SYSTEM FOR CARRYING OUT A LUDIC AND/OR LEARNING ACTIVITY

Technical field

This invention relates to a system for carrying out a ludic and/or learning activity.

Background art

In parks or play areas located in public areas or in areas with access by the public, for example at shopping centres or the like, there is often normally movable play equipment, in particular for the enjoyment of small children, for example in the form of rocking carousels.

However, in these parks or play areas there is not equipment which allows learning activities to be implemented, or which are designed to stimulate, also in a playing manner, the intellectual curiosity of the children, especially younger children.

The need is therefore felt in the trade of having systems for carrying out ludic and/or learning activities to be carried out in these areas, normally outdoors, preferably for children, in particular for younger children, that is to say, simply a ludic activity alternative to traditional ones.

Moreover, the need is also felt in the trade of having systems which allow the learning activities to be carried out in combination with a ludic activity in such a way as to draw the attention, in particular of children, preferably younger children, towards the learning activities in an enjoyable and relaxing manner.

The trade also feels the need for ludic equipment or systems which can be easily made, in particular with particularly low costs.

Summary of the invention

This invention therefore proposes a new solution as an alternative to the solutions known up to now and, more specifically, proposes to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks and/or problems and/or to meet one or more of the needs felt in the trade or inferable from the above.

A system is therefore provided for carrying out a ludic and/or learning activity, in particular for children, characterised in that it comprises means for distributing respective supports in particular cards, each carrying one or more indicating or information elements, referring to a respective subject of the activity, preferably to a respective animal, and/or at least a corresponding element which can be detected by corresponding electronic means, in particular to carry out a respective ludic and/or learning activity by the user.

In this way, it is possible to set up in parks or play areas, in particular outdoors, a ludic activity, in particular alternative, and/or learning activity, which will without doubt be enjoyed by the users, especially the children.

Brief description of the drawings

This and other innovative aspects of the system are set out in the appended claims and its technical features and advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows of a preferred, advantageous embodiment of it, which must be considered purely as a non-limiting example, the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the system according to this invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of just the distributor used in the system according to this invention;

Figure 3 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the distributor according to this invention;

- Figure 4 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the distributor according to this invention; Figure 5 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the distributor according to this invention;

Figure 6 is a top plan view, showing the inner operating means, of the preferred embodiment of the distributor according to this invention; - Figures 7 A and 7B are respective front and rear views of a sample support, or card, which can be used by the system according to this invention;

Figures 8 and 9 are respective perspective views, taken from opposite sides, of a preferred embodiment of a portable device for reading the support or card;

Figure 10A is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the system according to this invention;

Figures 10B to 10F are, respectively, perspective views of the body which can be mounted on of the rocking carousel which can be used in the second preferred embodiment characters and a plurality of character's which are painted on the outer surface of the body;

Figures 1 1 and 12 are perspective views from opposite sides of the preferred embodiment of the body which can be mounted on of the rocking carousel according to this invention;

- Figure 13 is a side view of the body which can be mounted on of the rocking carousel according to this invention; and

Figure 14 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the body which can be mounted on of the rocking carousel according to this invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment 10 of a system for carrying out a ludic and/or learning activity, in particular for children.

As illustrated, the system 10 advantageously comprises distribution means, or distributor, 14 of respective supports 1 1 , in particular cards, each having, or supporting, one or more information elements 13a, 13b, referring to respective subjects of the activity, preferably to animals, and at least a corresponding element 13b which can be detected by corresponding electronic means, in particular for carrying out a respective ludic activity, in particular alternative, and/or a learning activity by the user, as will become clearer as this description continues.

More specifically, advantageously, the element 13c of the support 1 1 is preferably defined by a corresponding graphic code, in particular binary, which can be detected electronically and is such as to identify unambiguously the respective support, or card, 1 1 , especially to carry out a corresponding and specific ludic and/or learning activity by the user. More specifically, the graphic code is denoted by graphic marks which define a respective binary code, that is, it is composed of graphic marks which correspond for the system to a sequence of digits corresponding to the values 1 or 0.

Advantageously, the distribution means 14 comprise respective means 12 for supporting the corresponding means 16 for dispensing one or more of the supports, or cards, 1 1 , in response to a respective operation performed by the user, preferably defined by a payment activity, in particular using a respective coin or the like, as described in more detail below.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the system also comprises means 18 for detecting, in particular optical reading, a respective identification element 13c, in particular a graphic code, in particular binary, which is provided on a respective support, or card 1 1 , the means 18 being designed to control the emission of a respective signal, in particular acoustic, by corresponding emission means 20, preferably through corresponding control means 19 of this system.

Advantageously, the audio signal comprises, or consists of, the sound of the corresponding subject, in particular of the relative animal, or identified, through the respective support, or card, 1 1 and/or is defined by, or has, a spoken or vocal signal, in particular designed to illustrate the corresponding subject, in particular the respective animal, that is, specific features of the animal.

Advantageously, the detecting means 18 and/or the emission means 20 are provided on the means 12 for supporting the distribution means 14. In this way, once the user has picked up a respective support 1 1 it can be advantageously and immediately read by the corresponding reader 18 on the distributor 14 and obtain the emission of a corresponding signal, in particular the sound of the specific animal which is associated with the support or card 1 1 , that is to say, a spoken signal corresponding to the subject or animal.

As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the detection means and the emission means are also provided on a corresponding reader device 18', different from the distribution means 14, and in particular of the portable type, which could advantageously be used at home, or in any case distant from the distributor equipment 14, to reproduce, if necessary once again, the signal emitted, in particular the audio signal.

More specifically, the reader device 18' has a suitable slot for inserting the support or card 1 1 , of the means for detecting or reading the respective support, or card, 1 1 and means for controlling the emission of a corresponding audio signal in response to the identification performed. The device 18' comprises suitable control means, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which keep in a respective memory corresponding files relating to corresponding signals, in particular acoustic and to emit for a corresponding support, or card, 1 1 or respective subject.

As illustrated, the portable reader device 18' also comprises a loudspeaker 20' and preferably a housing, or pocket, preferably rear, 201 , the pocket, in this case, being closed by a respective zip, allowing the housing of a plurality of supports or cards 1 1 , which can be conveniently transported together with the portable reader 18'.

More specifically, the portable reader device 18' also comprises pushbutton means 302 to control or activate the reading or emission, in particular audio, and/or means 203 for opening the body of the device reader 18', in particular for accessing the inside for replacing batteries for the power supply to the device. Advantageously, there is also a string 204 for the convenient gripping of the device 18'.

More specifically, as illustrated, the dispensing means 16 comprise corresponding means 161 for storing a plurality of the supports, or cards, 1 1 , and means 162 for emission to the outside, through a respective opening 163, in particular opening at a respective face, especially front face, 122 of the supporting body 12, in particular in line with one or more of the other operating means of the distribution means 14, which will be described in more detail below.

More specifically, the respective support, or card, 1 1 is in the form of a substantially rigid card, preferably flexible and, in any case, which cannot be folded, in particular made of respective plastic material.

As may be inferred, in particular from Figures 7A and 7B, the respective support, or card, 1 1 has a respective face 1 1 a, bearing a corresponding element illustrating or indicating the subject, preferably in the form of a visual illustration of the subject 13a, especially in the form of a photograph or drawing of the subject or animal. Advantageously, as shown, the illustration 13a covers the entire illustrating face 1 1 a of the support or card 1 1 allowing an easy display of the subject of the support or card 1 1 , also for the youngest users.

Moreover, the respective support, or card, 1 1 has a respective or second element illustrating or indicating the subject, in particular the animal, preferably in the form of a brief written description 13b of the general characteristics of the subject or animal, preferably shown on an opposite face 1 1 b of the respective support, or card 1 1 .

As illustrated, the graphic code, in particular binary 13c is on the same face 1 1 b, on which the description of the subject 13b is also given.

Advantageously, the support, or card 1 1 has further graphical service elements, in particular means 13d, which indicate the side for inserting the support or card 1 1 in the respective reader, and 13e a respective sign, or signs, which distinguish the type of collection to which the subjects are referred, which are provided on the side 1 1 b of the support or card 1 1 . Moreover, labelled 13f there is, on the side 1 1 b of the support or card 1 1 , a respective sign, in particular defined by a corresponding number, which progressively identifies the respective supports, or card, 1 1 of the collection.

As illustrated, advantageously, the graphic code, in particular binary, 13c is situated in the vicinity of the side for inserting into the respective reader, especially being located in the vicinity of the graphical support elements 13d which indicate the side for inserting the support or card, 1 1 , in the corresponding reading means, in such a way as to be used correctly and easily also by younger children, and thereby be used, also by such a user, without obstacles or drawbacks and be a totally positive experience.

For this reason, as illustrated, the graphical elements 13d and/or 13e and/or 13f are on the same side 1 1 b of the support, or card, 1 1 on which are provided the description 13b and/or the graphic code, in particular binary 13c. In this way, the main side 1 1 a of the card on which the image of the subject is shown is left substantially intact, showing it in a good and attractive manner. Moreover, on the card, in particular on the side 1 1 b, there might be a space which may be advantageously used for further optional information, for example for advertising information.

As illustrated, the supporting body 12 is shaped in the form of a column and has, in addition to the front face 122 for access or use, a respective protective peripheral face, in particular arc shaped, 123, which overall defines the lateral and rear parts of the supporting body.

Advantageously, the means 161 for storing the supports, or cards, 1 1 are designed, or configured, in such a way as to contain a sequence, or stack, of supports or cards 1 1 , corresponding to the predetermined number of supports or cards 1 1 or a number slightly higher than this. Basically, the supports or cards 1 1 define a collection having a predetermined number of supports or cards 1 1 each corresponding to a respective and different subject and preferably a high number of the supports or subjects, for example a number equal to, or substantially equal to, a thousand supports or subjects.

In this way, the user is guaranteed a non-repetitive experience, that is, the sure receipt of a new subject every time.

More specifically, the means for storing the supports 1 1 are designed to contain the predetermined number of supports or cards, that is to say, a number not too greater than this.

As illustrated, advantageously, the distribution means 14 have respective payment means 22, which are designed to control the emission of the supports, or cards, 1 1 by the dispensing means 16.

As illustrated, the payment means 22 comprise respective means for introducing the payment means 221 , in particular in the form of one, preferably a first and a second, slot for feeding respective coins or the like, especially which opens at the front face 122 of the supporting means 12 of the distributor 14.

Moreover, the payment means 22 also comprise means 222 for storing the respective payment means, in particular for storing respective coins or the like.

As illustrated, the payment means 22 also comprise means 223 for returning the coins or the like in the event of incorrect payment, which consist of a respective slot which releases the coins or the like, and which is situated beneath the corresponding slot 221 for inserting the coins or the like.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the supporting body 12 has a door, or panel, in particular front panel, 122', the door being openable or removable to allow access to the means positioned inside the distributor 14. A further door 122" is provided beneath the main panel 122' for accessing the means 222 for storing the payment means or coins. The distributor 14 also comprises electronic control means 19, which are, in particular, designed to control the emission of a corresponding signal, in particular an acoustic signal, following the detection or reading of the respective support, or card, 1 1 .

More specifically, the electronic control means comprise a respective processor, input and output means and a memory, in particular in which are stored corresponding files defining respective audio signals each corresponding to a relative support, or card, 1 1 or relative subject.

As illustrated, this distributor 14 has respective supporting means 12 which comprise a base 125 resting on the ground, in particular in the form of a respective plate preferably made of metal, from which extends perpendicularly the column body 12 containing or housing the operating means of this distributor 14.

As illustrated, advantageously, the means 18 for detecting a respective indicating element 13c provided on a respective support, or card, 1 1 , comprise a respective opening, or slot 181 for introducing the support 1 1 and a corresponding detection or reader device 182, in particular an optical device for reading a respective graphic code, in particular binary, 13c.

As illustrated, the opening 181 for inserting the support, or card, 1 1 is provided at the front face 122 of the supporting body 12.

Further advantageously, for the purpose of an easy access, in particular by the child who could read the respective card 1 1 also being comfortably on a corresponding rocking game element, which is described in more detail below, the detection, or reading, means, that is, the respective opening 131 for inserting the support 1 1 , are positioned in the upper part of the supporting body 12, in particular at the upper end thereof.

In turn, the means 20 for emitting the signal, in particular acoustic, are in the form of a respective loudspeaker, 20, which is preferably positioned in the lower part of the supporting body 12 of the distributor 14, more specifically, as illustrated, protruding from the front face, 122 of the supporting body 12.

As illustrated, the supporting body 12 comprises means for displaying respective instructions for using the system, preferably positioned on an upper face 124 of the supporting body 12.

The subsequent drawings starting from Figure 10A illustrate a second embodiment 100 of the system according to this invention. The components of this second preferred embodiment 100 of the system which are similar or equivalent to those of the first preferred embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and, to avoid an excessively long description, are not described again in detail.

More specifically, the system 100 according to the second preferred embodiment differs from that of the first preferred embodiment in that it has a movable element 50 on which the user, in particular the child, can mount to carry out a ludic activity.

More specifically, advantageously, the movable element, is preferably in the form of a rocking element 50, which can me mounted by the user or child.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the movable element 50 which can be mounted on has respective supporting means 51 , in particular which, as illustrated, extend, preferably perpendicularly, from the supporting base 125, which supports the distributor 14.

As illustrated, the supporting base 125 in the second preferred embodiment preferably has a general quadrilateral shape and dimensions slightly greater than those of the first preferred embodiment of the system 10 and such as to also support the supporting body, especially the column.

More specifically, the movable element 50 which can be mounted on is in the form of a single compact body, preferably made of suitable plastic material, in particular fibreglass.

As illustrated, the movable element 50 which can be mounted on is situated in front of the distributor and extends in height to a level lower than the zone for access to the means, or opening, 181 for inserting means for reading or detecting the support or card and, if necessary, also at a level lower than the zone for inserting the payment means.

In this way, the carrying out of a ludic and/or learning activity is in no way obstructed.

As illustrated, the movable element 50 which can be mounted on has a respective outer surface 52 and is preferably internally hollow, opening at the lower surface, in particular for housing corresponding drive means, preferably in the form of a respective electric motor. The drive means of the movable element 50 which can be mounted on are not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings and in any case are advantageously controlled by the means 19 for controlling this system or the distribution means 14.

Thus, by the use of individual control means 19 it is possible to simultaneously control both the means for distribution of corresponding supports or cards 1 1 and the operation of the respective movable element which can be mounted on 50.

Advantageously, the operation of the movable element which can be mounted on can also be activated by using the payment means for the distributor.

Basically, advantageously, payment could be made for an activity on the movable element 50 which can be mounted and in addition, without further cost or payment, a respective support or card 1 1 obtained, which may be immediately read by the corresponding reader on the distributor obtaining for the user an even more complete and satisfactory experience.

Advantageously, the outer surface 52 of the movable element 50 which can be mounted on having the appearance of a respective character, in particular the appearance of an animal, preferably an animal in a crouching position.

In this way it is possible to reproduce animals using a single body 50 for defining the movable element which can be mounted on, as will become clearer as this description continues. Advantageously, the body 50 of the movable element which can be mounted on has an outer surface 52, which is suitably painted or drawn on to reproduce the appearance of a respective character, in particular of an animal.

Advantageously, the body 50 of the movable element which can be mounted on has an outer surface extending symmetrically, or in a substantially symmetrical manner, relative to a respective central perpendicular plane, in particular having longitudinally opposite end portions 502, 503 of the body which can be mounted on which are identical or substantially identical to each other.

In this way, it is possible to obtain a body 50 of the movable element which can be mounted on whose front and rear parts lend themselves to being painted on the respective longitudinal end portion 502, 503 of the body 50, with considerable convenience for performing the painting.

In this way, it is possible to obtain a plurality of characters starting from a single model of body 50, with a considerable saving in production costs of the equipment for making the movable elements which can be mounted on.

Advantageously, the body 50 of the movable element which can be mounted on has a respective portion 501 defining means for positioning the user astride.

More specifically, advantageously, the portion 501 defining means for positioning the user astride is located in a intermediate zone, in particular a central, of the longitudinal extension of the movable element which can be mounted on.

As illustrated, advantageously, the movable element which can be mounted on has a longitudinal end portion 502, preferably upstream of the intermediate portion and/or portion for positioning astride 501 , which preferably defines the rear part of the subject and a longitudinal end portion 503 downstream of the intermediate portion and/or portion for positioning astride 501 , and which is preferably designed to define a respective front part of the subject.

Advantageously, the intermediate portion and/or the portion for positioning astride 501 has a height, or minimum perpendicular dimension, which is less than the corresponding height, or maximum perpendicular dimension, of the respective longitudinal end portion 502 and/or 503, in particular, as illustrated, being above half the height, or maximum perpendicular dimension of the respective longitudinal end portion 502 and/or 503.

More specifically, moreover, the intermediate portion and/or the portion for positioning astride 501 has a width, or minimum transversal dimension, which is less than the corresponding width, or maximum transversal dimension, of the respective longitudinal end portion 502 and/or 503, being in particular above half the width, or maximum transversal dimension, of the longitudinal end portion 502 and/or 503.

Advantageously, the intermediate portion and/or portion for positioning astride 501 has a general hyperboloid shape, whilst, in turn, the respective longitudinal end portion 502, 503 has a general ellipsoid shape, more specifically, slightly flattened according to the transversal direction.

As illustrated, the outer surface of the intermediate portion and/or portion which can be mounted on 501 is joined to the surface of the respective end portion 502, 503.

Advantageously, the body 50 which can be mounted on has at the bottom a wide portion 504 defining a platform for resting the feet of the user.

Basically, below, the body 50 which can be mounted on has a flattened configuration, in particular defining the platform 504, from which extend perpendicularly the intermediate portion and/or portion which can be mounted on 501 and the respective longitudinal end portion 502, 503. The wide platform portion 504 is, advantageously, provided at the bottom at the intermediate portion and/or the portion for positioning astride 501 . Moreover, the wide portion, or platform, 504 is also located below one, or preferably, as illustrated, both the longitudinal end portions 502, 503, in particular at the part of these facing towards the central part of the body which can be mounted on50.

Advantageously, the wide portion, or platform, comprises a first and a second opposite sheet portion 504, 504 which extend laterally to the main part 501 , 502, 503 of the body 50 which can be mounted on, in particular terminating with a curved lateral end edge, in particular convex towards the outside of the body 50.

In practice, this movable body 50 is particularly advantageous since the front part of the animal can be reproduced on a respective longitudinal end portion downstream of the intermediate portion 501 , in particular configured with the paws resting on the ground, and the rear part of the animal can be reproduced on the other longitudinal end portion upstream of the intermediate portion 501 , in particular configured with the paws resting on the ground.

In this way, the movable body 50 lends itself to supporting a large number of subject or animals which can easily be drawn or made on this.

The appearance which is obtained is very positive and at the same time it achieves low construction costs for making the movable body 50.

Advantageously, to prevent falsifying, this distributor comprises means designed to determine whether a collection or pack of supports, or cards 1 1 inside the distribution means, in particular in the respective storage means of the dispensing means, is or is not original.

In practice, there are means for detecting the sequence of supports, or cards, 1 1 inserted in means for storing these, in particular during the outfeed of the supports or cards 1 1 from the distributor or from the storage means, which are in communication with the control means of the distributor, which have respective means, in particular a respective program, which can determine if the collection of supports or cards 1 1 which has been located inside the storage means is or is not original.

In practice, in every collection or pack of supports, or cards 1 1 to supply to the distribution means 14, the supports, or cards 1 1 are arranged in a respective sequence which comprises positioning in predetermined positions the sequence of supports, or cards 1 1 , in particular corresponding to a respective subject and having a respective identification code.

Advantageously, the means for controlling distribution means in response to the determination of a collection of supports, or cards 1 1 which are not original are designed to block the operation of the system or distributor 14. In practice, if the control means of the distributor determine that at the predetermined positions of the sequence of the supports, or cards, 1 1 there are no supports or cards 1 1 corresponding to those predetermined, it would be evident that it is a collection or pack which does not correspond to the original and could therefore block the operation of the system or distributor 14, or perform other safeguarding operations.

Advantageously, there are means for detecting the degree of filling of the distributor and/or of the respective means for storing the supports, and a corresponding filling data being communicated outside the distribution means 14.

More specifically, advantageously, these means 19 for controlling the distributor 12 are designed to detect the number of supports or cards 1 1 which are present in the storage means and are designed to communicate the number, if necessary in response to a suitable interrogation, outside the distributor, in particular to any suitable means outside the distributor, in this way advantageously allowing the actual degree of filling of the distributor to be known without having to open the distributor, that is, from a remote position, and thereby be able to operate or plan an easy and/or timely refilling action.

Also, advantageously, the means 19 for controlling the distribution means 14 control, during operation of the movable element 50, the emission of a respective audio signal, in particular a respective accompanying music, which is preferably diffused through the emission means, or loudspeaker 20 of the distribution means 14.

The invention described has evident industrial applications. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. It is also easy to imagine further embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein. Moreover, it will be understood that all the details of the invention may be substituted for technically equivalent elements.