DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING EXAMINATION SHEETS

Abstract: Device for instantly producing any of a plurality of different examination question papers. The device utilizes a master sheet (20') for each different question set. Each master has the respective question set imprinted on its underside in mirror image form with a transfer copy ink, and on its top in normal form with a permanent ink. A plurality of master sheets representing different examination sheets are joined in stacked alignment in the form of a pad (20). The device also includes a binder (12) having opposed covers (14, 16) and the pad of masters is mounted on the inside of one of the covers (14'). On the inside of the other cover (16), there is mounted a pad of detachable blank sheets (30). In use, the teacher produces an examination sheet by removing one of the blank sheets from its pad, placing the sheet under the appropriate master and rubbing the surface of the master.

Description: DEVICEANDMETHODFORPRODUCINGEXAMINATIONSHEETS The present invention relates generally to educational devices and, more particularly, concerns an examination device capable of repeatedly producing docu- ments including any one of a plurality of different sets of pedigogical materials, which may be customized to individual students. As used herein the term "examination device" will be understood to mean not only a device for producing examination papers in various subjects, but also homework problems, remedial materials, and the like. Similarly, the term "examination materials" or "examination sheets" will be understood as not being limited strictly to examination papers, but also to include homework assign- ments, remedial problem materials, and the like. Reusable examination sheets are known in the prior art. Typically, such a document includes a question sheet on which are imprinted questions to which a student is to respond and a plurality of cut-outs or windows. The examination sheet is used by placing an answer sheet underneath it and writing answers on the portions of the answer sheet visable through the windows of the question sheet. Examination sheets of this type are especially inconvenient in use, particularly if the teacher is to provide different problems to individual students, based upon their ability. This would require the teacher to maintain multiple copies of a plurality of different question sheets in order to have a sufficeint supply for all the students. Such a large quantity of sheets would require a substantial amount of storage space. In addi¬ tion, the teacher must be certain that each student turns his question sheet after use and makes no markings thereon. The supply of question sheets is therefore likely to be depleated very rapidly as a result of loss or destruction. As a result of these shortcomings, this type of question sheet would not be acceptable for repeti¬ tive use in providing customized examination materials. ~~JSmW Teachers have also had students copy problems onto a sheet. However, this is time consuming and it is likely that mistakes would be made in the copying process. Broadly, it is an object of the present inven- tion to provide an examination device capable of produci repetitively any one of a plurality of different examina tion materials so as to customize them to individual students. It is specifically an object of the present invention to provide each student instantly with an individualized examination sheet without having to keep large supply of such sheets on hand. It is also an object of the present invention provide an examination device which is reliable and convenient in use, yet relatively simple and inexpensive in construction. In accordance with the present invention, an examination device includes a master sheet for each different examination sheet that is to be produced. On its back, the master sheet has questions printed on it i mirror image form with a transfer copy ink. This ink is of such a character that the printed material will be transferred to any sheet placed behind the master sheet when the front of the master sheet is rubbed. Typically one such mster sheet can provide 75-100 copies. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment demonstrating objects and features of the present inven¬ tion, a plurality of master sheets representing differen examination sheets are joined in stacked alignment in th form of a pad. The device includes a binder having opposed covers and the pad of masters is mounted on the inside of one of the covers. On the inside of the other cover, there is mounted a pad of detachable blank sheets. In use, the teacher produces a question sheet b removing one of the blank sheets from its pad, placing t sheet under the appropriate master and rubbing the surfa of the master. This permits the instantaneous productio of a customized question sheet for each student. The foregoing brief description, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be understood more completely from the following detailed description of a presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiment in accordance with the present invention, with reference being had to the accompanying drawing, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of an examination device in accord- ance with the present invention; and Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating the examination device being used to make a customized examination sheet. Referring now to the details of the drawing, Fig. 1 illustrates the presently preferred form of an examination device 10 in accordance with the present invention, the device being shown in its open position ready for use. The examination device 10 includes a binder 12 which includes the opposable covers 14 and 16. O its inside surface, each of the covers 14, 16 is provided with a pocket 18 and 19, respectively. On the respective pockets 18, 19, are mounted the master and blank pads 20, 30. When the device 10 is not in use, the covers 14, 16 may be closed for convenient storage of the device. As best seen in Fig. 2, the device 10 is used by tearing a sheet 30' from the blank pad 30 and placing it under an appropriate master sheet 20' of pad 20. An examination sheet is then produced by rubbing the surface of the master sheet 20', for example with a pencil 40 or a ruler edge, in order to reproduce the problems from the master sheet 20' on the blank sheet 30'. In Fig. 2, the pencil 40 has been rubbed over the master sheet in an upwardly direction (as indicated by the arrow) and the lower portion of the master sheet has been lifted to show the problems that are reproduced on the blank sheet 30'. In the preferred embodiment, the binder 12 is made of cardboard, but any convenient sheet material may be used. The pockets 1δ, 19 are formed by cutting a portion of the cardboard sheet shorter at its top and th folding the foreshortened portions inwardly. The pads 2 30 are formed by stacking the respective sheets in align ment and then stapling them through a stiff backing shee for example, a cardboard sheet. This construction permi the pads to be mounted to their respective pockets by slipping the backing sheet into the pockets. However, it will be appreciated that any conventional constructio may be used for the pads 20, 30 and that other methods m be used to secure them within binder 12. Each of the sheets 20' of the master pad 20 ha a plurality of questions, for example (but without limit tion), arithmetic problems, inprinted on its undersurfac in mirror image form with a transfer copy ink. On the t surface of the sheet, the same problems are inprinted wi a permanent ink in normal form and in alignment with the corresponding transfer ink printing. Sheets useful for making master sheet are available under the trademark PRESSURE-FAX from the Mazer Corporation. In the pre¬ ferred embodiment, the master sheets are each cut to be 4-1/4 by 11 inches, so that the transfer of the printed matter to the blank sheet 30 * is quickly and easily achieved by means of a single, continuous stroke of the pencil 40 along the length of the master. The Sheets of the pad 30 are preferably perfor¬ ated at 32 for convenience of removing the sheets 30'. Although a preferred form of the invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many addi¬ tions, modifications and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inven tion as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 5 1. The use as a master sheet for repeatedly pro¬ ducing examination sheets of a sheet having examination problems printed with a transfer copy ink and in mirror image form on the undersurface thereof, the top surface thereof having said problems inprinted thereon in normal form with a permanent ink, said sheet being used by placing a blank sheet thereunder and rubbing said top surface to transfer the printed matter thereto, thereby producing an examination sheet. 2. An master sheet as in claim 1 having at least one dimension less than the length of a pencil, so that the exami¬ nation sheet may be formed by a single continuous stroke of a pencil over the upper surface of said master sheet. 3. In an examination device, a plurality of master sheets each having a different problem set inprinted on the undersurface thereof with a transfer copy ink and in mirror image form, the same problem set as on the undersurface being imprinted on the upper surface of each master- sheet with a permanent ink and in normal form. 4. An examination device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said sheets are joined in stacked alignment along at least one edge thereof. 5. An examination device in accordance with claim 4 wherein at least one dimension of each master sheet is less than the length of a pencil. 6. An examination device in accordance with claim 4 or 5 further comprising a binder having a pair of opposable covers, a pad of blank sheets, and means for mounting said stack of master sheets and said pad of blank sheets to a different one of said covers. 7. A method for producing an examination sheet wit the aid of a master sheet having question materials inprinted the undersurface thereof with a transfer copy ink and in mirro image form, said master sheet having said problem materials inprinted on the upper surface thereof with permanent ink and in normal form, said method comprising the steps of placing a blank sheet underneath said master sheet and rubbing the upper surface of said master sheet to duplicate said problem materia on said blank sheet thereby producing an examination sheet. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein said master sheet has at least one dimension which is less that the length of the pencil, said rubbing step being performed by rubbing a pencil in a single continuous stroke over the upper surface of said master sheet in a direction normal to said dimension which is less than the length of said pencil.

Inventors: HODGINS H
Applicants: INSTRUCTO MCGRAW HILL INC
Application year: 1980
Main classification: G09B3
IPC codes: G09B3