EDUCATIONAL APPARATUS FOR LEARNING MATH AS WELL AS COMPONENTS THEREFOR AND METHODS INCLUDING THE SAME

摘要

A counting element is dimensioned for sliding engagement along an outside surface of an elongated rod of an educational apparatus. The counting element includes an element body extending between first and second end surfaces. The element body includes an outer wall a plurality of inner walls disposed radially inward of the outer wall. The inner walls are operatively connected to the outer wall adjacent the first end surface and extend to a free end disposed toward the second end surface. The inner walls define a passage dimensioned to receive the elongated rod. The free ends of the inner wall portions are radially deflectable and function as biasing elements operative to generate frictional resistance to sliding movement of the counting element along the outside surface of the elongated rod. An educational apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of elongated rods and a plurality of counting elements. Methods are also included.

主权项

1. An educational apparatus for teaching math, said educational apparatus comprising:
a frame having a frame opening; an elongated rod operatively connected to said frame and extending across said frame opening; and, a plurality of counting elements disposed along said elongated rod, said plurality of counting elements including an element body forming an annular ring extending peripherally about said elongated rod and lengthwise between a first end surface and a second end surface opposite said first end surface, said element body including:
an outer wall extending lengthwise between said first and second end surfaces, said outer wall including an outer surface facing radially outward and an inner surface facing radially inward toward said elongated rod; and,a plurality of inner walls operatively connected to said outer wall adjacent said first end surface and extending axially to a free end disposed toward said second end surface such that an annular recess is at least partially defined between said inner surface of said outer wall and said plurality of inner walls, said inner walls defining a passage through said element body dimensioned to receive said elongated rod and function as biasing elements operative to generate frictional resistance to sliding movement of said plurality of counting elements along said elongated rod.