Apparatus for teaching numerical concepts

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A broad objective of the present invention is to provide new and improved apparatuses for teaching numerical concepts which overcome many of the limitations and/or disadvantages of related prior art devices such as are briefly discussed in the preceding.
Thus, an objective of the present invention is to provide comparatively inexpensive apparatus of the type indicated.
A further objective of the invention is to provide apparatuses as noted which are reliable from a mechanical standpoint in the sense that they can withstand physical abuse to a reasonable extent and are capable of prolonged operation without mechanical breakdown.
Another generalized objective of the present invention is to provide apparatuses for teaching numerical concepts which possess significant play value to the extent that they are capable of being utilized as toys, but which nevertheless are effective for their intended teaching purposes.
In this connection it is noted that the invention is directed toward relatively small sized mechanical apparatuses for the purpose noted which incorporate a number of different mechanical actions and movements within a convenient volume such that an apparatus of the invention is of a reasonable dimension for use as a toy.
In accordance with this invention the noted objectives are achieved by providing a teaching apparatus for use in teaching numerical concepts which comprises: a housing having an interior and first and second display locations visible from the exterior of the housing, a first display member, a first mounting means movably supporting said first display member so that it can be moved relative to said first display location from a first position to a series of successive positions visible from the exterior of said housing, a second display member, a second mounting means movably supporting said second display member so that it can be moved relative to said second display location from a first position to a series of successive positions visible from the exterior of said housing, advancing means for concurrently moving said display members from said first positions to said successive positions, a return means for causing the concurrent return of said first and second display members from any of said successive positions to said first positions