equipment with the supporting structure 12.

With reference to Figure 17, it can also be seen that a plurality of apparatus for educational, recreational or therapeutic use, in the example the apparatus 110 and 410 for performing corresponding activities, may be grouped together within a room, for a group activity. In this way, several persons, who may also perform different activities, may be brought together in the same room. Each person in the group may follow a different cognitive growth programme using suitable operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414.

In fact, by simply modifying or replacing the operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414, it is possible to modify, as required, the activity performed. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the supporting structure 12 is modifiable heightwise so as to be adapted to the further needs of a person. For example, with reference to Figures 11 , 12, 13, it can be seen that the frame 25 can be raised heightwise with respect to the supporting legs 21 , 22 of the supporting structure 12, so as to adjust the height of the work surface for a person 90 depending on whether, for example, he/she is sat on a seat 91 (Figure 11) or on a wheelchair 92 (Figure 12) or is standing (Figure 13).

In order to adjust the height of a frame 25, in the examples shown, in particular with reference to Figures 9 and 10, each supporting leg 21 , 22 of the supporting structure 12 is of the telescopic type and includes a tubular body 39 and a stem 40 which is slidably housed inside the tubular body 39. The stem 40 is provided with adjustment holes or notches 42 for receiving a locking pin 49 which is inserted so as to pass through a respective hole 43 in the tubular body 39.

The stem 40 is fixed by means of a respective connecting plate 45 to the frame 25, in particular to a respective short side 25a, 25b of the frame 25. In the example, the plate 45 is perpendicular to the stem 40.

By adjusting the position of the stem 40 with respect to the tubular body 39, by means of insertion of the pin 49 into a corresponding notch 42, the position of the frame 25 is adjusted heightwise. In the examples shown, the frame 25 is adjustable heightwise from about 70 cm to about 110 cm.

With reference to Figures 9, 14, 15 it is also possible to note that each connecting plate 45 is provided with two through-eyelets 46, 47 which are elongated and aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the short side 25a, 25b of the frame 25. Fixing screws 50 are inserted into the eyelets 46, 47, respectively, and fixed to corresponding locking nuts 51 fixed inside the frame 25. During use of the apparatus 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, the screws are in the tightened condition so as to fix the frame 25 in position with respect to the connecting plates 45. By slackening the screws 50 it is possible to slide the screws 50 inside the eyelets 46, 47 along the length of the latter and displace the frame 25, and therefore the entire operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the short sides 25a, 25b of the frame 25 and therefore allow a displacement of the respective operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 towards or away from a person 90 who is sat close to a long side 25c, 25d of the frame 25, as shown in Figure 16.

Basically, a translation of the frame 25 in a horizontal direction, or transverse direction with respect to the supporting legs 21 , 22, is obtained.

By translating the frame 25 horizontally, it is possible, for example, to position the supporting legs 21 , 22 in the central zone of the short side 25a, 25b of the frame 25. In this way, the same operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 may be used by two persons who are positioned on the two opposite long sides 25c, 25d of the frame 25.

Preferably, the kit may also comprises a furniture unit 7, in the example in the form of a cabinet, inside which the types of operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 are stored or stowed away when not used. In the example the cabinet 7 is mounted on wheels 71 and therefore forms a kind of carriage or trolley which can be easily transported and moved. Said cabinet comprises doors 72 which allow opening or closing of the access to a space 75 inside which the types of operating equipment are stored; a pull-out drawer 73 for stowing away other accessories for use with the operating equipment is also provided. In particular, the types of operating equipment 14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414 which are not being used (i.e. the type of equipment which at a particular moment are not associated with the supporting structure 12) are stacked inside the space 75 in a mutually spaced arrangement; each type of operating equipment is arranged resting on respective side brackets 77. Figures 18 and 19 show, respectively, the cabinet 7 with the doors 72 and drawer 73 closed and the cabinet 7 with the doors 72 open and drawer 73 partly pulled out; Figure 19 also shows some types 14, 214a, 314 of operating equipment stowed away inside the space 75. The subject of the present disclosure has been described hitherto with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that other embodiments relating to the same inventive idea may exist, all of these falling within the scope of protection of the claims which are provided hereinbelow.

Claims

1. Kit for educational, recreational or therapeutic use, comprising a plurality of types of operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) differing from each other and each intended for carrying out a specific activity able to foster a cognitive stimulus in persons having social, psychological and/or neurological difficulties, and a supporting structure (12) which is table-shaped and includes a seat (30) for housing or supporting one type of said operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414), wherein each type of said operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) can be removably associated with the supporting structure (12) so as to obtain an apparatus (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for educational, recreational or therapeutic use, said types of operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) being interchangeable with each other on the supporting structure (12).

2. The kit according to claim 1 , wherein each type of said operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) includes a panel (33, 133, 233) or a peripheral chassis (216, 316, 417) able to be arranged in the seat (30).

3. The kit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supporting structure (12) includes a frame (25) and the seat is an internal cavity (30) of the frame (25).

4. The kit according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the frame (25) includes a peripheral recess (31) along an internal perimeter facing said internal cavity

(30), said peripheral recess (31) defining a support for the panel (33, 133, 233) or the peripheral chassis (216, 316, 417) of operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414).

5. The kit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the frame (25) comprises receiving notches (34, 35) allowing gripping of the respective panel (33, 133, 233) or peripheral chassis (216, 316, 417).

6. The kit according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the frame (25) is flat and forms a surface continuity with the panel (33, 133, 233) or the peripheral chassis (216, 316, 417) arranged in the seat (30).

7. The kit according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the supporting structure

(12) comprises at least one supporting leg (21 , 22) for the frame (25), the frame

(25) and the supporting leg (21 , 22) being arranged substantially in a T-like shape.

8. The kit according to claim 7, wherein said at least one supporting leg (21 , 22) is extensible so as to allow a height adjustment of the frame (25) and also the frame (25) is translatable with respect to said at least one supporting leg (21 , 22) in a direction transverse to the supporting leg (21 , 22).

9. The kit according to claim 8, wherein the frame (25) has a rectangle-like shape and is translatable with respect to the supporting leg (21 , 22) in a direction parallel to a direction of a short side (25a, 25b) of the rectangle.

10. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one type (114) of said operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) comprises a gantry

(140) elevated with respect to the supporting structure (12).

11. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one type (214a) of said operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) comprises a container recess (215) able to extend in the seat (30).

12. The kit (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) according to claim 11 , when dependent on at least claim 6, wherein the panel (233) is pivoted on the operating equipment (214a), the panel (233) being movable between a closed position, in which it forms a surface continuity with the frame (25) and closes the container recess (215), and a raised position, in which it allows access to the container recess (215).

13. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two types of operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) which differ from each other and are chosen from a group comprising: equipment for personal care (14), equipment for performing artistic and/or creative activities (114), equipment for connection to an Internet network (214, 214a), gardening equipment (314), drawing and/or painting equipment (414), equipment which includes a combination of the preceding types of equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414).

14. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising a furniture unit (7) for storing the types of operating equipment (14, 114, 214,

214a, 314, 414) which are not associated with the supporting structure (12).

15. Method for personalizing an apparatus (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for educational, recreational or therapeutic use, comprising the steps of:

- providing a plurality of types of operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) which differ from each other, each type of said equipment being intended for carrying out a specific activity able to foster a cognitive stimulus in persons having social, psychological and/or neurological difficulties;

- providing a supporting structure (12) which is table-shaped and includes a seat (30) for housing or supporting one type of said operating equipment (14, 1 14, 214, 214a, 314, 414);

- removably associating with the supporting structure (12) a given type of operating equipment chosen from said plurality of types of operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) so as to obtain an apparatus (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for educational, recreational or therapeutic use.

16. The personalization method according to claim 15, also comprising the step of replacing said given type of operating equipment with a different type of operating equipment chosen from said plurality of types of operating equipment (14, 114, 214, 214a, 314, 414) so as to obtain a different apparatus (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for educational, recreational or therapeutic use.