WO2009108964A2

WO2009108964A2 - "zee" developmental plaything

Info

Publication number: WO2009108964A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2009/000018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Becker Leslie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-28
Filing date: 2009-02-27
Publication date: 2009-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2010-08-28
Also published as: WO2009108964A3

Abstract

A developmental device for children and older, which comprises a body, which has a disc shape with a cavity in cross-sections normal to an axis of rotation of the body, in which the cavity clearly forms part of the disc. This body includes a central point of gravity when in motion. This provides a balance for containment when spun around a central point on surfaces or during flight. This invention provides developmental and educational benefits for young children and older people.

Description

"ZEE" DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYTHING

This invention lies in the field of developmental aids for all ages, that is, devices that are of assistance in the natural development of gross motor skills, visual perception skills, fine motor skills, auditory perception skills and other aspects of development, for example educational, self assessment aspects of a child's development may also be catered for.

BACKGROUND

Natural development or growing is an ongoing process in the human development, no matter what age. Development needs to be stimulated in various aspects of a person's abilities and although they might be able to perform certain tasks, they might not even know their capabilities unless it was challenged. There is a value in enhancing or encouraging or accelerating this natural development of the various faculties that are involved. A fun aspect underlines the developmental process and makes it easier and faster to achieve results. Some people that have retarded development in these respects need means of dealing with this problem; visual, auditory and fine motor skills tend to have links with gross motor skills. In some cases rehabilitation of physically and/or mentally injured individuals may be assisted by use of the invention.

THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a developmental stimulus for pre-schoolers and older persons, this invention which comprises a body, which has a disc like shape with a cavity. The cavity extends past the rim of the main body to form a centre point. The cavity can be enclosed by using a lid. The invention can be used to spin on a surface or thrown in the air with a spinning motion. This motion will allow the invention to spin its contents during flight or when in motion on a surface. The contents can alter to accommodate the needs of the particular market sector. The content could vary from educational board games, shuffling alphabetical and numerical blocks, creative and inventive stimulus and can be used as a toy or product packaging and transporters. The invention can be used to dispense content into crowds for marketing campaigns or even emergency goods over unreachable terrains. The invention can consist out of a single body or multiple components depending on the requirements.

Various embodiments and function will be described below.

Objects flying in a spinning fashion usually requires a central point for the embodiment to rotate about in order to create a balance. This mid point is known as "centre point of gravity". There is numerous shapes that can be used, form the flying disc to the fan blade types of embodiments that will allow flight. The "boomerang" is an exception to the rule; it will fly in circular patterns rather than linear patterns due to its imbalance of centrifugal forces. The common characteristic of all these embodiments is that they adhere to aerodynamic principles. Air flowing over a "wing like" form will create a push and pull effect by the air flow that will allow an embodiment to fly.

The preferred circular embodiment will allow the invention to spin and fly and contain the desired contents. The cavity section can be part of the main body or a second body that is clipped into a void in the main body. Manufacturing techniques can allow a single body with cavity and lid; this will limit the invention to certain colour configuration, material type, assembly and marketing strategy.

Different requirements will determine deferent attachments or a change in the form of the embodiment. Protruding ribs will have to be inserted In order to roll a set of dices or alphabetical-, numerical blocks. This configuration can be used with board games, educational and entertainment can be the stimulus for physical and mental challenges. The invention can be used as a flying disc or a spinning device. Another shape may be a used as cup and saucer, the bodies will consist of a removable cup and disc. The invention will be pre-loaded with a drink and the disc acting as a plate filled with snacks. When the event is on the go, participants will finish the contents and then use the assembly as a flying disc afterwards.

Still another shape could have a large indentation, this can be used as a hat, and then be used to dispense promotional items.

The cavity could be on the outer rim with compartments. Fill these with beads, close with a lid and you have a musical instrument.

A megaphone instrument can be achieved by using a circular embodiment creating a short open ended funnel with a lid that includes a point to be used as a spinning device or flying disc.

Preferably the corners of the body in all cases are rounded off in the sense of providing surfaces that may safely be handled by a people, and of avoiding sharp edges.

The geometric terms used here as descriptive of shape are intended to convey also approximations to such shapes, for example the terms "centrifugal", "flying disc" used herein is intended to include other shapes that are approximately of these shapes or akin functionally to these shapes. The cross-sectional shapes may also be approximately "wing shaped" or may be of moderate aspect ratio of the centre of gravity.

The shapes may also have detailed surfaces to create visual interest.

The term "flying disc" and "spinning device" is used herein in the wide sense described above. The body may be made to have a soft exterior surface so that the softness further reduces any risk of harm to a child or more rigid materials aimed at adults. This may be achieved by moulding the body in different materials. Soft elastomeric foamed polymers such as a soft grade of a plastic that is chemically safe for children. The body may be made inflatable, conferring lightness and softness. The body could, however, be made in any convenient manner, e.g. by injection moulding in hollow form of lightweight harder plastics or by roto-moulding or blow moulding or pressings. These techniques may include assembly steps of components, e.g. where it is moulded in two or more components.

The body may have ancillary features, such as embedded in the body lights that can switch on, flash etc.

The body may have noise causing means, such as rattles, sirens, whistles, bells, clicking sounds, talking, etc.

The body may contain a micro processor device that can be used for data capturing or other interactive activities.

The surface of the body may be given a translucent, iridescent or other visually attracting feature, to stimulate visual inter-action with a child. The body may also have odour forming substances embedded in its surface or otherwise provided, to give an odour during play.

The surface texture may be varied, visually interesting or culturally attractive features may be provided on the surface of the body, educational features appropriate to older children may be added. Colours may be used in patterns and overall. THE DRAWINGS

The invention is more fully described by way of example, with reference to the images, in which: -

Figure 1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the device, with lid.

Figure 2 is a sectional view AA of the embodiment of the device shown in figure 1 , with lid.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the device showing schematically inserts in the body and suggested ribs.

Figure 4 is a section view of another embodiment of the device body, Showing cup holder and plate concept,

Figure 5 is a section view of another embodiment of the device body, Showing a hat concept,

Figure 6 is a section view of another embodiment of the device body, Showing a musical instrument concept,

Figure 7 is a section view of another embodiment of the device body, Showing a megaphone and hat concept,

THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in figures 1 to 3, the body 1 of the device is of disc shape, the apex 2 being rounded off and the cavity 3 ending as domed 14, in this case, the edges 4 at the edge also being rounded off. Suggested lid 17 completes the domed shape. An advantage of the general domed shape 5 is that the body conforms to aerodynamic principles will be likely to assist flying, but will tend to fall as forces decrease. The body of the device has a circular shape 9 (figure 3) in cross-sections normal to an axis 10 (figure 2) of rotation of the body, in which the circular shapes include at least two of different circular diameter (viz. at the diameter 11 and the diameter 12, figure 1) and which has non-circular shapes in cross sections that pass through the axis of rotation.

The body has surface features figure 6 in the form of indented patterns, which play a visual and textile role in the use of the body. Raised and sunken sections 19 can be added to perform tasks such as creating uneven surface to tumble obstacles.

This embodiment may be made by moulding in any polymer which will allow the invention to fly, moulded using injection moulded assemblies, soft to the touch and can be easily cleaned.

As shown in figure 4 and figure 6, the body may have an insert 15 and 16, in which items as mentioned above may be located, including a smaller item 18. These may include rattles, squeakers or other noise producing means, lights, flashing items, eccentric rotating weights, battery or clockwork operated.

Figure 5 shows a device 13, which looks rather like a hat; it has a domed shape, in which the cavity ends in a domed end 14,

Figure 7 shows another embodiment, having a body shape whose features can be inferred figure 5 with an added extension 16,

REFRENCE NUMERALS

1 DEVICE

2 APEX

3 CAVITY

4 ROUNDED CORNER DOMED BASE

SURFACE TEXTURE

VOID

INSERT

AXIS OF ROTATION

SMALLER DIAMETER

LARGER DIAMETER

DOMED SHAPE

DOMED END

INSERT

EXTENTION

LID

SMALLER ITEM

RIB DETAIL

Claims

1. A developmental device for children and older , which comprises a body, which has a disc shape with a cavity in cross-sections normal to an axis of rotation of the body, in which the cavity clearly forms part of the disc. This body includes a central point of gravity when in motion. This provides a balance for containment when spun around a central point on surfaces or during flight. This invention provides developmental and educational benefits for young children and older people.

2. A developmental device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the body is adaptable to various inserted cavities by using a secondary body, placed in a void provided.

3. A developmental device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the body shape is domed to perform added functions.

4. A developmental device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the body shape consists of several cavities.

5. A developmental device as claimed in claim 1 , in which a disc is enclosed to secure contents in the cavities.

6. A developmental device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the shapes do not conform to a circular disc, which consists of protrusions in the form of blade or wing like shapes.

7. A developmental device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the body has ancillary features, embedded in the body, including one or more selected from lights that can switch on and/or flash, noise causing means, including rattles, sirens, whistles, bells, clicking sounds, talking.

8. A developmental device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the body has means inside it, which cause mechanical movement, by movement of centric weights inside the body.

9. A developmental device as claimed in claim 8, in which the body contains a weight that is driven to move inside the body along an centric path, driven by an electric motor or clockwork.

10. A developmental device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the body can consist of an extension to be used as a "Megaphone"

11. A developmental device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the surface of the body is given one selected from a translucent, iridescent and other visually attracting feature.

12. A developmental device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , in which the body has odour forming substances embedded in its surface or otherwise provided, to give an odour during play.

13. A developmental device as herein described and as illustrated in any one of the figures of the drawings.