US1666337A - Memorization device - Google Patents

Description

April-17, 1928. 1,666,337

J. E. MCDADE uauoRI zATIoN DEVICE Filed Julys. 1925 I'Tuianm Patented Apr. 17, 1928.

PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES E. MCDADE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

MEMonIzA'rIoN DEVICE Application led July 6, 1925. Serial No. 41,608.

My invention relates yto memorization devices and has for one of its objects the provision of a new and improved form and arrangement of parts 'by which the maximum of assistance may be afforded when necessary while at the same time the device is kept of simple form capable of being easily and cheaply produced and capable of very ready manipulation in use.

In devices of this type, it is quite important for the best results in forming the memory bond that the association be visual', with the associated elements in close juxtaposition so that the whole is visible at once and preferably capable of use with only one bond or set of related elements exposed at a time. It is also very important, particularly whenthe device is for use by children who are just beginning systematic training of thought and memory, that the associated elements be so very readily accessible and so exceedingly easily examined in the desired close relation to each other that any possible trace of doubt as to the fact to be memorized will beimmediately relieved by a dente verification, thus tending to establish the habit of being accurate and certain as distinguished from the objectionable habit of relying upon guessing to any extent at all beyond the absolutely necessary period. It is one of the objects of my invention to provide a constuction by which these results may be obtained to marked advantage.

It is another object of my invention to provide a construction comprising a meniber bearing a mass of data to be memorized, such `data being arranged in columns with the related elements of the two columns oppositely disposed in such close proximity and so arranged that the related facts are both exposed to the eye and readily discernible at a single glance, suoli member beingarranged for convenient use by itself for preliminary study and adapted for later study and memory testing in connection with the remainder of the memorization device.

It is another object of my invention to improve devices of this description in sundry details hereinafter pointed out. The preferred means by which -I have accomplished my several objects are illustrated in the drawing and are hereinafter specifically described. That which I believe to be new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is set forth in the claims.

In the drawing- Fig. l is a face view of my improved device;

Fig. 2 is a similar view, but With the flap of the envelope portion (partly broken away) in changed position; Y

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-section taken on the line 3 3 of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a modied form of device; and

I Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the lap in a changed position.

Referring to Figs. l, 2 and 3,-10 indicates a card orslide made of paper, celluloid, or other suitable material, bearing a mass of data to be memorized, such data being arranged in columns with a question or problem in one column and its answer oppositely disposed in the other column and so arranged that the related elements lem and answer) are at a glance readily discerniblev in close proximity to each other. Such related elements in oppositely disposed columns may be in the form of problem and answer as illustrated in Fig. l, or may be of any other type of relationship by reason of which it may be desirable to associate such elements in ones memory.

The card l0 is shown in Fig. l in position with the envelope l1 which is open at both ends and which is slightly shorter than the card so that the card can be readily manipulated for movement through the envelope for bringing the differentsetsof related elements successively into view through the window l2 out in the face of the .envelope, as shown in Fig. 2. A flap 13 is swingingly mounted on the envelope 1l being hinged on an axis extending longitudinally of the envelope in position to be moved into and out of position over the window 12. This flap 13 in turn is provided with a Window'l/t so arranged that when the flap is (probfolded down into the position shown in Fig. 1 the window 14; registers with the upper portion of the window 12 while the lower portion of the window 12 is closed by the flap. The arrangement and proportions are such that, when the flap 13 is folded down as shown in F ig. 1, one element only of the set of related elements is visible through the two windows 12 and 141, and that when the flap is raised as shown in Fig. 2 both related elements are visible together, segregated from the adjacent elements, and in the desired close juxtaposition for rendering the'maximum assistance for forming the memory bond.

As is shown in Fig. 3, the envelope 11 is formed from a single piece of material folded into shape and secured by an interior flap 15 pasted or otherwise firmly attached in appropriate position to the body of the envelope. In this construction, the flap 13 is preferably rounded at its lower edge so as to facilitate manipulation.

In the normal use of the device, the card 10 is first very carefully studied independently of the envelope 11, the card being preferably provided with data on both faces, all or any desired portion of such data being studied for fixing in mind the related facts. As an alternative, if desired, the data may be first studied, with the card in the envelope and with the flap 13 held in raised position so as to expose successively the several sets of related elements, each set in turn being completely segregated from the adjacent elements. In this study, the mind is very materially aided by the close association of the two related elements in the oppositely disposed columns.

When the data have been partially or completely mastered, the flap 13 is folded down for testing the memory. By this test, the student is made clearly conscious of the ones he knows and the ones he does not know. When the test reveals the fact that a certain bond has not yet been formed, the flap is raised so as to disclose together in associated position the problem and answer under conditions best calculated to form the bond eectively and permanently. After having seen the two related elements in associated position with the flap 13 raised, the student easily and quickly covers one of the related elements, whereupon he is enabled, with the minimum physical disturbance intervening', to visualize the other related element in the spot where it was just previously seen. This visual and positional association of the two elements is very important for the formation of the desired permanent bond. By the use of my device, the answer can be seen when needed, and when it is seen because it is needed it will be seen in close proximity to the related element where it will have the maximum effect as a memory aid.

By the use of my improved construction by which any possible doubt as to the correctness of the memory can be satisfied with almost no physical exertion at all by merely swinging the flap 13 through a. quarter turn, the student is encouraged to satisfy his doubt and is taught to require and demand accuracy and certainty of himself.

ln the form of construction as shown in Figs. l and 5, a card 16 corresponding to the card 10 is used, slidably mounted in an open ended envelope 17 having a window 18 in its face through which the related elements carried by the card 16 can be seen, one set of related elements at a time just as above described in connection with the device of Fig. 1. The lower port-ion of the window 18 is closed in this construction by means of a iiap 19 adapted to be folded down as shown in Fig. 4 or to be raised slightly as shown in F ig. 5 for disclosing the related elements together.

While l prefer to employ a construction suoli as those shown in the drawing and above described, it will be understood that ll do not wish to be restricted to the details of construction shown except as the same may be specifically claimed, inasmuch as changes may well be made in the detailed form without departing from the spirit of my invention.

l claim:

1. A memorization device comprising in combination a card bearing on one face a mass of data arranged in columns with related elements oppositely disposed, an envelope having a window and adapted to expose successively through the window the several sets of related elements, each set by itself, upon relative longitudinal movement of the card and envelope, and a flap carried by said envelope and movable into and out of posit-ion over said window, said flap also being provided with a window therein through which one, only, of said related elements is visible.

2. A memorization device comprising in combination a cover, a card slidably mounted with respect to said cover and provided with two columns` of related data having one element in one column and its related element in the other column, said cover being provided with window means through which in turn each element of data in one column and its related element in the other column are visible in association with each other, segregated from the remaining data as the card is moved, and a member movably mounted on said cover adapted in one position partially to close said window means for covering one of said related elements.

3. A memorization device comprising in combination an envelope open at both ends, a card slidable through said envelope and provided with two columns of related dat-a having each element in one column disposed opcard is moved through the envelope, and a posite to its related element in the other colflap swingingly mounted on said envelope umn, said envelope being provided with a opposite said Window adapted in one posi- 10 Window extending straight across one face tion to close a portion ofthe Window for 5 through which eac-h element of data in one covering one of said related elements of data.

Column together with its related element in the other column is visible in turn as the JAMES E. MoDADE.

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