Technical Field
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The present invention relates to a rearrangeable puzzle
game which is configured and designed so that a plurality
of puzzle pieces can be fitted in a puzzle case in a
plurality of layout patterns.
Background Art
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One such rearrangeable puzzle game has been known. In
this conventional rearrangeable puzzle game, a plurality of
triangularly shaped puzzle pieces, rectangularly shaped
puzzle pieces or pieces of other shape are combined and
fitted in a puzzle case formed into a square shape, oblong
shape or other shape. In this type of puzzle game, the
shape of a puzzle case and the shape of a puzzle piece are
determined so that a plurality of puzzle pieces can be
fitted in a puzzle case in various layout patterns.
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Puzzle games of the type described above have long been
served as a readily enjoyable entertainment. For example,
in some accommodation establishment (e.g., a hotel), such a
type of puzzle game is provided in each room for a guest.
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However, there is a disadvantage with the prior art
rearrangeable puzzle games. The disadvantage is that,
although it is possible that a plurality of puzzle pieces
can be fitted in a puzzle case in a plurality of puzzle
piece layout patterns, generally the number of such layout
patterns is not many. Therefore, it would not take a long
time for puzzle game players to master every puzzle piece
layout pattern, so that they may soon lose interest.
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On the other hand, to cope with the aforesaid problem,
if the number of puzzle pieces or the number of kinds of
puzzle pieces is increased, this increases the number of
puzzle piece layout patterns. However, in this case the
puzzle game becomes too difficult to be completed. This
certainly spoils the characteristic of this kind of puzzle
game, i.e., readily enjoyable entertainingness.
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Bearing in mind the above-described problems with the
conventional puzzle games, the present invention was
originated. Accordingly, an object of the present
invention is to provide an improved rearrangeable puzzle
game of such a type that a plurality of puzzle pieces can
be fitted in a puzzle case in a plurality of puzzle piece
layout patterns, to increase the number of puzzle piece
layout patterns while preventing a puzzle game from
becoming too difficult to solve.
Disclosure of Invention
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In accordance with the present invention, puzzle pieces
and a puzzle case are configured by combining specified
trapezoids in order that the puzzle pieces can be fitted in
the puzzle case in various layout patterns.
-
More specifically, the present invention provides a
solving means that is directed to a puzzle game of the
rearrangeable type comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces
and a puzzle case which is configured so that the puzzle
pieces can be fitted in the puzzle case in a plurality of
layout patterns. In the puzzle game of the present
invention, the puzzle pieces and the puzzle case are so
designed as to have a combinational shape of trapezoids,
each of the trapezoids having a top side the length of
which is equal to that of both lateral sides thereof and a
bottom side the length of which is two times that of the
top and lateral sides, and each of the puzzle pieces is
configured by joining together two smaller pieces of the
trapezoidal shape at positions where vertices of the
trapezoids coincide or at positions where a vertex of one
of the trapezoids coincides with the middle point of a
bottom side of the other of the trapezoids.
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In the above-described rearrangeable puzzle game, the
puzzle case can be configured by combining together an even
number of the trapezoidal shapes with no space left
therebetween, and the even number of the trapezoidal shapes
are arrayed such that adjacent trapezoids are combined
together at positions where vertices of the adjacent
trapezoids coincide or at positions where a vertex of one
of the adjacent trapezoids coincides with the middle point
of a bottom side of the other of the adjacent trapezoids.
-
Further, in the above-described rearrangeable puzzle
game, the puzzle case can be configured by joining together
an even number of constituent pieces of the trapezoidal
shape.
-
Furthermore, in the above-described rearrangeable puzzle
game, the following arrangement can be made. The
constituent piece of the puzzle case includes a first
constituent piece provided with a first engagement means
and a second constituent piece provided with a second
engagement means. The first engagement means includes a
projection provided at the middle of a top side of the
first constituent piece of the trapezoidal shape and
hollows provided at the middle of each lateral side of the
first constituent piece and at positions a quarter of the
length of a bottom side of the first constituent piece
apart from each end thereof. The second engagement means
includes a hollow provided at the middle of a top side of
the second constituent piece of the trapezoidal shape and
projections provided at the middle of each lateral side of
the second constituent piece and at positions a quarter of
the length of a bottom side of the second constituent piece
apart from each end thereof. The projections and the
hollows of each of the constituent pieces are so formed as
to engage with one another.
-
Further, in the above-described rearrangeable puzzle
game, each of the puzzle pieces can be configured by
joining together, in a rearrangeable manner, two smaller
pieces of the trapezoidal shape.
-
Furthermore, in the above-described rearrangeable puzzle
game, each of the puzzle pieces may include a joint piece
for joining together two smaller pieces and each of the
smaller pieces is provided with a fitting hollow for the
fitting of the joint piece therein.
-
Further, in the above-described rearrangeable puzzle
game, the fitting hollow can be a groove formed over the
entire periphery of a side of the smaller piece.
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Furthermore, the rearrangeable puzzle game of the
present invention may further comprise cards containing
information about combinations of the puzzle pieces capable
of completing puzzles and information about layout patterns
of the puzzle pieces for the puzzle case by the
combinations.
-
Preferably, the combinations of the puzzle pieces are
given on one sides of the cards and the layout patterns of
the puzzle pieces are given on the other sides of the cards.
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In the foregoing solving means, a trapezoid, serving as
a basic shape used to configure a puzzle piece and a puzzle
case, is a figure composed of an array of three equilateral
triangles. Therefore, each puzzle piece, made up of two
trapezoidal smaller pieces joined together, contains six
equilateral triangles. Likewise, the puzzle case is also
configured on the basis of such a trapezoidal shape.
Accordingly, the puzzle case has a shape which contains the
same number of equilateral triangles (a multiple of the
number 6) as the total number of equilateral triangles
contained in all the puzzle pieces.
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As a result, if the inside of the puzzle case is divided
into trapezoidal regions each containing three equilateral
triangles and if puzzle pieces, which correspond to shapes
formed by combining together two such trapezoidal regions,
are chosen, then these puzzle pieces can be fitted in the
puzzle case. In this case, there are many ways of dividing
the inside of the puzzle case into trapezoidal regions each
containing three equilateral triangles and there are also
many ways of combining together two such trapezoidal
regions containing three equilateral triangles, therefore
providing many layout patterns for the puzzle pieces to be
fitted in the puzzle case.
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In the above-described arrangement, the puzzle case can
be configured by combining together an even number of the
trapezoidal shapes with no space left therebetween and the
even number of the trapezoidal shapes are arrayed such that
adjacent trapezoids are joined together at positions where
vertices of the adjacent trapezoids coincide or at
positions where a vertex of one of the adjacent trapezoids
coincides with the middle point of a bottom side of the
other of the adjacent trapezoids. As a result of such
arrangement, the puzzle case can be configured easily.
Particularly, the puzzle case is configured by joining
together an even number of constituent pieces formed into
the aforesaid trapezoidal shape, thereby further
facilitating the formation of the puzzle case.
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Further, the constituent piece of the puzzle case can be
made up of a first constituent piece provided with a first
engagement means and a second constituent piece provided
with a second engagement means. As a result, each
constituent piece becomes detachable by engagement and
disengagement of the first and second engagement means.
The puzzle case can be rearranged.
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Furthermore, each puzzle piece can be configured by
jointing together, in a rearrangeable manner, two smaller
pieces formed into the foregoing trapezoidal shape, thereby
making it possible to change the puzzle pieces in shape.
Further, each puzzle piece is configured by joining
together two smaller pieces each having a fitting hollow
with a joint piece, thereby facilitating rearrangement of
the puzzle pieces. Furthermore, the fitting hollow can be
a groove formed over the entire periphery of the side of a
smaller piece. As a result, each smaller piece can be
formed easily by joining together for example two
trapezoidal pieces with a spacer or the like sandwiched
therebetween.
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Additionally, the puzzle game of the present invention
can further include cards containing information about
combinations of the puzzle pieces capable of completing
puzzles and information about layout patterns of the puzzle
pieces for the puzzle case by the combinations. As a
result, game players, when they find it difficult to
complete a game, may refer to the cards for assistance. If
the puzzle piece combinations are given on one sides of the
cards and the puzzle piece layout patterns are given on the
other sides, the cards can be referred to easily.
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In accordance with the foregoing solving means, both the
puzzle pieces and the puzzle case are configured on the
basis of a trapezoid of relatively simple shape. These
puzzle pieces can be fitted in the puzzle case in many
layout patterns. The readily enjoyable entertainingness of
puzzle games will not be spoiled. Besides, there are many
layout patterns, therefore preventing game players from
losing their interest soon.
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Further, the puzzle case can be configured by joining
together a plurality of trapezoidal constituent pieces.
This facilitates the formation of the puzzle case. Each
constituent piece can be detachably configured. This makes
the puzzle game playable in a variety of ways by
rearrangement of the puzzle case.
-
Further, each puzzle piece can be configured by joining
together two smaller pieces in a rearrangeable manner. It
becomes possible to change the shape of puzzle pieces. This
also makes the puzzle game playable in a variety of ways.
The joining together of smaller pieces is carried out by
making utilization of a joint piece and a groove formed in
the side of each smaller piece. This makes it possible to
join together smaller pieces with a simple arrangement.
-
Furthermore, the cards containing information about
combinations of the puzzle pieces and information about
layout patterns of the puzzle pieces for the puzzle case by
the combinations are provided. Therefore, game players are
able to learn, when they find it difficult to complete a
puzzle game, a correct layout pattern by making reference
to a corresponding card. This enhances the power of
solving puzzle games of game players.
Brief Description of Drawings
-
- Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a puzzle
case of a rearrangeable puzzle game according to a first
embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the puzzle case of
Figure 1.
- Figures 3A and 3B illustrate in perspective a board
constituent piece and a frame constituent piece
respectively comprising the puzzle case.
- Figures 4A-4I are perspective views respectively
illustrating shapes of nine kinds of puzzle pieces which
are fitted in the puzzle case.
- Figure 5A is a perspective view of a smaller piece
comprising the puzzle piece; Figure 5B is a cross-sectional
view of the smaller piece; and Figure 5C is a perspective
view of a joint piece by which two smaller pieces are
joined together.
- Figures 6A-6C are explanatory diagrams each showing how
to arrange puzzle pieces in the puzzle case.
- Figures 7A-7C are diagrams exemplarily showing puzzle
piece layout patterns.
- Figures 8A and 8B are diagrams depicting two types of
smaller pieces of the puzzle pieces, wherein Figure 8A
illustrates a block of N type and Figure 8B illustrates a
block of P type.
- Figures 9A-9I are diagrams illustrating joint manners of
puzzle pieces.
- Figures 10A-10E are diagrams respectively illustrating
versions of the puzzle case.
- Figures 11 shows different constituent pieces of a
puzzle case according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
- Figure 12 is a diagram which shows layouts of puzzle
pieces in a puzzle case according to a third embodiment of
the present invention.
-
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
-
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention
will be described in greater detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a puzzle case 1 of a
rearrangeable puzzle game according to the first embodiment.
Figure 2 shows in transverse cross-section the puzzle case
1. The puzzle case 1 is composed of a board 1a and a frame
1b positioned at the outer periphery of the board 1a. The
board 1a is formed by joining together a plurality of
trapezoidal board constituent pieces 11 (see Figure 3A).
The frame 1b is formed by joining together a plurality of
trapezoidal frame constituent pieces 12(see Figure 3B).
-
The board constituent piece 11 and the frame constituent
piece 12 are each configured and designed to have a
trapezoidal shape having a top side the length of which is
equal to that of both lateral sides thereof and a bottom
side the length of which is two times that of the top and
lateral sides. The frame constituent piece 12 is thicker
than the board constituent piece 11. Further, the board 1a
is formed by snugly arraying sixteen board constituent
pieces 11 so that there is left no space therebetween,
wherein two adjacent board constituent pieces 11 are
arrayed in such a way as to be joined together at positions
where vertices of the trapezoids coincide or at positions
where a vertex of one of the two trapezoids coincides with
the middle point of a bottom side of the other trapezoid.
Further, the frame 1b is formed by arraying eighteen frame
constituent pieces 12 with their top or bottom sides
brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of
the board 1a. These constituent pieces 11 and 12 are glued
together so that they are brought together into one piece
to form the puzzle case 1.
-
Further, in the present embodiment, the puzzle case 1 is
formed as a lion-shaped puzzle case. Furthermore, in the
first embodiment, the frame constituent piece 12 is so
formed as to have a thickness greater than that of the
board constituent piece 11. The frame 1b may be formed by
stacking together two or three constituent pieces of the
same thickness as the thickness of the board constituent
piece 11.
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Figures 4A-4I are perspective views depicting shapes of
nine kinds of puzzle pieces 2 (2a-2i) which are fitted in
the puzzle case 1. Each puzzle piece 2a-2i is formed by a
combination of two smaller pieces 21 and 21 of the same
trapezoidal shape as the ones together forming the puzzle
case 1.
-
As shown in Figure 5A which is a perspective view and in
Figure 5B which is a cross-sectional view, each smaller
piece 21 is formed by joining together two trapezoidal
pieces 22 with a spacer 23 sandwiched therebetween, and a
groove (a fitting hollow) 24 is formed over the entire
periphery of the lateral side of the smaller piece 21.
Further, each puzzle piece 2a-2i is formed by joining
together two smaller pieces 21 and 21 by using a joint
piece 25 shown in Figure 5C. The joint piece 25, which is
inserted in the grooves 24 of two smaller pieces 21 and 21
to join together the two smaller pieces 21 and 21, is so
formed as to have such a thickness that the joint piece 25
will not readily slip off from the grooves 24. This allows
the smaller pieces 21 and 21 to remain firmly combined
together, but they can be disassembled for rearrangement by
application of a force of more than some degree.
-
By varying the way of combining together two smaller
pieces 21 and 21, puzzle pieces of nine different shapes
can be obtained as shown in Figures 4A-4I. A first
combination of Figure 4A is called a sphinx-shaped puzzle
piece 2a. A second combination of 4B is called a squirrel-shaped
puzzle piece 2b. A third combination of Figure 4C
is called a V sign-shaped puzzle piece 2c. A fourth
combination of Figure 4D is called a roof-shaped puzzle
piece 2d. A fifth combination of Figure 4E is called a
bar-shaped puzzle piece 2e. A sixth combination of Figure
4F is called a hexagon-shaped puzzle piece 2f. A seventh
combination of Figure 4G is called a woodpecker-shaped
puzzle piece 2g. An eighth combination of Figure 4H is
called a waveform-shaped puzzle piece 2h. The last
combination of Figure 4I is called a butterfly-shaped
puzzle piece 2i. These different puzzle pieces 2a-2i are
each formed by joining together two smaller pieces 21 and
21 at positions where vertices of the trapezoids coincide
or at positions where a vertex of one of the trapezoids
coincides with the middle point of a bottom side of the
other trapezoid.
-
This puzzle game uses eight puzzle pieces 2a-2i chosen
from among the nine different combination patterns of
Figures 4A-4I. For example, eight puzzle pieces 2a-2i of
the same shape may be selected. Alternatively, the puzzle
game may use a total of eight puzzle pieces 2a-2i of any
different combination patterns. The number of possibly
selectable combinations of the puzzle pieces 2a-2i is 9H8 =
12870, when calculated simply as the eight puzzle pieces
are chosen from the nine kinds of puzzle pieces. However,
of the 12870 combinations there are many combinations
unable to complete a puzzle game. On the other hand, there
are some combinations of puzzle pieces 2a-2i that is able
to complete a plurality of layout patterns. For the case
of the puzzle case 1 of Figure 1, the number of
combinations of the puzzle pieces 2a-2i capable of
completing a puzzle game is not less than about 325.
-
For example, the following is one possible way of
fitting eight puzzle pieces 2a-2i in the puzzle case 1.
That is, since the smaller piece 21 forming a portion of
each puzzle piece 2a-2i and the constituent piece 11
forming a portion of the puzzle case 1 have a trapezoid
configuration made up of an array of three equilateral
triangles, the inside of the puzzle case 1 is first divided
into equilateral triangle regions as indicated by thin
lines of Figure 6A. As indicated by broken lines of Figure
6B, the inside of the puzzle case 1 is further divided into
trapezoidal regions, each of which is made up of three
equilateral triangles, corresponding to smaller pieces 21.
Then, as indicated by solid lines of Figure 6C, pairs of
two such trapezoids are each formed into a single region,
whereby a layout of the puzzle pieces 2a-2i can be
completed. Figure 6C shows an example that uses eight
woodpecker-shaped puzzle pieces 2g.
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In this case, there are many ways of dividing the inside
of the puzzle case 1 into trapezoidal regions each made up
of three equilateral triangles and there are also many way
of arranging these divided trapezoidal regions in groups
each made up of two divided trapezoidal regions. Therefore,
the first embodiment is able to provide about 1000 layout
patterns by using more than 325 puzzle piece combinations
as described above.
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Here, only three examples, with respect to combinations
of puzzle pieces that are actually used and corresponding
puzzle piece layout patterns, are shown Figures 7A-7C.
Figure 7A illustrates an example in which five woodpecker-shaped
puzzle pieces 2g and three V sign-shaped puzzle
pieces 2c are used. Figure 7B illustrates an example in
which five woodpecker-shaped puzzle pieces 2g, two
waveform-shaped puzzle pieces 2h, and one V sign-shaped
puzzle piece 2c are used. Figure 7C illustrates an example
in which five woodpecker-shaped puzzle pieces 2g, one V
sign-shaped puzzle piece 2c, one waveform-shaped puzzle
piece 2h, and one butterfly-shaped puzzle piece 2i are used.
These three examples are composed of two, three, and four
kinds of puzzle pieces 2a-2i, respectively. There are many
other puzzle piece layout patterns of different
combinations (not shown).
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In the first embodiment, one of the conditions required
for completing a puzzle game is that a total of the numbers
of at least puzzle pieces 2a and 2b (Figures 4A and 4B) of
eight puzzle pieces 2a-2i for use must be zero or even.
The reason for this can be explained by: (a) comparing the
smaller pieces 21 forming the puzzle pieces 2a-2i to the
structures of a neutron and a proton described in the quark
theory and thereby supposing that the smaller pieces 21 are
classified in two types and (b) classifying, from the
manner of joining together two types of smaller pieces, the
puzzle pieces 2a-2i into two joint types, namely the joint
between similar smaller pieces (which is hereinafter called
"the similar joint type") and the joint between dissimilar
smaller pieces (which is hereinafter called "the dissimilar
joint type").
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That is, according to the quark theory, a neutron is
composed of one up-quark and two down-quarks and a proton
is composed of two up-quarks and one down-quark. Suppose
that a quark is an equilateral triangle, an upward
equilateral triangle is an up-quark U and a downward
equilateral triangle is a down-quark D. Then, the
trapezoid of Figure 8A corresponds to a neutron. The
trapezoid of Figure 8B corresponds to a proton. Externally
there is no difference between these two trapezoids, with
the exception that they are in inverted manner. The up-quark
U is charged positively and the down-quark D is
charged negatively, from which an equilateral triangle
corresponding to an up-quark U is provided with a
projection 26 whereas an equilateral triangle corresponding
to a down-quark D is provided with a hollow 27. As a
result, it now becomes possible to tell the difference
between the trapezoids of Figures 8A and 8B. In the
following description, such a difference is utilized.
Stated another way, the smaller piece 21 (the trapezoid of
Figure 8A) is called an N(from the initial letter of
NEUTRON) block while the smaller piece 21 (the trapezoid of
Figure 8B) is called a P(from the initial letter of PROTON)
block.
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When considering that the type of a smaller piece 21 can
be divided into N and P blocks, the joint portion of one of
two smaller pieces 21 forming each puzzle piece 2a-2i must
be the projection 26 and the joint portion of the other
smaller piece 21 must be the hollow 27. It is known that
each of the puzzle pieces 2a and 2b (Figures 4A and 4B) has
a joint manner in which similar blocks are joined together
(the similar joint type) and that each of the puzzle pieces
2c-2i (Figures 4C-4I) has a joint manner in which
dissimilar blocks are joined together (the dissimilar joint
type). In order to represent this clearly, Figures 9A-9I
illustrate the puzzle pieces 2a-2i each of which is a
combination of a smaller piece 21 of one type that is
assigned a sign of (+) indicative of the projection 26 and
a smaller piece 21 of the other type that is assigned a
sign of (-) indicative of the hollow 27. Note that it is
possible to replace N blocks with P blocks in each joint
manner.
-
On the other hand, insertion of projections 26 into
hollows 27 of a plurality of smaller pieces 21 makes it
possible to form various kinds of figures. However, in
such a case, depending on the numbers of N blocks and P
blocks that are used, the figures that can be formed is
determined. For example, for the case of the lion-shaped
puzzle case 1, eight N blocks and eight P blocks are used.
In order to make the number of N blocks equal to the number
of P blocks, it is required that all of the puzzle pieces
2a-2i be of the dissimilar joint type, or even in the case
there are included puzzle pieces of the similar joint type,
the number of these puzzle pieces must be made even (that
is, the number of N-N combinations is made equal to that of
P-P combinations) to eliminate the different between the
number of N blocks and the number of P blocks.
-
The above is the reason why a total of the number of
puzzle pieces 2a (Figure 4A) and the number of puzzle
pieces 2b (Figure 4B) must be zero or even.
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The puzzle game of the present embodiment includes a
guidebook containing information about combinations of
eight puzzle pieces 2a-2i capable of completing a puzzle
game and information about layout patterns for fitting the
eight puzzle pieces 2a-2i in the puzzle case 1. In the
guidebook (not shown), for example combinations of puzzle
pieces 2a-2i showing the type and the number of puzzle
pieces that are used are given on odd pages and layout
patterns of the puzzle pieces 2a-2i according to these
combinations are given on even pages.
-
The guidebook may not describe all combinations of the
puzzle pieces 2a-2i or all layout patterns of the puzzle
pieces 2a-2i. Only typical puzzle piece combinations and
puzzle piece layout patterns can be given.
-
The puzzle game of the present embodiment may be played
in the following way. For example, by making reference to
the guidebook, a combination of puzzle pieces 2a-2i is
determined so that the combination becomes fittable in the
puzzle case 1 and a puzzle game is now ready. When the
game player arrives at a correct solution, the currently-used
combination of the puzzle pieces 2a-2i may be changed
to another if there are no other correct solutions for that
puzzle piece combination and another puzzle game can be
started. If there is another correct solution, then the
puzzle game will be resumed by using the original puzzle
piece combination. Alternatively, the puzzle game may be
resumed using a different puzzle piece combination.
-
The guidebook may not necessarily be referred to. That
is, the game player may change the puzzle pieces 2a-2i into
any preferable shape and try to complete a puzzle game in
spite of the fact that the puzzle game may have no correct
solution at all.
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According to the first embodiment, it is arranged such
that the puzzle pieces 2a-2i are each composed of a
combination of two smaller pieces 21 and 21 and their shape
can be changed, thereby making it possible to provide
various puzzle piece layout patterns with respect to the
puzzle case 1. This accordingly prevents game players from
easily mastering puzzle piece combinations and from losing
interest. Further, the puzzle pieces 2a-2i themselves are
of a relatively simple shape, i.e., a combinational shape
of two trapezoidal pieces. This prevents puzzle games from
becoming too difficult to complete, so that one of the
features of this type of puzzle game, i.e., readily
enjoyable entertainingness, will not be spoiled.
-
Further, in accordance with the first embodiment, the
puzzle pieces 2a-2i each are configured by joining together
two smaller pieces 21 and 21 with a joint piece 25. This
provides the advantage that the puzzle pieces 2a-2i can be
rearranged easily.
-
Figures 10A-10E illustrate versions of the shape of the
puzzle case 1, each version being composed of sixteen
constituent pieces 11, like the one shown in Figure 1.
Figure 10A shows a snail-shaped puzzle case 1a. Figure 10B
shows a star-shaped puzzle case 1b. Figure 10C shows a
candy-shaped puzzle case 1c. Figure 10D shows a crouching
cat-shaped puzzle case 1d. Figure 10E shows a white bear-shaped
puzzle case 1e. Of these puzzle cases 1a-1e, the
puzzle cases 1a-1c (Figures 10A-10C) are assembled in the
same way that the one shown in Figure 1 is assembled; that
is, the number of N blocks is equal to that of P blocks.
Therefore, the total number of similar joint types of the
puzzle pieces 2a-2i is zero or even. On the other hand,
for the case of the puzzle cases 1d and 1e (Figures 10D and
10E), the difference between the number of N blocks and
that of P blocks is two. If the total number of puzzle
pieces of the similar joint type is zero or even, then the
difference becomes zero or four therefore making it
impossible to assemble a puzzle case. Therefore, the total
number of puzzle pieces of the similar joint type must be
odd.
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There is another example of playing the puzzle game of
the present invention in which many puzzle pieces 2a-2i
that have been set, in adequate number, to the shapes of
Figure 4A-4I are prepared and puzzle pieces are chosen
arbitrarily from among the prepared puzzle pieces and used
in a puzzle game.
-
In such a case, the numbers of
puzzle pieces 2a-2i that
are set to respective shapes can be determined arbitrarily.
However, from the viewpoint of the frequency at which each
puzzle piece 2a-2i is used for the combination, it is
recommended to prepare, for example, eight sphinx-shaped
puzzle pieces 2a, eight roof-shaped
puzzle pieces 2d, eight
woodpecker-shaped
puzzle pieces 2g, four squirrel-shaped
puzzle pieces 2b, four V sign-shaped
puzzle pieces 2c, four
bar-shaped
puzzle pieces 2e, four waveform-shaped
puzzle
pieces 2h, two hexagon-shaped
puzzle pieces 2f, and two
butterfly-shaped
puzzle pieces 2i. Hereinafter, five
different ways of playing the puzzle game will be described.
- (1) A first example is a puzzle game which is played by
one person alone. In the first place, the puzzle game
player chooses a pattern number given in the guidebook.
Then, the player takes out puzzle pieces 2a-2i
corresponding to the selected pattern number and starts
solving a puzzle. When the player arrives at the correct
solution, the player may try another pattern number. When
the player is unable to reach a correct solution, the
player may learn a correct puzzle piece layout pattern by
making reference to answers given in the guidebook.
- (2) A second example is another puzzle game which is
also played by one person alone. In the first place, all
of the puzzle pieces 2a-2i are put in for example a
container. Then, the player blindfold takes out twelve
puzzle pieces 2a-2i from the container. The player starts
playing a puzzle game and tries to solve a puzzle by using
eight puzzle pieces of the twelve puzzle pieces. If the
player does not arrive at a correct solution, the player is
allowed to replace some of the original eight puzzle pieces
(up to four puzzle pieces) with the remaining puzzle pieces
2a-2i to resume the game.
The second example may be used as a simple
fortunetelling. For example, if the player arrives at the
correct solution by using only the original eight puzzle
pieces, this may "tell-fortunes" that today (the following
day when the game is played at night) is a lucky day. If
the player arrives at the correct solution after puzzle
piece replacement, this may "tell-fortunes" that today is
an ordinary day. If the player fails to arrive at the
correct solution even after puzzle piece replacement, this
may "tell-fortunes" that he should be cautious today.
- (3) A third example is a puzzle game which is competed
between two players. In the first place, all of the puzzle
pieces 2a-2i are spread over for example a table and the
players start solving their puzzles. When both the players
arrive at their respective correct solutions, they put the
remaining puzzle pieces 2a-2i in for example a box, briefly
show their own combinations to each other, disassemble the
combinations, and thereafter exchange the puzzle pieces 2a-2i.
Each player starts solving a puzzle with the puzzle
pieces 2a-2i received from the other player. The player,
who has first solved the puzzle, wins the game. In this
case, the completed pattern may be the same that the
contestant completed before or may be a different pattern.
- (4) A fourth example is another puzzle game which is
competed between two players. In the first place, each
player blindfold chooses six puzzle pieces 2a-2i.
Thereafter, these twelve puzzle pieces 2a-2i thus chosen
are checked for the presence of two or more hexagon-shaped
puzzle pieces 2f or butterfly-shaped puzzle pieces 2i. If
two or more hexagon-shaped puzzle pieces 2f or butterfly-shaped
puzzle pieces 2i are included, then they are
replaced with other puzzle pieces 2a-2i so that the number
of puzzle pieces in question is not more than two. Then,
another set of puzzle pieces 2a-2i of the same combination
is prepared. Each player starts solving a puzzle by using
eight puzzle pieces out of the twelve puzzle pieces 2a-2i.
When one of the player arrives at the correct solution,
the one player declares "FINISHED", and the other player
must stop the game within five seconds. Then, the winner
who has completed the puzzle is given a score according to
the degree of completion that the loser achieved.Further, when one of the players comes to the conclusion
that the puzzle is impossible to solve and declares
"REPLACEMENT", the other player must stop the game within
five seconds. Also in this case, the player, who declared
"REPLACEMENT", is given a score according to the degree of
completion that the other player achieved.
- (5) A fifth example is a version of the fourth example.
In the first place, each player blindfold chooses twelve
puzzle pieces 2a-2i and exchanges them with the twelve
puzzle pieces 2a-2i chosen by the other player. That is,
the game players are given different combinations of puzzle
pieces, respectively. Then, each player starts solving
their own puzzles. Thereafter, the players compete each
other according to the same rules as used in the fourth
example.
-
-
In the way described above, the puzzle game of the first
embodiment can be enjoyed in various ways.
-
In the first embodiment, the puzzle case 1 is formed by
adhering together a plurality of constituent pieces. On
the other hand, in a second embodiment of the present
invention, the puzzle case 1 is rearrangeably formed. That
is, the puzzle case of the second embodiment is formed by
detachably joining together a plurality of constituent
pieces. More specifically, as can be seen from Figures 11A
and 11B, the board constituent piece 11 is composed of a
first constituent piece 11a provided with a first
engagement means 13 and a second constituent piece 11b
provided with a second engagement means 14.
-
The first engagement means 13 is composed of (a) a
projection 13a provided at the middle of a top side of the
first constituent piece 11a and (b) hollows 13b provided at
the middle of each lateral side of the first constituent
piece 11a and at positions a quarter of the length of a
bottom side of the first constituent piece 11a apart from
each end thereof. On the other hand, the second engagement
means 14 is composed of (a) a hollow 14a provided at the
middle of a top side of the second constituent piece 11b
and (b) projections 14b provided at the middle of each
lateral side of the second constituent piece 11b and at
positions a quarter of the length of a bottom side of the
second constituent piece 11b apart from each end thereof.
The projections 13a and 14b and the hollows 13b and 14a of
the constituent pieces 11a and 11b are formed in such a way
as to engage with one another.
-
As can bee seen from the shapes illustrated in Figure 11,
the first and second constituent pieces 11a and 11b are
implements of the shapes of the foregoing N and P blocks
(see Figure 8), respectively. The first constituent piece
11a corresponds to an N block and the second constituent
piece 11b corresponds to a P block.
-
In association with the arrangement that the board
constituent pieces 11 are detachably formed, the frame
constituent pieces 12 are also detachably formed by an
engagement means similar to the one used in the board
constituent piece 11.
-
In accordance with the second embodiment, the same
effects that the first embodiment provides can be obtained.
In addition, it is possible to rearrange the puzzle case 1,
thereby making it possible to allow the puzzle pieces to be
fitted in the puzzle case 1 in more various ways.
-
As shown in Figure 12, a third embodiment of the present
invention is an example in which a board of the puzzle case
1 is formed by assembling eight constituent pieces 11 into
a regular hexagon shape. Such a board of regular hexagon
shape composed of eight blocks can be assembled by using
four N blocks and four P blocks. Accordingly, puzzle
pieces 2a-2i that are used are selected in such a way as to
include no puzzle pieces of the similar joint type or an
even number of sets of puzzle pieces of the similar joint
type. In this case, none of the squirrel-shaped puzzle
piece 2b, the bar-shaped puzzle piece 2e, and the waveform-shaped
puzzle piece 2h are used.
-
Figures 12A-12I show puzzle piece layout patterns for
the puzzle case 1. In the third embodiment, the number of
puzzle pieces 2a-2i that are used is not many and the
number of puzzle piece layout patterns is therefore
lessened; however, it is possible to fit puzzle pieces in
the puzzle case in nine different layout patterns by
rearranging the puzzle pieces 2a-2i.
-
In accordance with the third embodiment, the number of
puzzle pieces 2a-2i that are used is not many and the
number of possible puzzle piece layout patterns is not many,
therefore allowing puzzle players to arrive at the correct
solution with ease. Because of this, the puzzle game of
the present embodiment is suitably used as for example a
toy for intellectual training for little children.
-
Further, the puzzle case 1 of the third embodiment may
be formed using part of the constituent pieces forming the
puzzle case 1 of the second embodiment. By virtue of such
arrangement, the puzzle game can provide entertainment to a
wide variety of age groups from child to grownup.
-
In the present invention, the puzzle case 1 is formed by
joining together an even number of constituent pieces 11 of
trapezoidal shape, and puzzle pieces 2a-2i, each of which
is composed of a combination of two smaller pieces 21 of
the same trapezoidal shape as the constituent piece 11, are
fitted in the puzzle case 1. The number of constituent
pieces 11 is not limited to the values shown in the figures
and the shape of the puzzle case 1 is not limited to the
shapes shown in the figures, and the number and the shape
can be changed arbitrarily. As the number of constituent
pieces 11 is increased, game players can enjoy more
complicated combinations. Even when the number of
constituent pieces 11 or the shape of the puzzle case 1 is
modified, it is possible to specify, from the numbers of N
blocks and P blocks that are used, whether an even number
of puzzle pieces of the similar joint type (including zero)
or an odd number of puzzle pieces of the similar joint type
are used as puzzle pieces necessary for completing a puzzle.
-
Further, as described above, the present invention
generally relates to puzzle games; however, the present
invention is also applicable to food such as candy as well
as to other goods.
