AU646952B2

AU646952B2 - Logical mosaic-puzzle

Info

Publication number: AU646952B2
Application number: AU17188/92A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Janos Kalapacs; Mihail Iszakovics Lobak
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-09-20
Filing date: 1992-05-28
Publication date: 1994-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2010-09-19
Also published as: AU1718892A

Description

AUSTRALIA 646952 PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original) a Lb it (lPlll)Oi r *9 ~O ~t Name of Applicant/Nominated Person: Actual Inventor(s): Janos Kalapics AND Mihail Iszakovics Lobak Jinos Kala, :AND Mihail Iszikovics Lobak DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000.

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i 20 Address for Service: Invention Title: "Logical Mosaic-Puzzle" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: -1- 920527,kydat002,64126.div,l li- -ii'il- L -i -la- LOGICAL MOSAIC-PUZZLE The invention relates to a logical mosaic puzzle.

The most general types of the mosaic puzzles are based on an arrangement in which different elements such as plates are fitted to each other with the aim of producing a pre-determined shape and configuration respectively.

Mosaic-puzzles, in which the elements start from a given place have been considered as novelties, as the place of one element was left empty, whereby the desired formation or configuration can be obtained by displacing the puzzleelements. The puzzle elements are provided with colours, numbers or other markings.

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c A small number of planar toys or toys with a planar effect are available in which motion of the elements is solved in a different way, e.g. by the transformation of spatial possibilities into the plane, so e.g. by means of balls, gears and pins, by 20 sliding elements into one another etc. Far lower is the number of toys in which simultaneously several elements can be put into motion.

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4 1 The invention relates to a logical mosaic-puzzle with a planar effect in which the elements of the toy simultaneously a plurality of elements can be turned to 931213,p:\oper\kay, 17188kaLsp,I Li ii -2form the desired configurations. By mixing up the elements several variations may be obtained.

By virtue of shape and easy manipulation, toys according to embodiments of the invention are well suited for the development of logical and combinative abilities.

For turning the toy-elements several logical mosaic-puzzles are disclosed in PS-SU- 1238773, GB-PS 2199 755 and GB-PS 2 117 256. However, the devices of these prior patent specifications suffer from the !isadvantage that the ease of construction and of manipulation have been developed or improved to the detriment of the actual use of the toy.

French patent specifications no. A2, 2489 164 and Al, 2490 102 disclose mosaic-puzzle toys. The toys described in these patent specifications rely on the principle that three circular plates of proper thickness, extending into one another, sliced into curved puzzle-plates can be rotated in respect to each other, thereby mixing up the mosaic-puzzle plates.

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The disadvantage of the above patents is that their formation does not allow because of the spatial sweep for the elements to be extended in a secure, playable 20 manner. A further disadvantage is that the toys according to the above patent specifications can be produced in series only over a given size-limit. Due to the extreme size of the toy and the risk of it falling to pieces continued use of the toy is not normally possible.

-3- A preferred object of the present invention is the provision of a toy formation which enables an increased number of mosaic plates and by virtue of this increase an increase in the number of possible variations, by which a more exciting and more interesting toy can be formed. Moreover, it preferably enables the production of the toy in the desired size and makes the toy more enjoyable to use.

rI According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a logical i mosaic-puzzle comprising: mosaic toy-elements forming three groups, the toyi elements being arranged in a plurality of at least three circles overlapping one another, a frame surrounding the outer periphery of the circles and in engagement therewith, said frame consisting of an outer casing and an inner clamping-frame :i iinserted in said casing to define a groove therebetween, said groove being in peripheral surrounding relation to said plurality of circles, said toy-elements being connected to each other loosely for turning simultaneously on a plurality of said overlapping circles about the axis of the circles, said turning being restrained in said casing and clamping-frame only be engagement of the casing and clamping-frame with the outer periphery of said circles; the circles each consisting of at least six toyelements, of which one toy-element forms one of said groups and part of three it I i St overlapping circles while the overlapping circles are further formed of toy-elements C c 20 arranged into two further groups, and which toy-elements include projections and g grooves, with the projections of one toy-element extending into the groove of another toy-element and into the groove defined by the casing and clamping-frame to join the elements together and to the casing and clamping frame.

931213,p:\operkay,17188kaLspe.3 ii~i In one embodiment of the invention the mosaic puzzle has thirteen toyelements arranged into three different groups on three circles overlapping one another.

In another embodiment of the invention the mosaic puzzle has nineteen toyelements arranged into three different groups on five circles overlapping one another.

In another embodiment of the invention the mosaic puzzle has sixteen toyelements arranged into three different groups on four circles overlapping one another.

Preferably the toy-element forming part of three overlapping circles is essentially a prism having the form of a regular arch-triangle surrounded by lateral arches, on each three sides of which a projection is formed.

Preferably, the visible surfaces of the toy-elements are provided with distinguishing colours or other markings, and turning of the different toy-elements Sincluded in the casing and the clamping-frame respectively can take place simultaneously from two sides of the space only, as a consequence the planar characteristics of the toy change it into a solid.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- 931213,p:\oper\ay,17188kaLspe,4 Figure 1 is the top view of an embodiment of the invention having three circles of toy-elements; S- Figure 2 is a top view of the casing of the logical mosaic-puzzle of figure II 1; Figure 3 is a sectional side-view of the casing as shown in figure 2; Figure 4 is a top view of the clamping-frame shown on figure 1; Figure 5 is a sectional side-view of the clamping-frame of figure 4; Figure 6 is a top view of a puzzle-element of the logical mosaic-puzzle shown in figure 1; i 10 Figure 7 is a side-view of the puzzle-element shown on figure 6; Figure 8 is a top view of a puzzle-element arranged in the second group of the logical mosaic-puzzle shown in figure 1; Figure 9 is a side-view of the puzzle-element as shown in figure 8; Figure 10 is a top view of a further puzzle-element of the logical mosaicpuzzle shown on figure 1; Figure 11 is the side view of the puzzle-element as shown in figure S- Figure 12 is the top view of an embodiment of the invention having five circles of toy elements; I I.

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-6- Figure 13 is the top view of an embodiment of the invention having four circles of toy-elements.

The logical mosaic-puzzle as per figure 1 is built-up of 15 elements, which can essentially be divided into two main elements a casing and a clamping-frame

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7 2 931213,p:\oper\kay,17188kaLspe,6 as well as the 19 pieces of moveable toy-elements (3, 4, 5) surrounded by the casing and the clamping-frame The puzzle-elements 4 and 5) can be ranged into three different groups, however in a group the toy-elements have the same shaping. The first group consists only of one element, element no. 3. which is also part of three intersecting circles. This toy-element is essentially a prism having the base of a regular arch-triangle surrounded by lateral arches on each 10 three sides of which a projection (11) can be found in ft order to assure the connection with the neighbouring puzzle-elements (See figure no. 6 and 71.

The toy-elements belong to the second group, which join on the one hand the puzzle-elements and on the other hand the toy-elements and the total number of the toy-elements is 9. The toy-elements have the form of a prism, surrounded with two convex arch-sides, (13) and a concave arch-side (14) joining these convex arch-sides, the convex arch-sides (13) of 20 the prism are provided with projections (15) joining the toy-element while the concave arch-sides (14) are provided with gooves (19) taking up the projections (11) and (15) resp. of the connecting toy-elements and (4) (see figures 8 and 9).

Finally, to the third group belong (3 pieces) the S toy-elements assuring the formation of the three circles, which toy-element is connected to the puzzle-elements and fulfill resp. the free parts of the casing and the clamping-frame The toy-elements of the group have the form of a prism having two concave arch-sides (17) and a convex jC _1II~~LLI~~ 8 arch-side (16) which is provided with a projection (18) joining the suitable part of the casing and the clamping-frame resp. while the concave arch-sides (17) are provided each with grooves (20) and (21) taking up the projections (15) of the joining elements (See figures no. 10 and 11.) When assembling the logical mosaic-puzzle of the invention the toy-elements and the projections (11) (15) and (18) and the grooves 10 and (21) are fitted into each other and placed into the "casing so as to form three circles extending parts symmetrically into each other.

When inserting the clamping frame essentially a groove will be formed between the casing and the clamping frame which consist of curved parts. All the grooves and projections of the puzzle are fitting accurately, however loosely. In such a manner it becomes possible that in any position six elements each of one, two or all the three circles could be turned in respect 20 to the other elements independently, by means of two fingers. In accordance with the aim set, from turn to I \'turn we can change the position of the puzzle-elements and one element and each may be transferred from one circle to the other, than to the third, fifth one and back etc. The sense of the game becomes obvious, if visible surfaces of the elements and are provided with distinguishing markings, such as colour or other signs.

In the general form of realization, in the starting n position of the toy aerding- te- the invention (see 9 figure the puzzle-element is arranged in the centre; its colouring corresponds to the colours of the clamping-frame and the casing A circle each (I, II, III) contains independently three puzzle-elements (4) of one type and one puzzle-element of another type.

As a matter of fact, due to overlapping, in respect to colours four elements each can be distinguished on each circle, three pieces of the type and one piece of the type Starting position: red: 4a, 5a; green 4b, blue 4c, 5c; yellow: elements 3, 2, 1. As a general approximation the aim of the game lies in to turn back the elements from any position into the original starting configuration, while obtaining any other configuration can be aimed at, too. Several possibilities of variation render the game increasingly exciting.

Figure 2. shows an embodiment of the invention with five circles, where the number of the puzzle-elements and is 19 and when inserting the clamping-frame a groove will be formed between the t I casing and the clamping-frame which consist of ttl 20 the curved parts and i0O).

In the general form of realization, in the starting St position of the toy according te th invention the puzzle-element is arranged in the centre; its colouring corresponds to the colours of the clamping-frame and the casing A central-circle each contains three puzzle-elements of one type and one :,uzzle-element of another type, while the further circles each contain two puzzle-elements and one puzzle-element As a matter of fact, due to overlapping, in respect to colours three-four elements 1 L each can be distinguished on each circle. As a general approximation the aim of the 1 game lies in to turn back the elements from any position into the original starting configuration, while obtaining any other configuration can be aimed at, too. Several i possibilities of variation render the game increasingly exciting.

Figure 13 shows an embodiment of the invention with four circles, where the number of the puzzle-elements and is 16.

In the general form of realization, in the starting position of the toy the puzzle-element is arranged in the centre; its colouring corresponds to the colours of the clamping-frame and the casing A circle each contains three puzzleelements of one type and one puzzle-element of another type, while the fourth circle contains two puzzle-elements and one puzzle-element As a i matter of fact, due to overlapping, in respect to colours three-four elements each can be distinguished on each circle. As a general approximation the aim of the game lies in to turn back the elements from any position into the original starting configuration, while obtaining any other configuration can be aimed at, too. Several possibilities of variation render the game increasingly exciting. An additional advantage of the invention is, that the surfaces can be used for advertising purposes t k 20 as well.

t Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context reqiires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. Logical mosaic-puzzle comprising: mosaic toy-elements forming three groups, the toy-elements being arranged in a plurality of at least three circles overlapping one another, a frame surrounding the outer periphery of the circles and in engagement therewith, said frame consisting of an outer casing and an inner clamping-frame inserted in said casing to define a groove therebetween, said groove being in peripheral surrounding relation to said plurality of circles, said toy-elements being connected to each other loosely for turning simultaneously on a plurality of said overlapping circles about the axis of the circles, said turning being re ,irained in said casing and clamping-frame only be engagement of the casing and clamping- frame with the outer periphery of said circles; the circles each consisting of at least six toy-elements, of which one toy-element forms one of said groups and part of three overlapping circles while the overlapping circles are further formed of toy- elements arranged into two further groups, and which toy-elements include prqojections and grooves, with the projections of one toy-element extending into the groove of another toy-element and into the groove defined by the casing and clamping-frame to join the elements together and to the casing and clamping frame.

2. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 1, having thirteen toy-elements S arranged into three different groups on three circles overlapping one another. i tr

3. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 1, having nineteen toy-elements arranged into three different groups on five circles overlapping one another. 1 25 4. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 1, having sixteen toy-elements Sarranged into three different groups on four circles overlapping one another. t f

5. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the toy-element forming part of three overlapping circles is essentially a prism having the form of a regular arch-triangle surrounded by lateral arches, on each three sides of which a projection is formed. |i 931213,p:\oper\kay, 17188kaLspe,11 I Nvrxi i. i i.

12- 6. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 5, wherein the toy-element is arranged into a second group of elements joining the toy-element and also forming part of overlapping circles, said toy-element is essentially a prism having the form of an arch-triangle surrounded by two convex arch-sides and a concave arch-side joining these convex arch-sides, the convex arch-sides of the prism being provided each with a projection joining neighboring toy-elements, and the concave arch-side being provided with a groove receiving the projections, of neighboring toy-elements. 7. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 6, wherein the number of the toy- elements arranged into the second group is nine. 8. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 6, including thirteen toy-elements forming the second group, which also take part in the formation of further circleS and which join the toy-element having a form of an arch triangle. 9. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 6, including eleven toy-elements forming the second group, which also take part in the formation of further circles and which join the toy-element having a form of an arch triangle. 10. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 6, wherein the toy-element forming a third group of the toy-elements joining the toy-elements and filling up free parts of the casing and of the clamping-frame and forming part of said overlapping circles, said toy-elements being a prism having two concave arch-sides and a convex arch- side joining the concave arch-sides, the convex arch-side of the prism is being 25 provided with a projection extending into the groove of the casing and the clamping- frame while the concave arch-sides are provided each with grooves taking up the projections of the neighboring elements. 11. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 10, wherein three toy-elements form the third group. 12. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 10, wherein five toy-elements form 'i C t t C t £1 I 13 the third group.

13. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 10, wherein four toy-elements form the third group

14. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 10, wherein visible surfaces of the toy-elements are provided with distinguishing colors or other markings. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 1, wherein two sides of the toy- elements are accessible whereby turning of different toy-elements included in the casing and the clamping-frame can take place simultaneously from said two sides, as a consequence of which the planar characteristics of the toy change into a solid.

16. Logical mosaic-puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the casing and clamping- frame when assembled together define an opening therethrough, which opening exposes opposite sides of said toy-elements.

17. A logical mosaic-puzzle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. rr Ir r r r f rtte r rl c c r DATED this 13th day of December, 1993. JANOS KALAPACS and. MIHAIL ISZAKOVICS LOBAK 25 By Their Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE 931213,p:\oper\kzy,l78aLspe,13 -16- ABSTRACT The invention relates to a logical mosaic-puzzle containing toy elements forming three groups. In its built-up form the toy is arranged in circles II, III) extending partly into each other in a frame consisting of two parts 2) in the assembled state of the toy. The toy-elements 4, 5) belonging to the circles II, III) which are fitted to each other accurately, however loosely, can be turned simultaneously along the axis of a circle each in respect to the other circles, further, one Scircle each consists of six toy-elements 4, out C 15 of which in the starting position one element forms the part of three circles II, III), said toy-elements 4, 5) are provided with projections (11, 15, 18) joining each other, the casing and the clamping frame respectively and with grooves (19, 20, 21) taking up the projections (11, 15, 18). c 920527,k1dat02,64126div,3