Abstract: A sub unit and a packaging system including a plurality of sub units. The sub unit is formed with a tapered body having sidewalls towards a narrow end from a first opposing or outer surface at an end opposite the narrow end. The packaging system includes a plurality of sub units, wherein the sub units are configured to be positioned so that the first opposing surfaces form an outside of the packaging system.

Abstract: A multiple rhombic dodecahedron puzzle includes a plurality of wooden puzzles arranged in a multiple rhombic dodecahedron. The multiple rhombic dodecahedron is equivalent to a cube formed by a plurality of rhombic dodecahedrons connecting to each other. Each of the wooden puzzles includes two unit elements. The two unit elements are connected to each other and are the same others. Each of the two unit elements has a plurality of surfaces. Each of the surfaces has a diamond shape or a triangular shape. Two of the surfaces which in the triangular shape are connected to each other in order to form a concave shape.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for delivering a customizable feedback stimulus. In one implementation, a custom feedback device comprises a shell housing having a first shell and a second shell. The shell housing opening extends between an outer surface of the first shell and an outer surface of the second shell. A plurality of protrusions extends between the first shell and the second shell, and at least one receiving area is defined by the plurality of protrusions between the first shell and the second shell. The receiving area is adapted to house a customized portion.

Abstract: According to one of aspects, a display device includes: a display unit configured to stereoscopically display an aggregation configured from a plurality of regular hexahedrons arrayed along mutually perpendicular three directions, in a display space, by displaying images respectively corresponding to both eyes of a user by being worn; a detection unit configured to detect movement of a body in the display space; and a control unit configured to change positions of the regular hexahedrons of the aggregation according to a detection result of the detection unit. Each of six faces of the aggregation includes external faces of the regular hexahedrons as elements, and notations with which whether all of the elements on the same face of the aggregation belong to a same group is discriminative are provided to the respective elements.

Abstract: A composition in the target language is parsed into plural different linguistic components, including sound level, grammar level and at least one functional grammar level component. The linguistic components are then expressed on different facets of an n-sided block device representation system according to predefined sets of rules. The facets of the block device may then be selectively examined by the learner to visualize how the target language functions to express the composition with respect to the way sounds, grammar and functional grammar are used. The block device representation system may be computer-implemented, rendering the facets on display panels associated with physical blocks, or as computer-generated images upon a display device.

Abstract: A shipping container load securer including a pallet and a box connected to the pallet and filled with a filler, wherein the pallet and the box are substantially the same size and shape as a standardized crate used to package goods for transport in shipping containers. The load securer fills voids in partially filled shipping containers, enabling the shipping container to be tightly packed and preventing the movement of goods-filled crates during transport to minimize damage to the goods in the crates in the shipping container, while not substantially increasing the weight of the container.

Abstract: A system for associating an action of a user with a message corresponding to the action, where the message is visually displayed on a series of sequentially disposed discrete mats. The message is uttered by the user and the message is verified using a speech analyzer. The system includes at least two mats, each mat having a display, a transmitter, a receiver, and a presence sensor indicating the presence of the user and configured to indicate the intention of the user to add an answer to a composite answer. The system also includes an audio receiver that receives an audio input from the user and an indicator device that indicates whether the mat is a head mat.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a system (1) for simulating a manual interventional operation by a user (2) on a simulated body with at least two real instruments (3, 4, 5), comprising a longitudinal track (8), a plurality of carriages (9, 10, 11) moveable along said track, each carriage having clamping means (25), and means for rotating and moving longitudinally said real instrument.

Abstract: A system for teaching reading to very young children and first-time English students provides and uses one or more sets of instructional alphabetic letters, double-consonant phonemes, a relatively larger group of three-letter words of only short-vowel sounds, a relatively smaller group of three- and four-letter words with long-vowel sounds, and specifically designed subsets and/or combinations thereof, where the separate letters and words in the set is fewer than 100. The words in the instructional set are particularly selected to avoid phonetic confusion, ease pronunciation, engage student interest, provide teaching leverage based on each subset, and accelerate learning. In one embodiment, a particular 48-word instructional word set is distributed onto eight, 3-D, instructional blocks in a manner that preserves the subset-based teaching method.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of boxes has at least one side that is configured to matably engage a corresponding side of at least one other of the plurality of boxes. The plurality of boxes each has a top that bears indicia. When the sides of the boxes are in matable engagement, the indicia appearing on the tops of the boxes cooperate to form an image. The image forms a symbol, such as a religious or patriotic symbol. To celebrate an event, memorabilia are placed in the interior volume of each of the boxes and the boxes placed in matable engagement, forming the symbol. After a ceremony commemorating the event, the plurality of boxes is separated and each box provided to a one of a plurality of persons.

Abstract: A showcasing system. The system includes a display board and a silhouetted 3D aesthetic component. The 3D aesthetic component includes (i) an unitary blank movable into a silhouetted 3D aesthetic surface, the 3D aesthetic component being attached to the display board and (ii) a plurality of die cutouts spaced along the longitudinal axis of the blank.

Abstract: A brain-training press block includes a casing, which has a partition panel suspending in an accommodation chamber thereof, through holes cut through the partition panel and protruding portions respectively perpendicularly protruded from two opposite sides of the partition panel, and two buttons respectively inserted into the accommodation chamber at two opposite sides relative to the partition panel, each button having a flat base, a plurality of push blocks respectively perpendicularly protruded from one side corresponding to the through holes of the partition panel and a plurality of through holes corresponding to the protruding portions of the casing. A user can alternatively press the two buttons to see a surface change of the flat bas of the button being pressed.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for teaching mathematical concepts and “fact families.” The apparatus comprises an educational toy block configured, in one embodiment, to help young children memorize basic numbers and number facts in an atmosphere focused solely on play. The toy block, in one embodiment, comprises a polygonal-shaped building block having a plurality of faces, wherein a first face features a first mathematical equation and a second face features a second mathematical equation. The toy block may include a display of multiple mathematical equations in order to facilitate teaching children how mathematical operations are related. In a further embodiment, the toy block displays one or more numbers that are numerical elements in a plurality of mathematical equations forming a “fact family.

Abstract: Olfactory teaching apparatus and methods for teaching a person to recognize fragrances is disclosed. The teaching apparatus comprises a housing, a fragrance and initially unreadable indicia describing the fragrance.

Abstract: A three dimensional storybook with a plurality of base plates, a plurality of horizontal and vertical support poles, a plurality of pole connecting members and a fabric floor portion The floor portion terminates at each edge in a base plate retaining loop of fabric. A plurality of felt wall curtains are each capable of being hung on a the horizontal support poles. The felt curtains include decorative graphics that correspond with a story as told in a two dimensional storybook. A plurality of graphic felt accessory panels that relate to the story can be attached to the curtains and or floor portion. A see through fabric mesh panel acts as a roof portion. Multiple structures can be placed side by side so that a child can crawl from one portion of the story to the next.

Abstract: An educational box toy and method for teaching one or more of the alphabet, numbers, colors, spacial problem solving and hand-eye coordination, utilizes a series of four blanks dimensioned and configured for selective erection by folding into a corresponding series of four box-like members, each box-like member having six faces, and each blank comprising nine panels so that the total number of panels provide a sufficient number of surfaces upon which to display alpha-numeric characters arranged for viewing in alphabetical order and in numerical order during folding of the blanks to erect the box-like members and during unfolding to return to the blanks in desired learning sequences. The series of blanks are shown dimensioned and configured such that each consecutive box-like member of the series is smaller than and receivable within a larger next consecutive box-like member of the series for enabling the box-like members to be assembled into a nested arrangement of box-like members.

Abstract: A method of teaching thinking skills and knowledge acquisition using an educational toy is disclosed. In a first step, a user chooses at least one idea variable. In a second step, the user chooses a process from a group having a distinctions process, a systems process, a relationships process, and a perspectives process. In a third step, the process is carried out on the idea variable. In a fourth step, the user determines whether any additional processes need to be carried out and if yes, the user returns to selecting a process.

Abstract: Provided are cubes from which composite structures may be produced. Composite structures constructed from a plurality of cubes according to the invention are useful as an instructional aid to students for enabling them to readily visualize front perspective, end perspective, and overhead perspective views of complex geometrical shapes. Visualization of such perspective views enables students to more readily produce drawings of such perspective views in paper renditions of such views, and exercises the three-dimensional thinking centers of the brain.

Abstract: A simulated Judge's traditional courtroom gavel appartatus, comprising a sounding-block modified with a preferred plurality of nine cubes, bearing some fifty-four different graphic indicia (one upon each facet), a possibly stressful-situation sensitive word reading for example: “landlord”, “boss”, “step-mom”, “taxes”, “job”, “school”, “lawyer”, “car.” The user thus chooses the desired subject/topic from an assortment of cube selections held within the gavel-housing, then places that selected cube choice face-up into a holding-well formed down into the housing. The user may pause to reflect upon the stressful nature of the subject at hand (ie—“alimony”), —then picking-up the gavel, raises it well above the stressful-word held clearly exposed within the well, and while focusing directly thereto, slams the gavel resoundingly thereupon! This action may obstensibly soothe one's psyche of excess anger or frustration toward that person or object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching and learning reading is disclosed. The apparatus is a group of universally connectable blocks and a primer having intelligible reading units composed of reading indicia. Each block has at least three faces, and each face of a given block the same reading indicia type. Each block has a color that corresponds to the reading indicia type. The primer's reading indicia are colored to correspond to the blocks bearing the same reading indicia type. The method comprises reading the primer, reading selected reading indicia in the primer, and locating blocks having the selected reading indicia. An intelligible reading unit comprised of the selected reading indicia in the primer is read and assembled from the blocks. Two blocks are selected, having the identified reading indicia, and connected. The color or selected indicia are viewed to determine whether the indicia form the selected intelligible reading unit.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a block set for educational purposes. The block set features that a plurality of block units of the same color are integrated so as to build a block bar, and two or more block bars respectively of different colors are crosswisely combined to build a block bar combination, and two or more block bar combinations interconnect one another to thereby build a variety of structures having two or more colors, wherein the block bars of the same color are symmetrically disposed. The block set thus allows a user to learn a structural stability of the structures, a sense of balance, symmetry, a sense of harmony, etc. in a natural manner, through processes of building the variety of structures and repetition of those processes.

Abstract: An instructional device including a series of soft cushions imprinted with symbols useful to instruct students of all ages and abilities. The method of instructing students using the cushions for instructional purposes consists of individual cushions imprinted with letters of the alphabet, diphthongs, digraphs, phonetically linked consonants, words, pictures, numbers, mathematical signs, geometric shapes, geographic shapes or other symbols useful to familiarize students with those concepts or items. After use, the Learning Tiles would be stored in a reusable storage bag or container suitable for easy storage and safekeeping when not in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching and learning reading is disclosed. The apparatus comprises blocks that are removably connectable and bear various reading indicia on their faces. The reading indicia includes pictures, vowels, consonants, combinations of vowels and consonants, rimes, parts of speech, and punctuation. Preferably, any selected block has only one type of reading indicia and has color-coding associated with that type of indicia. By connecting two or more blocks so that the reading indicia form an appropriate pattern or unit, students can form parts of words, words, phrases or even sentences. Different subgroups of reading indicia may be used in progression to teach and learn at different skill levels.

Abstract: A cognitive matching skill learning aid may include a base having a plurality of different object images thereon and a respective matching block for each object image on the base. The blocks may be movable relative to the base. Moreover, each matching block may have a plurality of sides, and the sides of a given matching block may have different indicia thereon representative of different cognitive matching skill levels with respect to the corresponding object image on the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for educational and/or recreational learning provides a means for stimulus or query to test skill and knowledge, generate a response to the stimulus or query, and rewards correct responses to reinforce learning. The educational and/or recreational apparatus has at least one housing containing at least one compartment. The housing has a modular exterior surface appropriate for joining with other housings. Each compartment in each housing is associated with a first opening on a surface of the housing. At the first opening of each compartment is a removable cover. Each removable cover at each compartment is placed at each first opening to selectively expose and conceal an interior of each compartment. The educational and/or recreational apparatus further has at least one display device such as a shelf or a transparent pocket to display member or information card.

Abstract: A child's 3D amusement book is created by forming at least two holes through the book and threading a string therethrough, or otherwise offixing a cord to opposing pages of a book or card. Parallel string segments are coordinated with drawings on the inner pages to create 3D and/or moving images.

Abstract: The present invention is for a modeling kit in which triangularly shaped panels fit together to form the faces of either tetrahedral or octahedral modules. Centrally located in the triangularly shaped panels are face-to-face interlocking mechanisms which allow different modules to be releasably attached to each other at matching faces. Multiple interlocking modules may then be used to model complex constructs such as lattices, matrices or crystalline structures.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an optical mark sensing device known as a mark read scanner for reading marks on a form. This scanner is a stand-alone device that has an internal micro-controller with the controlling software therein. An external personal computer is not required to operate the scanner in its intended manner. "Graphic switches" are printed on the form to define the characteristics of a form to be scanned. The expense of replacing the internal program of a scanner when a user requests a variation of a test form that had not been pre-programmed into the original specifications of the scanner is eliminated.

Abstract: An educational card game is disclosed which consists of a deck of playing cards. One face of each card is inscribed with a word which represents one or more of the eight forms of speech in the English language. The game is designed to enhance the participant's knowledge of the eight forms of speech and recognition that many words can be used to represent more than one of the eight forms of speech.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a kind of teaching tool that allows children at play to perform simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division arithmetical operations, learning decimal concepts and practices through experience and, furthermore, learn about year, month, day and day of the week as well as the hour, minute and second clock positions, which enables the invention herein to be an multi-functional teaching tool that combines fun with learning and the promotion of intellectual development.

Abstract: A game apparatus teaches relationships between members and subsets of a recognized set of living or non-living things, such as the five food groups, through illustrations on faces of geometrical-shaped blocks. The apparatus further includes coded indicia in the form of letters, numbers and colors which provide additional information by which children can recall relationships between the various members and subsets which are illustrated.

Abstract: A bean bag alphanumeric figure is provided comprised of a first fabric side and a second fabric side having indicia of a face on the exterior of the first fabric side. The first fabric side and the second fabric side are held together in attachment so as to form a pocket by stitching along the periphery of the fabric sides so as to expose the exterior of the first fabric side to the exterior of the pocket. The pocket formed from first fabric side and the second fabric side is stitched closed leaving an opening which would allow the filling of the pocket formed from the two sides with a bean or pellet like material. The two sides of the fabric left unattached would then be brought into engagement and attached by stitching the sides closed. A Velcro.TM. like material or snaps would be provided on both sides of the feet and hands of the alphanumeric figures so that they may be brought into removable engagement with each other removably secured hand to hand, foot to foot, or foot to hand.

Abstract: A series of books having indicia printed on the outside thereof which cooperate when employed as building blocks is disclosed to function as an educational tool.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for visually depicting a health care treatment regimen for a given medical diagnosis including a substantially flat planar platform and a plurality of groupings of geometric members which are representative of various events which go to make up the treatment regimen. The geometric members of a particular grouping preferably are equally sized and of a coloring that is unique to the grouping. All geometric members are releasably securable to the platform and/or one another to permit their securement to the platform and/or to one another in positions denoting the existence of, position of and order of occurrence of their represented events within the treatment regimen.

Abstract: An educational set of amusement blocks includes a set of a plurality of pairs of mirror image multi-sided sided blocks. In each set, each block preferably includes seven sides, including various geometric shapes for each side. The blocks are stable, and can stand independently on five of the seven sides. The seven sides are distributed over the three dimensional surface of each block, so as to form structures having a wide base for weight distribution. Each block includes a cantilevered peak, to effect stability, and thereby enable the blocks to stand on five of its seven sides. Because of their stability, the blocks do not topple so easily, and therefore can be used for building intricate structures without the need for interlocking joints. Corresponding planes of one type of block and its mirror image are either painted the same color or in complementary colors, thereby forming patterns which are pleasing to the eye.

Abstract: A game device includes a plurality of game blocks, at least two playing cards, and at least two hollow game boxes. The game blocks are grouped into at least three sets by shapes and sizes so that each of the game blocks belonging to a particular set has a cross section different from those of the game blocks belonging to the other sets. Each set is further grouped into at least two subsets by a predetermined printed matter thereon. Each of the playing cards has at least three rows and at least two columns of patterns. Each pattern is a combination of the cross section of the set and at least one print of the subset. Each of the game boxes includes an upright front wall formed with an elongated slot to permit insertion of a selected one of the playing cards thereinto, and an upper game board which defines at least three rows and at least two columns of openings respectively corresponding to in cross section and superimposed upon the patterns of the playing card.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for consulting and contemplating the ancient Chinese Book of Changes. The invention provides six rectangular sticks having indicia on the four sides. Two of the indicia represents the changing Yang line and the Yin line and are located on two of the sides opposite from one another, and the other two indicia represent the changing Yin line and the Yang line and are located on the other two sides opposite from one another. The sticks are tossed in order to arrive at a first hexagram. In the event that there are any changing lines appearing in the first hexagram, the sticks having the changing lines are turned over to construct a second hexagram.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching reading and spelling skills to children which is particularly adapted to be used in teaching children with a short-term memory disability. Visual indicator members are provided wherein a first set of visual indicator members represent vowel letters, a second set of visual indicator members represent consonant letters extending above a middle line on a ruled penmanship paper, a third set of visual indicator members represent consonant letters extending below a lower line on a ruled penmanship paper and a fourth set of visual indicator members represent consonant letters not represented by the second and third sets of visual indicator members. Each of the visual indicator members of each set have a unique color characteristic whereby the members of each set are distinguishable from each other. In addition, the members of each set have a common physical characteristic, such as height, whereby the different sets may be distinguished from each other.

Abstract: A geometric construction set is described having a number of blanks where each blank includes four contiguous triangular sections. The two outer triangular sections each have two edges at the peripheral edge of the blank and the remaining two inner triangular sections having only one edge at the peripheral edge of the blank. Each outer triangular section has a connector that is mateable with a connector on each of the inner triangular sections. The blanks are designed to facially interconnect with other matching blanks allowing the construction of a large variety of triangular polyhedra.

Abstract: Each block of a set of wooden blocks bears indicia of the tree species of the wood from which the block is made. Preferred embodiments may include the following features. The blocks are configured as building blocks for children. The indicia on each block show the living tree from which the lumber for the block is derived. The indicia are laser etched upon the blocks. The indicia comprise a picture of a living tree, divided into two portions, one portion showing the tree foliated and one portion showing the tree defoliated. The indicia comprise a picture of a leaf of the living tree, the common name of the tree species and the taxonomic name. The blocks are accompanied by a data sheet further describing the woods and trees of the blocks of the set.

Abstract: This invention relates to a building block in the shape of a right-angles isosceles triangular prism. the block has male hinge elements on one edge and female hinge elements on another edge such that two blocks can not only be hingedly attached but also joined at both respective hinge; element carrying edges to form a cube. Male and female face connection elements are provided to allow face to face connection.

Abstract: A learning system is disclosed that comprises ordered pairs of interlocking cooperatively aligned hexagonal bosses and recesses having one or more peripherally disposed lobes as control structures to influence a user to connect or assemble articles or objects in a predetermined sequence or positional relationship.

Abstract: A polyhedra for emulating an object or other phenomena with marked surfaces, includes a plurality of faces, some with markings and some being blank. The surfaces are arranged about the polyhedra so that each marked face is opposite a blank face. The polyhedra may be used for conducting and/or demonstrating the principles of probability in conjunction with a projection device.

Abstract: A demonstration device in the form of a single-story house comprises a body (26), a roof (28) and a base slab (30). The body (26) is composed of a number of prism-shaped building blocks (20-24) whose height is equivalent to the height of a story. Each body building block has an oblong, narrow lower side or base (42); when placed side by side, the blocks form the essentially cuboid house body (26) with the area of the base of the house. The roof (28) is a building block with sloping roof surfaces and a base surface (29) whose area is at least as large as that of the base of the house.

Abstract: Toy blocks and sets of toy blocks containing Braille characters for teaching young, sight-impaired children. A typical wooden block is cubical, comprising a pair of opposite, spaced apart display sides having recessed surfaces. One recessed surface contains a raised Braille character, and the opposite side displays the corresponding alphabetic or numerical character or characters. The recessed sides have borders comprising a bottom tactile-sensing portion that includes a plurality of raised nubs adapted to be touched for orienting the characters properly. Smaller Braille characters are preferably disposed beneath each alphabetic character.

Abstract: Base-ten blocks for teaching arithmetic to children, in which each block (19) has a projecting boss (27) with curved (bowed-out) sides (29) and an aperture (33) with straight sides (35), so that blocks (19) can be securely joined together to form multiples of units. Integrally made rows (37) of ten blocks each have two end bosses (41) for joining to other rows (37) to make flats (47) of one hundred units. Each flat has four bosses (51) for joining to other flats (47) to make a cube of one thousand units. The blocks have one color for units, a different color for rows of tens, a different color for flats of one hundred, and a still different color for cubes of one thousand. The blocks can be used to teach addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, etc., to children.

Abstract: Base-ten blocks for teaching arithmetic to children, in which each block (19) has a projecting boss (27) with curved (bowed-out) sides (29) and an aperture (33) with straight sides (35), so that blocks (19) can be securely joined together to form multiples of units. A row of integral blocks (37) has common wall thicknesses (42) between adjacent blocks equal to twice the thickness of the end wall (45) of the row so that the row can be correctly mated with a row of single blocks or end-to-end rows of shorter blocks. Integral rows (37) of ten blocks each have two end bosses (41) for joining to other rows (37) to make flats (47) of one hundred units. Each flat has four bosses (51) for joining to other flats (47) to make a cube of one thousand units. The blocks have one color for units, a different color for rows of tens, a different color for flats of one hundred, and a still different color for cubes of one thousand. The blocks can be used to teach addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, etc.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle toy has a board (2) with a recess (5) defined in its upper surface. The jigsaw puzzle toy includes a plurality of first projections (19) projecting on the upper surface of the board and having first shapes, respectively, when viewed in plan, a plurality of first blocks (23) having respective holes (31) defined in surfaces thereof and having respective shapes complementary to the first shapes of the first projections (19) for fitting engagement therewith, and respective cavities (29) defined in other surfaces thereof and having respective second shapes, respectively, when viewed in plan; and a plurality of second blocks (37) having respective shapes complementary to the second shapes, respectively, when viewed in plan, for fitting engagement in the cavities (29), respectively, of the first blocks. The second blocks (37) have respective second projections (39) having the first shapes, respectively.

Abstract: An element for a didactic play, of the type capable of showing several surfaces carrying different representations, which may possibly be combined with the representations of other elements forming a set, in order to compose writings, images or the like, comprising a support, a prismatic body pivoted on the support and carrying on its faces some representations, and a control member carried by the support and capable, when operated, of acting on the prismatic body by causing a rotation thereof along the angle by which each face of the element is replaced by the subsequent face. The control member is formed by a push-button whose operation causes a rotation of the prismatic body in a preestablished direction by acting, by means of a pawl being a part of an inner operating member, onto an arrangement with escapement wheel carried by an end of the prismatic body. The set of such elements moreover includes a tray suitable for containing a number of elements, ordered by lines and columns.