Demonstration device

A demonstration appliance has a human figure comprising a head region, a foot region with a convex downward or pointed foot surface, and a block whose height matches that of the foot region. The block comprises at least two, preferably three, superimposed separable layers and has an upward-opening recess for receiving the foot region. Said recess is formed by an opening in each layer. The opening in the first layer has an overdimension with respect to and around the lower part of the foot region which is lodged in the first layer, such that the latter alone loosely holds the foot region and, hence the figure, and, in the event of shaking, for example if the figure is lightly tapped, will not prevent tilting. The shape of the opening in the other layer is adapted to the corresponding part of the foot region so that the foot region lodged in the openings of the superimposed layers cannot be tilted from the vertical through an angle greater than +/-10.degree.. Each layer comprises at least two modules each having an undercut-free recess on one side. These recesses form the opening of a layer when the modules are combined.

The invention pertains to a demonstration device. Such devices have, on the 
one hand a game purpose; they should stimulate the players to handle them 
and they should be gladly grasped and used. On the other hand, they should 
also, however, convey a message, especially a teaching subject. This 
results from the special shape of the demonstration device and can be 
varied within a certain range of various teaching subjects which, however, 
have similar objectives. 
When the demonstration device is played with, the teaching subject should 
be distinguished as clearly as possible without however, being the primary 
goal. The game should be useful for being able to represent the teaching 
subject and thus the message in another manner and possibly more 
comprehensibly than is possible by an oral explanation, a written 
description or a drawing, all of which concern the same teaching subject. 
When the teacher uses the demonstration device he can make the messages 
connected with this device more understandable to the learner. In this 
case, the demonstration device lying in the hand of the teacher 
facilitates the lecture; the game compels the speakers to address the 
individual parts or individual elements of the demonstration device so 
that the subject to be conveyed comes into discussion., to that extent the 
demonstration device also functions as a lecture plan. When the learner 
uses the demonstration device, he can comprehend the message physically, 
by means of which the learning effect is reinforced. In this respect, a 
demonstration device of the type mentioned above makes use of the 
experience that an exclusively oral presentation of the teaching subject, 
a visual presentation of the teaching subject or a combination of oral and 
visual presentation of knowledge have a lower probability of being 
permanently absorbed by the learner than a message provided in a game 
which is physically held with the hands, that is, haptic learning. 
Thus, the task of the invention was to offer a demonstration device, with 
which gradually better protection of a human figure against tilting, that 
is by an increasingly improved support, can be represented. Such a 
demonstration device is suitable, for example, for explaining the 
protection of a person by gradually improved insurance protection; the 
device is suitable for explaining the gradually improved stability of a 
person against attacks which could make it tilt. In addition to the 
insurance protection mentioned above, the professional insurance of a 
person to be gradually improved can thus be explained, that is, how this 
person can obtain it by profession-promoting measures, for example, 
training, and it can represent quite generally the development of a person 
towards a maturing process or the like. 
The task is solved by a demonstration device, which is characterized by a 
human figure which has a head area and a foot area, which has a foot 
surface that is convex or pointed downwards, and by a block, the height of 
which is adapted to the height of the foot area, which is comprised of at 
least two and preferably three layers that can be stacked one above the 
other and which has a recess opening upwards for mounting the foot area, 
which recess is formed by an opening in each layer, whereby the opening of 
the first layer has such an excess (free space) on all sides opposite the 
lower part of the foot area contained by it, which part alone holds the 
first layer, the foot area and thus the figure only unstably, and in the 
case of vibration, e.g., in the case of a slight push against the figure 
cannot hold against tilting, and the opening of the other layer is adapted 
in a mold-like manner to the part of the foot area corresponding to it 
such that the foot area contained by the openings of the layers stacked 
one above the other cannot be tilted in an angular range greater than 
.+-.10.degree. from the vertical lines, and in that each layer is 
comprised of at least two components, which have, in each case, an 
undercut-free groove on one side, and these grooves form the opening when 
the components of a layer are put together. 
In a preferred design of the demonstration device, the device is 
characterized by a human figure which has a head area and a foot area 
which has a foot surface that is convex or pointed downwards, and by a 
block, the height of which is adapted to the height of the foot area, 
which is comprised of components arranged in three layers that can be 
stacked one above the other, and which has a recess opening upwards for 
mounting the foot area, which is formed by an opening in each layer, in 
which a) the opening of the first layer has an excess on all sides 
opposite the lower part of the foot area contained by it, which alone 
cannot hold the first layer, the foot area and thus the figure against 
tilting, b) an air gap remains on all sides between the opening of the 
second layer and the corresponding part of the foot area, which is 
designed such that the foot area contained by the first and second layers 
which are stacked one above the other can be tilted in an angular range 
smaller than .+-.80.degree. C., preferably smaller than .+-.45 .degree., 
opposite the vertical lines within the opening; however, at a greater tilt 
angle, a closing shape appears between these openings and the foot area 
and c) the opening of the third layer is adapted in a mold-like manner to 
the part of the foot area corresponding to it such that the foot area 
contained by the openings of the three layers which are stacked one above 
the other cannot be tilted in an angular range greater than .+-.10.degree. 
from the vertical lines. 
In en embodiment of the demonstration device according to the invention as 
a teaching and learning game for the protection of a person by various 
types of insurance, the block represents the personal capability of the 
person symbolized by the figure. The various types of insurance which are 
required for complete protection are indicated on one lateral surface of 
each individual layer, and the term "work capacity" is applied to the 
opposite lateral surface. When an insurance representative takes the 
demonstration device in his hand, he should extend and thus display the 
individual layers one after the other, and he explains that, with a 
decrease in or even a cessation of the work capacity, the standing 
capacity of the human being also becomes questionable. Finally, the 
insurance customer should then again assemble the block and thus 
comprehend how the stability of the human figure is increasingly improved. 
When playing, by stacking the layers one above the other, the human figure 
represented by a figurine is supported increasingly better against tilting 
movements which should symbolize attacks to be expected in the life of 
this person. If all three layers are assembled, then the figure is 
prevented from tilting; therefore, the figure cannot be moved from its 
vertical position by a push acting on it from outside. If the top layer is 
removed by removing the components that form this top layer, then a 
tilting movement of the figure is possible within a cone; the figure can 
thus tilt, but it is held within a predetermined angular range, and thus, 
it cannot completely tilt over. If the second layer is also removed by 
removing the corresponding components, then the figure is only supported 
inadequately. Of course, it can be placed upright, but it is unstable and 
completely falls over at a slight lateral push and therefore is 
practically not held by the first layer. Without the first layer, the 
figure is completely unstable, and it cannot be made to stand. 
In the preferred design of the demonstration device according to the 
invention as a learning game for explaining the gradually improved 
protection of a person by gradually improved insurance protection, the 
demonstration first starts with the figurine in the form of a human figure 
alone without the block. It is not possible to stand the figure upright. A 
first attempt of protection for the figure is obtained only in that the 
first layer is provided. A first attempt of protection for the figure is 
obtained only in that the first layer is provided [sic]. The first layer 
comprises the foot area of the figure, by means of which a visible support 
of the figure is obtained; however, the support is not yet sufficient to 
be able to exclude a complete tilting of the figure. In this case, the 
figure does not fall onto the free, empty surface, but rather onto the 
first layer; altogether, a certain protection is produced by the first 
layer, which, however--as is obtained immediately by playing--is not 
sufficient. If the second layer is now placed onto the first layer, not 
only is a visibly better support of the foot area of the figure obtained, 
but also the angle, at which the figure can be moved from the vertical 
lines if it is pushed, is limited. The opening of the second layer is 
adjusted on the foot area such that the figure can only be moved in an 
angular range. It is protected against completely falling over, but is not 
yet protected to the extent that it would also continually be held in the 
vertical lines if it is pushed. This is first obtained by applying the 
third layer. This third layer comprises the foot area of the figure such 
that the figure can no longer be tilted out of the vertical lines even if 
it is pushed, i.e., it is now stable against heavy blows and thus 
sufficiently protected. The individual components which form the block can 
be inscribed or characterized such that they specify certain types of 
insurance. The necessary stability is gradually obtained by arranging the 
various insurances in layers. 
It is advantageous to design the layers with the same height in each case. 
In a further development of the invention, it is suggested to design the 
crowning of the foot area within the first layer so that the rotationally 
symmetrical contour remains within a semicircle with the radius of the 
opening of the first layer. By this means, it is guaranteed that the 
figure--similar to a ball-and-socket joint--can be tilted opposite the 
first layer; in this case, however, when it falls over, it falls on the 
first layer. 
In another improvement it is suggested that each layer comprise two 
components having equal areas, and when put together, they come into 
contact with the diametrical line of the opening of the respective layer. 
This construction makes it possible to gradually construct the protection 
of the figure without the figure itself having to be moved. The block can 
comprise a total of six components, all of which have the same areas under 
one another and have essentially the same shape. By this means, the 
demonstration device has a clarity and simple design which also has a 
positive effect esthetically. However, the components of the individual 
layers should differ from one another such that they cannot be 
interchanged with one another, that is, for example, a component of the 
first layer is not erroneously used for the second layer. In order to 
achieve this, it is suggested in an improvement that the individual 
components of each layer be designed by form projections and corresponding 
recesses in the other component, by the arrangement of magnets, by an 
adhesive or the like, such that a false layering is not possible; in any 
case, it cannot lead to a complete block. 
In a preferred design, the block is a straight prism; it is preferably 
cube-shaped or cylindrical. The mold-like clear and simple design of the 
block does not distract from the teaching subject to be conveyed and makes 
possible an esthetically good shape of the block. The individual 
components develop a simple basic shape, by means of which, in turn, their 
production and also the assembly are made easy. 
Finally, in the area of the foot surface, a nonplanar flattening can be 
provided, which is designed such that the figure alone can be mounted 
vertically on a horizontal base with some aptitude. However, since the 
flattening is designed very small, this condition is essentially unstable, 
and the figure tilts over upon the slightest vibration.

The demonstration device consists of a human FIG. 20 in the form of a 
figurine which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, has not only a 
rotationally symmetrical foot area 22, but is also extensively 
rotationally symmetrical. The completely assembled demonstration device, 
as is evident from FIG. 1, also consists of a block 24, which has a cube 
shape in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4 and a cylinder 
shape in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 5 and 6 Other shapes, 
especially straight prisms with six-sided bases, oval bases or the like 
are possible. The height of the foot area 22 corresponds to the height of 
the block 24 and amounts to about 30 to 50 percent of the total height of 
the FIG. 20. As the "foot area" is understood that part of the FIG. 20 
which is contained by the block 24, regardless of the actual proportions 
or data. The block 24 is comprised of three layers 26 to 30 which can be 
stacked one above the other and have the same height, with each layer 
being comprised of two components, as they are especially evident in FIG. 
4 The block 24 has a recess opening upwards which is almost cylindrical in 
the exemplary embodiments and is formed by openings 32 to 36, of almost 
the same size, in the individual layers 26 to 30. The foot area 22 of the 
FIG. 20 is adapted to this recess 32 to 36. 
Up to the level of the first layer 26, the foot area is designed as 
partially spherical, with the spherical radius being somewhat smaller than 
the radius of the orbicular opening 32 of the first layer. The height of 
the first layer 26 is smaller than this radius. As is evident in FIGS. 2 
and 3, by this means there is, on the upper edge of the opening 32 of the 
first layer 26, a certain contact with the partially spherical lower part 
of the foot area 22, such that a certain support is obtained, however, the 
support obtained is unstable, and the FIG. 20 falls over upon the 
slightest push, that is, onto the first layer 26. 
In the area of the second layer 28, the foot area is essentially shaped 
like a truncated cone; an annular air gap 40 remains between the opening 
34 and this part of the foot area 22. This is designed such that the FIG. 
20 can be moved within a certain angular range, thus within a cone. This 
is shown especially in FIG. 3, in which it is evident that the foot area 
22 is not in contact with the opening 34 on all sides. If the FIG. 20 is 
pushed into the position shown, then it tilts somewhat, but is then held, 
that is, it does not fall over completely. In this case, it is 
characteristic that a certain frictional engagement, but not a closing 
shape, is not obtained as in the combined effect between the foot area and 
only the first layer 26, but rather that here when the FIG. 20 is tilted 
by the angular range indicated, the foot area jackknifes until it is 
caught within the cooperating openings 32, 34, that is, it is protected 
against further tilting. 
Even in the area of the third layer 30, the foot area is conical, with the 
conical form being continued. This is designed such that the third layer 
30 is adjacent practically without play with its upper edge on the foot 
area 22, as is evident in FIG. 2. A tilting movement of the FIG. 20 is 
practically impossible, in any case very limited, under these conditions. 
In the bottom area, the FIG. 20 can have, on the position 42, a small-plane 
insert with high friction for example, a small piece of rubber, which 
projects only very slightly opposite the partially spherical contour. 
Corresponding to FIG. 4, if the third layer is removed or even the second 
and the third layers are removed, a certain stability of the FIG. 20 
against vibrations is produced. 
Instead of the almost cylindrical opening 32 to 36, as it is evident in the 
exemplary embodiments, the foot area 22 can be designed exactly 
cylindrical or the opening 32 to 36 can extend upwards. It is also not 
necessary to design the opening 32 of the first layer as continuous; it 
can therefore be closed at the bottom, as long as it is guaranteed that by 
this means no mold-like hold of the FIG. 20 is obtained. If the bottom of 
the opening 32 of the first layer is adapted, for example, in the form of 
a tub or the conical form of the crowned part of the foot area 22, a 
certain frictional engagement is obtained, which functions similar to the 
position 42. 
As was explained above, each layer 26 to 30 consists of two components 44 
which are adjacent to a diametrical line of the opening 32 to 36 in the 
assembled state. FIG. 4 shows the condition of the bottom layer 26 before 
the two components 44 are connected. The components have equal areas; they 
also have the same shape in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 
to 4. Each component is a cube with a semicircle-shaped groove 33 or 35, 
which together form the respective opening 32 to 34. It is crucial that 
the grooves 33, 35 do not have any undercut, that is, they do not extend 
inwards in some way. By this means, it is guaranteed that the foot area 22 
is not held in a mold-like manner in a groove 33, 35, and thus, the 
components 44 can be withdrawn from the FIG. 20 without carrying it along 
with them. 
Magnets 46, 48 are imbedded into the cubes as connection elements. The 
magnets 46 are situated on the front surfaces in the area of the 
separating line of the layer 26 to 30 and are arranged and polarized such 
that they guarantee a connection of the two components 44 to the 
respective layer 26, 28 or 30. In contrast, the magnets 48, which are also 
imbedded, that is, are not visible, guarantee the connection of the 
individual layers 26 to 30 to each other. They are not absolutely 
required. They are also arranged and polarized such that a magnetic 
connection between the first layer 26 and the second layer 28, as well as 
between the second layer 28 and the third layer 30, is obtained. 
Accordingly, the first layer 26 and the third layer 30 each have magnets 
48 only on one surface; however, the middle, second layer 28 has magnets 
48 on both primary surfaces For a magnetic connection, it is also 
sufficient that a ferromagnetic part is imbedded on one side, but then a 
magnetic connected is always obtained without the possibility of a 
repulsion occurring. In a preferred design, therefore the magnets are 
arranged and polarized such that an exchange of the layer structure, false 
arrangement, etc. cannot occur. For this purpose, for example, the magnets 
48 of the first layer 26 are situated far outside; the magnetic connection 
between the second and third layers 28, 30 is situated, in contrast, 
further near the opening 34 or 36. The magnets are arranged such that no 
magnetic connection occurs when, for example, the third layer is placed on 
the first layer. In addition, a repulsion occurs in this case. 
In contrast to this, the block 24 in the exemplary embodiment according to 
FIGS. 5 and 6 is held together purely mechanically. This block is 
cylindrical; the individual layers 26 to 30 are thus disk-shaped rings. 
Again, these layers each consist of two components 44. Short, cylindrical 
pegs 50 project from each component 44 of the second layer 28 and of the 
third layer 30 to the deeper layer 26 or 28, respectively, which has 
corresponding recesses 52. In this manner, components 44 lying above one 
another are connected as one unit by interlocking with one another. The 
individual components 44 of each layer are adjacent to one another in the 
area of a separating line 54, without attachment means or adhesives being 
provided for a special hold. However, such adhesives, as they are formed 
by the magnets 46, can also be used in the exemplary embodiment according 
to FIGS. 5 and 6. However, these can fall out when, for example, the 
second layer is rotated 90 degrees opposite the other layers 26, 30, and 
the connection of the pegs 50 with the recesses 52 is correspondingly 
adjusted. The second layer 28 then also produces a connection via the 
separating line 54, as it is otherwise obtained by the magnets 46. 
In a modified design (not shown here), the surfaces of the layers 26 to 30 
touching one another are provided with a layer, which prevents a shifting 
of the layers 26 to 30 against one another, for example, a thin layer made 
of velvet, or the surfaces are correspondingly roughened. On the other 
hand, the first and second layers 26, 28 can also be provided with 
cutouts, for example, segments of a circle with a spandrel over 180 
degrees, which are open on the narrow sides of the components 44 and are 
situated at the location of the magnets 48 (see FIG. 4). According to the 
respective cutout, shaped parts are situated on the facing bottom surfaces 
of the second and third layers 28, 30, that is, for example, again 
segments of a circle with spandrels greater than 180 degrees, which, when 
the layers 26 to 30 of the block are placed on top of each other, pass 
into the cutouts of the layers situated below them and prevent the 
components 44 from being able to be separated from one another in the 
direction opposite the arrows according to FIG. 4. 
In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, the human FIG. 20 has a 
foot area 22 in the form of a straight circular cone. Strictly speaking, 
it is a truncated cone since the cone has a small-plane flattening 43 on 
its lower side forming the foot surface 42. This is designed such that the 
FIG. 20 can be mounted vertically with some aptitude on a flat horizontal 
base, for example, a table surface, without being supported by the layers 
26 to 30. 
As in the above-described exemplary embodiments, the opening 32 of the 
bottom layer 26 is designed large, that is, the excess designated as the 
free space 38 and designed large enough on all sides along the opening 32 
that the first layer 26 alone cannot hold the foot area 22 and thus the 
entire FIG. 20 against tilting. A stop on two opposite parts of the 
opening 32 does not occur in any angular position. A closing shape or a 
stop on opposite edges of the opening 32 does not occur in any oblique 
position of the figure opposite the vertical lines. 
The opening 34 of the second layer 28 has, opposite the part of the foot 
area 22 assigned to it, an air gap 40 which is present on all sides, is 
smaller than the free space 38 and is designed such that the foot area 22 
contained by the first and second layers 26, 28 stacked one above the 
other can be freely tilted in an angular range .+-.60.degree. (see FIG. 7) 
within the openings 32, 34; however, at a greater tilt angle, a closing 
shape occurs, that is, the foot area stops on the opposite edges of the 
openings 32, 34. In this case, it is sufficient that exclusively the 
opening 34 without cooperation with the opening 32 limits the tilting 
movement in the angular range mentioned. 
While the openings 32 and 34 of the two layers 26, 28, respectively, are 
cylindrical in the exemplary embodiment shown according to FIG. 7, the 
opening 36 of the third layer 30 in the bottom area is cylindrical, but in 
the top area fits the conical form of the foot area 22 exactly. By this 
means, an exact fit occurs, by means of which the foot area contained by 
the openings 32 to 36 of the three layers 26 to 30 stacked one above the 
other can no longer be tilted. A tilting angle by a smaller degree of 
angle, for example, .+-.3.degree. or even .+-.10.degree. is permissible 
within the tolerances. In general, the opening 36 should not have any 
dimension smaller than specified opposite the part of the foot area 22 
assigned to it, so that it is always guaranteed that the human FIG. 20 
stands with its foot area 22 on the same vertical support surface, on 
which the bottom layer 26 also lies. 
The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 shows a FIG. 20 with a foot area in the 
form of a straight pyramid with a square base. This design should 
substantiate that a deviation from the preferred rotationally symmetrical 
design of the foot area 22 is possible. The foot area 22 can also be 
designed as a pyramid with other bases, for example, the base of a 
triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, with an oval base, etc. The shape of the 
foot area is basically open; it should be designed such that the FIG. 20 
is recognized as a human figure as much as possible 
The word convex means crowned, rounded off or curved downwards.