GB2488564A - Periodic table wall display - Google Patents

Abstract

An educational element sample display unit, including a periodic table of the elements in the form of a wall poster 2 supports a set of samples 3 of those elements on it. This display format allows students to view samples clearly in a periodic table arrangement and also to inspect the samples closely. The display is enhanced by a) attaching the samples to the poster using a magnetic attachment means 6, b) by providing some samples in enclosures 4 (for safety), and others free-standing (for being handled directly), c) by substituting the samples of the more hazardous elements with non-elemental samples (compounds, minerals or alloys) representing those omitted elements, and/or d) by providing photographic images of the elements behind releasably supported samples so that when removed by a student, the photographic image is visible for the student to learn more about the element.

Description

A display of the periodic table of the elements with samples suitable for educational use The present invention relates to a display unit in the shape of the periodic table of the elements, for displaying samples of those elements. The invention is applicable to the field of educational displays.

In the past it has been known to display element samples in containers. One known format involves a grid of compartments, for storing a number of glass bottles, each containing an element sample.

Each bottle has a black opaque screw top, and each bottle is stored in a wooden compartment, so the bottles must be removed before the samples can be adequately seen (figure la). Another known format involves element samples embedded in solid cubes of acrylic, which can be stacked or fixed to form a wall (figure lb) or can be purchased separately (not shown). A third known format is to provide a wall-sized display with element samples housed inside the wall behind square windows (figure lc).

The acrylic blocks, individually, or in a stack are not suitable for general educational use due to being extremely expensive and still quite inaccessible to close inspection due to the thick layer of acrylic around each sample (typically the blocks are each 4 inches cubed). Probably for reasons listed above, acrylic embedded element displays cost £3000 ($5000) or more, wall installations cost £24,000 ($40,000) or more and even a box of samples in glass bottles with screw-top lids costs £2,500 ($4,000).

Known periodic table display formats do not allow students both to view samples in a periodic table format adequately presented for educational use, and/or do not allow them to inspect at least some of those samples individually, easily and/or closely to learn adequately about those respective elements. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved display of samples of the elements suitable for educational use.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an element sample display unit, for displaying samples of the elements of the periodic table (element samples), in order of their atomic number, the display unit comprising: An element sample retaining base, comprising a substantially regular grid of element sample retaining locations each provided with respective element identifying indicia; A plurality of substantially pure samples of elements of respectively differing atomic number, for display in respectively identified retaining locations of the element sample retaining base; Wherein: The element sample retaining base is a wall poster, and; the plurality of samples of elements are each attached to a respective magnetic attachment means of a 1st type and the wall poster is provided with magnetic attachment means of a 2nd type, the 1st and 2nd types of magnetic attachment means are adapted to be mutually attracted with sufficient force to connect and retain respective samples of elements removably on the wall poster display surface when the wall poster is arranged vertically, and at least one of the 1st and 2nd types of magnetic attachment means comprises permanently magnetized material.

This arrangement enables a student to view the samples arranged in table fashion, and to very easily pick up and hold up chosen samples from the display and inspect them very closely.

In the past, such displays were designed to limit the accessibility of the element samples, probably because such displays have historically included very sizeable quantities of particularly hazardous elements, whereas with the present invention it may be appropriate to include smaller samples, and in particular the more hazardous elements may be omitted, or substituted by representative compounds (for example in order to suit a classroom environment). Magnetic attachment to a wall poster, of large quantities of hazardous substances in heavy or glass containers (as provided in the prior art) would not have been considered due to the risk of injury and risk of theft of such expensive samples.

The term "grid" refers mainly to the square or rectangular array of squares, rectangles or locations, which form the basis of the periodic table of the elements, but the term is intended to cover tables which are not regularly spaced, and tables of helical rather than of rectangular topology. The term "periodic table of the elements" covers any table where the elements are arranged both in order of atomic number, and according to their chemical properties.

Preferably the plurality of samples of elements includes ft & 2nd sets of samples, the sets having no elements in common; samples of the 1st set are substantially pure element samples adapted to be magnetically attached to the poster in an unenclosed manner; and samples of the 2nd set are substantially pure element samples provided with enclosures adapted to be magnetically attached to the poster, the 2nd set being composed of elements that are more hazardous than those of the ft set.

This arrangement has the added advantage that the students can inspect some of the samples more closely and very easily, and they can discover the properties of those samples directly (such as density, thermal conductivity & hardness), while being nonetheless relatively protected from contact with more hazardous elements. In the past, element sample display formats were provided with matching sample containers for all samples, because this gives a more professional appearance to an expensive display product.

Optionally each of the enclosures of the 2 set of samples is narrower in at least one dimension than the maximum dimension of any of the samples of the 1st set. For example the enclosures may be tubular (or less desirably -planar), while the samples of the ft set are preferably planar. A tubular enclosure is suited to display of a small quantity of a relatively hazardous element, whereas a planar unenclosed sample of a less hazardous element (such as copper), arranged parallel to the poster, is ideal both for clear display on a poster, and also for minimizing the torque that must be resisted by a magnetic attachments means provided to retain the sample on the poster. These considerations, along with experimentation of the weight and size of suitable samples, and the strength of suitable magnetic attachment means, leads to the result that planar samples of the 1St set are thinner than the enclosures of the 2nd set.

Optionally the enclosures of the 2nd set of element samples are clear plastic thin-walled tubes. This is preferred because such samples place less torque on the magnetic attachment means, can be picked from a poster very easily, and are a suitable shape for displaying a very small sample (which may optionally be a filamental sample). This contrasts with the prior art where thick plastic embeddings or glass bottles have been used.

Optionally the enclosures of the 2nd set of element samples are clear plastic containers with respective lids. This contrasts with the prior art where glass containers have been used, as these would not be suitable for easily releasable attachment to a poster and handling in an educational environment.

S Optionally the ft set of element samples are planar. As discussed this may be advantageous.

Furthermore some element samples may be of individually pressed or hammered construction, rather than sections of sheet metal.

Optionally the poster is of laminated construction including a display layer of paper or plastic for displaying a front image, and a magnetic attachment layer comprising magnetic and/or ferrous material, the magnetic attachment layer being rearward of the display layer. It is possible to construct a poster of a single sheet of ferrite embedded paper, and to print dyes onto this, however commercially available single thickness ferritic paper has been found to offer comparatively weak magnetic attachment thus requiring comparatively more expensive magnets. Instead experimentation has revealed that commercially available multi-layer ferrite-embedded paper sheets, or paper/ferrite-embedded-plastic laminate performs better. Optionally a thicker layer of ferrite-embedded paper may be provided with a front layer of a display medium such as plastic. Also it is possible to provide a steel rear layer, and the steel layer may be composed of a grid of steel pieces. A grid of magnets is also possible. In general the layers are most suitably bonded together with adhesive.

Optionally both ft and 2nd types of magnetic attachment means comprise permanently magnetized material. Commercially available sheets of ferrite-embedded polymer were found to attract neodymium magnets with suitable strength, while a front layer of printed paper or vinyl can provide a suitable poster display. The orientation of the pre-magnetization of the ferrite-embedded polymer appears does not appear to affect the attraction of a neodymium strength magnet.

Optionally there is provided an additional set of samples with respective indicia thereon indicating differing elements, the samples being compounds of the respective indicated elements, and being safer to handle than those respective elements would be. This has the advantage that in an educational setting, a more affordable and/or safer, yet still comparatively complete set of samples can be displayed on the periodic table. Expensive platinum group or hazardous radioactive elements might well still be omitted. In the past element sample displays have not been provided with compound substitutes because they have been marketed for collectors or for prestige displays, where compounds would not be accepted. However in a classroom environment it may be beneficial to offer a compound, especially one with interesting properties, rather than a pure element. For example Barium Sulphate may be substituted for Barium, the mineral Pollucite may be substituted for Cesium, Tyrian Purple dye may be substituted for Bromine, and Fluorite may be substituted for Fluorine.

Additionally or alternatively a further set of samples may be provided with respective indicia indicating differing elements, that are highly impure samples of those respective indicated elements, and that are safer to handle than those respective elements would be. As with the compounds above, this can improve the accessibility and safety of learning directly about the elements in a classroom setting. As an example Beryllium bronze (e.g. <3% Beryllium) may be substituted for elemental Beryllium as the former is much safer to handle should its container be opened. Similarly a Tungsten Thorium alloy (e.g. <3% Thorium) could be substituted for Thorium as the former is comparatively safe to handle.

Preferably the substantially regular grid of the wall poster has a grid spacing of less than or about 1 inch. Testing has found that a grid spacing in the vicinity of 1 inch is optimal, as this can be achieved on A3 or A2 size paper. A larger grid size requires a larger poster, which it has been found is a significant cost factor because of the need to include magnetic attachment means. Preferably the poster size is near A3, optionally A2, or alternatively B3, but preferably the poster size is substantially A3. A3 has been found to be an optimum paper size which permits adequately large flat element samples, without being unduly expensive or difficult to transport. Therefore the poster would normally be smaller than that shown in figure 2a, which is not to scale.

Preferably the samples are provided with respective indicia. Alternatively a look up table may be provided which may indeed be included on the front (or rear) of the poster. A look up table enables the user to identify the element sample by its physical characteristics, provided that care is taken to ensure each type of element sample sold is distinguishable in this way (for example planar elements can be cut to different sizes & shapes in a standardized way). Providing the samples with respective indicia is preferable because it reduces the tendency for samples to become misplaced when handled by a group of students. The term indicia primarily refers to the provision of lettering indicating which element the sample is of (for example either of "Sn", "Tin" or "50" could represent Tin, the former being the standard abbreviation of Tin, and the latter being the atomic number of Tin) however other types of indicia are possible.

The term "grid spacing" means the average height (the vertical height in use) of the element sample receiving locations of the grid.

Preferably a plurality of the samples are planar, and have element indicia directly on them (as opposed to on any magnetic attachment means and any backing plate). This can be achieved using a fine point marker pen, or an adhesive label, and provides an affordable and easily read indication of which element the sample is of.

Optionally a plurality of the samples have element indicia on their respective magnetic attachment means. This can be useful for identifying irregularly shaped element samples, for example where sample of bismuth & chromium are both provided as irregular grey crystalline chunks, the provision of element indica on their respective magnetic attachment means will be useful. Furthermore where the magnetic attachment means of the samples are magnets with a poster-connection face arranged to be held onto the poster, they may be sized to suit provision of an element indicia directly on their poster-connection face. Such magnets may be ferritic magnets, but are preferably neodymium based magnets. To enable their poster-connection faces to receive easily read indicia, the poster-connection faces should be at least 2mm wide but more preferably at least 5mm wide. A neodymium based magnet is preferably marked with indicia using a dark coloured, fine-point permanent marker.

A ferritic magnet is preferably marked with printed label tape, or a light coloured permanent marker.

Optionally a plurality of the samples are each provided as a granular or powder layer permanently attached on a respective backing plate. This improves the accessibility and cost of the sample for use in an education environment. It avoids the need for large samples, while enabling an adequate area of the sample to be visible. This is suitable for air-stable elements that are non-toxic in small quantities, and are either expensive and/or non-ductile, such as boron, germanium, iridium, selenium and carbon (especially if the latter is in diamond form) -and in these cases, display on a backing plate may be much better than display in a small vial. The granular or powder sample is preferably provided permanently attached to the backing plate with an adhesive, By contrast in the past, collectors would have expected samples to be contiguous lumps where possible, and if only powder was available, they would have expected it to be provided in free-flowing form in bottle. This new display format is suitable for comparatively cheaper educational displays, which before now have not been commercially available.

Optionally a plurality of the samples have element indicia directly on their respective backing plates.

This would be a very affordable and easily implemented method of providing indicia for each sample.

Preferably the 1st type of magnetic attachment means are provided by respective magnets extending from the rear of each respective one of the plurality of samples (or respective enclosures thereof where provided). This positions the samples away from the poster, which facilitates them being picked up off the poster without them being dropped. Experiments have found that especially planar elements need to be positioned significantly away from the poster (preferably at least 1mm), to enable a user to get their fingernails behind the sample (or backing plate thereof). Without such a gap users struggle to get the samples off the poster without dropping them, and without disturbing the position or orientation of any neighbouring samples.

Preferably the magnets are rare earth magnets having a poster-connection face, are small compared to their respective loads (samples including any provided enclosure or backing plate) and are at or substantially near the middle of said respective loads (when viewed in the direction of the poster-connection face) such that the respective sample can pivot about the magnet connection when pressed by a user with one finger on any side thereof (viewed in the same way), so as to be easier to grasp between that finger and another finger of the same hand. This has been found to facilitate quick, easy and reliable retrieval of a sample from the poster. The magnet may be arranged centrally, or somewhat off-centre, and may be small compared to the respective loads in in only one dimension rather than (more preferably) two.

Optionally the plurality of samples of elements includes 1st & 2nd groups of samples arranged for un-enclosed display, the groups having no elements in common; samples of the 1st group are provided as respective layers of powder or granules fixed permanently onto respective backing plates or respective magnets with adhesive, and samples of the 2nd group being substantially contiguous free-standing non-planar pieces fixed permanently onto respective backing plates or respective magnets with adhesive.

This has the advantage of minimizing the cost of the display while maximizing its educational effectiveness. Preferably also there is a 3rd group of samples provided as planar metal samples. These are of cut sheet construction and preferably rectangular. Preferably there is a plurality of samples of different elements, each being provided as or on a rectangle having dimensions of roughly 1:2 or roughly 1.5-1.7:2 and a thickness to longest dimension of roughly 0.1:1 or roughly 0.03-0.05:1. This has the advantage of filling most of the available space in a square that has writing taking up about 20% of its height, while providing adequate flexural rigidity for being handled, but without arranging too much mass too far away from the poster so as to minimize the force (and torque in the case where magnet attachment means extends from the rear of the sample or backing plate) applied to the magnetic attachment. Where clear enclosures are provided, preferably they are plastic as this minimizes weight & torque whilst increasing safety, preferably they are tubular which suits display and handling, and preferably they are cylindrical which aids close up inspection of a sample within with two eyes viewing through the tube from different angles, and avoids unwanted optical distortions.

Optionally there is provided a kit for the element sample display unit of claim 1, comprising either: A wall poster with a substantially regular grid of element sample retaining locations each provided with respective element identifying indicia, wherein the wall poster is provided with magnetic attachment means; or a plurality of samples of elements each attached to a respective magnetic attachment means.

This enables the user to purchase a poster and/or as many samples as initially required, according to funding availability, while still enabling the user to purchase any remaining samples at a later time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an element sample display unit, for displaying samples of the elements of the periodic table (element samples), in order of their atomic number, the display unit comprising: An element sample retaining base, comprising a substantially regular grid of element sample retaining locations each provided with respective element identifying indicia; A plurality of substantially pure samples of elements of respectively differing atomic number, for display in respectively identified retaining locations of the element sample retaining base; Wherein: The element sample retaining base is a wall poster; and The plurality of samples of elements includes 1st & 2nd sets of samples, the sets having no elements in common; samples of the 1St set are substantially pure element samples permanently fixed to, or adapted to be releasably attached to, the poster in an unenclosed manner; and samples of the 2nd set are substantially pure element samples provided in enclosures that are permanently fixed to, or adapted to be releasably attached to, the poster.

This enables students both to view samples of the elements in a periodic table arrangement, and also to readily and easily inspect at least some of the element samples extremely closely, because these samples can be touched directly.

This marks a clear departure from known approaches, because the professional appearance of consistent packaging format was considered essential (presumably this facilitated sales to collectors, and sales of prestige displays). Instead of prioritizing appearance & ensuring consistent containment, it is proposed to vary the containment of the samples to enhance the educational value of the display. In the past this was not considered important, because such displays were expensive and dangerous and generally therefore not commonly used in classrooms, however the applicant believes a classroom suitable format & cost can be achieved by scaling the display down, and by omitting certain elements and/or including safer substitute compounds. A classroom-suitable display can then be enhanced by providing some samples in enclosures (e.g. those that are not safe to touch, that are fluid, that are not air-stable, and those that are too small & delicate to handle) while leaving other samples exposed to the air and enabling students to handle those latter samples directly. Any of the optional features described herein may be applied advantageously to the second aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an element sample display unit, for displaying samples of the elements of the periodic table (element samples), in order of their atomic number, the display unit comprising: An element sample retaining base, comprising a substantially regular grid of element sample retaining locations each provided with respective element identifying indicia; A plurality of substantially pure samples of elements of respectively differing atomic number, for display in respectively identified retaining locations of the element sample retaining base; Wherein: The element sample retaining base is a wall poster; and There is provided an additional set of samples with respective indicia indicating differing hazardous but non-radioactive elements, each sample of the additional set being a highly impure sample of its respectively indicated element («=50% by proportion of atoms), specifically each being any one of: a mineral thereof, a substantially pure compound thereof, or an extremely low purity alloy (<10% by proportion of atoms) thereof; and The periodic table has a grid spacing of around 1-2 inches.

This allows students to view samples of the elements in the form of a periodic table, and makes it easier and safer for them to pick up and closely inspect samples of at least some of the elements.

This is because by substituting some of the more hazardous elements with safer alternatives, thick containers are no longer needed, thus enabling the grid size of the periodic table to be reduced to 1- 2 inches (preferably around 1 inch), whereupon the poster can be reduced to a size that can be viewed at once easily by a small group of students. Additionally, the omission of some hazardous elements, and the reduction in the size of the display enables a reduction in the size of the samples and number of elemental samples, thus reducing the cost of the display to a level that suits educational use.

In the past all manufacturers of element displays took the approach that the samples could only be of elemental form (substantially pure, and not compounds or alloys), whether solid, liquid, planar or granular. This was considered vital in collector's element sets, and equally vital in prestige displays.

For non-radioactive elements, either a substantially pure elemental sample was provided, or no sample was provided. However the applicant has identified that an element display could be designed to be suitable for classroom education, and in this new market the purist approach is not needed. Instead it is desirable to substitute compounds, minerals and/or low-purity alloys for elements that are hazardous or expensive. Examples such as Beryllium, Fluorine, Barium etc. are discussed above in relation to claim 9.

Furthermore preferably at least five element samples are substituted with highly impure samples thereof. This enhances the ability of the display to offer a relatively complete set of the elements, whilst still being economical and safe for use in a classroom. Optionally at least ten element samples are substituted this way. Preferably at least two alkali metal elements are substituted with compounds thereof. Optionally at least one element samples are substituted with low purity alloys (<3%) thereof, including Beryllium. Preferably at least two Non-Metals are substituted with a compound or mineral thereof. Each of these features enhances the ability of the display to offer a relatively complete set of the elements, whilst still being economical and safe for use in a classroom.

Here, the term "non-radioactive elements" means naturally occurring non-radioactive elements, and refers to the naturally occurring isotope distribution of those naturally occurring elements. With some radioactive elements such as Astatine it is physically impossible to provide a substantially pure sample. Any of the optional features described herein may be applied advantageously to the third aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an element sample display unit, for displaying samples of the elements of the periodic table (element samples), in order of their S atomic number, the display unit comprising: An element sample retaining base, comprising a substantially regular grid of element sample retaining locations each provided with respective element identifying indicia; A plurality of substantially pure samples of elements of respectively differing atomic number, for display in respectively identified retaining locations of the element sample retaining base; Wherein: The element sample retaining base is a wall poster; The wall poster is provided with a plurality of photographic images of representative samples of the elements, the images being arranged as a periodic table; and The wall poster is provided with releasable attachment means associated with each of the photographic images adapted to support each of the plurality of element samples thereon or thereto, such that when the element sample display unit is in an assembled arrangement, each of the plurality of samples of elements at least partially overlies and at least partially obscures a photographic image of a representative sample of the same respective element.

This has the benefit that a student can view samples of elements in a periodic table arrangement, and can also pick any one of those samples from the periodic table and inspect it, whilst also gaining more information from an image of a representative sample that is uncovered by the act of taking the sample from the poster. The photographs are preferably of representative samples that are larger than any of the plurality of samples of elements, to better convey information about the element (for example it's crystal structure or other physical properties of the element, or the photograph may display an element sample in an industrial context to inform the student how the element may be used). Additionally it is preferable that the photographic representations of the representative samples are also larger on average than the plurality of samples of elements are, as this makes best use of the poster space available, and improves the educational value of the poster.

In the past this approach would not have been considered, as it was generally expected that almost all of the samples would be large enough, and would be of pure elemental form, so that they would be adequately viewable without the aid of a photograph, for use by collectors or as a prestige display. The addition of photograph behind the samples enables the display format to be designed for educational use without requiring all the samples to be large elemental samples, thus allowing the cost to be reduced and allowing the display to be designed safely (for example without some of the more hazardous elements, or indeed the bulky safety measures that would be required for them).

The releasable attachment means may be cups for holding samples, ring shaped holders for receiving enclosures therein (optionally with second support means below each ring shaped holder to prevent the enclosures falling entirely through the ring shaped holders), baskets for holding samples, velcro, peg and peg holders, and so forth. Suitable attachment means may be devised or reached by trial and error, and the examples given above are not illustrated for brevity. Preferably however, the releasable attachment means is a magnetic attachment means as described above.

Preferably the plurality of photographic images are provided on dark backgrounds as this makes the photographs of the samples more visible to a student, and also makes the physical samples more visible to the student (by making them more distinguishable from the background). Preferably the photographic images are of samples that are not the respective samples provided for releasable attachment thereover. Preferably the photographic images are of samples that are larger samples than the respective samples provided for releasable attachment thereover. Any of the optional features described herein may be applied advantageously to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

Brief description of the drawings.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures la, lb & lc are illustrations prior art element sample display formats respectively of the "collectors set", "transparent block" and "prestige wall" types; and Figures 2a, 2b and 2c show a poster display of the periodic table of the elements according to one embodiment of the present invention (2a), two close up illustrations of sections of such a poster (2b), and eight element samples for display thereon (2c).

Description of the preferred embodiment.

An embodiment of this invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 2a shows a periodic table of the elements display in the form of a wall poster 2 with a student reaching to take an element sample from the poster.

Figure 2b (top) shows a section of the wall poster 2 with a student taking an element sample 3 from it. The sample and the poster are drawn together magnetically (dashed line). In this example the four element samples shown include two free-standing samples (top two) (in this example being of planar form), and two enclosed samples (bottom two). Different layers of the poster are shown including a front printed layer and a rear layer of ferrite particles embedded in polymer.

Figure 2b (bottom) shows a close-up view of a section of the wall poster with a student taking a sample 3 of iodine from a square (or rectangle) marked "Iodine". The sample of Iodine is contained within a tubular plastic see-through tube 4 with a flip-top lid 5. A cylindrical magnet 6 is permanently bonded to the tube 4 with a strong adhesive.

The magnet is arranged substantially centrally to the enclosure and is smaller than the enclosure so that it holds the enclosure away from the poster when displayed thereon, and so that when pressed at one end by a user by one finger of a hand, the enclosure will pivot about the magnet, so that the other end becomes more easily grasped by another finger of the same hand (this is more important for planar samples, and samples on backing plates, than for samples in tubular enclosures). The magnet 6 has a flat poster-connection face arranged to face the poster 2 when attached magnetically thereto, and a parallel rear face bonded to the tube 4. This prevents the tube from moving or rolling in other situations (such as movement of the poster), as might occur if a spherical magnet was used.

The square is provided to identify the location for a specific element sample (or backing plate or enclosure). It is marked with the name and/or symbol of the element, and preferably also shows the element's atomic number, its atomic mass and other information about that element. A picture of a representative sample of the element (typically not a picture of the actual sample, but of a different, typically much larger representative specimen) is included on the poster in the location for receiving the sample, backing plate or enclosure. The tube 6 is sized to substantially fit within the square, and preferably is slightly smaller than it.

The poster is of laminar construction as shown in figure 2b (top), and has a rear layer 7 comprising ferrite particles embedded in a polymer matrix, and a front layer of paper or vinyl 8 with the poster image printed on or in it. The two layers are permanently bonded together with adhesive. The front of the poster may include additional information (not shown) about the elements of the periodic table, such as their physical properties, uses or nuclear properties, may show suitable warnings, and would normally have a title such as "Elements of the Periodic Table". The dimensions of the poster have been exaggerated for ease of understanding. The thickness of the poster is preferably in the range 0.2Smm-5mm, and ideally in the range 0.5mm-2mm for optimum magnetic strength, flexural rigidity and postage weight.

Figure 2c shows a range of element samples (a-h). The samples are presented in multiple formats, with the format varying according to the cost, toxicity, reactivity & phase of the elements. The samples are preferably in at least three groups, each group having a different display format, the at least three display formats including free-standing (a, b, f, g, h), in an enclosure (c, d) and on a backing plate (e), and each sample is provided with magnetic attachment means.

Some samples have a planar construction (a, b & f) and are either rectangles of sheet metal (a & b) or metal pieces pressed or hammered flat (f). Some are in clear plastic enclosures (c & d) which have lids such as flip-top lids or screw top lids. The lids may be sealed with adhesive (d) for example for hazardous or fluid element samples. Some may be in powder form in clear plastic enclosures (not shown). Some are provided on a backing plate 9, and may be powder or granular in form, or may be a leaf metal, and in either case are attached permanently to the backing plate with adhesive. The backing plate may be rigid metal, or preferably a semi-rigid tape. Such samples may be constructed of self-adhesive plate, such as a rectangle of self-adhesive semi-rigid tape. Other samples may be non-planar free standing samples (g, h) such as flakes (g), pieces (h) or crystals.

Examples of elements suited to being cut from sheet into planar samples include Copper, Zinc, Iron, Molybdenum, Niobium, Tantalum, Tungsten & Lead. Examples of elements which may be provided in powder or granular form fixed with adhesive on backing plates include Boron, Carbon (e.g. in polycrystalline diamond form), Selenium, Iridium and non-elemental samples such as compounds of Strontium, Barium, the alkali metals (Lithium, Sodium, Potassium), Phosphorous Arsenic and the Halides. Additionally, Gold and Silver may be provided as metal leaf fixed to backing plates with adhesive. Examples of elements which may be provided in sealed clear containers include the non-Halide gaseous elements, Lithium, Beryllium, Vanadium, Manganese, Cadmium, Mercury & Bromine.

Examples of elements which may be provided in un-sealed but closed containers include most of the Lanthanide metals (except Promethium, Yttrium & Scandium). Generally, highly toxic and highly reactive elements are best omitted or substituted with a safer non-elemental substance. Highly radioactive elements should be omitted for classroom use.

With relevance particularly to the second aspect of the present invention detailed above, attention is directed to the upper half of figure 2b which shows a section of a periodic table wall poster 2 with four samples mounted thereon, two of which are enclosed samples (for example the top left might be Manganese in a closed container which may be sealed or unsealed and the bottom left might be Technetium in a sealed container), and two of which are free standing such as a sheet of Iron (top right) and a sample of Ruthenium powder attached to a backing plate (bottom right). The latter two samples are exposed to direct handling for increasing their educational value, whilst the former two samples are enclosed to protect students from toxic or radioactive samples, and to allow extremely small samples (as a sample of Technetium generally would be) to be handled without being easily lost.

With relevance particularly to the third aspect of the present invention detailed above, attention is again directed to the upper half of figure 2b which shows a section of a periodic table wall poster 2 with four samples, two of which are elemental samples (for example a sheet of substantially pure iron (e.g. >98%) at the top right, and a sample of substantially pure Ruthenium powder (e.g. >95%) fixed to a backing square by adhesive, at the bottom right), and two of which are non-elemental samples (for example an manganese compound may be provided in the container top left, and an alloy of technetium, plated onto a metal substrate might be provided in the container bottom left). In this example it may not be necessary to provide the non-elemental samples in containers, for example a non-elemental form of Fluorine is conveniently provided as a small stone of the mineral Fluorite which would not require a container.

With relevance particularly to the fourth aspect of the present invention detailed above, attention is directed to the lower half of figure 2b, which shows a section of a periodic table wall poster 2 with a photographic image of an element (in this case a large sample of Iodine in its metallic form is shown on the poster) in a location that has attachment means for supporting a sample (in this case the magnetic attraction between the poster 2 and a magnet 6 on the sample provides the attachment means). When assembled, the photograph of the element sample is mostly obscured by the container 4 for the element sample 3. When a student picks the container or sample from the poster, the photograph is revealed, so the student can learn more about that element. This is particularly useful for elements where it is not practical to provide a free-standing element sample, or not practical to provide an element sample of suitable size for detailed inspection, or not practical to provide an elemental sample. For example a non-elemental sample of the element Chlorine might be provided (e.g. in the form Sodium Chloride powder in a vial), but when the student removes this sample or container, a photograph of a representative sample is revealed showing the student the elemental form of the respective element (e.g. a yellow liquid).

An educational element sample display unit, including a periodic table of the elements in the form of a wall poster supports a set of samples of those elements on it. This display format allows students both to view samples clearly in a periodic table arrangement (alongside educational information about them) and also to inspect the samples closely to learn more about the elements. The educational value of the display is enhanced by a) magnetically attaching the samples to the poster (so they can be easily picked off for close inspection), b) by providing some samples in enclosures (for safety), and others free-standing (for being handled directly), so that at least some elements can be inspected even more closely, c) by substituting the samples of the more hazardous elements with non-elemental samples (compounds, minerals or alloys) representing those omitted elements (so the samples do not need thick safety containers and thus the grid size, and overall size of the poster can be reduced, aiding viewing of the samples in the form of a periodic table and reducing the cost to suit use in classrooms, and/or d) by providing photographic images of the elements behind releasably supported samples so that when removed by a student, the photographic image is visible for the student to learn more about the element.

Further embodiments are set out in the claims.

It is to be understood that the invention further comprises related apparatus and methods for providing element sample displays and for producing displays and kits embodying the above-described systems and methods, as well as the apparatus of the displays and samples themselves. In short, the above disclosed features can be combined in a wide variety of configurations within the anticipated scope of the invention.

While particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the above discussion, and is defined with reference to the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. Claims: 1. An element sample display unit, for displaying samples of the elements of the periodic table (element samples), in order of their atomic number, the display unit comprising: An element sample retaining base, comprising a substantially regular grid of element sample retaining locations each provided with respective element identifying indicia; A plurality of substantially pure samples of elements of respectively differing atomic number, for display in respectively identified retaining locations of the element sample retaining base; Wherein: The element sample retaining base is a wall poster, and The plurality of samples of elements are each attached to a respective magnetic attachment means of a 1st type and the wall poster is provided with magnetic attachment means of a 2nd type, the 1st and 2nd types of magnetic attachment means are adapted to be mutually attracted with sufficient force to connect and retain respective samples of elements removably on the wall poster display surface when the wall poster is arranged vertically, and at least one of the 15t and 2nd types of magnetic attachment means comprises permanently magnetized material.
2. 2. An element sample display unit according to claim 1, where the plurality of samples of elements includes 1st & 2nd sets of samples, the sets having no elements in common; samples of the ft set are substantially pure element samples adapted to be magnetically attached to the poster in an unenciosed manner; and samples of the 2nd set are substantially pure element samples provided with enclosures adapted to be magnetically attached to the poster, the 2nd set being composed of elements that are more hazardous than those of the 15t set.
3. 3. An element sample display unit according to claim 2, where each of the enclosures of the 2nd set of samples is narrower in at least one dimension than the maximum dimension of any of the samples of the 1st set.
4. 4. An element sample display unit according to claim 2, where the enclosures of the 2nd set of element samples are clear plastic thin-walled tubes.
5. 5. An element sample display unit according to claim 2, where the enclosures of the 2' set of element samples are clear plastic containers with respective lids.
6. 6. An element sample display unit according to claim 2, where the 1st set of element samples are planar.
7. 7. An element sample display unit according to claim 1, where the poster is of laminated construction including a display layer of paper or plastic for displaying a front image, and a magnetic attachment layer comprising magnetic and/or ferrous material, the magnetic attachment layer being rearward of the display layer.
8. 8. An element sample display unit according to claim 1, where both 1st and 2nd types of magnetic attachment means comprise permanently magnetized material.
9. 9. An element sample display unit according to claim 1, where there is provided an additional set of samples with respective indicia thereon indicating differing elements, the samples being compounds of the respective indicated elements, and being safer to handle than those respective elements
10. 10. An element sample display unit according to claim 1, where the substantially regular grid of the wall poster has a grid spacing of less than or about 1-2 inches.
11. 11. An element sample display unit according to claim 1, where a plurality of the samples are planar and have element indicia directly on them (as opposed to on any magnetic attachment means and any backing plate).
12. 12. An element sample display unit according to claim 1, where a plurality of the samples have element indicia on their respective magnetic attachment means.
13. 13. An element sample display unit according to claim 1, where a plurality of the samples are each provided as a granular or powder layer permanently attached on a respective backing plate.
14. 14. An element sample display unit according to claim 13, where a plurality of the samples have element indicia directly on their respective backing plates.
15. 15. An element sample display unit according to claim 1, where the ft type of magnetic attachment means are provided by respective magnets extending from the rear of each respective one of the plurality of samples, or respective enclosures or backing plates.
16. 16. An element sample display unit according to claim 14, where the magnets are rare earth magnets having a poster-connection face, are small compared to their respective loads (samples including any provided enciosure or backing plate) and are at or substantially near the middle of said respective loads (when viewed in the direction of the poster-connection face) such that the respective sample can pivot about the magnet connection when pressed by a user with one finger on any side thereof (viewed in the same way), so as to be easier to grasp between that finger and another finger of the same hand.
17. 17. An element sample display unit according to claim 1, where the plurality of samples of elements includes & 2 groups of samples arranged for un-enclosed display, the groups having no elements in common; samples of the ft group are provided as respective layers of powder or granules fixed permanently onto respective backing plates or respective magnets with adhesive, and samples of the 2nd group being substantially contiguous free-standing pieces fixed permanently onto respective backing plates or respective magnets with adhesive.
18. 18. A kit for the element sample display unit of claim 1, comprising either: A wall poster with a substantially regular grid of element sample retaining locations each provided with respective element identifying indicia, wherein the wall poster is provided with magnetic attachment means; or A plurality of samples of elements each attached to a respective magnetic attachment means.
19. 19. An element sample display unit, for displaying samples of the elements of the periodic table (element samples), in order of their atomic number, the display unit comprising: An element sample retaining base, comprising a substantially regular grid of element sample retaining locations each provided with respective element identifying indicia; A plurality of substantially pure samples of elements of respectively differing atomic number, for display in respectively identified retaining locations of the element sample retaining base; Wherein: The element sample retaining base is a wall poster; and The plurality of samples of elements includes 1st & 2nd sets of samples, the sets having no elements in common; samples of the 1st set are substantially pure element samples permanently fixed to, or adapted to be releasably attached to, the poster in an unenclosed manner; and samples of the 2nd set are substantially pure element samples provided in enclosures that are permanently fixed to, or adapted to be releasably attached to, the poster.
20. 20. An element sample display unit, for displaying samples of the elements of the periodic table (element samples), in order of their atomic number, the display unit comprising: An element sample retaining base, comprising a substantially regular grid of element sample retaining locations each provided with respective element identifying indicia; A plurality of substantially pure samples of elements of respectively differing atomic number, for display in respectively identified retaining locations of the element sample retaining base; Wherein: The element sample retaining base is a wall poster; and There is provided an additional set of samples with respective indicia indicating differing hazardous but non-radioactive elements, each sample of the additional set being a highly impure sample of its respectively indicated element («=50% by proportion of atoms), specifically each being any one of: a mineral thereof, a substantially pure compound thereof, or an extremely low purity alloy (<10% by proportion of atoms) thereof; and The periodic table has a grid spacing of around 1-2 inches.
21. 21. An element sample display unit, for displaying samples of the elements of the periodic table (element samples), in order of their atomic number, the display unit comprising: An element sample retaining base, comprising a substantially regular grid of element sample retaining locations each provided with respective element identifying indicia; A plurality of substantially pure samples of elements of respectively differing atomic number, for display in respectively identified retaining locations of the element sample retaining base; Wherein: The element sample retaining base is a wall poster; The wall poster is provided with a plurality of photographic images of representative samples of the elements, the images being arranged as a periodic table; and The wall poster is provided with releasable attachment means associated with each of the photographic images adapted to support each of the plurality of element samples thereon or thereto, such that when the element sample display unit is in an assembled arrangement, each of the plurality of samples of elements at least partially overlies and at least partially obscures a photographic image of a representative sample of the same respective element.