CA3077717C - A dual-level twisty puzzle - Google Patents
A dual-level twisty puzzle Download PDFInfo
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- CA3077717C CA3077717C CA3077717A CA3077717A CA3077717C CA 3077717 C CA3077717 C CA 3077717C CA 3077717 A CA3077717 A CA 3077717A CA 3077717 A CA3077717 A CA 3077717A CA 3077717 C CA3077717 C CA 3077717C
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/06—Patience; Other games for self-amusement
- A63F9/08—Puzzles provided with elements movable in relation, i.e. movably connected, to each other
- A63F9/0826—Three-dimensional puzzles with slidable or rotatable elements or groups of elements, the main configuration remaining unchanged, e.g. Rubik's cube
- A63F9/0838—Three-dimensional puzzles with slidable or rotatable elements or groups of elements, the main configuration remaining unchanged, e.g. Rubik's cube with an element, e.g. invisible core, staying permanently in a central position having the function of central retaining spider and with groups of elements rotatable about at least three axes intersecting in one point
- A63F9/0842—Three-dimensional puzzles with slidable or rotatable elements or groups of elements, the main configuration remaining unchanged, e.g. Rubik's cube with an element, e.g. invisible core, staying permanently in a central position having the function of central retaining spider and with groups of elements rotatable about at least three axes intersecting in one point each group consisting of again a central element and a plurality of additional elements rotatable about three orthogonal axes at both ends, the additional elements being rotatable about at least two axes, e.g. Rubik's cube
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/06—Patience; Other games for self-amusement
- A63F9/08—Puzzles provided with elements movable in relation, i.e. movably connected, to each other
- A63F9/0826—Three-dimensional puzzles with slidable or rotatable elements or groups of elements, the main configuration remaining unchanged, e.g. Rubik's cube
- A63F9/0857—Three-dimensional puzzles with slidable or rotatable elements or groups of elements, the main configuration remaining unchanged, e.g. Rubik's cube with elements slidably connected to a visible central body, e.g. beads in grooves
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Abstract
A dual-level twisty puzzle comprises a 4*4*4 outer level fully inclosing a 3*3*3 inner level inside. The inner level acts as both a puzzle itself and the support for the outer level. Guiding and holding elements and components are constructed within each level, between two levels, between inner level and core, and between outer level and core. The outer level attaches to the inner level of the puzzle, which is visible through the view openings, the inner level is held to a spherical member by 6 of shafts and minimum of 3 shafts of these 6 shafts have cam feature constructed on. Cam features pass through inner level and reach and interact with the outer level to guarantee the alignment of the outer level to the core. In order to arrange the inner level, the outer level has to be arranged, so the challenge level is greatly increased. To increase the challenge level even more, one way clutch mechanism can be applied to replace indexing mechanism.
Description
A DUAL-LEVEL TWISTY PUZZLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a three-dimensional puzzle, more particularly, to a dual-level twisty puzzle, which comprises a 4*4*4 outer level fully inclosing a 3*3*3 inner level inside itself, and can be twisted to shift and relocate pieces to change the combination both the 4*4*4 outer level and the 3*3*3 inner level.
BACKGROUND ART
Prior art of the conventional twisty puzzle, for example, Rubik's Cube TM
and its alike, including 3x3x3 and its later development of 4x4x4, 5x5x5, 6x6x6 and 7x7x7, posses 6 faces, each face comprises plural pieces, these pieces are attached to the core by 6 shafts, only the outmost showing faces are used to mark and identify the puzzle, when these outmost faces are arranged to a particular pattern then the puzzle is considered solved. The internal pieces are only considered as working and holding mechanism, which holds the puzzle together as a unit and provides means to arrange or rearrange the pieces with outmost showing faces. Upon completion of assemble the conventional twisty puzzle and during manipulating of conventional twisty puzzle, the core itself which the outmost pieces attached to is not arrange-able or rearrange-able, even the core may be mad up of several pieces and can be divided into many zones, so the core is considered as part of the whole puzzle, and very importantly, itself alone is not a puzzle and can not be manipulated as a puzzle to change combination. Thus these conventional twisty puzzles are considered single level twisty puzzle, even these are usually made up several layers. If just simply adding holding and guiding elements outside of a rounded 3x3x3 twisty puzzle and attaching 4x4x4 twisty puzzle to it, the movement of the 4x4x4 outer level during manipulation can not be transferred into 3x3x3 level, also the alignment of 4x4x4 outer level and 3x3x3 inner level can be lost during manipulation and render the puzzle stuck. If permanently joining certain pieces of 4x4x4 outer level and 3x3x3 inner level, it will behave as either a conventional 4x4x4 single level twisty puzzle or a conventional 3x3x3 single level twisty puzzle, the challenge level will not increase. The objective of the present invention is adding extra level of fully arrange-able and rearrange-able and identify-able 4x4x4 puzzle outside of a fully arrange-able and rearrange-able and identify-able 3x3x3 puzzle and use it as secondary core to form a dual level twisty puzzle, and provide means to identify and manipulate the 3x3x3 inner level independently from 4x4x4 outer level while manipulating the 4x4x4 outer level. To achieve this objective, many technical challenges have to be overcome.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a three-dimensional puzzle, more particularly, to a dual-level twisty puzzle, which comprises a 4*4*4 outer level fully inclosing a 3*3*3 inner level inside itself, and can be twisted to shift and relocate pieces to change the combination both the 4*4*4 outer level and the 3*3*3 inner level.
BACKGROUND ART
Prior art of the conventional twisty puzzle, for example, Rubik's Cube TM
and its alike, including 3x3x3 and its later development of 4x4x4, 5x5x5, 6x6x6 and 7x7x7, posses 6 faces, each face comprises plural pieces, these pieces are attached to the core by 6 shafts, only the outmost showing faces are used to mark and identify the puzzle, when these outmost faces are arranged to a particular pattern then the puzzle is considered solved. The internal pieces are only considered as working and holding mechanism, which holds the puzzle together as a unit and provides means to arrange or rearrange the pieces with outmost showing faces. Upon completion of assemble the conventional twisty puzzle and during manipulating of conventional twisty puzzle, the core itself which the outmost pieces attached to is not arrange-able or rearrange-able, even the core may be mad up of several pieces and can be divided into many zones, so the core is considered as part of the whole puzzle, and very importantly, itself alone is not a puzzle and can not be manipulated as a puzzle to change combination. Thus these conventional twisty puzzles are considered single level twisty puzzle, even these are usually made up several layers. If just simply adding holding and guiding elements outside of a rounded 3x3x3 twisty puzzle and attaching 4x4x4 twisty puzzle to it, the movement of the 4x4x4 outer level during manipulation can not be transferred into 3x3x3 level, also the alignment of 4x4x4 outer level and 3x3x3 inner level can be lost during manipulation and render the puzzle stuck. If permanently joining certain pieces of 4x4x4 outer level and 3x3x3 inner level, it will behave as either a conventional 4x4x4 single level twisty puzzle or a conventional 3x3x3 single level twisty puzzle, the challenge level will not increase. The objective of the present invention is adding extra level of fully arrange-able and rearrange-able and identify-able 4x4x4 puzzle outside of a fully arrange-able and rearrange-able and identify-able 3x3x3 puzzle and use it as secondary core to form a dual level twisty puzzle, and provide means to identify and manipulate the 3x3x3 inner level independently from 4x4x4 outer level while manipulating the 4x4x4 outer level. To achieve this objective, many technical challenges have to be overcome.
2 DISCLOUSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a three-dimensional puzzle, more particularly, to a dual-level twisty puzzle, which comprises a 4*4*4 outer level fully inclosing a 3*3*3 inner level inside itself. The 3*3*3 inner level acts as both a puzzle itself and the support for 4*4*4 outer level. Guiding and holding elements and components are constructed within each level, between two levels, between inner level and core, and between outer level and core. If the 4*4*4 outer level and certain guiding and holding elements and components are constructed with transparent material, the 3*3*3 inner level of the puzzle would be visible. The present invention considers the puzzle is build with opaque material, view opening is shown in the present invention. The 4*4*4 outer level is visible directly, it attaches to the 3*3*3 inner level of the puzzle, which is visible through the view openings, which are constructed in the pieces of the 4*4*4 outer level and certain guiding and holding elements and components by removing material which the puzzle is build of. In turn, the
The present invention provides a three-dimensional puzzle, more particularly, to a dual-level twisty puzzle, which comprises a 4*4*4 outer level fully inclosing a 3*3*3 inner level inside itself. The 3*3*3 inner level acts as both a puzzle itself and the support for 4*4*4 outer level. Guiding and holding elements and components are constructed within each level, between two levels, between inner level and core, and between outer level and core. If the 4*4*4 outer level and certain guiding and holding elements and components are constructed with transparent material, the 3*3*3 inner level of the puzzle would be visible. The present invention considers the puzzle is build with opaque material, view opening is shown in the present invention. The 4*4*4 outer level is visible directly, it attaches to the 3*3*3 inner level of the puzzle, which is visible through the view openings, which are constructed in the pieces of the 4*4*4 outer level and certain guiding and holding elements and components by removing material which the puzzle is build of. In turn, the
3*3*3 inner level is held to a spherical member by 6 shafts. 6 shafts are fixed on the spherical member through fasteners. Minimum of 3 shafts have cam feature constructed on it, and cam features pass through inner level and reach and interact with the 4*4*4 outer level to guarantee the alignment of the
4*4*4 outer level to the core in default position. In order to arrange or rearrange the 3*3*3 inner level, the 4*4*4 outer has to be arranged or rearranged, so the challenge level is greatly increased. It is not necessary but certainly fun to increase the challenge level even more by using one way clutch mechanism, so some layers of the 3*3*3 inner level in certain position respond to both direction of the twisting operation, and some layers the 3*3*3 inner level in certain position only respond to one direction of the twisting operation. To solve both the 4*4*4 outer level and the 3*3*3 inner level at the same time, a carefully thought out strategy needs to be developed, thus this invention offers more challenge and fun.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To get a clear understanding of the invention, all drawing should be viewed together with the detailed description followed.
FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows the rotation of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows the rotation of the inner level of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows the core.
FIG. 5 shows shaft without cam feature (2).
FIG. 6 shows shaft with cam feature (3).
FIG. 7 shows indexing mechanism (5).
FIG. 8 shows one way clutch mechanism (6).
FIG. 9 shows the 3*3*3 inner level.
FIG. 10 shows inner center piece (7).
FIG. 11 shows inner edge piece (8).
FIG. 12 shows inner corner piece (9).
FIG. 13 shows inner center piece (10).
FIG. 14 shows the inner level of the puzzle with one lateral layer's edge piece and comer piece hiding in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 15 shows an overall perspective view of the inner level of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 16 shows engagement mechanism between outer level and inner level in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 17 shows guiding and holding components are held down in the channels formed on the outside of the inner level in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 18 shows component (14) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 19 shows component (15) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 20 shows component (16) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 21 shows outer center piece (17) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 22 shows outer edge piece (18) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 23 shows outer corner piece (13) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 24 shows outer level with outer edge pieces (18) and outer corner pieces (13) hiding in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 25 shows outer level is held down by inner lever in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 26 shows possible different embodiments in accordance with the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
To easily, accurately and mathematically describe the present invention, the present invention is set in an imaginary Cartesian coordinate system OXYZ
with its center setting on the origin 0, its shafts setting coincide with the Cartesian coordinate system axes X, Y, and Z as seen in Fig. 1.
Prior to describing in detail of the individual components depicted in the drawings, it is pointed out that each of the features described and shown is of inventively essential significance by itself or in connection with the feature of the attached claims, it is emphasized in particular that, because of geometrically complicated construction of the puzzle according to the present invention, the drawings are allotted a particular role in the disclosure of the present invention.
The present invention provides a three-dimensional dual level twisty puzzle, which comprises a 4*4*4 outer level fully inclosing a 3*3*3 inner level inside itself. The 3*3*3 inner level acts as both a puzzle itself and the support for 4*4*4 outer level.
FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the rotation of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the rotation of the inner level of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention. The present invention has 6 turning axes, points to the direction of +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z
respectively.
The 4*4*4 outer level is visible directly, if the 4*4*4 outer level and certain guiding and holding elements and components are constructed with transparent material, the 3*3*3 inner level of the puzzle would be visible. The present invention considers the puzzle is build with opaque material, view opening is shown in the present invention as seen in Fig. 1, refference "A" in Fig. 1 shows one of the view openings. View openings, which are constructed in the pieces of the 4*4*4 outer level and certain guiding and holding elements and components by removing material which the puzzle is build of, reach from outside of the outer level to the outside of the inner level. On outside surface of the inner level at the end of each view opening, a mark can be used to identify the piece of the inner level, reference "B" in Fig. 1 shows one of the identification marks. The present invention can be divided into layers perpendicular to each axis of X, Y, and Z respectively. The outer level is divided into 2 outer lateral layers and 2 outer central layers, thus forms 4*4*4 arrangement, reference "C" in Fig. 2 shows the outer lateral layer, reference "D" in Fig. 2 shows the outer central layer. The inner level is divided into 2 inner lateral layers and 1 inner central layer, thus forms 3*3*3 arrangement, reference "E" in Fig. 3 shows the inner lateral layer, reference "F" in Fig. 3 shows the inner central layer. Each of these layers or combination of any of these layers can be twisted around its axis relative to each other. The twisting operation of the central layer or layers of the 4*4*4 outer level alone will only twist the 4*4*4 outer level and change its combination. It is not necessary but certainly fun to increase the challenge level even more by using one way clutch mechanism, so some layers of the 3*3*3 inner level in certain position respond to both direction of the twisting operation of the 4*4*4 outer level, and some layers the 3*3*3 inner level in certain position only respond to one direction of the twisting operation of the 4*4*4 outer level. Any twisting operation with lateral layer of the 4*4*4 outer level involved in will twist the 4*4*4 outer level and change its combination, and has potential to twist the 3*3*3 inner level, and change its combination. The working and holding mechanism, indexing mechanism, one way clutch mechanism and engagement mechanism are essential to achieve these functions.
FIG. 4 shows the core. FIG. 5 shows shaft without cam feature (2). FIG. 6 shows shaft with cam feature (3). FIG. 7 shows indexing mechanism (5). FIG.
8 shows one way clutch mechanism (6). FIG. 9 shows the 3*3*3 inner level.
FIG. 10 shows inner center piece (7). FIG. 11 shows inner edge piece (8).
FIG. 12 shows inner comer piece (9). FIG. 13 shows inner center piece (10).
The core comprises a spherical member (1), 6 of shafts, which include maximum of 3 shafts without cam feature (2) and minimum of 3 shafts with
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To get a clear understanding of the invention, all drawing should be viewed together with the detailed description followed.
FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows the rotation of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows the rotation of the inner level of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows the core.
FIG. 5 shows shaft without cam feature (2).
FIG. 6 shows shaft with cam feature (3).
FIG. 7 shows indexing mechanism (5).
FIG. 8 shows one way clutch mechanism (6).
FIG. 9 shows the 3*3*3 inner level.
FIG. 10 shows inner center piece (7).
FIG. 11 shows inner edge piece (8).
FIG. 12 shows inner corner piece (9).
FIG. 13 shows inner center piece (10).
FIG. 14 shows the inner level of the puzzle with one lateral layer's edge piece and comer piece hiding in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 15 shows an overall perspective view of the inner level of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 16 shows engagement mechanism between outer level and inner level in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 17 shows guiding and holding components are held down in the channels formed on the outside of the inner level in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 18 shows component (14) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 19 shows component (15) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 20 shows component (16) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 21 shows outer center piece (17) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 22 shows outer edge piece (18) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 23 shows outer corner piece (13) in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 24 shows outer level with outer edge pieces (18) and outer corner pieces (13) hiding in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 25 shows outer level is held down by inner lever in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 26 shows possible different embodiments in accordance with the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
To easily, accurately and mathematically describe the present invention, the present invention is set in an imaginary Cartesian coordinate system OXYZ
with its center setting on the origin 0, its shafts setting coincide with the Cartesian coordinate system axes X, Y, and Z as seen in Fig. 1.
Prior to describing in detail of the individual components depicted in the drawings, it is pointed out that each of the features described and shown is of inventively essential significance by itself or in connection with the feature of the attached claims, it is emphasized in particular that, because of geometrically complicated construction of the puzzle according to the present invention, the drawings are allotted a particular role in the disclosure of the present invention.
The present invention provides a three-dimensional dual level twisty puzzle, which comprises a 4*4*4 outer level fully inclosing a 3*3*3 inner level inside itself. The 3*3*3 inner level acts as both a puzzle itself and the support for 4*4*4 outer level.
FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the rotation of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the rotation of the inner level of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention. The present invention has 6 turning axes, points to the direction of +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z
respectively.
The 4*4*4 outer level is visible directly, if the 4*4*4 outer level and certain guiding and holding elements and components are constructed with transparent material, the 3*3*3 inner level of the puzzle would be visible. The present invention considers the puzzle is build with opaque material, view opening is shown in the present invention as seen in Fig. 1, refference "A" in Fig. 1 shows one of the view openings. View openings, which are constructed in the pieces of the 4*4*4 outer level and certain guiding and holding elements and components by removing material which the puzzle is build of, reach from outside of the outer level to the outside of the inner level. On outside surface of the inner level at the end of each view opening, a mark can be used to identify the piece of the inner level, reference "B" in Fig. 1 shows one of the identification marks. The present invention can be divided into layers perpendicular to each axis of X, Y, and Z respectively. The outer level is divided into 2 outer lateral layers and 2 outer central layers, thus forms 4*4*4 arrangement, reference "C" in Fig. 2 shows the outer lateral layer, reference "D" in Fig. 2 shows the outer central layer. The inner level is divided into 2 inner lateral layers and 1 inner central layer, thus forms 3*3*3 arrangement, reference "E" in Fig. 3 shows the inner lateral layer, reference "F" in Fig. 3 shows the inner central layer. Each of these layers or combination of any of these layers can be twisted around its axis relative to each other. The twisting operation of the central layer or layers of the 4*4*4 outer level alone will only twist the 4*4*4 outer level and change its combination. It is not necessary but certainly fun to increase the challenge level even more by using one way clutch mechanism, so some layers of the 3*3*3 inner level in certain position respond to both direction of the twisting operation of the 4*4*4 outer level, and some layers the 3*3*3 inner level in certain position only respond to one direction of the twisting operation of the 4*4*4 outer level. Any twisting operation with lateral layer of the 4*4*4 outer level involved in will twist the 4*4*4 outer level and change its combination, and has potential to twist the 3*3*3 inner level, and change its combination. The working and holding mechanism, indexing mechanism, one way clutch mechanism and engagement mechanism are essential to achieve these functions.
FIG. 4 shows the core. FIG. 5 shows shaft without cam feature (2). FIG. 6 shows shaft with cam feature (3). FIG. 7 shows indexing mechanism (5). FIG.
8 shows one way clutch mechanism (6). FIG. 9 shows the 3*3*3 inner level.
FIG. 10 shows inner center piece (7). FIG. 11 shows inner edge piece (8).
FIG. 12 shows inner comer piece (9). FIG. 13 shows inner center piece (10).
The core comprises a spherical member (1), 6 of shafts, which include maximum of 3 shafts without cam feature (2) and minimum of 3 shafts with
5 cam feature (3), 6 of fasteners (4), one for each shaft, minimum 1 indexing mechanism (5) between the core and the inner level for each shaft, in this particular embodiment, 2 indexing mechanisms for each shaft are used for the balance of the force. It is not necessary but certainly fun to increase the challenge level even more by using one way clutch mechanism (6) replace indexing mechanism (5). Spherical member (1) offers a universal gliding face for the 3*3*3 inner level to ride on. 6 shafts are fixed on the spherical member (1) by fasteners (4), herein this particular embodiment, screws are used as the fastener, and these 6 shafts are arranged in such way that their center lines coincide with the Cartesian coordinate system axes. Any one of the shafts, include shafts without cam feature (2) and shafts with cam feature (3) has a cylindrical body with a bigger cylindrical portion constructed on top of it, and its central material has been removed to accommodate the fastener (4), any one of shafts with cam feature (3) has an extra cam feature which is a quarter of a cylindrical or conical ring constructed on top of the bigger cylindrical portion, which is indicated by reference "J" in Fig. 6, and an extra non-cylindrical portion constructed under the cylindrical body, which is indicated by reference "S" in Fig. 6, so shaft with cam feature (3) cannot rotate once it is fixed and embedded in the spherical member (1) by fasteners (4). It is essential that shafts with cam feature (3) are arranged in such way that the cam features "J" only appear in one side of XY plane, and XZ plane and YZ plane, and securely hold in position by fastener without lost its orientation, when minimum of 3 shafts with cam feature (3) are used, it is also essential that all these shafts with cam feature (3) are in the same quadrant refer to Cartesian coordinate system. Cam features pass through inner level and reach and interact with outer level and restrict only one central layer of the outer level perpendicular to X, Y, or Z
respectively, for instance, one central layer of outer level perpendicular to X is restricted by the cam features, all other 3 layers perpendicular to X can freely rotate, since the puzzle itself freely rotate in the space, virtually all layers perpendicular to X can be rotated without lost alignment of outer level to the core. As same is true for Y and Z. In this particular embodiment, all the cam features are a quarter of cylindrical ring in shape and appear only in ¨Y side of XZ plane, and +Z side of XY plane, and +X side of YZ plane, and shafts with cam feature (3) has square protrusion and hold down by the screw (4) into the spherical member (1) to stop it from spinning around its center line and lost its orientation. This arrangement guarantee the alignment of the 4*4*4 outer level to the core without restrict and any rotation of any layers of any level. The inner level has total 6 pieces of inner center piece (10) or (7) combined, coincide with +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z respectively and hold down to the core by shaft with cam feature (3) or shaft without cam feature (2) through
respectively, for instance, one central layer of outer level perpendicular to X is restricted by the cam features, all other 3 layers perpendicular to X can freely rotate, since the puzzle itself freely rotate in the space, virtually all layers perpendicular to X can be rotated without lost alignment of outer level to the core. As same is true for Y and Z. In this particular embodiment, all the cam features are a quarter of cylindrical ring in shape and appear only in ¨Y side of XZ plane, and +Z side of XY plane, and +X side of YZ plane, and shafts with cam feature (3) has square protrusion and hold down by the screw (4) into the spherical member (1) to stop it from spinning around its center line and lost its orientation. This arrangement guarantee the alignment of the 4*4*4 outer level to the core without restrict and any rotation of any layers of any level. The inner level has total 6 pieces of inner center piece (10) or (7) combined, coincide with +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z respectively and hold down to the core by shaft with cam feature (3) or shaft without cam feature (2) through
6 fastener (4), each of the inner center piece can be rotated around +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z respectively. These can be any number of combinations from 0 to 6, as long the total of inner center pieces are 6. Indexing mechanism (5), setting in the recess, which is indicated by reference "G" in Fig. 4, constructed in the spherical member (1), interacts with 4 recesses, which is indicated by reference "Q" in Fig. 10, constructed in the inner center piece (10) and offers 4 default positions for the inner center piece (10). When the inner center piece (10) is twisted out of default position, the indexing mechanism (5) is pushed down by the inner center piece (10) and allows the inner center piece (10) to rotate. When the inner center piece (10) reaches its destination, the recesses constructed in the inner center piece (10) align with the indexing mechanism (5) again, and indexing mechanism (5) spring back and set the inner center piece (10) in default position. It is not necessary but certainly fun to increase the challenge level even more by using one way clutch mechanism (6), which is setting in the recess, which is indicated by reference "T" in Fig. 4, to replace the indexing mechanism (5). Where the indexing mechanism (5) is replaced by one way clutch mechanism (6), the inner center piece (10) has to be replaced by the inner center piece (7). The one way clutch mechanism (6) is arranged in such way that it only allows the inner center piece (7) rotate in one direction, clockwise or counter-clockwise. The one way clutch mechanism (6) and the recesses, which are indicated by reference "R" in Fig. 13, constructed in the inner center piece (7) are constructed such way that one side is gentle slope, the other side is steep. So when the inner center piece (7) is twisted in the direction that the gentle slope of the recess constructed in the inner center piece (7) push down the gentle slope in one way clutch mechanism (6), the one way clutch mechanism (6) will retract and allow the inner center piece (7) rotated forward.
When the inner center piece (7) is twisted in the direction that the steep slope of the recess constructed in the inner center piece (7) push against the steep slope in one way clutch mechanism (6), the one way clutch mechanism (6) will withstand and stop the inner center piece (7) rotated forward. So the layers of the 3*3*3 inner level with the inner center piece (10) in its center respond to both direction of the twisting operation clockwise and counter-clockwise, and the layers the 3*3*3 inner level with the inner center piece (7) in its center only respond to one direction of the twisting operation, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. The indexing mechanism (5) and one way clutch mechanism (6) can have many forms, in this particular embodiment, the indexing mechanism (5) and one way clutch mechanism (6) are in form of spring wire clip. The inner center piece (7) and (10) both have guiding and holding elements constructed for inner level and outer level, hereafter, all guiding and holding elements in this invention refer as "P" in all drawings. The inner level has total 12 pieces of inner edge piece (8), the inner edge pieces (8) have guiding and holding elements constructed for inner level and outer level. The inner level also has total 8 pieces of inner corner piece (9), the inner corner pieces (9) have guiding and holding elements constructed for inner level and outer level. Refer to the
When the inner center piece (7) is twisted in the direction that the steep slope of the recess constructed in the inner center piece (7) push against the steep slope in one way clutch mechanism (6), the one way clutch mechanism (6) will withstand and stop the inner center piece (7) rotated forward. So the layers of the 3*3*3 inner level with the inner center piece (10) in its center respond to both direction of the twisting operation clockwise and counter-clockwise, and the layers the 3*3*3 inner level with the inner center piece (7) in its center only respond to one direction of the twisting operation, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. The indexing mechanism (5) and one way clutch mechanism (6) can have many forms, in this particular embodiment, the indexing mechanism (5) and one way clutch mechanism (6) are in form of spring wire clip. The inner center piece (7) and (10) both have guiding and holding elements constructed for inner level and outer level, hereafter, all guiding and holding elements in this invention refer as "P" in all drawings. The inner level has total 12 pieces of inner edge piece (8), the inner edge pieces (8) have guiding and holding elements constructed for inner level and outer level. The inner level also has total 8 pieces of inner corner piece (9), the inner corner pieces (9) have guiding and holding elements constructed for inner level and outer level. Refer to the
7 Cartesian coordinate system mentioned earlier, mathematically speaking, 6 pieces of inner center piece locate in the vector of (1, 0, 0), (-1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), (0, -1, 0), (0, 0, 1) and (0, 0, -1) respectively. 12 pieces of inner edge piece locate in the vector of (0, 1, 1), (0, 1, -1), (0, -1, 1), (0, -1, -1), (1 ,O, 1), (1, 0, -1), (-1, 0, 1), (-1, 0, -1), (1, 1, 0), (1, -1, 0), (-1, 1, 0) and (-1, -1, 0) respectively. 8 pieces of inner corner piece locate in the vector of (1, 1, 1), (1, 1, -1), (1, -1, 1), (1, -1, -1), (-1, 1, 1), (-1, 1, -1), (-1, -1, 1), and (-1, -1, -1) respectively. Each inner center piece is held down to the core by the shaft via fastener, it holds 4 pieces of inner edge pieces and 4 pieces of inner corner pieces by guiding and holding elements. Each inner edge piece is held down to the core by 2 pieces of inner center pieces and it holds 2 piece of inner corner pieces by guiding and holding elements. Each inner corner piece is held down to the core by 3 pieces of inner edge pieces and 3 inner center pieces by guiding and holding elements.
FIG. 14 shows the inner level of the puzzle with one lateral layer's edge piece and corner piece hiding in accordance with the present invention. Space between spherical member (1) and guiding and holding elements forms a channel, which is indicated by reference "U" in Fig. 14, together with the inner center piece holds inner edge pieces and inner corner piece in the position and allow the layer to rotate around the inner center piece. Hereafter all channels which are formed by guiding and holding elements with other puzzle pieces are referred as reference "U" though out all the drawings in this invention. FIG.
shows an overall perspective view of the inner level of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 16 shows engagement mechanism between outer level and inner level in accordance with the present invention. Refer to the Cartesian coordinate system mentioned earlier, guiding and holding elements on the inner center pieces, inner edge pieces form 3 channels which are perpendicular to each other and coincide with plane XY, YZ, and ZX
respectively. Space under the guiding and holding elements on inner corner pieces forms channels too. All these channels hold the outer level to the inner level. Please notice the arrangement of the cam feature in the channel as mention earlier. Cam features pass through inner level and reach and interact with outer level and restrict only one central layer of the outer level perpendicular to X, Y, or Z respectively. Engagement mechanism between outer level and inner level transfer motion from outer level into the inner level, also facilitate escape where inner lateral layer has one way clutch mechanism.
There are total 8 engagement mechanisms, one for each corner. Engagement mechanism can have many forms, in this particular embodiment, a ring with an angled edge which is called a plunger (11), pushing down by a spring (12) forms the engagement mechanism. On the top face of each inner corner piece (9), a recess, which is indicated by reference "N" in Fig. 12, 15 and 16, is constructed; the side wall of the recess is constructed with open draft angle, the engagement mechanism, which is a plunger (11) setting in the recess, which is indicated by reference "V" in Fig. 16, which is constructed in the outer level
FIG. 14 shows the inner level of the puzzle with one lateral layer's edge piece and corner piece hiding in accordance with the present invention. Space between spherical member (1) and guiding and holding elements forms a channel, which is indicated by reference "U" in Fig. 14, together with the inner center piece holds inner edge pieces and inner corner piece in the position and allow the layer to rotate around the inner center piece. Hereafter all channels which are formed by guiding and holding elements with other puzzle pieces are referred as reference "U" though out all the drawings in this invention. FIG.
shows an overall perspective view of the inner level of the puzzle in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 16 shows engagement mechanism between outer level and inner level in accordance with the present invention. Refer to the Cartesian coordinate system mentioned earlier, guiding and holding elements on the inner center pieces, inner edge pieces form 3 channels which are perpendicular to each other and coincide with plane XY, YZ, and ZX
respectively. Space under the guiding and holding elements on inner corner pieces forms channels too. All these channels hold the outer level to the inner level. Please notice the arrangement of the cam feature in the channel as mention earlier. Cam features pass through inner level and reach and interact with outer level and restrict only one central layer of the outer level perpendicular to X, Y, or Z respectively. Engagement mechanism between outer level and inner level transfer motion from outer level into the inner level, also facilitate escape where inner lateral layer has one way clutch mechanism.
There are total 8 engagement mechanisms, one for each corner. Engagement mechanism can have many forms, in this particular embodiment, a ring with an angled edge which is called a plunger (11), pushing down by a spring (12) forms the engagement mechanism. On the top face of each inner corner piece (9), a recess, which is indicated by reference "N" in Fig. 12, 15 and 16, is constructed; the side wall of the recess is constructed with open draft angle, the engagement mechanism, which is a plunger (11) setting in the recess, which is indicated by reference "V" in Fig. 16, which is constructed in the outer level
8 corner piece (13), and pushing down by spring (12) which is also setting in the recess "V" which is constructed in the outer level corner piece (13), into the recess "N" which is constructed in the inner corner piece (9), and transfer outer level lateral layer motion to the inner level lateral layer. When the inner center piece (10) is residing in the center of the corresponding inner level lateral layer, the corresponding inner level lateral layer can be rotated following the outer level lateral layer both direction, clockwise and counter-clockwise. When the inner center piece (7) is residing in the center of the corresponding inner level lateral layer, the corresponding inner level lateral layer can only be rotated following the outer level lateral layer in the direction that the one way clutch mechanism allows to. When the outer level lateral layer travels in the direction against the one way clutch mechanism, the plunger (11) will be forced to lift out the recess "N" constructed on top of the inner corner pieces (9) by the side wall of the recess "N" which is constructed with open draft angle, and left the corresponding inner level lateral layer stay unmoved and the outer level lateral layer move forward.
Since the outer level is 4*4*4 arrangement and the inner level is 3*3*3 arrangement, the components in the each level move in different ways. Neither level should restrict the other level's operation. To achieve this goal, outer level components can be divided into 2 distinctive groups; one group is visible directly, hence called visible group, the other group is covered by the visible group and offers guiding and holding means for the visible group, hence called guiding and holding components. Fig. 17 shows guiding and holding components are held down in the channels formed on the outside of the inner level in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 18 shows component (14) in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 19 shows component (15) in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 20 shows component (16) in accordance with the present invention. Refer to Fig. 15 and Fig. 17, guiding and holding components (14), (15) and (16) are held down in the channels formed on the outside of the inner level, and can move with both the inner level and the out level. There are 24 piece of component (14), 24 piece of component (15) and 24 piece of component (16). Component (14) and component (15) are mirror image of each other. Components (14), (15) and (16) together with inner level form partial spherical face, which is indicated in Fig. 17 as reference "AA", for the rest of the outer level to gliding on.
Fig. 21 shows outer center piece (17) in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 22 shows outer edge piece (18) in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 23 shows outer corner piece (13) in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 24 shows outer level with outer edge pieces (18) and outer corner pieces (13) hiding in accordance with the present invention. Refer to Fig. 1 through Fig. 24, guiding and holding components (14), (15) and (16) are held down in the channels formed on the outside of the inner level and attaches to the inner level, and outer center pieces (17) are held down by guiding and holding components (14), (15) and (16). There are total 24 pieces of the outer
Since the outer level is 4*4*4 arrangement and the inner level is 3*3*3 arrangement, the components in the each level move in different ways. Neither level should restrict the other level's operation. To achieve this goal, outer level components can be divided into 2 distinctive groups; one group is visible directly, hence called visible group, the other group is covered by the visible group and offers guiding and holding means for the visible group, hence called guiding and holding components. Fig. 17 shows guiding and holding components are held down in the channels formed on the outside of the inner level in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 18 shows component (14) in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 19 shows component (15) in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 20 shows component (16) in accordance with the present invention. Refer to Fig. 15 and Fig. 17, guiding and holding components (14), (15) and (16) are held down in the channels formed on the outside of the inner level, and can move with both the inner level and the out level. There are 24 piece of component (14), 24 piece of component (15) and 24 piece of component (16). Component (14) and component (15) are mirror image of each other. Components (14), (15) and (16) together with inner level form partial spherical face, which is indicated in Fig. 17 as reference "AA", for the rest of the outer level to gliding on.
Fig. 21 shows outer center piece (17) in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 22 shows outer edge piece (18) in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 23 shows outer corner piece (13) in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 24 shows outer level with outer edge pieces (18) and outer corner pieces (13) hiding in accordance with the present invention. Refer to Fig. 1 through Fig. 24, guiding and holding components (14), (15) and (16) are held down in the channels formed on the outside of the inner level and attaches to the inner level, and outer center pieces (17) are held down by guiding and holding components (14), (15) and (16). There are total 24 pieces of the outer
9 center piece (17), 4 pieces around each axis, +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z
respectively. Cam feature "J" on the shaft with cam feature (3) passes through the inner level and interacts with the recess underneath of the outer center pieces (17), which is indicated in Fig. 21 as reference "BB". Since the cam feature "J" is a quarter of a cylindrical or conical ring, and recesses "BB"
of all 4 piece of outer center pieces (17) for +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z
respectively form a full cylindrical or conical face, so the cam feature "J" will restrict only one piece of outer center piece (17) from free traveling along the channels formed out side of the inner level, and also by the nature of a cylindrical or conical surface, none of the outer center pieces (17) are restricted from rotate around its axis +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z respectively. Together with all other shaft with cam feature (3), the interaction between shafts with cam feature (3) and outer center pieces (17) guarantee the alignment of the 4*4*4 outer level to the core in default position. Refer to Fig. 24, space between the guiding and holding elements on outer center pieces (17) and components (16) forms channels to guide and hold outer and outer corner pieces (13). Fig. 25 shows outer level is held down by inner lever in accordance with the present invention. There are total 24 pieces of outer edge pieces (18), each outer edge piece (18) is held down by 2 pieces of outer center pieces (17). Refer to Fig.
16, each outer corner piece (13) is held down by 3 pieces of outer center pieces (17) and 3 piece of outer edge pieces (18).
Since the outside faces are not directly involve with how this invention works, so the outside faces can be sculpted into different shape rather than the cube shape as seen herein this particular embodiment. Fig. 26 shows possible different embodiments in accordance with the present invention. Without change anything inside, a ball shape or a round edged cube or many other shapes can be easily adapted to.
respectively. Cam feature "J" on the shaft with cam feature (3) passes through the inner level and interacts with the recess underneath of the outer center pieces (17), which is indicated in Fig. 21 as reference "BB". Since the cam feature "J" is a quarter of a cylindrical or conical ring, and recesses "BB"
of all 4 piece of outer center pieces (17) for +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z
respectively form a full cylindrical or conical face, so the cam feature "J" will restrict only one piece of outer center piece (17) from free traveling along the channels formed out side of the inner level, and also by the nature of a cylindrical or conical surface, none of the outer center pieces (17) are restricted from rotate around its axis +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z respectively. Together with all other shaft with cam feature (3), the interaction between shafts with cam feature (3) and outer center pieces (17) guarantee the alignment of the 4*4*4 outer level to the core in default position. Refer to Fig. 24, space between the guiding and holding elements on outer center pieces (17) and components (16) forms channels to guide and hold outer and outer corner pieces (13). Fig. 25 shows outer level is held down by inner lever in accordance with the present invention. There are total 24 pieces of outer edge pieces (18), each outer edge piece (18) is held down by 2 pieces of outer center pieces (17). Refer to Fig.
16, each outer corner piece (13) is held down by 3 pieces of outer center pieces (17) and 3 piece of outer edge pieces (18).
Since the outside faces are not directly involve with how this invention works, so the outside faces can be sculpted into different shape rather than the cube shape as seen herein this particular embodiment. Fig. 26 shows possible different embodiments in accordance with the present invention. Without change anything inside, a ball shape or a round edged cube or many other shapes can be easily adapted to.
Claims (5)
-
- Claims
- I claim:
[Clairn 1] A dual-level twisty puzzle, cornprising: a 3*3*3 inner level and a 4*4*4 outer level, wherein the 3*3*3 inner level, which is visible through view openings, acts as both as a puzzle and a support for the - 4*4*4 outer level, wherein an engagernent rnechanisrn, which is constructed with springs and plungers, is constructed between the 4*4*4 outer level and the 3*3*3 inner level, wherein a carn feature, which is constructed on a shaft, which passes through the 3*3*3 inner level and reaches and interacts with the 4*4*4 outer level, is a quarter of a cylindrical ring.
[Clairn 2] A dual-level twisty puzzle in accordance with claim 1, in order to rearrange the 3*3*3 inner level, the 4*4*4 outer level has to be rearranged.
[Claim 3] A dual-level twisty puzzle in accordance with clairn 1, an indexing mechanism is constructed between a core and the 3*3*3 inner level.
[Clairn 4] A dual-level twisty puzzle in accordance with claim 1, a one way clutch rnechanisrn is constructed between a core and the 3*3*3 inner level. - [Claim 5] A dual-level twisty puzzle in accordance with clairn 3, the indexing mechanism is constructed with spring wire clips.
[Clairn 6] A dual-level twisty puzzle in accordance with claim 4, the one way clutch mechanism is constructed with spring wire clips.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-26
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2017/056900 WO2018002908A2 (en) | 2017-11-04 | 2017-11-04 | A dual-level twisty puzzle |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3077717A1 CA3077717A1 (en) | 2018-01-04 |
| CA3077717C true CA3077717C (en) | 2022-06-14 |
Family
ID=60786954
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3077717A Active CA3077717C (en) | 2017-11-04 | 2017-11-04 | A dual-level twisty puzzle |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3077717C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2018002908A2 (en) |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3103583C2 (en) * | 1981-02-03 | 1984-06-20 | Peter 2000 Hamburg Sebesteny | Patience |
| US5566941A (en) * | 1995-07-12 | 1996-10-22 | Destics; Rudolf | Spherical puzzle |
| JP2006271569A (en) * | 2005-03-29 | 2006-10-12 | Zhizhong Fang | Labyrinth type three-dimensional puzzle |
-
2017
- 2017-11-04 CA CA3077717A patent/CA3077717C/en active Active
- 2017-11-04 WO PCT/IB2017/056900 patent/WO2018002908A2/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2018002908A3 (en) | 2018-08-16 |
| WO2018002908A4 (en) | 2018-10-04 |
| WO2018002908A2 (en) | 2018-01-04 |
| CA3077717A1 (en) | 2018-01-04 |
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