Rotatably Mounted Letter Bearing Element Patents (Class 434/174)
  • Patent number: 11417237
    Abstract: A rotatable language demonstration device is an apparatus that is used to teach languages easily and efficiently in a dynamic and engaging manner to accommodate different learning styles of the students. The apparatus may include at least one demonstration mechanism, a plurality of display tiles, and an elongated frame. The at least one demonstration mechanism provides multiple surfaces for the user to write on without having to erase and rewrite the already written content. The plurality of display tiles enables the quick editing of the written content on the at least one demonstration mechanism. The elongated frame supports the at least one demonstration mechanism in an upright orientation so that the writable surfaces of the at least one demonstration mechanism are easily reachable by the user. The at least one demonstration mechanism includes a plurality of turnable wheels that enables the easy rearrangement of the writable surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Hoang Phan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10074289
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to educational tools including a cover, a shaft, a plurality of pages, and an interactive section having rotating member. The rotating member has a rotating set of indicia at a plurality of radial positions. The rotating member is configured to selectively rotate about the shaft to a plurality of aligned positions where the rotating set of indicia and the fixed set of indicia align. The rotating set of indicia and the fixed set of indicia are selected to have educational significance when aligned in selected combinations. In some examples, the educational tool includes a pivoting member. Both the rotating member and the pivoting member may comprise transparent portions that have educational significance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Carol Bonner Design LLC
    Inventor: Carol Dore
  • Patent number: 10068491
    Abstract: Educational tools including a cover, a shaft, and a rotating member. The cover includes an interactive section having a fixed set of indicia, a first lateral section pivotally coupled to the interactive section, and a second lateral section pivotally coupled to the interactive section opposite the first lateral section. The shaft is mounted to the interactive section and the rotating member is rotationally mounted to the shaft. The rotating member has a rotating set of indicia at a plurality of radial positions. The rotating member is configured to selectively rotate about the shaft to a plurality of aligned positions where the rotating set of indicia and the fixed set of indicia align. The rotating set of indicia and the fixed set of indicia are selected to have educational significance when aligned in selected combinations. In some examples, the educational tool includes a second rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Carol Bonner Design LLC
    Inventor: Carol Dore
  • Patent number: 9353571
    Abstract: A paint can support box adapted to surround and selectively seal a paint can. A hinged top with a seal is affixed to the box and is movable between an open and a closed position. A mounting system attaches the box to rungs of a ladder. A retaining pin prevents the mounting system from inadvertently becoming detached from the ladder rungs. The box is swivelably attached to the mounting system so that the box remains level regardless of the lean angle of the ladder. The box and its contents may be left on the ladder when the ladder is moved to a new location without risk of paint spilling or the apparatus becoming detached from the ladder. Caulk tubes may also be stored and retained within the box. Multiple size paint cans (e.g. gallon, quart, etc.) may be securely accommodated and sealed with appropriate can adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: James Coe
  • Patent number: 8459999
    Abstract: A phonics education apparatus, comprising a first word-constructing member (12) and a second word-constructing member (14). The first member has a first plurality of word fragments (20), each of which is plainly identified by indicia (16). The second member has a second plurality of word fragments (22), each of which is also plainly identified by indicia (18). The indicia of each of the second plurality of fragments is different from each other and matches the indicia of at least one of the first plurality of fragments. The matching indicia signify that a word is to be formed from the word fragments identified by the matching indicia. Either or both of the members are movable, enabling any word fragment of the first plurality of fragments to be paired with any word fragment of the second plurality of fragments. Accordingly, the formation of words is guided by the indicia of the word fragments. The indicia are preferably colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Mary Jean Washington
  • Patent number: 8408916
    Abstract: A system for teaching plural, different, short-vowel sounds, in their intrinsic forms, in the context of associated short-vowel-sound words. The system incorporates, for each such sound, an associated pair of relatively rotatable, foreground and background word-fragment carriers—the former in each pair carrying but a single, first-category, readable, word-ending word fragment having within it the vowel whose sound is associated with the carrier pair, and the latter in each pair carrying a plurality of second-category, readable, word-beginning word fragments, each dedicated to working in teaching cooperation with the single word fragment carried on the associated foreground carrier to combine readably with that first-category word fragment to form a complete, short-vowel-sound word which is correctly pronounceable utilizing the associated short-vowel sound. All word-beginning word fragments end with the same, common consonant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Bobby Lynn Maslen, John Maslen, Jon M. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6881066
    Abstract: An amusement or educational device comprising a plurality of interlocking collars, each including gaps, and slidable along and rotatable about a common shaft. The common shaft bears element of a multi-relationship about its circumference in sections of the shaft corresponding to each interlocking collar. The gaps in the interlocking collars selectively expose corresponding elements of the multi-element relationship. In one embodiment, the collars are configured to allow users to construct fortunes, words, sentences, equations, or other relationships by selectively interlocking adjacent collars to expose word, mathematical, sentence or other appropriate elements disposed around the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Matthew Steven Sarconi
  • Patent number: 6869286
    Abstract: A language learning system is provided. The language learning system typically includes a set of fictional characters, each character being associated with a predetermined phoneme of a language, such as English. The character typically has a given name including the phoneme. The system may further include a learning device configured to display at least one of the characters along with an associated letter corresponding to the phoneme. The device may be a wheel, block, vessel, card, doll, disk, cone, or other suitable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Michael E. Furry
  • Patent number: 6648331
    Abstract: An educational interactive word game is played utilizing only a single game card. During the game a first player, after being given clues by a second player to the identity of a selected object exercises his or her deductive skills by asking questions of the second player to gain background information about the subject. After obtaining background information, the first player guesses the identity of the selected object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Patricia R. Stuart
  • Patent number: 6648647
    Abstract: A toy is disclosed. In one embodiment, the toy includes a base. A rotating element is on the base and rotates about an axis. A child can cause the rotating element to rotate about the axis by pressing an actuator at the center of the rotating element. A set of image elements can be on the rotating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Wood, Jorge Gabriel Soto, Barbara Mattson
  • Patent number: 6638072
    Abstract: An amusement or educational device comprising a plurality of interlocking collars slidable along and rotatable about a common shaft, and bearing elements of a multi-element relationship about their circumferences. In one embodiment, the collars are configured to allow users to construct fortunes, words, sentences, equations, or other relationships by selectively interlocking adjacent collars to align word, mathematical, sentence or other appropriate elements disposed around the collars. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a fortune-telling or entertainment device allowing users to compose fortunes or other relationships by selectively combining multi-word sentence fragments disposed around the circumference of interlocking collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew Steven Sarconi
  • Publication number: 20030003427
    Abstract: A toy is disclosed. In one embodiment, the toy includes a base. A rotating element is on the base and rotates about an axis. A child can cause the rotating element to rotate about the axis by pressing an actuator at the center of the rotating element. A set of image elements can be on the rotating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Wood, Jorge Gabriel Soto, Barbara Mattson
  • Patent number: 6358059
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and tools for teaching rapid and accurate decoding and encoding words. In decoding (reading), the invention delineates the concept of sound units (a combination of blendable letter sounds) and their use to accurately decode words systematically and efficiently. In encoding writing or making words), the invention utilize a combination of wheels to help children with limited motor skills to easily and accurately encode thousands of words and word like combinations so as to learn and familiarize themselves with words and their structures. The same wheels can also be used to create math wheels and sorting wheels that can train children's early math skills in adding, deducting, multiplication, subdivision, and other important abilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Ruyun Li
  • Patent number: 6315675
    Abstract: A score counter includes a bar having two spheres on two ends thereof so as to fix the bar by engaging the two spheres with relative members. A plurality of retaining members each have a score marked therein and extend from an outside of the bar. A plurality of blocks are slidably mounted to the bar and each block is separated by the retaining members on the bar. The hole is sized that the user can move the block over the retaining members by force. The blocks on the bar are separated by the retaining members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Tsai Chin Ho
  • Patent number: 6095818
    Abstract: An educational picture book including a device having a number of rotating indicator wheels in alignment one with another, each of the indicator wheels including indicia thereon such as the letters of the alphabet, numbers, pictures, braille, symbols, or combinations thereof, whereby pictures or words in the books can be expressed by alignment of the indicator wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: William I. Brazley
  • Patent number: 5993218
    Abstract: A word kit includes an assemblage of objects, each object presenting a plurality of surfaces. The assemblage includes a first set of objects having a first surface of the plurality surfaces. A word selected from an interchangeable part of speech is depicted on the first surface and each additional surface of the plurality surfaces depicts another word selected from the interchangeable part of speech. A second set of objects has each of the plurality of surfaces thereof depicting a noninterchangeable series of letters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Magnetic Poetry, Inc.
    Inventor: David Kapell
  • Patent number: 5653595
    Abstract: An instructional aid for teaching time telling comprising a disk shaped dial assembly; a first ring shaped minute indicia ring having first indicia sequentially indicating the numerals five through sixty in numerical increments of five spaced about the perimeter thereof; a second ring shaped minute indicia ring having second indicia sequentially indicating the numerals one through sixty spaced about the perimeter thereof; a partial ring, arcuately shaped before-the-hour minute indicia member having third indicia thereon indicating the numerals one through thirty and the numeral sixty thereon; and a before/after indicia ring having fourth indicia thereon indicating a before portion and an after portion. The dial assembly, the first minute indicia ring, the second minute indicia ring, the before-the-hour minute indicia member, and the before/after indicia ring are interconnectable and, preferably, are interconnectable to form a circular disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Corine Brown
  • Patent number: 5316309
    Abstract: A game apparatus is provided for playing a game which tests the memories of game players. The apparatus includes a base, a rotatable disk mounted on the base, and a cover mounted on the base above the disk. A clutch mechanism is provided for rotating the disk, and a braking mechanism is provided for stopping rotation of the disk in one of a plurality of predetermined positions. The cover includes a plurality of spaced apertures and the disk includes a plurality of groups of matched pictures which are oriented so that a plurality of matched pairs of pictures are aligned with the apertures when the disk is stopped in one of the predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Asahi Corporation
    Inventor: Sano Takeshi
  • Patent number: 4902230
    Abstract: A relational, rotational structure incorporating a plurality of rotatable components 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mounted on a common shaft 6. Indicia are located on peripheral portions of the rotatable components. The indicia can be related to each other in an educational manner by appropriate rotation of the components in such a way as to align indicia in specified arrangements.The structure is particularly useful for teaching young children their multiplication tables and spelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventor: Stephen P. Jones
  • Patent number: 4865324
    Abstract: A puzzle comprises a plurality of puzzle elements held together along a common axis. Each of the puzzle elements includes first and second faces and a peripheral edge. A series of discrete symbols are formed along the peripheral edge of each element. Preferably, the puzzle elements are magnetic wheels held together by magnetic forces. The magnetic wheels have a series of protuberances on one face which are adapted to register with a series of cavities on an opposing face of an adjacent magnetic wheel. The magnetic wheels are rotated relative to each through a series of click-stops which correspond to discrete positions of the magnetic wheels. A solution is achieved when all of the symbols on each of the magnetic wheels are properly aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Dov Nesis
  • Patent number: 4708345
    Abstract: An amusement device for use in providing a manipulative puzzle, word games, games of chance, scoring games, or the like. Upper and lower parallel plates are planarly rotatable about a vertical axis. A plurality of cylinder assemblies is carried by the plates disposed on the outer periphery such that their longitudinal axes intersect to define a regular polygon parallel to the plates. Means are provided for maintaining spatial position of the upper one-half of each cylinder assembly relative to the upper plate, and the lower one-half of each cylinder assembly relative to the lower plate as the plates are rotated in opposing directions. When the plates are rotated such that the upper and lower cylinder halves combine to define the cylinder assemblies, each such assembly is further rotatable about its longitudinal axis. Each cylinder is comprised of sections each preferably having an identifier on its outer surface such as a different color or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventor: David B. Ayers
  • Patent number: 4651992
    Abstract: A puzzle-type game comprises at least five manipulatable members, for example of square or circular cross-section, each formed at one end with fingers, and at the opposite end with a circular recess, such that a plurality of the members may be assembled by the player according to any desired sequence, and to be rotated to any desired angular position with respect to each other. Each member carries on its outer faces indicia representing one element of a valid multi-element relationship produced only when the indicia of all the members are aligned according to a predetermined sequence and a predetermined angular position. In one described example, the indicia represent arithmetical equations, and in other described examples they represent the letters of the alphabet, and a maze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Cybertronics Ltd.
    Inventors: David Danino, Shachar Ben-Meir
  • Patent number: 4643680
    Abstract: An educational device useful in the teaching of pronunciation and spelling is disclosed. The device takes a generally planar shape and has a display window in which letters of a desired word are displayed. The letters are provided on rotatable discs, which may be three or five in number, which are individually manipulated to form the words. One of the rotatable discs bears a plurality of different visually-recognizable vowel symbols, each different vowel symbol being colored or being displayed on a colored background. The pronunciation of the vowel in the name of the color has a phonetic relationship with the desired pronunciation of the respective vowel symbol, so as to aid the student in achieving the correct pronunciation of the word displayed in the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Inventor: John Hill
  • Patent number: 4545768
    Abstract: An activity center includes a plurality of polygonal frames pivotally connected together. Each frame includes an open area accessible from each side thereof and an activity device mounted therein whereby each device is accessible from either side of its respective frame. At least some of the activity devices are movable with respect to their respective frames. Particular elements of the activity center are interchangeable among the respective activity devices and the devices are generally cooperable with each other, therey enhancing the usefulness of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Inventor: John Hinnen
  • Patent number: 4534736
    Abstract: An educational toy comprising a threaded shaft having blocks rigidly fixed to the opposite ends thereof and rotating and traveling blocks, spaced between the fixed end blocks and containing indicia to be aligned on faces of the rigidly fixed and rotating and traveling blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: Ben Cogdill
  • Patent number: 4389193
    Abstract: An educational device for teaching beginning readers how to read includes three independently rotatable discs. The first disc includes a series of word families; the second disc contains a series of word family windows through any of which any of said word families can be viewed, and an initial sound printed adjacent each of said word family windows; and the third disc contains a word window through which a complete word (i.e., an initial sound and word family) can be viewed, and an initial sound window through which one of said initial sounds can be viewed before the complete word is formed in the word window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Inventor: Morton Phillips
  • Patent number: 4340373
    Abstract: A spelling machine includes a housing having a row of drums on a shaft and is provided with a series of evenly spaced letters on the drums viewable through a row of holes in the housing. A row of slides in the forward portion of the machine has lugs and stop members respectively on opposite end portions. A series of cards each having a different picture thereon is inserted into the machine. Each card is provided with a row of holes spaced predetermined distances from an edge of the card which is parallel to the shaft when the card is inserted in the machine. The holes respectively receive the lugs on the slides and are operable to move the slides and stops thereon toward the drums various distances corresponding to letters respectively on the drums when the drums are rotated from starting position in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Arco Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce M. D'Andrade, Kwok W. Tsui, Sing C. J. Yuen
  • Patent number: 4313727
    Abstract: A board-type device for use in teaching children the alphabet, numbes, how to tell time, and the like. The device includes a disk-like, double sided chalkboard member and a ring-like frame member extending completely about the periphery of the blackboard member with the blackboard member rotatably mounted to the frame member. Alphabetic letters and the like are located about the frame member on one side thereof. Numerals and the like may be located about the other side of the frame member with the numerals arranged similar to a clock face. Pointers are attached to both sides of the chalkboard member whereby rotation of the chalkboard member will cause the pointers to point towards various specific letters and/or numbers and/or the like, etc. Indicia-bearing inserts are rotatably attached to the front and back surfaces of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Inventor: Johnathan J. Hults