Learning tool and game for identifying fractional indicia on tape measures and the like, and for developing tactile sense, eye-hand coordination, dexterity, and speed
OwnerJohn L. Gaddisinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A learning tool for identifying and memorizing fractional indicia on measuring devices including tape measures, rulers, other lined media, and the like, including incorporated into a fun to play game that emphasizes the above skills development while additionally utilizing and improving tactile feel, dexterity, eye-hand coordination and speed to accomplish work tasks by requiring picking up and properly manipulating small objects analogous to handling and placement of nails for hammering and screws for inserting them into specified holes. The tool can additionally incorporate measureable metrics for determining progress and identifying areas requiring additional practice.
Claims27
A learning tool for learning fractional indicia of a measuring device and improving manual dexterity, the fractional indicia of the measuring device having a first overall size, the learning tool comprising:
- a board having a surface including a linear pattern of graduated indicia representative of fractions of a whole number present on the measuring device, the pattern of graduated indicia having an overall size several times greater than the first overall size, the pattern of graduated indicia comprising at least one transverse whole number indicator and a predetermined plurality of transverse fractional value lines of different lengths at predetermined spaced intervals from the whole number indicator;
- a plurality of receptacles in or on the surface of the board in predetermined relation to the fractional value lines, respectively, such that each of the receptacles is visually associated with only one of the fractional value lines, respectively, each of the receptacles having a predetermined size and shape opening;
- a quantity of markers, each of the markers including a first end having a size so as to be cooperatively insertable in any one of the receptacles such that a second end of the marker will visibly extend outwardly therefrom, each of the second ends of the markers having a fractional value marking associated with only one of the fractional value lines;
- and
- a container containing the markers in random positions and orientations so as to require grasping the markers individually between fingers of a person's hand and manually manipulating the grasped marker to read the fractional value marking thereof and insert the marker into the associated receptacle.
A game for learning and memorizing fractional indicia on measuring devices and improving manual dexterity, comprising:
- a game board including a generally flat surface including a linear pattern of graduated indicia representative of fractions of a whole number, having an overall appearance of a portion of a hand held tape measure between two whole number indicators thereof enlarged at least several times, including a predetermined number of transverse fractional value lines at predetermined spaced intervals of at least ¼ inch representative of fractions of a whole number;
- small receptacles in the surface of the game board at ends of the fractional value lines, respectively;
- a quantity of markers contained in random positions and orientations, each of the markers including a first end having a size so as to be cooperatively insertable in any one of the receptacles such that a second end of the marker will visibly extend upwardly therefrom, each of the second ends of the markers having a fractional value marking associated with only one of the fractional value lines, and wherein the markers are to be inserted into the associated receptacles to play the game.
A method for learning fractional indicia of a measuring device and improving manual dexterity, comprising steps of:
- providing a board having a surface including an enlarged linear pattern of graduated indicia representative of fractions of a whole number of a measuring device, comprising at least one transverse whole number line of a first length and a predetermined plurality of transverse fractional value lines of shorter lengths at predetermined intervals from the whole number line, and a plurality of receptacles in or on the surface of the board in predetermined relation to the fractional value lines, respectively, such that each of the receptacles is visually associated with only one of the fractional value lines, respectively, each of the receptacles having a predetermined size and shape opening;
- providing a quantity of markers in random positions and orientations in a container, each of the markers including a first end having a size so as to be cooperatively insertable into any of the receptacles, and a second end having a fractional value marking associated with only one of the receptacles;
- and
- a person individually manually:
- i. grasping and picking up a marker from the container;
- ii. manipulating the picked up marker to read the fractional value marking thereof;
- and
- iii. inserting the marker into the associated receptacle,
- until a predetermined number of the receptacles have been filled or a predetermined number of the markers have been inserted.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.