Patent GB-1136402-A (GB)
Title: A device for training in literacy
IPC: G09B17/00
Filed: 1965-01-27
Abstract: 1,136,402. Device for training in literacy. J. E. MERRITT. 26 Jan., 1966 [27 Jan., 1965], No. 3691/65. Heading G5P. A device for training in literacy comprises a plate 1 presenting a visible channel or a series of channels in the form of a written or printed symbol or a group of symbols such as a word, a transparent cover sheet 5 for the channel or channels, a steel ball or other movable element housed between the plate and the cover sheet to be displaceable along the channel(s) from its beginning to its end. "As shown plate 1 has on its obverse face 2a series of visible channels to form the word "dog", and on-its reverse side 3 a series of subjacent connecting channels, in either of which a steel ball 4 can freely run while being retained in the visible channels by a transparent cover sheet 5 and-in the subjacent channels by a preferably opaque cover sheet 6, these cover sheets being supported on marginal spacer strips 7 within .wall strips 8. A rectangular aperature 33 in which may be lodged an appropriate picture, with an underlining channel in the obverse face is also provided. Holes are provided in the plate for passage of the ball 4 between the visible and subjacent channels. Assuming that the ball 4 is lying in the subjacent return channel 9, by slightly raising the right hand end of the device the ball may be brought be gravity beneath a hole 10 at the left hand end of the channel, through which it is lifted by a rod magnet into and around the curved visible channel 11 forming part of the letter d, and is allowed to fall through a hole 12 into a subjacent connecting channel 13. The magnet, moved over the cover sheet 5, displaces the ball to the other end of the channel 13 and lifts it through hole 14. into the straight visible channel 15 which completes the letter d, then along this channel until it falls through a hole 16. The ball is then displaced along a subjacent connecting channel 17, lifted through a hole 18 and moved around the visible circular channel 19 to describe the letter o, and allowed to fall through a hole 20, separated from the hole 18. by a block or interruption in the channel 19. Similar displacements of the ball along the channel 21, up through hole 22, around channel 23, down through hole 24, along channel 25, up through hole 26, along channel 27 and down through hole 28, describe the letter g. The ball may now be taken along the subjacent channel 29 and lifted through hole 30 into the visible channel 31, along which the ball is moved to underline a picture mounted on the aperture 33, and then allowed to fall once more into the subjacent return channel 9. In another modification (Figures 4 and 5, not shown) the obverse face displays the letters a-m and the reverse face displays the remaining letters n-z of a complete alphabet. In this device the letters may be individually moulded or otherwise formed in channel section of plastics materials of various colours, and be mounted on a white opaque plastic plate (41) presenting on both surfaces, as generally designated, spacer elements (42), frame elements (43), fence-elements (44), and visible transfer channels (45), together with various "subjacent" connecting channels. The various letters may.be provided with admission gaps (46) and exit gaps (47) in the-walls of their channels and/or riser holes (48) and dropping holes (49). Each letter has alongside a frame to support a picture of an article having the same initial letter. In another modification (Fig. 6, not shown), a plurality of devices each displaying a single letter is secured together to form a complete word.