US4568086A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Educational random problem selector
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-11-01
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Granted: 1986-02-04
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Expires: 2004-11-01
Abstract
Abstract An educational game system wherein a random selector of mathematical problems is used in playing various popular board games, simultaneously providing drill in the multiplication tables. Players must determine missing answer numbers which then dictate game piece movements. Appropriately formulated problem sets, together with dice doubles indicia, permit the random selector device to substitute for dice, spinners, and other random selection means normally used in these games. Changeable problem sets provide drill in particular multiplication tables. Usage procedure facilitates table memorization. The problems each have a missing number in which the majority are not full two digit numbers but the first or second digit of the product or one of the factors. The average value of the missing numbers for a set being less than ten. Five embodiments are disclosed, employing different random selection devices.
Inventors
- 👤 Kris K. Krogh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:25
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F5/00; A63F5/04; A63F3/00; A63F3/04; A63F3/0415; A63F3/00173; A63F3/00261; A63F2003/00264; A63F2003/00268; A63F2003/00277; A63F11/00; A63F11/0011; A63F2011/0016
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
A random selector of multiplication problems comprising: (a) means to select one of a plurality of presented multiplcation problems; (b) the multiplication problems including some multiplicative combinations of the numbers two through nine; (c) each multiplication problem having a missing number where the majority of the missing numbers are not full two digit products and where some of the missing numbers are first digits of two digit products, some are second digits of two digit products, some are a factor, and others are full products; (d) the missing numbers are clearly indicated by symbols; (e) the multiplication problems are divided into sets; and, (f) the average value of the missing numbers in each set is less than ten.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
118 words
A random selector of multiplication problems comprising: (a) means to select one of a plurality of presented multiplcation problems; (b) the multiplication problems including some multiplicative combinations of the numbers two through nine; (c) each multiplication problem having a missing number where the majority of the missing numbers are not full two digit products and where some of the missing numbers are first digits of two digit products, some are second digits of two digit products, some are a factor, and others are full products; (d) the missing numbers are clearly indicated by symbols; (e) the multiplication problems are divided into sets; and, (f) the average value of the missing numbers in each set is less than ten.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A random problem selector according to claim 1, where the majority of the missing numbers are numbers in the products.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A random problem selector according to claim 1, where the missing numbers in each problem set include all the numbers from two through ten.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A random problem selector according to claim 1, wherein all of the problems within particular sets have the same multiplicand.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A random problem selector according to claim 1, where the number of problems in each set is twelve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A random problem selector according to claim 1, wherein one sixth of the problems in each set are accompanied by indicia which denote doubles for dice simulation purposes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A random problem selector according to claim 1, where the random problem selection means is a spinner device having changeable indicia.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A random problem selector according to claim 7, where the indicia are printed on sheets of a flat material, with a problem set printed on each side of a sheet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A random problem selector according to claim 1, where the random problem selection means comprises a group of spinner devices, with a separate spinner device for each problem set.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
A random problem selector according to claim 1, where the random problem selection means is a spin wheel device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A random problem selector according to claim 1, where the random problem problem selection means is an electronic device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A random problem selector according to claim 11, where the random problem selection means is a computer terminal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
80 words
A random selector of mathematical problems comprising: (a) means to select one of a plurality of presented mathematical problems; (b) each mathematical problem having a missing number; (c) the missing numbers are clearly indicated by symbols; (d) the mathematical problems are divided into sets; (e) the average value of the missing numbers in each set is less than ten; (f) approximately one sixth of the problems in each set are accompanied by indicia which denote doubles for dice simulation purposes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
80 words
A random selector of mathematical problems comprising: (a) means to select one of a plurality of presented mathematical problems; (b) each mathematical problem having a missing number; (c) the missing numbers are clearly indicated by symbols; (d) the mathematical problems are divided into sets; (e) the average value of the missing numbers in each set is less than ten; (f) approximately one sixth of the problems in each set are accompanied by indicia which denote doubles for dice simulation purposes.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
A random problem selector according to claim 13, where the number of problems in each set is twelve.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
A random problem selector according to claim 13, where the random problem selection means is a spinner device having changeable indicia.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
A random problem selector according to claim 15, where the indicia are printed on sheets of a flat material, with a problem set printed on each side of a sheet.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
A random problem selector according to claim 13, where the random problem selection means comprises a group of spinner devices, with a separate spinner device for each problem set.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
A random problem selector according to claim 13, where the random problem selection means is a spin wheel device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
A random problem selector according to claim 13, where the random problem problem selection means is an electronic device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
A random problem selector according to claim 19, where the random problem selection means is a computer terminal.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-02-03 | 1989-08-05 | 1990-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-02-03 | 1993-08-05 | 1994-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-02-03 | 1997-08-05 | 1998-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |