Abstract:
A child&#39;s activity toy having a support board to which a variety of differently colored discs can be magnetically attached. The colored discs are dispensed with disc dispenser pens adapted to house and dispense the discs, and thus create a colored image. The image created can be viewed using 3D imaging technology, and an enhanced visual effect can be observed when the images are observed under Ultraviolet light. A disc collection and sorting system is also included in the activity toy of the present invention.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a child&#39;s activity toy, and in particular, an activity toy that allows the child to draw pictures using specifically designed pieces, holders for the pieces, and a system for sorting and reloading the pieces into the holders. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Children enjoy drawing, painting, and playing with bright and multiple colored toys and other pieces. Numerous designs are known for providing simple activity centres or drawing tools comprising a flat board onto which paper, or the like can be attached and onto which, a child can attached letters, shaped designs, or the like, or draw free-hand to produce an image. 
     While these types of devices are generally well received by most children, it would still be advantageous to provide an activity toy that would allow the child to “paint” a picture using brightly colored pieces, and then be able to collect, sort and re-use those pieces to produce additional images. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An exemplary implementation of the child&#39;s activity toy of the present invention provides a “drawing” or support board which is used in combination with a series of drawing pieces. The pieces are preferably circular discs, and are preferably held to the drawing board using magnetism. Either the discs or the board, can be magnetic, but preferably, the board comprises at least one area which acts as a magnetic, and the discs are made of steel or some other magnetic material, or the like, so as to adhere to the magnetic board. 
     Both the board and the discs are preferably coated, and in respect of the discs, a variety of different coloured discs are provided to the child. 
     In use, the child places the discs onto the board in order to produce an image from the coloured discs. In a preferred embodiment, the child is provided with a board, or a board cover (such as a cover of paper, cloth, plastic film, or the like) on which the outline of the drawing is printed. The child fills in the open areas outlined on the drawing using the coloured discs provided. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the coloured image is viewed by the child using three dimensional (3D) imaging technology. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, the child uses a type of three dimensional imaging technology known as “Chromadepth” imaging technology, which was developed by American Paper Optics. This technique produces a 3D effect based upon differences in the diffraction of color through a special prism-like holographic film which is typically fitted into glasses worn by the viewer. Chromadepth glasses purposely exacerbate chromatic aberration and give the illusion of colors taking up different positions in space, with red being in front, and blue being in back. In more detail, the lenses of the Chromadepth glasses, are oriented sideways, so that the overall bending effect creates an image wherein it appears that parts of the scene have been shifted horizontally inwards (ie, towards the center of the user&#39;s face). In its typically configuration, the red hues are shifted more than the greens and the greens are shifted more than the blues. Thus, red elements in the 3D scene appear to converge closest to the viewer and the blue elements appear to converge the farthest away. This technique works particularly well with the sky, sea or grass as a background, and redder objects in the foreground. 
     Any suitably coloured material can be given a 3D effect as long as the color spectrum is put into use with the foreground being in red, and the background in blue. From front to back the scheme therefore follows the visible light spectrum, from red to orange, yellow, green and blue. As a result, ChromaDepth works best with artificially produced or enhanced pictures, since the color of the object indicates and controls the “depth” of the image. 
     However, unlike other 3D imaging techniques, such as anaglyph images or polarization, creating real-life ChromaDepth pictures without manual enhancement is practically impossible, since the colour of an actual picture may not correspond with the Chromadepth colour scheme. 
     However, the Chromadepth technique does provide some distinct advantages over other 3D imaging techniques, since the Chromadepth image contains its apparent depth information all in one image. This eliminates the ghosting effect seen in other 3D imaging technique when the user view the objects or images without the appropriate 3D glasses. Thus, ChromaDepth images can be viewed comfortably and clearly without using the 3D glasses, even though the 3D effect will not be perceivable without them. 
     In the present invention, the discs are preferably coloured using different colours so that the result image has a 3D effect when viewed through Chromadepth glasses. 
     More preferably, the inventors have discovered that the Chromadepth technology is enhanced if the colours selected use fluorescent pigments. As such, in a preferred embodiment, the image is viewed with Chromadepth glasses wherein at least some of the coloured discs are coloured using fluorescent pigments. 
     Still more preferably, the inventors have also discovered that the Chromadepth technology is further enhanced if the image is viewed under Ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light can be provided by overhead lighting, but more preferably, is provided by the UV light built into the activity toy, or, is provided by UV lamps built into the Chromadepth glasses. In this option, UV lamps are included in the glasses, and light from the glasses is projected onto the drawing board. 
     As such, in a further aspect, the present invention also provides Chromadepth 3D imaging glass comprising at least one UV lamp, for projection of UV light on to the image observed, with the Chromadepth glasses. 
     In a further feature, the activity toy of the present invention includes a disc dispenser which holds the discs, with one dispenser used for each separate colour. The dispenser has a general pen shaped appearance including a hollow tube in which the coloured discs can be stacked. When held next to the magnetic drawing board, the coloured steel discs are attracted to the board, and the disc can be individually released by releasing a containment catch on the dispenser. Thus, in use, the child brings the end of the dispenser near the board, releases the containment catch, and a coloured disc exits the dispenser, and attaches itself to the board. By releasing several discs, the child can essentially cover the bulk of the area in the outline, in a manner similar to colouring or painting. 
     The child can use different coloured discs to colour various items, and by selecting these different colours can create a 3D image when viewed through the Chromadepth glass. This 3D image is enhanced when viewed under UV light, and is particularly enhanced when fluorescent pigments are used. 
     The support board can be any suitable colour, but black is preferred since it does not interfere with the Chromadepth 3D image. The support board might also simply be a support for overlays, including overlayments which are printed on paper, cardboard, cloth, plastic film, or the like. The support board might also include a clear plastic screen that can be edge-lit with UV light. 
     Still further, the board includes a magnetic surface that extends upwards to the top of the board, and then curls around the top of the board before preferably partially extending down the back of the support board. This assists in collection and sorting of the disks, as will be described hereinbelow. 
     Most, if not all of the back of the board, however, is a non-magnetic area. 
     When the child is finished with the activity centre, or wishes to draw another image, the discs are slid up the board (using any suitable means such as a ruler, plastic slider, or an integral plastic slider built into the device, or the like), where they proceed over the top of the curved magnetic board, down the back of the activity toy, and then are released into a preferably enclosed catchment area located on the back of the activity board. 
     Once the discs fall into the catchment area, the discs can be sorted using a sorting device, as herein described. 
     One suitable sorting device operates as follows. 
     The coloured discs are typically between 1 and 4 cm, and more preferably between 2 and 3 cm in diameter. They also have a thickness of between 0.1 and 2 cm, and more preferably, between 0.3 and 0.8 cm. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the present device, the discs preferably have at least two different diameters, and preferably each diameter setting includes 3 differently coloured disc. Thus, the user has 6 differently coloured discs, each of which has its own unique combination of diameter and thickness. 
     The first component of the sorting device preferably comprises a sorting wheel being a generally circular wheel, with a crank that can be used for spinning the wheel, in one direction. The sorting wheel has a equally spaced collection of regularly shaped openings on its perimeter, which are adapted to receive any one of the coloured discs. 
     The openings are sized and shaped so as to collect any of the discs. For example, circular discs would be caught in a wheel having semi-circular openings on its outer diameter. While circular shapes are most convenient, other shapes, such as square discs, or the like, might also be used. 
     Additionally, the catchment area is enclosed, preferably by a clear plastic, so that the only mechanism for the discs to exit the catchment area, is through the sorting wheel. 
     In one embodiment, the discs collected in the wheel pass by at least one exit point which has an exit opening size which is related to the disc size. When passing the first exit point, only discs below a selected diameter are able to exit the sorting wheel, while any larger discs must proceed to a second exit point, where any remaining discs are removed from the sorting wheel. As such, the six discs (of this example) are first sorted into two different groups. 
     To exit the sorting wheel, additional exit openings, each having (in order) a slightly larger exit opening size, might also be used to further sort the discs of the invention using the sorting wheel. In this case, an increased number of different disc diameters can be used to provide additional sorting capability. As such, the number of different disc diameters is preferably between two and 10, and more preferably between 2 and 6. Most preferably, however, there are only two different disc diameters. 
     The discs are also preferably provided with different thicknesses. Once the discs have left the sorting wheel, they roll (on end) down a “ramp” section located at each exit opening, which ramp features slots of different widths. Once a disc reaches a slot (or opening) with a width greater than its thickness, the disc falls into the slot. If the disc is thicker than the slot, it will continue over the slot, and eventually fall through the slot with a larger opening. 
     The number of disc thickness and/or disc diameters used, is preferably between 2 and 10, and more preferably, between 2 and 5. Most preferably, there are 2 different disc diameters so that there are two different sized openings, and preferably, there are three different disc thicknesses, and thereby, three different sized slots. 
     For example, for a two disc diameter, with three disc thicknesses, a total of 6 different sized discs can be sorted. In the present invention, the child therefore has a total of 6 different coloured discs that can be used on the magnetic board, and then moved to the sorting system, once the drawing is completed. 
     Other approaches might be taken. For example, six different disc diameters might be used, with three of the discs having a diameter so as to pass through the first exit from the sorting wheel, and three will pass through to the second exit. On each ramp, an opening can be provided that is matched to the disc size, with the smallest diameter opening closest to the sorting wheel exit. Larger discs will pass over the smaller opening and continue down the ramp until they reach the correct sized opening. At this point, they drop into the opening. 
     It will be noted that other combinations of these sorting techniques can be envisioned by the skilled artisan. 
     At the bottom of each slot or opening, is a recess provided to collect the sorted discs. Further, the recess is preferably adapted to receive a disc dispenser. The end of the disc dispenser is aligned within the slot recess, and discs falling through the slot or opening, fall into the disc dispenser. 
     The end of the disc dispenser is held open when connected to the recess, so as to allow the discs to fall into the dispenser. 
     In this manner, the child is able to quickly and easily return the discs to its correct dispenser, and each of the dispensers is now ready for the next drawing. This disc collection operation provides entertainment to the child, and reduces the number of discs which will be lost during use since the discs preferably remain either in the disc dispenser, or are magnetically attached to the board. 
     When not in use, the disc dispensers themselves can also be stored in their respective recesses in the activity toy, so as to also minimize the potential loss of the disc dispensers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example only in association with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a image of six disc dispensers, and related discs; 
         FIG. 2  is a collection of images showing the front surface of the activity toy support board; 
         FIG. 3  is a collection of images showing the back surface of the activity toy, having a disc sorting system included therein; and 
         FIG. 4  is a further image of the back surface of the activity toy with included sorting system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements. 
     It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , six disc dispensers  100 , are shown having each having a plurality of coloured discs  102 . Discs  102  are made of coated steel, and are different colours, so that each dispenser  100  dispenses differently coloured discs. Discs  102  are preferably coated with colours containing fluorescent pigments. 
     In  FIG. 2 , an activity toy  10  is shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C and  2 D, having a configuration similar to a computer monitor. Toy  10  includes a stand  12 , and a display screen  14 . Display screen  14  acts as a support board, and is coated with a thin magnetic pad, and is black in colour. 
     Screen  14  can be illuminated using an overhead UV light, a UV light built into the activity toy, but in a preferred embodiment, UV lights are included in the Chromadepth 3D imaging glasses, and light from the glasses is projected onto the drawing board. 
     In  FIG. 2D , a pre-printed image of a fish is shown, which is partially covered in discs  102 . The rocks, also shown in  FIG. 2D  are “coloured” with discs  102  of a different colour. When viewed under UV light, using Chromadepth glasses, and using the fluorescent pigmented coloured discs, the fish will appear to be at a different image “depth” than the rocks or the background, and thereby, an enhanced 3D image will be viewed. 
     At the top of screen  14  is a cover section  16  which is open to the screen  14 . After the drawing is completed, the child pushes the discs  102  under cover  16 , using a plastic ruler, or the like, so that the discs pass over the top of screen  14 , and fall into an enclosed catchment area  20 , best seen in  FIG. 3 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , the rear view of activity toy  10  is shown, including sorting system  17 . In  FIG. 3A , the opening under cover  16  from screen  14  can be seen. It will be noted that screen  14  can be tilted forward on base  12 , for this operation. 
     The discs fall towards sorting wheel  22 , which contains 6 semi-circular openings  24  adapted to receive discs  102 . Sorting wheel  22  is turned using a handle  26 , and the discs are moved towards the discs exits  28  and  30 . Three different sizes of discs fall through exit  28 , and the other three different sizes of discs  102  fall through exit  30 . Once the discs exit the sorting wheel, they roll down ramps  32  and  34 , and fall into opening  36  which are the same size as the appropriate discs  102 . The discs fall through tubes  38 , shown in outline, and fall into dispensers  100 . 
     Only four of the six dispensers  100  are shown in recesses  40 , in the back of activity toy  10 . 
     A further image of the back side of toy  10 , showing the sorting system and 6 dispensers, is also shown in  FIG. 4 . Use of the sorting system is as previously described herein. 
     Finally, it should be noted that even in situations where use of the UV lamp and Chromadepth glasses is not desired, the child still has a multiple activity toy  10  that can be used in a manner similar to prior art multiple activity toys. The child merely uses discs  102  to create a normally appearing image, and then collects the discs  102  using the sorting system  17 . 
     In use, therefore, the child has the option of simply using the discs and board alone as a simple multiple activity toy. However, the child also has the option of using the Chromadepth glasses to provide an enhanced 3D effect when viewing the fluorescent coloured discs, and in its most preferred option, the child can use a combination of fluorescent coloured discs, with Chromadepth glasses, when viewed under UV light, to achieve the optimal visual effect 
     Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a child&#39;s activity toy, which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims. 
     Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word “comprise” and variations of the word such as “comprising” and “comprises”, when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. 
     Moreover, the words “substantially” or “essentially”, when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element. 
     Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination. 
     Further, use of the terms “he”, “him”, or “his”, is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as “she”, “her”, or “hers”, respectively. 
     Finally, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.