Educational kit including separable alphanumeric symbols

• US 5,620,324 A
• Filed: 11/16/1995
• Issued: 04/15/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert S. Rettke
• Original Assignee: Robert S. Rettke
• Inventors: Rettke, Robert S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Jeffrey A.
• Application Number:
  US08/559,554
• Time in Patent Office: 516 Days
• Field of Search: 434/160, 434/159, 434/193, 434/406, 434/171, 273/156, D19/59, D21/104
• US Class Current: 434/160
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 1/36 the elements being connectible by corresponding projections and recesses
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 1/40 to form symbols or signs by appropriate arrangement

Abstract

An educational kit for instilling in children a positive self-image at an early age. The kit (known as "ALPHA BLOCKS") teaches young children the complete alphabet and numeral system in a way that is fun, captivating, hands-on and helps them acquire understanding of divergent shapes and colors. The kit includes alphanumeric symbols ranging from the letters of the alphabet to numerals 0 to 9. The symbols are separable into dual sections via a dovetail and groove connection. The dovetail and groove connection ensures a strong and study attachment that permits easy separation of the symbols by the children. Each symbol has a unique color that helps distinguish it from the other symbols. This assists the children in assembling the symbols and also helps them develop the ability to distinguish colors. Included also in the kit is a receptacle useful in storing the complete set of alphanumeric symbols and displays each individual symbol (with its appropriate color) in both an attached and detached arrangement. Both the symbols and receptacle are made of plastic and together help children gain self-esteem and knowledge in a way that is both fun and educational.

Claims

1. An educational kit comprising in combination:

a plurality of alphanumeric symbols;

said plurality of alphanumeric symbols, each being separable into a first section and a second section;

said plurality of alphanumeric symbols, each having at least one attachment means to attach said first section to said second section;

said attachment means comprising a dovetail in said first section and a groove in said second section providing a firm attachment between said first section and said second section of said plurality of alphanumeric symbols, said dovetail and groove being dimensioned and configured to interconnect in a close and tight relationship;

each of said plurality of alphanumeric symbols having a separate and distinct color;

a receptacle dimensioned and configured to contain said plurality of alphanumeric symbols, wherein said receptacle displays individual images on an outside surface that correspond to each of said plurality of alphanumeric symbols;

said individual images each having the same color as each of the corresponding plurality of alphanumeric symbols; and

said receptacle having a lid secured to said receptacle by a securing means;

whereby the educational kit assists in the education of children in assembling the plurality of alphanumeric symbols, recognizing each alphanumeric symbol and distinguishing each alphanumeric symbol by its distinctive color.

2. The educational kit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of alphanumeric symbols is constructed so as to be detachable such that said first section and said second section evenly divide into a left section and a right section.

3. The educational kit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of alphanumeric symbols is constructed so as to be detachable such that said first section and said second section evenly divide into a top section and a bottom section.

4. The educational kit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of alphanumeric symbols is constructed so as to be detachable such that said first section and said second section evenly divide along a diagonal.

5. The educational kit according to claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises a snap lock.

6. The educational kit according to claim 1, wherein said individual images displayed on said receptacle are shown in an attached and detached configuration.

7. The educational kit according to claim 1, wherein said kit contains said first and second sections of said alphanumeric symbols which divide into left and right sections, top and bottom sections, and diagonal sections.

8. The educational kit according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of alphanumeric symbols, said receptacle and said lid are plastic.

9. The educational kit according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of alphanumeric symbols contain all the letters of the alphabet.

10. The educational kit according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of alphanumeric symbols contain the numerals 0 to 9.

11. The educational kit according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of alphanumeric symbols consists of all the letters of the alphabet and the numerals 0 to 9.