Patent Application
20070287142
This invention relates to educational devices, and in particular, to such types of devices which convey varied information in response to a user's manipulation thereof.
All sorts of educational devices are used throughout society. Often, these devices use a chart-like configuration as the way in which to present a particular category of information. This type of configuration allows a user to obtain a display of one or more categories of information at a given time. Consequently, there exists the opportunity for multi-dimensional learning.
It has been observed that past designs of devices using the chart-like configuration have, many times, been formed of a construction that is weak in regard to the ability to withstand repeated use and/or less than desirable handling. Each of these conditions decreases the overall durability of the device which frequently leads to a decreased opportunity for its use and increased need for repeated purchase.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an educational device comprising a construction which is both sturdy and able to display information on multiple surfaces thereof.
In accordance with the embodiment(s) of the invention disclosed hereinafter, the above desire is fulfilled by an educational device conveying information on multiple surfaces thereof, portions of which may be read in conjunction with other information made available and variable through use of a user actuated component.
The educational device herein comprises information that is imprinted on its several surfaces, thereby affording an opportunity for continued reference. Still further information may be provided to the user through use of a rotatable wheel comprising various information imprinted thereon which may be viewed through openings provided in the housing, and which is coordinable with information imprinted on the housing. Coordination of these two sets of information affords the user the opportunity to read that information collectively to obtain an instructional lesson to increase the user's overall knowledge on a given topic.
To enable its extended use, and thus its teaching capability, the device is constructed using a housing and core member contained therewithin. The core member imparts a rigidity and desired depth to the housing overall. These attributes allow the device to be easily handled without the concerns attending constructions of lesser strength. Moreover, the depth provided by the core member allows for the imprinting of information on an exterior surface of the housing which is of a size that is visible and readable from a distance. Together with its sturdy construction, this feature allows the device to be shelved in the same manner as a book and thereafter easily identified to enable proper selection before reading.
Additionally, it is conceivable and contemplated to easily group several devices each of which concerns a given subject on a particular topic such as, for example, the types of trees in a given geographical region or the numerous varieties of wine, etc. Once grouped, the devices can be stocked according to the given topic and subject as if they were collections of books.
Accordingly, there is provided an educational device comprising a construction that allows for the reliable, extended and convenient use thereof.
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It is contemplated that each of the wheel 22 and the front surface panel 30 contain informational material that is coordinable in such a manner so as to convey multiple instructional lessons to a user. For instance, it is contemplated that a user grasp the wheel 22 at “f”, as shown in
“Attachment “D”, containing pages numbered 1 through 16, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for the exemplary purpose of providing the reader additional explanation of and reference to the educational device discussed hereinthroughout. The materials provided in “Attachment D” are not intended to be limiting in any way in regard to the description provided herein.
While the above construction has been described in detail, it is to be understood that it is also contemplated to provide an educational device having the following modifications thereto. For illustrative purposes, similar reference numerals designate similar elements as in
In any of the constructions described hereinthroughout, or in a separate construction, it is also contemplated that notwithstanding the areas on which informational material is provided, that the depth “d” of the housing 12 be achieved in the following two additional ways. First, it is contemplated that the core member 40 be sandwiched between two similar wheels 22 so as to achieve a construction therewithin the housing 12 and of a depth which is substantially equivalent to, but slightly less than the depth “d”. Back surface panel 32 further comprises a pinhole-like opening 48 similar to opening 34 of the front surface panel to accommodate, when necessary, pin-like element 42 or further element similar thereto. Second, it is contemplated that the core member 40 not comprise any part of the construction of the device 10 and that the wheel 22 be constructed of such thickness, substantially equivalent to, but slightly less than depth “d”of the housing 12, so as to thereby represent the thickness of the core member 40. In each of these constructions, whether a dual or single wheel construction is used, it is contemplated that the particular wheel or wheels used comprise informational material printed on those wheel surfaces which are viewable through the openings 24, 45. In other words, it is contemplated that the dual-wheel construction comprise informational material on each surface of each wheel that is viewable through the openings 24, 45; and that the single wheel construction comprise information material on both sides of the wheel so as to allow the conveying of multiple instructional lessons to the user. Accordingly, and in sum, the above further constructions comprising a pair of wheels 22 and single core member 40 or a single wheel 22 each comprise a depth commensurate with their description as referenced above in order to permit their functionality, but while still imparting a rigidity to the overall device construction that is akin to that provided by the construction of the device 10 in which a single wheel 22 and core member 40 are present.
It is also contemplated that the educational device 10 as described hereinthroughout may also be amendable to shelving in a display arrangement which is receptive to its dimensions and ability to convey information.
Accordingly, there is provided an educational device conveying information on multiple surfaces thereof, portions of which may be read in conjunction with other information made available and variable through use of a user actuated component in order to convey multiple instructional lessons.
In all cases it is to be understood that the above-described subject matter is merely illustrative of the may possible specific embodiments, which represent applications of the present invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with the principles of the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
